Date: 2014-08-13
From: West Carry Pond Lean-to, ME

To: Caratunk, ME
Miles today: 14.0
Weather: few clouds

I was up early wanting to make sure I would make it to Kennebec River with plenty of time to spare as it related to the ferry schedule. The ferry is a canoe and the operator is a ATC contractor that is on site to ferry you across the river between the hours of 9-11 and 2-4. I did not think I could make the 14 miles by 11 am but my plan was to be there around noon, have lunch and wait for 2 pm to roll around. The other folks in the shelter were all section hikers (two from Canada and one from the states). They started stirring as I got up. I hit the trail by 6 am starting out at a good pace since the trail was generally flat as it skirted around various ponds (see photos). I reached Scott Rd, which is a gravel crossroad, by 8 am. There was a mileage sign at the road indicating 7.7 miles to Kennebec River where I would catch the ferry. Hmmm, I checked my trail guide and it showed the trail to be flat to the river. I thought hey I can make it to the ferry before 11am if I "beat feet".   I was cruising, sloshing through the mud, hopping rocks and roots, stopping only for the occasional scenic photo (mostly picturesque ponds) and a quick look for a moose. The last three miles ended up being tougher than shown in my guidebook. The guidebook essentially showed flat terrain but there were many 50-100 foot ups and downs beside the river bank I walked beside. About 3 miles from the ferry I ran into a fellow thru hiker doing some southbound slack packing. He had come over the ferry and said he had crossed right at 9 am. I checked my watch and it was approaching 10 am so I should make it if I have a similar pace as this gent. So I push north. I finally reached the Kennebec River, checking my watch is was 10:30... 14 miles by 10:30.   I think this was a new personal pace record. So I got to the river and there were no signs telling me if I was in the right place or what to do. I got to the river bank and I can see a canoe on the other side of the river but I see no one... Argh... I wonder if I am in the right place.   I holler across the river and then I see movement. He yells back he is coming over. A few minutes later he picks me up and takes me across the river. I depart with dry feet and gear. I thank him and give him a tip for some beer. As I head up to the main road of Caratunk I met trail angel Rose. She was waiting for her husband to cross the river. She offered to take me to the Sterling B&B where i will stay the night. I thanked her and settled in to the B&B. My mother joined me a few hours later coming up from New Hampshire. It was a great place to rest and relax. Rain started shortly after reaching the B&B and continued the entire evening and into the next morning. What a good move it was getting to the river early today and staying at the B&B. I was high and dry, sitting out the rain. We had lunch at a nearby brewery and I ran into a couple of thru hikers, Mayonnaise Pocket and Speedy G, who I had not seen since Harpers Ferry, WV. It was great to catch up with them. We gave them a ride back to the trail after we finished lunch. I hope to run into them again before reaching Katahdin.