Date: 2015-08-12
From: ABOL Bridge (Golden Rd.)

To: Katahdin Stream Campground
Miles today: 9.9
Weather: scattered clouds

It rained here in Millinocket a lot last night and it was still sprinkling when we woke at 4:30 this morning. Our hike today was easy and short, but we didn't want to hike in the rain and the trail already had enough mud. Focus decided that he needed to give his foot a day's rest and keep it elevated, so he went back to sleep. Princess, Spartacus and I were committed, so we headed out in the dark. Good news, by the time we left the hostel the rain had stopped. We planned ahead to get something to eat at Dunkin Donuts (open 24 hrs) and that worked well. Then we headed up Baxter Park Road. We wanted to start today where we left off yesterday at ABOL Bridge, the northern edge of the 100-mile Wilderness. Ranger stayed at a campground at the bridge last night and met us there. He planned to take a zero today also, but he was going to pick us up when we finished and then drive with us back to Millinocket. So we met Ranger, turned over the keys to Spartacus' truck to him, and headed north on the trail. By the time we started hiking it was full daylight and it appeared that the rain was over. The trail wasn't as wet as we expected and in fact, it was in pretty good shape. The first several miles were a beautiful woods walk along a stream. Everything was lush and green and the footpath was easy on our feet. Spartacus led the way and he was cautious to be sure that he didn't do anything to hurt his knees. We still made good time. The first couple of hours went quickly and we stopped briefly for water and a snack. Spartacus' said his knees were feeling fine. The AT Guide identified 2 river fords and also a high water bypass. Given the rains yesterday and last night, we opted for the bypass route. From what I could tell, it seemed to take us up and over a ridge. The only stream we crossed was very small and had a log footbridge.There was a little bit of uphill hiking as we passed the Little & Big Niagara Falls. This year we didn't take the side trails to the falls. Beyond the falls there were 3 or 4 ponds. The settings were beautiful, with grasses and lilies in the ponds. They appeared to be likely places for moose, but we didn't see any. One of the larger ponds had cabins and other facilities on the opposite side and we could hear people across the water. The last part of the hike took us up through the woods. I saw a variety of mushrooms along the way and took some pics. There were more pines along this section and the footing was soft and easy on my feet. Near the end we encountered a long plank walk over some standing water and a stream. The planks were wet and slick, but we managed to get across without incident. Finally the trail popped out on the park road leading into the Katahdin Stream Campground. As luck would have it, Ranger drove by the trailhead in Spartacus' truck just as we approached and we got his attention. He had driven into the park and just arrived. We had covered the 10 miles in much less than 4 hours, pretty good considering that we were taking it easy. But the terrain was much easier than anything we've hiked recently. So we all loaded into the truck and headed back to the lodge in Millinocket. One rumor that we heard along the trail is a little disconcerting. The essence of the rumor is that the Baxter Park authorities are considering withdrawing the park from the AT and will decide within 2 months. Apparently it's partly a result of the recent 'record-breaking' event. The suggestion is that the activity and the celebration surrounding the event violated a number of the established park rules. I have heard before that there is a concern about the conduct of AT hikers in the park. So the recent events may have triggered the problem. It would be unfortunate if bad behavior on the part of a few had such an effect on the whole AT community. Baxter Park is a beautiful and iconic place to finish the AT. Punish the rule-breakers, not everyone else. Back to our hike, we're gearing up for the final push tomorrow. We plan to be as far ahead of the crowd as possible, and it looks like there may be a crowd.Focus says his leg is better and he's good to go. The weather forecast is good for most of the day, especially the morning. But the weather has been unsettled and recent forecasts have been inaccurate. So, this is it. I'll let you know tomorrow how it turns out. I hope to have a summit photo for you all. It's almost hiker midnight (9:00).