Date: 2006-09-22
From: Abol Bridge

To: Abol Bridge
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: scattered clouds

It was a cold night. In the morning I went up to the store to get a bundle of wood to make a fire so we would be warm. The store was out of wood but Rusch Hour and crew were already up there deciding what to do for the day. They decided to drive into the park and summit today since it was crystal clear and tomorrow the forecast was for rain. They bought a few items and then they were off to drive to the park. Since I couldn't get any firewood I decided to forage for wood in the underbrush. I was able to find plenty of dead wood for a nice fire for Mrs Banjoman and myself. We had a nice breakfast of oatmeal, cinnamon rolls and hot chocolate. I cleaned the chili pot from the night before, what a job that was. It was blackened from the fire and there was some chili burnt on. I was lucky that there was an outside sink and a hot water to wash things up. After cleaning up Mrs Banjoman and I went up to the store to see if any hikers had come out of the woods yet. There was Baldylocks who I hadn't seen since sometime in Virginia. There was G-Man who I hadn't seen since Connecticut. There were a few others that I did not know. We met Bruisers parents who had a nice spread of trail magic all set out for everyone. We also met Postcard the Ridgerunner for this part of the trail. In talking with Baldylocks, he said She Bear, Bruiser and 42 were coming out of the woods this morning as well. Mrs Banjoman and I walked up the road to where the trail exited the woods. We thought we would wait there for the hikers to emerge. It was cold and windy there so instead we walked back towards the bridge that had a great view of MT Katahdin. It wasn't long before we heard a loud Texas holler. It was She Bear. I kept my back to her while waiting on the bridge. When she arrived on the bridge another hiker said "excuse me sir could you take our picture?" I turned around and She Bear yelled "Banjoman you are here" It was a nice surprise for her. I introduced everyone to Mrs Banjoman and lots of Pictures were taken. At the store the trail magic was gobbled up and I played a few songs. Mrs. Banjoman had a presentation for She Bear. She called her up and said "this is for you for saving my husbands life when he had heat stroke." It was a headband with a halo on it. She Bear was a true trail angel. She Bear said she was going to wear it on the summit. Mrs Banjoman enjoyed all the hikers and enjoyed all the stories that were being told. The hikers then put their packs in Bruiser's parents van and were able to slack pack into Baxter State Park. As this was happening a man walked up to me and said "are you Banjoman?" I said yes. It was Rusch Hours Father. I told him what Rusch Hour's plan was to summit today and then hike South to Abol bridge where he would meet his Dad. It was a nice day full of memories and fellowship. Mrs Banjoman and I packed up our site and then headed into Millinocket for some lunch. We ate at the AT Cafe, a great placed with great food. We then headed home, my journey done. I was so glad that Mrs Banjoman was able to meet so many hikers and experience a little of the trail. We had such a nice time.