Date: 2008-09-22
From: East Branch Lean-to

To: Sand Beach - Lower Jo-Mary Lake
Miles today: 17.7

Last night was a rough sleep. I woke up several times due to the bright moon and "Mr. Plastic" next to me in the shelter. It was also really chilly this morning. SO much so that it was really hard to get out of my nice warm sleeping bag this morning. However once I got going all was well. The day started with a little rock-hop over the East Branch river. From there a small climb to the top of Little Boardman Mt. After the climb it was pretty much smooth sailing the rest of the day. I stopped at Crawford pond to get some water. Maine is so beautiful, especially due to all the water. Everyday you pass many ponds, lakes, streams, and rivers. Today was no exception. I enjoyed a quick break at the pond then moved on. I stopped at Cooper Brook Falls Lean-to for lunch. I joined Sunkist and Kyanite by the water. It was beautiful there, had it not been so close to the finish of this trip I think I would have seriously considered a nero there. It was right near a waterfall and the sun was shining beautifully. How could you go wrong? From the lean-to I made crazy time 3.7miles an hour for a bit. I haven't been in much of a hurry lately, but the ground was just so flat I could cruise. I made it to Antlers campsite rather early. I had intended on staying here. It is a great place if you are ever in the area. Right on Lower Jo-Mary lake and very much one of the best campsites on the whole trail. I saw a SOBO section couple there and asked them about the sand beach that was in my book. They said it could definetly fit a tent and that it was a awesome spot. It didnt take much to sell me. So I moved on another mile or so to the beach. Boy am I glad I did. It is a small little beach right on the lake all to myself. I had a great view of sunset, and will probibly have a good sunrise tomorrow. Plus I was able to set up my tent and have dinner well before the sun went down. That has not been happening lately, especially because it has been getting dark before 7. I had my last Mountain House Freeze Dried meal for dinner tonight. It was much better than yesterdays gross one. I know they are expired and all (we found 25 in a hiker box) but all but one were great. Now I am sitting in my sleeping bag, all warm and toasty ready for bed. I just went through my photos on my memory card. What a blast this trip has been, all the amazing people and places. I cannot beleive that there are only 4 days left. It is really quite a bummer. I am also kind of in shock. Really this is something I have wanted to do for a really long time, and I've almost completed it! How cool is that? There are several things I will miss, like the sounds of loons (I just heard some), waking up to nature, and really living. Yikes, is this journey really almost over? I am not sure I am ready yet.-One Happy BeamLast night was a rough sleep. I woke up several times due to the bright moon and "Mr. Plastic" next to me in the shelter. It was also really chilly this morning. SO much so that it was really hard to get out of my nice warm sleeping bag this morning. However once I got going all was well. The day started with a little rock-hop over the East Branch river. From there a small climb to the top of Little Boardman Mt. After the climb it was pretty much smooth sailing the rest of the day. I stopped at Crawford pond to get some water. Maine is so beautiful, especially due to all the water. Everyday you pass many ponds, lakes, streams, and rivers. Today was no exception. I enjoyed a quick break at the pond then moved on. I stopped at Cooper Brook Falls Lean-to for lunch. I joined Sunkist and Kyanite by the water. It was beautiful there, had it not been so close to the finish of this trip I think I would have seriously considered a nero there. It was right near a waterfall and the sun was shining beautifully. How could you go wrong? From the lean-to I made crazy time 3.7miles an hour for a bit. I haven't been in much of a hurry lately, but the ground was just so flat I could cruise. I made it to Antlers campsite rather early. I had intended on staying here. It is a great place if you are ever in the area. Right on Lower Jo-Mary lake and very much one of the best campsites on the whole trail. I saw a SOBO section couple there and asked them about the sand beach that was in my book. They said it could definitely fit a tent and that it was a awesome spot. It didn't take much to sell me. So I moved on another mile or so to the beach. Boy am I glad I did. It is a small little beach right on the lake all to myself. I had a great view of sunset, and will probably have a good sunrise tomorrow. Plus I was able to set up my tent and have dinner well before the sun went down. That has not been happening lately, especially because it has been getting dark before 7. I had my last Mountain House Freeze Dried meal for dinner tonight. It was much better than yesterdays gross one. I know they are expired and all (we found 25 in a hiker box) but all but one were great. Now I am sitting in my sleeping bag, all warm and toasty ready for bed. I just went through my photos on my memory card. What a blast this trip has been, all the amazing people and places. I cannot believe that there are only 4 days left. It is really quite a bummer. I am also kind of in shock. Really this is something I have wanted to do for a really long time, and I've almost completed it! How cool is that? There are several things I will miss, like the sounds of loons (I just heard some), waking up to nature, and really living. Yikes, is this journey really almost over? I am not sure I am ready yet.-One Happy Beam