Date: 2018-10-04
From: Monson, ME

To: Mile 2106.5
Miles today: 30.0

Monday, October 1 Start: Monson, MEFinish:Wilson Valley Lean-toMiles: 10.4After an 11:00 start wilderness day 1 was pretty awesome: lots of scenic meadows and ponds, streams and rivers to hop and ford, lunch beside a waterfall, and ridge line walk to survey the brightening fall foliage. I'm having fun. We're spread out along the trail most of the day but occasionally we bunch up and converse as we walk, the chatter quiets down a bit on uphills as we work harder and break times are filled with laughs. Dispite injuries and sore joints my legs are strong and it feels good to push hard and make good miles. Rain is due in tonight so tomorrow could be a tad miserable but nothing worse than what I've dealt with all along. Piece of cake!Tuesday, October 2Start: Wilson Valley Lean-toFinish: Cloud Pond Lean-toMiles: 8.7Today, as predicted, was a tad miserable. Occasionally the bright yellow leaves created an illusion that the sun was peaking through - just a tease as cold steady rain fell all day washing away my energy. But spirits are high- less than 100 miles left! A section of trail was flooded by a recently constructed dam, the beavers who built it were cozy inside their den. Many downed trees testified to their busy work and the footsteps of many busy hikers had beaten a new trail around the pond. Wet leaves, roots and rocks are treacherously slick requiring constant attention to avoid another fall. I'm still hiking with only one pole because of the bad shoulder and am resigned to finishing that way. This afternoon I was so focused on my steps that I walked right into a partially fallen tree leaning over the trail...duh-oh!...not the first time I've done that. Soaked to the bone and beginning to shiver we wisely stopped at this camping area well before dark. The others set up inside the shelter because the tent spots are flooded. I chose to use my remaining energy to set up the hammock so I could be more comfortable. I'll be better rested in the morning but getting under way will be difficult, nothing new there. Better weather tomorrow...Wednesday, October 3Start: Cloud Pond Lean-toFinish: Mile 2106.5Miles: 10.9Nice weather today, better than predicted. The sun broke through in the afternoon making for spectacular views from the open hilltops. Yesterday's rain made a mess of things and progress was slower than expected. We're already going to miss our Friday morning food drop, there's a mountain ahead where cell phones work so we'll call from there and push it back to Friday evening. Everything has to go right over the next few days because we don't have enough food to last into Saturday... pressure is on!We're beginning to discuss plans for "summit day" at Katahdin and a plan may be coming together. I'm looking forward to summiting with my trail family and after we celebrate and say our goodbyes I plan to make my way home (via bus and train) over the course of a few days so I can reflect and decompress. I'm sure some of you have thought about meeting me at the finish but I need to end this adventure as I've lived it: by myself with filthy hikers by my side. Anyway, the REAL finish will be arriving back in Bay Head and walking the last few blocks home. Less than 85 miles now...