Date: 2023-08-27
From: Shaws hostel

To: Air bnb
Miles today: 58.7

Day 103Our zero wasn't as restful as we wanted but we were able to complete all our camp chores. Had the very hearty breakfast again before we headed out. Once again, Ground Control was able to help us slack some miles. We survived 4 water crossings and having to go off trail a bit to meet back up to get our packs. The off trail "trail" quickly turned into a mud maze, but we found him, grabbed our gear and headed back to stealth site along the river. The mud has been rough but we have started in the 100-mile wilderness and that just feels like such an accomplishment in itself.  Melissa's fall count: 78Beginning mile marker: 2083.7Ending mile marker: 2098Nearest city/town: caratunk, maine14.3Stealth siteDay 104 Started the day out with Graham breaking his hip belt strap. Without being able to tighten the pack, he had to take the pack just on his shoulders for the first miles of the day. On our first break, I was able to sew the strap then we used a safety pin and duck tape to help secure it. It cant be adjusted on that side, but at least weight can be transferred to the waist somewhat. Fingers crossed it lasts(at least 90 more miles)!! Long day of hiking, my legs didn't start the day feeling well rested at all. We made it the shelter for evening and bedding down early. It'll be an early start tomorrow the rain and we've got to meet where our first food drop is.  Melissa's fall count: 82Beginning mile marker: 2098Ending mile marker: 2109.9Nearest city/town: caratunk, maine11.9Chair back gap lean to Day 105We woke up 500am to get an early start in hopes of beating some of the rain down the mountain and reach our supply drop in time. We got over the hard part before rain, but then got to the logging road early. We huddled under the cab of a caterpillar back-ho to stay dry while waiting. The food drop eventually came and the guy brought left over pizza, and pancakes which we quickly downed, before the hitting the rainy trail. We pressed straight for the next shelter in the hopes of getting dry and warming up. A high of 50 and constant rain made it a very chilly day. Hot tea helps. Hunkering down here for the night hoping tomorrow is warmer.  Melissa's fall count: 84Beginning mile marker: 2109..9Ending mile marker: 2119.8Nearest city/town: caratunk, maine9.9Carl newhall lean to Day 106 We had a nice, long rest getting to the shelter so early yesterday. It rained all night, so I'm glad we all got a spot in the shelter. A lot of elevation today but that's the end of that until Katahdin. Today was Michelle's birthday so at lunch we sang to her and gave her the confetti whoopie pie with a candle in it. We also packed in a little wine to cheers with. She was very appreciative for the little we can do while we're in the woods. Fearless even made her moose poo out of mud. Melissa's fall count: 86Beginning mile marker: 2119.8Ending mile marker: 2130.6Nearest city/town: caratunk, maine10.8East branch lean toDay 107 Got on trail at 7am to make sure we'd make our food drop in time. Nice surprise to get trail magic today! Snacks and sodas! It was from a couple who just recently summited and are making their way home. Lunched at a lovely spot with some sunshine next to a roaring waterfall. Got back on a trail to find more trail magic at the next logging road. It was such a good day with good trail. Grilled chicken, taters, snacks, and sodas. Ground Control met us at the road with news that he had found another way to slack us. It will only be a small change to our plans and the prospect of knocking out 15 miles without packs is enticing. It didn't take us long to gather our packs and decide to have a real bed and a shower for the evening. Melissa's fall count: 87Beginning mile marker: 2130.6Ending mile marker: 2142.4Nearest city/town: caratunk, maine11.8Airbnb