Date: 2006-09-06
From: Rainbow Stream Lean-To

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

As we woke up this morning one of the first things that was on our mind was the end of the 100-Mile Wilderness. Later today we will cross the Golden Road, as it is known, closing the door to a very beautiful section of Maine¢s trail. But for now we still have roughly 15 miles to go and we plan to take easy and enjoy our hike. After a quick breakfast we strapped on our packs and made our way down to Rainbow Stream. It was only about 25 feet across and shin deep in places but the thought of fording another cold mountain steam so early in the morning just as we had the West Branch of the Pleasant River just a few days back was not appealing. Most scurried across a pine log but Jangles opted for the ford. I couldn¢t get a true temperature of the water but from the look on her face it must have been pretty chilly. We regrouped on the other side of the stream and headed north once again. Just ahead we found a note that Snuffy left for us telling us to check out the view from the dam. It was only a short distance off of the trail so we dropped our packs and made a side trip. When we got there if was definitely worth the trip because Rainbow Lake was covered with fog and Mount Katahdin was lurking in the background. As we made our way back to the trail and along the banks of the river I continued to think about Rainbow Ledges. This is really the first time I have written about it but the reason for this is I have though for a while now about asking Jangles if she would like to attempt a relationship after the trail and that is the place I have chosen to do this. Not only does Rainbow Ledges in the 100-Mile Wilderness sound like a cool place it has views of Katahdin. The most significant thing about this timing is today¢s date. It is 9/6 and we met on Tray Mountain in Georgia five months ago today on 4/6. With this on my mind I hiked most of the way by myself, as did most everyone else because the end is near and I believe everyone is using this time to reflect a little. As I hiked along the next thing I notice was a small stream and Hurd Brook Lean-To just ahead. I quickly retrieved Wing Foots Guide from my pocket and quickly realized I had missed the ledges. What a bummer! You talking about a good plan going south well this one did. I stopped at the shelter to wait for the group and about 25 minutes later they came strolling in. They had seen the sign and stopped at the ledges. I must have been in deep thought because I never remember even seeing a sign. We took a break, joked around, and did our math to determine we only had 3.5 miles to Abol Bridge. This excitement filled our soles because my mom and dad are supposed to be meeting us all once again with trail magic at Abol Campground. Filled with joy, Baro and I slowly crawled back to the trail from a sitting position as if we had been shot in both legs by a sniper and took off in a fast hustle as we came to our feet. The remaining mile flew by and just across the road was Mount K. Big and bold she stood above the trees like a towering giant. We had made it to Baxter State Park and to Abol Campground. While crossing the bridge off in the distance I caught a glimpse of Mom as she scurried up the road to meet us with Dad shortly behind. They were both happy to see us after nearly 1,650 miles when they left us at Dickey Gap in southern Virginia. It was good to see them. They had reserved us a spectacular site on the water there at the campground so we all walked to it before completely falling apart with exhaustion. We had made it out of the wilderness and we were at the base of Katahdin. As we began to settle in for the night mom dug out some goodies and we ate until we could eat no more, topped off the dinner with smores, and soaked up the warmth of the campfire. Slowly one by one everyone headed off to bed. Before I knew it just Jane and I remained. She pulled her chair over to mine and we started to talk about the trail and where we should go from here. We talked for a long while and before I knew it had asker her what I originally had planned to ask her up on Rainbow ledges. That was if she thought a relationship could work and if she would like to try. So after 2,160 miles together we were now a couple. That night after sitting by the fire she went to her tent and I went to sleep out by the fire. It was an awesome day.Tonight at Abol Bridge Campground: Jangles, Shasta, H-Bomb, Baro, Jelly Bean, Shorty, Mom, Dad, and I.