Date: 2015-10-04
From: Rainbow Stream Lean-to 

To: Abol Bridge
Miles today: 15.0
Weather: overcast clouds

This shelter and the next shelter (Hurd Brook Lean-to) are known for their baseball bat floors - floors made with rounded baseball bat size poles rather than flat planks. I was looking forward to seeing the unique flooring since entering the 100 mile wilderness. Originally more shelters had similar flooring. Over time, as shelters were renovated, the flooring has been replaced with planks. Fortunately my inflatable pad evened out the flooring. But the grooves in the floor definitely collected dirt and rodent droppings. While the baseball bat floors are nostalgic and interesting to look at, flat plank flooring is more comfortable and easier to clean. I can see why the flooring is being replaced.At about 3 a.m. red squirrels (at least I think/hope they were red squirrels) decided to run around the shelter. I yelled and beat on the floor to chase them off. Just as I drifted off to sleep the whole process was repeated for at least 1 1/2 hours.As I was packing up in the morning a red squirrel ran out of the shelter, hopped across the plank footbridge across the brook in front of the shelter, and scurried up the far bank, as if heading home to sleep after working the night shift at the shelter.I also noticed a sunbeam slicing through the forest and iluminating a bend in the brook where the water was shallow and turbulently ran over rocks. The sunbeam also illuminated the fog rising from the water like steam. The result was an optical illusion that made the water appear to be boiling.The weather was perfect and the trail was easy - gentle ups and downs, with relatively few rocks and roots. There were only occassional patches of water or mud on the trail. What a contrast to the monsoon like storm I hiked through just a few days before. Once again I was able to see and appreciate the incredibly beautiful side of the 100 mile wilderness.I stopped for a break at Rainbow Ledges - exposed rock veins at a mere 1500 feet, but offering wonderful views, including a spectacular view of Mt Katahdin. I stopped to talk with a southbound section hiking couple taking a break and enjoying the view. They told me the hurricane had turned out to sea and would not hit Maine. They also told me there had been snow on Mt Katahdin but it was now melted. I am glad I am almost there!Before I knew it I was passing by the Hurd Brook Lean-to, and then on my way to Abol Bridge. The bridge offers another spectacular view of Katahdin. The campground store at Abol Bridge was open, but not well stocked. The restaurant was already closed for the season. I was disappointed, I was really looking forward to a burger.The clerk was very nice. She told me I was a very clean and neat looking thru hiker, and that I smelled much better than the typical thru hiker. She also offered to give me a ride to Millinocket if I was unsuccessful with hitching.I bought a diet coke, a few York Peppermint Patties, and some post cards, then headed out to the road with my thumb out.The road is gravel and dusty, and this time of year (and time of day) has little traffic. I did, however, have one thing going for me. There is a single lane bridge just before the store, so all vehicles have to slow down to cross the bridge. A few cars passed me by and waived. Then a truck with a club cab and 3 guys stopped. They were going 2 miles short of Millinocket. It was getting dark, and I figured I probably had few options, so I hopped in.The men were hunting grouse and scouting moose. Although I do not hunt, I am interested in how it is done, so I managed to keep a running conversation going. The driver is a certified Maine hunting guide, so I also asked him about the certification requirements.When we reached their destination (a cabin they rented) the driver said he needed to fill gas cans and offered to take me the rest of the way to Millinocket. The other 2 men decided not to ride along and they got out.The driver said he was familiar with the AT Lodge, and we resumed our conversation. I saw the sign as we entered Millinocket. I watched as we drove through Millinocket, and I realized we were leaving Millinocket without stopping. (I had been to Millinocket once before.)I quickly began to wonder whether I made a mistake getting into this guy's truck. Where was this guy really taking me, and exactly what were his intentions? It appeared we were headed back into the Maine wilderness, he had gas cans for burning my body and destroying evidence, and he got rid of potential witnesses.I remained calm and talked the guy into turning around. I also pulled out my AT guide which has a handy map of Millinocket. As we headed back into town he stopped at the gas station to fill his containers, then he dropped me off at the AT Lodge. WHEW! He really was just a nice guy helping me out rather than a serial murderer!!! I HATE hitching!!!I had a quiet private room and hot shower waiting for me at the AT Lodge. I walked up to the AT Cafe for a bite to eat, then went to bed.The AT is calling. I am grateful for surviving the 100 mile wilderness, and I am glad to be back in civilization. But I feel more than a little sad that my time in Maine is almost over. It is a fascinating and beautiful mix of spectacular rugged wild wilderness - that can kill you.