Date: 2013-09-08
From: Pleasant Pond Lean-to

To: Banks of Bald Mountain Stream, ME
Miles today: 15.1
Weather: scattered clouds

Unbelievably we made over 26 miles yesterday and that is in Maine! I am so proud of these girls of mine. They don't ever complain, they just walk as fast as they can with few breaks all day long. We stuff candy in our mouths as we go. We are almost out of candy so a crisis is close. Skittles are great mt climbing candy, just so you know. We got up late at 7am. We were dreading the day of predicted rain. We were slow in leaving the shelter. We eventually got out and faced the cold, cloudy day. Soon the sun broke through. It is warm until a cloud passes and covers the sun then it gets chilly. We didn't see any thru hikers which is weird. We think we are in between two large bubbles of hikers. We had a nice conversation with some day hikers. One man was quite amazing to meet. He has walked the AT and PCT 3 times each. He also walked the CDT and many trails around the world including New Zealand. He has a movie of that walk. His trail name is Freebird. He also lived in Hawaii and kayaked for a year with two wild dolphins everyday. He's also climbed every major mt in the world. He said Katahdin was in his very top most favorite mts. We can't wait to climb it. What a marvelous life this man has lived. He was charming with an infectious laugh and radiant smile. He looked like someone who really knew how to live with no regrets. We were about to ford a river but decided to eat lunch first because it was such a scenic spot. Suddenly we saw a red jeep slowly going down the gravel road. It was Sherpa! We were so happy to see her. She came over and joined us. We were hoping Buddy and D would catch us but they never did.We climbed two mountains today, Pleasant Mt and Moxie Bald Mt, both with awe inspiring views. I especially liked Moxie. I think I was predisposed to love it because my dear friend Jeff uses the word and first told me its meaning. I thought of him all day which has made me happy because I have so many funny and wonderful memories to think about. Also Moxie has a nice steady ascent. There are large, long smooth rocks that we walked up. Since it wasn't raining our shoes gripped them and made for a quick up. I always tell the girls I feel like we are walking along the back of a humpback whale. The rocks slope up and after a long straight slope down. You can easily imagine them as large whales. The view was of wide, winding rivers, sun lit lakes and endless mountains. The sky had brilliant white clouds with a blue stripe which was topped by heavy, dark rain clouds. We talk about the battle between the sun and rain every day, rooting for the sun to win. We hiked passed Moxie to Bald Mountain Stream which we must ford. Since it was 6:30 and getting cold and dark we decided to camp next to the flowing river. We sleep best when we are next to running water. It's also great for getting water to cook by. While I filled the water bottles I sat there watching the clouds turn peach and then purple. The river has little waterfalls and lots of rocks for the water to flow over. It's perfect moose territory, they eat water plants, and I was so hoping to spot one. I was filled with contentment as I looked out at this picture perfect scene. I am in wonder at how lucky I am to be here. I feel full of joy for being able to share this with my girls. Slow down, you move too fast Trying to make the morning last I got no needs to fill, no promises to keep I'm dappled and drowsy and ready to sleep Let the morning time drop all its petals on me Life I love ya Feeling groovy