Date: 2005-08-20
From: East Carry Pond

To: Caratunk, Maine
Miles today: 9.9

East Carry Pond to Caratunk, Maine We woke up to the eerie cries of a loon on the pond and were greeted by a gray and cloudy morning. The wind off the pond seemed a rambunctious contrast to the subdued surroundings. The morning's attitude seemed to have an influence on my own, and as we got to walking I felt short tempered and a bit dismal. We had our first break at Pierce Pond lean to. The lean to is right on the shore of and overlooks Pierce Pond. We sat on a rock right at the shoreline and watched boats from the Harrison camp set out on the water. The pond, yet another one of Maine's pristine and picturesque glacial lakes, is ideal swimming. I felt a little sad it was too cool and damp out to enjoy a swim. After a snack we headed up and off the trail a bit to check out the Harrison camp. It is a true wilderness camp for hunting and fishing with the main lodge decked out with bare skin rugs, moose and your mounts and an old would lodge feel. The place has been in operation as a camp since the early 1900's (at least) and is a fantastic place. The end of the hummingbird migration was hanging around a dozen or so feeders on the back porch, jabbering at each other and darting between the feeders. Cascades along Pierce Brook want tumbled against the lush green backdrop to the west and the brook wound is way down around in front of the lodge, crossed by a rustic old bridge of wood slats and the lopsided single hand rail. The Harrison family, including four beautiful bright-eyed and smart kids, showed us around, and gave us a brief history of the camp and filled our water bottles with some " wicked good " water. After a good visit at the Harrison camp, we headed off towards the Kennebec to catch the 2-4:00 p.m. ferry. As we walked it started to mist, then drizzle. By the time we reached the river, around one, the drizzle was increasing to a steady rain. We were hoping that perhaps Steve " the ferryman " would be there and ferry us across, but we were in fact too early and had to wait until 2:00 p.m.. We sat there feeling dismal and put pathetic, waiting for the ferry in the rain. The contemplated fording but decided against it partly because by the time we actually got across it would probably be 2, and we'd be all wet for naught. Steve finally did show up, after a long wet hour's wait, and bifurcate piled us into the canoe. He is quite a charismatic and friendly guy. Gave us a great peptalk about being almost there and that although the novelty has worn off, when we summit and for years after we will realize the magnitude and accomplishment. He said that though we may not realize it, these will be some of the best days of our lives. He made the point that it will probably take weeks if not years before in all really hit us. I imagine that it is something that takes time and space to sink in. We hitched up the street, and actually caught a ride from a section hiker we met at The Cabin, to the Northern Outdoors Camp and lodge. Took care of laundry, showers and ate then headed to our tent-cabin on the river for the night. The canvas " cabin " is rustic with a wood platform floor and two single beds with mattresses. Seems like something I would picture in a safari expedition in Africa. The rain is still falling and I'm grateful to be cozy and dry. Danger