Date: 2015-08-16
From: Long Pond Stream Shelter, ME

To: Carl A. Newhall Shelter, ME
Miles today: 20.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Up at 6:30am after a restful night. It's wonderful what a night of comfortable temps will do. I was the only one in the group that didn't get the memo that we'd be sleeping in this morning. Completely packed by 7:30am, the rest of the USS Bennington slowly began rising. I utilized this time to deuce and load up on water knowing that the morning would begin with a ~1,700ft climb to the top of Barren Mountain. On the trail at 8:15am, we blazed up the mountain and were soon soaked in sweat from the early morning heat.We reached Barren Ledges, a large outcropping of flat rocks jutting from the south side of the mountain, and stopped for a quick break. I was able to score 4G and post yesterday's journal. I received a message from a reader, Bonnie, who owns a cabin in the valley below Barren Mountain. She mentioned that it's, in her opinion, the best view in Maine. I can't say that I've seen much of Maine other than what the thin slice of the AT offers, but it was quite the pleaser. If on a nice day, however, I don't see any views beating that of the one from the summit of Mt. Katahdin. We continued another ~2 miles and ~500ft up to the summit of Barren Mountain and breaked for a quick snack. The metal "feet" of an old tower still stand, and I climbed up a ~20ft ladder to the top to take in the 360-degree view. Despite the crumby climb to begin the morning, this moment made up for it.Onward we sluggishly trekked over Fourth Mountain, Mt. Three and a Half, Third Mountain with it's scenic Monument Cliff, and up to the highest point atop Columbus Mountain. Just before reaching Columbus Mountain we crossed the 2,100-mile mark, marked by nothing other than our guidebooks. No celebration would be had as the real prize sits waiting now only ~89 miles away. After Columbus Mountain would bring a stair-stepping descent of ~1,500ft over Chairback Mountain and down to Pleasant River. This mountainous trek would also consist of 3-4 breaks due to the heat and overall lack of energy we'd all experience throughout the day.Pleasant River requires fording to cross, but, being stubborn, I was set on rock-jumping my way across. I would have successfully done so, too, had it not been for 1 shaky rock halfway across the stream that would cause me to lose my balance and step into the knee-high water. Fortunately my other foot remained on a rock, this slaking only 1 boot. It'd be the final ~5 miles from this point to our destination that my feet would become red and raw from the friction caused by a wet boot. I was sure to Gold Bond both feet, as well as the ole boys, after constant sweating today caused chaffing to return.Tomorrow brings the last series of decent climbs over Gulf Hagas Mountain, West Peak, Hay Mountain, and finally White Cap Mountain. After descending from the last, the trail is mainly flat for the next ~65 miles, save a few "bumps," before reaching the behemoth that is Mt. Katahdin. We'll also be able to resupply with ~2 additional days of food as we pick up our food drop just over halfway through the day. It couldn't have come at a better time as our supplies have dwindled. Onward we push, deeper into the wilderness, as Katahdin waits.Here's to the Barren Ledges, 1 more day of rollercoasters, and powdered balls.*Several more readers sent me additional comments and, as with last time, I can simply thank all (Kim, Betty, Mark, Bonnie, and David) in order to conserve battery. Each message I receive means a ton and I thank you each for the kind words and encouragement. Your words are helping to carry me home. Cheers, folks.