Date: 2011-09-22
From: Rainbow Stream Lean-to

To: Abol Bridge Campsite
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: overcast clouds

Early 3:35 amHere is a first instead of a last - I slept last night without earplugs. The Rainbow Stream is like white noise, I had no problem sleeping. This is the second time I've been awake tonight, however, so I thought I'd make a list of things I lost while hike the AT:- stuff sack for cooking pots- 2 bandanas - 1 going into Damascus and the second at Lakeshore in Monson- pair of reading glasses by a log in VA - Pearl earring - in the rain hiking to Eckville Shelter while mosquitos were biting me- phone and email icons on iPhone (email came back yesterday and I don't know why)Things that had to be replaced or replinished (other than food)- back pack because of broken zipper on front (this one is broken too)- stuff sack for pots- glasses with 'cheaters' which I can't seem to lose- boots with trailrunners with boots - these will be tossed in Millinocket- pens- batteries- compactor bag as liner- journals- safety pins holding pockets to waist beltToday will be my last full day on the Trail.LaterAnd, that's about it...end of the HMW. How very strange to see the 'caution to hikers' sign on the north end. And, I mean it was the end. Not 100' more I came out on Abol Bridge Road that is used for logging; crosses over the Penobscot River bridge. The Abol Store and Campground are on the left. I got here before 14:30; 7.5 hours approximately for 15 miles with breaks every 75 minutes and lunch. Not too bad. All the younger folks were here: Ruffles, Lumiere, Manx, Ryan, Sherpa, Coyote and 4 Beards. They were eating, drinking and having a good time. I probably could have gone another few miles but wasn't certain of the camping situation. I could not make it the 10 miles to Katahdin Stream. I'll do that tomorrow and then in to Millinocket.I'm really praying for better terrain than today. There were no breaks from the rocks, roots and muck. I kep thinking, and praying, it would end but it didn't until the last half mile.Even with a good nights sleep I'm exhausted. Maine is all about endurance. How much more can you take and still keep going....15.1 miles!The big logging trucks are on Abol same as on Jo-Mary. Scary when they are fully loaded. I could hear the cutting yesterday - hurts my heart even though I know they plant the trees and reforest.It was foggy and muggy today. Not very warm but it felt heavy and I was definitely sweating. No veiws of Mt. K today.I did hear loons calling on the lake. Such a lonesome sound.When my knees were aching last night I made myself get up, pee and walk around. They feel better if I move and it gave me a chance to take one last start gazing walk without city light interference. Millions of then. So bright. I'll miss that.I had a mean fall today. I shouldn't have been trying to do multiple things - I think either my shoelace or the top of my right boot caught on a small tree that was blown over on the Trail. It was too late to correct my steps, my left shin grazed the tree and I toppled onto my left knee and elbow - it hurt. I sat there for a minute or so, decided everything was intact and took off again. And, I'd just been thinking I hadn't fallen in a while...Don't think I mentioned I got a $20 refund on the food drop. Rebekah put a note saying it cost less cause there were more people participating. Thanks Rebekah! Good for me.Unbelievable that I got at least a dozen new mosquito bites today. I thought, for sure, that season was over.I'm just chilling in my tent. I washed off and put on my long-janes. I have my phone in the camp bathroom recharging.Lost my water bottle somewhere today so I've got a Gatorade and a Heineken to drink with dinner. I used my flask to get water earlier; I finished the last sips of Elijah Craig last night with my Fig Newtons...the back to reality diet starts after the summit on Saturday.I'm officially on the last page of AWOLs guide. There is one more lean-to, I may stop by just to get a pic but I'm not staying. I got a picture of the Hurd Brook Lean-to with the baseball bat floor - I had lunch there; the floor is poplar trees layed side-by-side. I sat on it, it wasn't uncomfortable. Folks say it's hard to sleep on but with the blow-up mattresses these days I don't think it would bother your sleep.Hike on!Scribbles