Date: 2004-09-06
From: East Branch Lean-to Shelter 

To: Mahar Tote Road (White House Landing) 
Miles today: 21.9

I didn't get as early a start as I had wanted. It was very cold and I just couldn't get out of my sleeping bag. I am using a 30 degree bag and I still slept with a long sleeve shirt plus my Polartec 200 jacket. I also slept with my hat and gloves, socks and long-johns. I was still cold. I warmed up with four servings of oatmeal and a cup of hot chocolate with three chocolate bars melted in it. I set out on the trail about 6:30 and managed to cross the East Branch of the Pleasant River without getting more than my feet wet. I then climbed Little Boardman Mountain. The 800 or so feet of climbing got the chill out of my bones. The rest of the day was fairly level so I was able to move along at a good pace. I stopped at Cooper Brook Falls Lean-to and devoured about ten pieces of chocolate while enjoying the view of the falls. I didn't linger as I wanted to make White House Landing in time for supper. This area is loaded with beautiful ponds and I will have to come back some day t!o explore some of them. Shortly past Mud Pond I startled a moose. I only saw the tail end as it went crashing through the woods. I wanted to take a short break at Antlers Campsite but the swarms of mosquitoes changed my plans. InsteadI snacked on the run. I bypassed Potaywadjo Spring Lean-to but paid a visit at Pemadumcook Lake (don't blame me, I didn't make up these names). At Pemadumcook I had a very nice but slightly hazy view of Katahdin. It is getting larger and more impressive each day. I somehow missed the road leading to WHL and walked an extra half mile down the trail. On the way back I found the sign - facing north. I guess the SOBO's need all the help they can get since they are doing everything backwards. Anyway, I got back on track and followed the blue blazes for over a mile to the boat dock. One blast of the air horn and someone from the camp came across in a motor boat and picked me up. The choice was a bunk in the bunkhouse for $20 or my own room for $30. Bun!k my butt! I have my own room with a big bed, two pillows, and real sheets! I had arrived at the boat dock at 4:30PM after hiking over 23 1/2 miles. Needless to say I was tired and my feet ached. After a quick but delightful shower I headed over for dinner. I ate a one pound deluxe cheeseburger, potato chips, 3 ears of corn, two sodas, a pile of cucumbers, one beer (compliments of Wildcat) and a big brownie sundae (brownie, 2 scoops ice cream, whipped cream, and chocolate sauce). When I arrived I got on the scale and weighed in at 176 pounds. After dinner the scale read 181. And as I am writing this I am looking forward to the all you can eat breakfast I signed up for tomorrow. I know I have used all my reserves and have almost no body fat. My calf muscles are not as big as they had been which means I am not getting enough calories. That is the reason I decided to stop and spend a night here. I am glad I did as the place is special. There is no electricity. The lights use propane as do the refrigerators. It is situated on a beautiful pond and we w!ere treated to a beautiful sunset. The night sky is filled with stars ¢ more than I've seen anywhere on this trip. And I'm in good company (Pablo, Laura, Hobbit, Tapeworm, Cotton, and a few others). I am going to sleep while listening to a chorus of Loons. It is a wonderful sound and a perfect ending for a long hard day. The Maine wilderness is something special and I am fortunate to be able to experience it in this way. This adventure is almost over but I know I will be back here again someday. Time to close my eyes and listen to the loons.Goodnight