Date: 2018-09-06
From: Pollywog Stream

To: The Birches at Katahdin Stream Campground
Miles today: 27.4
Weather: broken clouds

Again woke up a few times during during the night, got up at 5:30 and was out around 7. Maybe this is TMI, but for the first time that I can remember maybe the entire trail, I didn¢t feel a need to cathole it in the morning.Even though I left under mostly blue skies, about ten minutes later clouds came in and it started pouring. Only lasted about half an hour, but was like a farewell shower from the AT. I did stop to use a privy at a shelter, but that was more out of convenience and proactive than a need.For most of the morning, the trail followed Rainbow Stream then Rainbow Lake. The trail was pretty bad with rocks and roots and some short steep sections, but nothing horrible. I was a bit worried about the climb up Rainbow Ledges, but it was gradual and easier than some of the other parts. Although the view to Katahdin was clouded over, there were tons of blueberries and huckleberries so I enjoyed the local cuisine.The trail down from the ledges was a little steep, but I was still able to go quickly. I was booking it down a hill when I heard rustling in the bushes. Usually it¢s just a chipmunk or bird, but I looked over and it was a moose! No antlers, but still a big guy. I had startled it, but it didn¢t go very far. I stopped, and when it realized I wasn¢t a threat it casually walked across the trail and started eating some grass. I slowly walked by, and on the other side was another hiker who was actually with his dog but it was quiet. Everyone says it is likely to see a moose but I have been looking at every pond to no avail so glad I got on my last full day!The rest of the trail out of the Hundred Mile Wilderness to Abol Bridge was pretty easy and I got in earlier than expected. Here there is a campground, store, and restaurant. And importantly for hikers, a trash can and potable water! I originally was going to quickly pick up a snack and head on, but since it was early I ordered food and sat at a picnic table on the Penobscot River with an awesome view of Katahdin.A half mile later was the entrance to Baxter State Park and the signup sheet for NOBOs wanting to stay at the campsite at the base of Katahdin. I was worried since it was already after 2pm it would be full, but only a few names on so I was relieved. And it looks like 007 summited today, just missed him!The first few miles of trail were amazing - flat, smooth and following the Penobscot. The trail then got a little rootier following Nesowadnehunk Stream, but wasn¢t horrible. There were a bunch of cascades, then a couple ponds with good views of the mountain.I got to the campground about 6 and checked in at the ranger station. I am NOBO number 687 to summit (I was number 2379 at Amicalola, meaning about 70% of the hikers that started before me either quit or haven¢t summited yet). The Birches is a separate section for thru hikers a quarter mile down the road (do we smell that bad?) with a couple of small shelters, tent pads, and a privy. Even though there was an open lean-to, I chose to tent. There is no water so had to get back at the campground, but the black flies were so bad there I didn¢t get a chance to wash my feet. There were a few hikers chilling around the campfire. Misty was the only one I knew, also Just and Strong (a couple) and Prick. I was hoping to get everything done early for a change, but we were all talking a so much still got chores done 8:30. We¢ll see if anyone sleeps tonight... it is supposed to get pretty colds which be nice for going to bed but tough in the morning.