Date: 2004-08-09
From: Cooper Brook Falls Lean-to

To: White House Landing
Miles today: 13.8

As we packed up this morning, I commented to Skyline, "You know, it's weird... the amount of time we have left out here is similar to the amount of time on a regular, sane backpacking trip."And it's true-- we only have four days left, which is actually a fairly normal length for a typical backpacking trip. The distance we have to cover in that time (60 miles) is a little much, but that's only because we're conditioned for it now.Despite how close Katahdin is, I really haven't had any deep thoughts about finishing. For one thing, I think, I've just been focused on hiking the miles for the past couple of days. Our first three days in the hundred mile wilderness were long and hard, and I just didn't feel inclined to philosophize.The second, and more important thing, is that I'm just ready to be finished. Don't get me wrong, I've had a great time out here... but I'm tired. Mentally and physically, I feel worn down. My gear is worn down, too-- most of what I'm carrying is either totally worn out or full of holes at this point. It's kind of funny, actually.And most of all, I miss home. I miss my family, my friends, and the things most people take for granted-- a shower and clean clothes every day. Real, non-dehydrated food. Being able to read a newspaper. And for me, this is a big one-- being able to listen to music. As entertaining as Skyline's singing is, I want to go home and listen to my CDs again.So as I near the end of the trail, that's my main thought: I am ready to be done. Physically, mentally, emotionally.Ah, but there are some things out here that home can't match. For example, as I write this I am sitting in a hammock overlooking a beautiful lake on a gorgeous, not-too-hot sunny day, with nothing at all to fret over or worry about. I don't relax often out here, actually, but when I do, it's great-- it's a genuine, honest relaxation that at home would just feel like being lazy. At home, I always feel the pressure to do something, but out here there really is nothing to do! Ah, it's great.I guess I should explain where I am. I'm at White House Landing, which is a little hostel/resort/camp sitting right at the mouth of a lake whose name escapes me at the moment. We hiked 14 miles over easy terrain today, then reached a boat dock, where we blew an air horn and the guy came over in a motor boat and picked us up. There are cottages, a bunk house, picnic tables, and a hammock here-- a shower and a bathroom, but not much else. No phone. The nearest electricity is ten miles away. Out here, you really are away from it all.So, this afternoon, I am relaxing-- supremely and totally relaxing. Later we have dinner: one pound hamburgers that are very tasty, just a little difficult to eat due to their size. Also sitting on the table is fresh zucchini and squash, grown in the garden they have here. (And for the record, yes, I did have some zucchini. But no squash-- I still have my limits.)It's just Skyline, Sundance, me, and a woman named Emily here tonight. Emily is waiting for husband, a section hiker named Popo, to get here from Monson so she can hike to Katahdin with him.Later, the four of us take canoes out onto the lake. From the middle of the lake, we can see Katahdin, finally. It's the end of the trail, and now it truly does loom in front of us. It's a huge mountain, and it stands on its own, a solitary peak rising 4,000 feet from the plain around it. Hard to believe we'll be climbing it soon.Later that evening all four of us sit on the porch of Emily's cabin and eat Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream. I'm ready to be finished with the trail, but for the sake of a day like this, I can wait a little longer.