Date: 2008-07-14
From: Katahdin Stream Campground

To: Abol Bridge Campground
Miles today: 10.0
Weather: light rain

I'm sitting writing today's entry at our campsite at Abol Bridge Campground with a stunning view of Katahdin beyond Abol Pond as the sun sets. So far the Exofficio pants and shirt are working, but the head net will come out soon. My daughter (Owl) is sitting next to me at the picnic table and my husband, across reading. It's so much fun having him along for awhile! Just wish Caleb could be here too. Otherwise, it's a great night.Once again we are happy to not be purists on the trail. Our plan was to summit Katahdin today, but the weather was against us. We found it very difficult to plan the logistics for this section. We couldn't seem to get real clear beta on the area, but here's how it worked out...We stayed last night at the AT Lodge in Millinocket. Jamie was a super hostess and a wonderful lady. Because there were seven of us we filled her bunk room.I guess maybe first I should explain the cast of characters. In addition to the regular crew, Owl, Soaring, Tigger, Roo and me, we have added Greg, Nic and Matt. Matt is Soaring's son and is along to be our shuttle support in Baxter. Greg and Nic are joining us for the 100 mile wilderness. Nic is Tim and Anastasia's son. The same friends we rafted with at the NOC. Nic is fourteen and needed a summer adventure. He and Greg will hike with us to Monson. That makes seven plus Roo at the hostel.So we stayed at the hostel. At 5:30 this morning we got up and headed toward Baxter State Park. We'd had some warnings of not being able to get into the park, which didn't prove to be an issue. Each day the weather on the mountain is classified as Class I, II, III or IV. Class I is what we are looking for to climb the mountain. When we arrived at the gate at 6:00 the lady told us she would not know the Class until 7:00. So much for starting up at sunrise. It was already raining tho, so we knew it would be a lousy climbing day. We asked the weather forecast for tomorrow. Sunny. Great! So we flipped our days.We have two hiking days at Baxter. One from Katahdin Stream Campground up the mountain. And the other from Katahdin Stream Campground to Abol Bridge out of the park. Flipping the days meant while it was raining we would hike out of the park on the flat terrain to Abol today. Tomorrow morning we will head up the mountain.After Matt dropped us off at Katahdin Stream he headed back to Millinocket to pick up Greg and Roo. From there they went in search of Abol Family Campground at the edge of Baxter to set up camp for the night. Roo is not allowed inside of Baxter so this is the closest spot she could meet us.Meanwhile the four of us began our exploring of Maine. I discovered that the misquitos, bogs and water crossings do not begin at the 100 mile wilderness, but actually in Baxter State Park. We also found that Maine misquitos don't mind our all natural bug repellent at all. As opposed as I am to putting Deet on my skin, I've decided I can live with it for the 100 mile wilderness.I had the privilege of taking the first water crossing swim. It really wasn't that deep. I just picked the wrong rock to walk on. I thought I was being so smart, but instead I made a very slow and graceful slide down into the stream. It all seemed to happen in slow motion.   Luckily it was a nice warm day and not such a bad experience. So when we came to the real stream crossing I was already soaked. I just plowed in and found the route for the rest of the gang. My only regret was that I wasn't wearing my Keens. I will from now on when crossing streams.We saw lots of moose droppings, but no moose. Owl pointed out that it's not at all the same thing. We also heard what we think was a loon calling across the pond. And right now there is a very persistent whipper-will calling.We got into the campsite before noon. Greg, Tigger and Soaring made the trip down to Monson to stage Tigger's car. They left it at Shaw's and made reservations for our arrival there. Owl, Roo, Matt, Nic and I hung around camp. I took a nap. It was great!Now we are all settling into our tents. The misquitos did finally come out and we went into hiding. Tomorrow will be another early start, this time up the mountain.Rabbit, Owl and RooJoshua 1:9