Date: 2015-10-06
From: Abol Bridge

To: Katahdin Stream,Campground 
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: scattered clouds

Paul/"Ol' Man", a former AT thru hiker and the owner of the AT Lodge and the AT Cafe, shuttled me out to the AT. He suggested that I start later in the day because it would not take me long to knock out the remaining 9.9 miles. (The daily pick up time at Katahdin Stream Campground for the free shuttle to the hostle is 4 p.m.) I tried to explain to him that today I wanted to take my time and enjoy my last day in the Maine woods. I am not sure he understood, but he agreed to take me out to the trailhead early as I asked. On the drive out I asked him about the history of Millinocket, a town which has seen better days.I stopped in the campground store for more York Peppermint Patties and then hit the trail. It was another beautiful day and I intended to savor every minute of my time on the trail.I stopped frequently to take pictures. I explored a pond looking for signs of moose (I think I found where they bedded down for the night, but I did not see a moose). I watched chipmunks and squirrels.   I took side trails to waterfalls. And I took frequent breaks just to enjoy the views.There were 2 fordings. I brought my camp shoes. There is a high water bypass trail, but I wanted to ford. I thought it would help me get over my anxiety with rushing water - getting back on the horse that threw me, so to speak.When I reached the "stream" it was more like a brook or small river. I scouted up and down the stream for a good place to cross. After changing out of my boots I waded into the cold water. I was only 1/3 of the way across and the water was already past my knees and getting deeper. It was easily going to be up to my waist before I reached the far bank.I made 2 more attempts to cross, but the water was just as deep. I did not have a change of clothes with me, and I did not like the depth or force of the water. So I decided to put my boots back on and take the high water bypass trail.Just as I finished putting my boots on 2 young female thru hikers arrived. I explained the situation and told them I was taking the bypass trail. The women decided to give crossing a try. I decided to watch, and would lend a hand if needed.One of the women carefully picked her way across. In the middle the water was up to her waist. When she reached the far bank she dropped her pack and came back across to help her friend.Her friend was more reluctant to cross. She was also worried about her pants getting soaked. No problem, she just took off her pants and crossed on her underwear! (I learned something here!)Her friend took her pack and helped her navigate the rocks.Then the first young woman came back across one more time, to offer to help me across. I appreciated the offer, but I was not getting soaled to my waist, I was not stripping down to my granny panties, and I was not taking my boots off again. Plus there was 1 more fording coming up, and I had no idea how difficult it would be to cross. I could end up stuck between the 2 fordings. I appreciated her offer, but I politely declined.I thoroughly enjoyed my day. It reminded me of the hikes I had with my grandfather when I was a little girl, when the goal was to explore and observe nature rather than to make miles.In a way, I also came to terms and made peace with Maine. I decided it is my favorite state along the AT. I would like to come back and section hike Maine southbound, taking my time, enjoying nature, and exploring the blue blazed side trails.I reached Katahdin Stream Campground early, so I checked out the approach trail to Mt. Katahdin, checked in with the ranger, got my thru hiker number, and signed the trail journal. I also borrowed a daypack. Tomorrow I wanted to take a few more things in case of an emergency, and everything would not fit into the lid of my pack pack which converts into a waist pack for slackpacking.Paul was right on time with the 4 p.m. shuttle back to the hostel. I think he was still amazed that it took me all day to hike the easy 10 miles to the campground. I had dinner at the AT Cafe and went to bed early.The AT is calling. Tomorrow I climb Mt. Katahdin. I should be finishing my thru hike, but thanks to the pnuemonia, I still have a long way to go. I can feel the excitement of the other thru hikers who are concluding their thru hike on Katahdin. I have to admit, I am a little envious. Unfortunately, it is what it is. I remind myself that I am lucky I am still on the trail and have the opportunity to complete my thru hike. Hopefully I will finish my thru hike, and when I do I will have the same sense of excitement, just in another location further south.