Date: 2003-08-28
From: West Cary Pond Lean-to (1340') 

To: US201, Caratunk (520') 
Miles today: 14.1

Aloha! You know, it's not true what they say about Maine. It's not made up of only rocks. It's also made up of ROOTS! Millions, no... Billions, no... Trillions, no... Just make that an infinite number of ROOTS! Argh! Rocks and roots - I swear they're my true nemesis!That's how the day began, stumbling over rocks and roots; lots of rocks and roots. Now that the terrain has flattened out some they've thrown in more roots than you could ever possibly count. Of course they're placed so that you can't possibly stride out or walk between them. Nope, you have to pick and choose your way through and hope you don't hit one of the wet slippery ones. {sigh} Ain't that always the way? Excluding the rocky and root-y parts, the trail really was quite nice. Very limited on the UPs and downs. I can definitely live with this. If this is what it's going to be like the rest of the way through I'll be the happiest camper out here I'm sure. Roots be damned!Along the way today we were rewarded with a variety of bits, pieces and tidbits. The first being when we passed the Arnold Trail. This trail, running from West Carry to Middle Carry Pond with a portion of the AT following it, is of historic importance. In 1775, Benedict Arnold and an army of 1150 men used the trail enroute to Quebec where they hoped to mount a surprise winter attack on the British. Like so many Maine hikers, the army literally bogged down in the streams and swamps of the area, and, as a result, the remaining 650 men were so weakened by the passage that the attack was unsuccessful. Prior to Arnold's transit here, the native Abenaki Indians used the route as a portage around rapids on the Dead River, the waters of which now form the man-made Falstaff Lake. It's interesting to think I'm walking the actual trail of historical persons. Benedict Arnold... cool!Continuing on, we spent a few minutes at the very pretty East Carry Pond. This pristine pond also includes a crystal white beach. Hawaii! That's what it reminded me of anyway. Had the weather been more conducive, meaning warmer with less wind, I swear again, I would have gone swimming. Instead I spent some time lazing on the beach and watching the four loons. It was Hawaii without the heat.Our original intention was to spend lunch at the Pierce Pond Lean-to, possibly take a swim in the pond, and wait out the time required to hike the remaining three miles to the river shuttle. That was the plan anyway. What's that expression? The best laid plans of mice, men and long distance hikers... It didn't happen. Lunch did but the waiting out part didn't. The shelter is located right at the edge of the pond, which is perfect... on a hot summer day. Today I was freezing! The wind coming off the pond made for a miserably cold lunch. I didn't last long after eating. It was a hike or freeze thing for me so I chose to hike - as did everyone else. Burrr...!Once out of the wind it was a perfect day for a hike. Our remaining miles took us past the Pierce Pond Stream to wonderful waterfalls. Not Hawaii style falls but still impressive. Even with sauntering along, checking out the views and relaxing every chance we got, we were at the river crossing in no time. Or in time to wait for an hour anyway. That was alright too though; we had great company in Drifter, Wench, Hotdog, CeeBee, Walkabout, and new-to-me NOBO Eric. Needless to say, all shared good company and laughs.The Kennebec River is the most formidable un-bridged water crossing on the AT. Ironically, the Indian word "Kennebec" means "long, quiet water". A thru-hiker drowned in 1985 trying to ford the river, and many other hikers have had close calls. The dangers include rocks, strong currents, and unpredictable water levels due to releases from the dams upstream. It's been long recommended that hikers not attempt to ford the river but take the canoe ferry instead. Since the ferry is the official route, as well as the original historical route of the AT, I saw no reason for me to have to attempt a possible long swim when I could have someone paddle me across. The service is free but alas, they don't feed you grapes as you go. Paddlers Coffee and Christine were my escort service for the ride. They did an excellent job too.From there it was a short walk to the Caratunk House; our home for the evening. The Caratunk House is another excellent hostel created by long distance hiker, Paul. His bunkroom is like no other seen on the trail to date. Twin, double and queen size beds set around the loft with tables and lamps to go with each. Coffee and I opted to share the one private double room while Recycled took the single room. With those rooms comes the private and nice bathroom vice community shower stall for the bunkroom. The Caratunk also offers Internet access, laundry, free local shuttle, a mini store for resupplying, and one of the best breakfasts you'll get on the trail.   It's a fabulous place with an awesome host. Well worth the stay.When Paul offered to cook everyone a hamburger or drive everyone to a restaurant for dinner, it didn't take but a second or two for everyone to be ready for the drive. After two roundtrip pickups, everyone from last night's shelter is happily satiated and ready for bed. It's been an excellent day, a most excellent day.There are two additional reasons that today was extra special for me though. The first was the arrival of ... Old Corpus! Shortly before Coffee's and my time to be ferried across the river, we turned to see a familiar figure flying down the mountain. Old Corpus had hiked a 22-mile day to catch this ferry in hopes of catching up with us. Unbelievable! And impressive! We're awfully happy to have him back with us. Now if only we can get Gutsy back too. Speaking of Gutsy, she was supposed to be meeting us here today but there seems to be a problem with shuttling. Paul tells me that she'll be here in the morning. The trail family may actually be coming together.The second reason today was extra good was due to the mail I received here upon arrival. The first piece was an overnight express mailed camera memory card. That makes me very happy. I would hate to lose shots either already on the camera or because there was no more space. Problem has been resolved.The last reason was the second piece of mail, a package from Tumbleweed and Happy Feet. Because of our failed attempts to locate a hairdresser last week, they took it upon themselves to find the items I desired. I'm now the proud owner of a small bottle of cheap gel, a child¢s hair kit, and a blow dryer. Not a normal blow dryer mind you but a foot pump style with a hose attachment! How sweet is that? Most excellent! Lots of laughs came from this. Before I forget though, they also included another $6.43 watch, all black, that I love and seems to work. The non-working green one has been buried. All and all, I made out like a bandit and love those two for their comic relief. They're the best!Okay, bedtime for this gal. It's been a long and fun filled day and I'm tired. I'm sure there's more to come tomorrow. Let's all go to bed and dream of a gel'd, blow dried hair with hairspray. Night!Blood, Sweat andTears: I was so cold I could have cried.Aches and Pains: same ol', same ol'Moans and Groans: gorgeous swimming ponds too cold to swim in...waah!Critter count: 1x squirrel, 1x snakeCountdown: 151.2 miles