Date: 2014-08-19
From: Carl Newhall Lean-to, ME

To: Jo-Mary Road, ME
Miles today: 22.3
Weather: broken clouds

I was up, packed up and on the trail by 6:30. The first order of business was a ascent up about 1500 feet to Gulf Hagas Mt. As I headed out I ran into thru hikers Shake and Twist. The three of us hiked together much of day. As we hiked up to the ridge top sun rays were shining through the trees and mist (see photo). We had four peaks to cross on this ridge. The highlight came mid-morning when we reached Snow Cap Mountain. The view was awesome this is the last big mountain before Mt Katahdin. As we sat taking in the sights, we reminisced about what was next for each of us and things we will have to give up, specifically eating all of the junk food. For the 100 mile wilderness I had loaded my pack with more sweets and goodies than usual for a 5 day trek since this would be my last hurrah. The other highlight was view of Katahdin as we descended Snow Cap. Katahdin is a massive mountain and it is hard to believe only two more days hiking to its base. Once off the Snow Cap mountain it was down to the flats where the trail ran beside ponds and streams. During lunch, we set up beside a stream. The sun was out and we laid our shoes and socks out to dry. I also took a dip cleaning up. After the dip and lunch I had dry enough shoes to change out my socks. Ahh finally dry feet....During our trek we ran into two section hikers doing the 100 mile wilderness. They asked Twist if they could tag along because they needed to make good time today or they would not make it to Baxter park as planned. She said no problem just as we were starting a small 500 ft ascent. So off we go with her in the lead. She is cruising up the hill with purpose with me behind and the two section hikers behind me. Behind me the section hikers packs clinked and clanked as they tried to keep up with Twist's pace. She was hauling. About halfway up the hill the clanging began to subside, looking back I could see the two fellows out of breath and falling back. We reached the hill top in no time. It was kind of funny. Twist was like Wonder Woman showing off her hiking strength. She hung out at the hill top waiting for Shake and I headed on down the hill ahead of them. Once on the flats there were a lot more people on the trail than I would have expected considering i was supposed to be in the wilderness. I ran into day hikers, car parking areas and there was also noise from nearby lumber operation. At each pond or lake I always look along the waters edge hoping to see a moose. However instead of moose came upon three nude female bathers swimming in one of the lakes. The wilderness was definitely a busy place today. I finished up the day near a road crossing beside a picturesque stream. It was a great spot to set up camp for the night. About an hour after setting up camp Twist and Shake strolled by. They decided they were going to put in another three miles heading to Antlers Camp Ground. I told them I would catch up with them tomorrow and off they went. Tomorrow I have plans to put in a big mileage day. The terrain will be generally flat and the word on the trail is there will be at least two more days of good weather.