Date: 2021-06-07
From: Pierce Pond Lean-to

To: Bald Mountain Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: light rain

18.76 miles to Bald Mountain Brook Lean-to I wanted to sleep in this morning because I had less than a 2 hour hike to get to the canoe ferry that doesn¢t start until 9. I asked the trail maintenance guy if there was a way to avoid getting your feet wet by crossing at the pond outlet. He told me to take the blue blaze trail that led to a fish camp and that there was a bridge. Well I took the blue blaze and then lost the trail where a bunch of trees fell down. I knew the general direction to go but I didn¢t want to bushwhack anymore than necessary so I got out my navigation app and followed the arrow back to the AT. The rest of the hike to the river crossing was enjoyable. The trail followed a drainage system that had a large whitewater flowing. My uncle would have enjoyed fly fishing there. I got to the river crossing at 7:45. I spent time drinking a lot of fluids to get hydrated for the hot and humid day. I also used my Seek App to identify some plants and a spider. Another hiker named Uphill showed up and we crossed in the canoe together. There is a certified wilderness guide that operates the canoe. We both gave him a tip when we got to the other side. I¢m return he used his paddle and some river water to give us a blessing for a safe journey. The next 7 miles were easy on great trail that allowed me to hike at a good pace. I got to a small brook to fill up with water. This was going to be my last water source for over 7 miles. I drank a water bottle and filled up three 750 ml water bottles. I¢m glad I did because with the outrageous heat index I would need every drop. Pleasant Pond Mountain didn¢t live up to its name. I didn¢t see a pond on the mountain and the steep climb up wasn¢t very pleasant in the heat. I didn¢t want to overheat so I took frequent breaks. I came to an area where the trail was obscured by huge blown down trees. I saw an obvious trail that appeared to be a bypass trail and heading up it. After a few minutes I realized that this was an old trail. I checked my app and sure enough I was on the wrong trail. I didn¢t want to to hike back down to try and find the AT so I got my app out and bushwhacked my way back to the AT. I finally made it to the summit and sat down for a break. Within minutes I was swarmed by a bunch of tiny black flies that seemed undeterred by my insect repellent and treated clothes. They didn¢t really bite ther were just a nuisance. The next couple hours was spent trying not to overheat and run out of water before the next water source. I was so thankful when I finally found a stream. Now all that was left was a gradual climb up to the campsite. I pitched my tent in a pretty little spot away from the shelter. Uphill and 3 friends who have been section hiking the AT since 2002 were also here. It was enjoyable eating dinner and talking about each other¢s exploits. There must be an ATV trail nearby because at 8:30 pm I could hear there engines roaring as they passed by. Tomorrow it¢s going to be up early so that I can hike the rest of the way up Moxie Bald Mountain before it gets too hot. I have 22 miles to Monson where a shower, laundry and good food awaits. I will also pick up my last resupply for this journey. The next stop will be the Katahdin summit sign and the end to my AT adventure. I¢ll have to be careful because any misplaced step could end a hike. It¢s very humid tonight. Every night I sleep in the same disgusting shirt that I wore all day. Usually I take off my hiking shorts and sleep in my long pants. Tonight it¢s so hot I¢m sleeping naked. Happy Trails, Silver StreakNote: I¢m finishing the last 346 miles that I have left from my 2019 thru hike attempt. The mileage includes a week that I hiked from Springer to the NOC.