Date: 2017-10-02
From: Campsite near Nahmakanta Lake

To: Stealth Campsite by Rainbow Lake
Miles today: 18.0

10/2Campsite near Nahmakanta Lake to Stealth Campsite by Rainbow Lake18.0 miles Total miles: 2166.8I knew it was going to be a long day today if we hoped to make it to Baxter by Tuesday. I was up before my alarm and was ready to hike by 6:30. Two-Tone got up early as well and offered me a cup of coffee, which I gratefully accepted. Thanks, again, Two-Tone for your Trail Magic! I wrote earlier that I was done with mountains until Katahdin, but I forgot to consider little Nesuntabunt Mountain, which I climbed this morning. Along the way, there is a small, stone cubicle that looks like a little house. I jokingly called it Fred and Barney's summer cottage, and Tengo posed by the door for a photo. At the summit, there is a short side trail that provides a magnificent view of Katahdin, just sixteen line-of-sight miles away. Katahdin has a very distinct profile and seems to rise up from the flat lands around it, and the view from Nesuntabunt was imposing to say the least. Tengo stated that Katahdin looked prehistoric, and I understand his point. I was only thirty-six miles from her base at this point, and I could feel the excitement growing, realizing I will be on her summit very soon. The trail for the rest of the day was rooty and rocky, but not overly difficult. The weather was yet again picture perfect, with a clear blue sky and cool temperatures. I passed by several ponds and hiked alongside mountain brooks that filled the air with the sounds of rushing water, as I hiked beside a myriad of small, turbulent waterfalls. Any attempt to capture these with photos seemed doomed to failure, but I gave it a shot anyway. I will always consider being able to experience the magnificence of the natural beauty of Maine in truly idyllic conditions as one of the most special blessings of my thru hike. I must admit I was ready for today's hike to be over when I arrived at a stealth campsite along the shore of Rainbow Lake at six o'clock. I had covered eighteen miles and, while a touch weary, soon had my tent up and my bear rope up before dark. I went down to the lake to capture yet another beautiful end of the day, as the sunlight glowed orange against the water of the lake. Tengo, Gravity, and I shared a quiet evening of conversation as we prepared our suppers. I added a tuna salad tortilla to the menu, as I now have an extra day's food in my pack. If I eat it, I don't have to carry it, and I know the extra calories will be welcome as we have another long day tomorrow. I am presently 7.9 miles from Abol Bridge, the entrance to Baxter State Park, and 17.8 miles from The Birches Campsite, from where my hike up Katahdin will begin. I should be there tomorrow night. Sandy flies to Providence, Rhode Island tomorrow, so she and Beau's parents will be able to be there when I return from my summit. After all this time, the actual hiking part of my Appalachian Trail adventure is drawing to a close. I'm sure there will be lots of reflection and perhaps even some insights in the future, but for right now I have those 17.8 miles to consider, so I'm going back to lie back, listen to the calls of the night birds, and go back to sleep now to be better prepared for them tomorrow.