Date: 2023-08-01
To: Abol Bridge Campground
Miles today: 15.1

Slept pretty well on the baseball bat floor of the Lean To.  Off early and used two down trees to cross the river in front of the lean to that created white noise all night.  Then it was time to finish off the HMW!  We basically followed the trail around the lake all morning, just like yesterday's hike.  We did have a cool interaction with three Loons that got as close as I have ever been to them. Recon said the same.  We stopped for water from a spring at Rainbow Springs Campground.  It was nice and Cold.  However, we were happy to be doing these miles today rather than yesterday.  Finally, after what seemed forever, we turned away from the lake and started a climb up and away from the lake.  I knew it would be the last climb to get to Baxter.  At the top is Rainbow Ledges.  The view at the sign was back the direction we came from.  We could see White Cap and then the Bigalows further beyond that.  We had lunch there, even though it was just a little after 10:00 am.  Picked some blueberries as well!  Then headed around the top and met a guy heading south called Matador. Very friendly and very talkative but enjoyable. Will they were talking, I said, "Hey Guys, Look to your left."  Standing in front of us was Katahdin from this side of the mountain!  Soon enough we parted ways and headed down hill. Met a guy heading SoBO that talked about leading two Princesses.  Sure enough, here came Foxy, a Flip Flopper trying to become the Oldest (67) Black Female to Thru Hike the AT.  Next came the Second Lady that was too winded to give much information. However, we gathered from the other two that Last night was her first night backpacking and sleeping in her own tent!  We took pictures of a homemade 25 To Go Sign, but I think the Calculations were off.  Doesn't matter, at some point we had 25 to Go, so we took photos anyway. It spit rain at us, like a dark cloud overhead; so we put in pack covers to make it stop and it did.  We hit Hurd Lean To, the last HMW Shelter with only 3 miles to go. A guy named Blitz asked us questions about the Baxter Kiosk sign up and the. Raced ahead to beat us there (I think).  He also mentioned two of his friends still behind us all.  We had one girl pass us this morning, but other than that, I think we are in our own little bubble. We hiked on, trying not to twist anything at this late hour.  I said a prayer about summit plans coming easy and did they ever!  We spilled out onto Golden Road and headed to the Bridge with Blitz still leading the way.  Took the picture everyone has, of the big mountain from the middle of the bridge!  Seems even bigger today than in 18'!  Then onto Abol Bridge Camp-store for Two more Breakfasts-and Lunches and one more Dinner. I made the mistake about asking prices for bunks in a cabin while Recon was paying for his Resupply.  We took there bunk prices and he paid!  Cabin number 3 is all ours this afternoon and tonight!  Typical Nero stuff, like charging in the store (everything limited and on one big generator so nothing in the cabins and no Wi-Fi. When we stepped outside, A Ranger was talking so we moved up close, while he figured out the order we came across the Bridge to the store.  We talked about Blitz being ahead of us and the couple said that was true and then us and finally them. Ranger Don (Donald Duck), said, "Ok so he is number (points to Recon) you're 6, (points to me, you're 7, and (pointing to the couple) you two are 8 & 9".  Just like that, we are secured at the Birches tomorrow night and Summit on Thursday!  Of course we have to sign in in the morning, take a picture and then return here to eat the breakfast that comes with the cabin. So smooth and easy, praise God!  Eat the lastSandwiches in their freezer with a bag of chips while they said they would make more. Ate then started laundry $5 dollars to pay $2 for washing, $2 for Drying and a $1 for Detergent. Got it all done while sitting in rain gear and eating ice cream. Then it was a hot shower, totally awesome and relaxing.  Back into clean hiking clothes and a walk up the road to see about cell service. I got a bar and had to confirm Reservations with the AT Hostel on Thursday and it's done now.  Teased Joanie in a text but it barely sent so gave up.  Recon never did get service so we walked the mile back down the Road, catching one Shot of Katahdin through the road opening.  Then it drifted out of sight behind the trees to our right. Stoped in to get fresh sandwiches for dinner this time (meaning we both bought one to many dinners and breakfast) and more chips waiting for external batteries to charge.  They didn't completely charge but hopefully enough to get us through. Back in the cabin, we arranged packs, took meds, filled water bottles and prepared fro sleep and a Ten Mile hike to the Birches tomorrow! Easy Keeping the Faith because God is taking care of all the fine details so easily!