Date: 2015-08-10
From: Potatwadjo Spring Lean-to 

To: rainbow stream lean to
Miles today: 18.2
Weather: overcast clouds

I woke early and heard loons in the distance. Their song is both beautiful and haunting. I find their unique voice calming. A nice way for me to wake up in the woods. After a relaxing breakfast of Pro Bars and hot coffee I set out with Obsolete on our hike. We have four days left. It seems to have have come suddenly although I've been counting down the miles. We have been at it for 147 days. The trail in the 100 mile wilderness has been relatively flat with good but challenging terrain. We've been able to log good miles. There have been a couple of climbs thus far. Today we would have another.From our camp we had a 1000 ft ascent up Nesuntabunt Mountain. It was challenging. Our effort was made easier by the excellent trail maintenance. Well made stone stairs made footing easier in the ascent.The weather cooperated as well. A beautiful day, cool and sunny. We followed a number of lovely streams, ponds and lakes. I took advantage of the clear water to dunk my head and wash my deteriorating shirt. It was refreshing but didn't last for long. Perspiration soon soaked through my clothes. Hiking in front of Obsolete I began to fall and put my weight on my left pole. It sunk in the ground and snapped at the joint. The top half separated and left a sharp half sticking out of the ground. My heavy pack forced me forward just missing the the sharp end with my forearm and chest. I laid on the ground for a moment disappointed that my pole broke and happy that I was safe. Obsolete gathered me and the pole up. Miraculously he found a way to make the pole usable. I'm grateful for his help and ingenuity. This is the fourth time he has repaired on of my hiking poles. He has fixed over a dozen for other hikers. Obsolete will be missed when he is off of the trail. Along a stream I came upon a family. Parents with their two boys about ages six and eight. The boys were having a great time swimming. Laughing and letting the current move them from rock to rock. The mother gave me notice that her boys were skinny dipping. This after all is the wilderness. It seems like the natural thing to do particularly at their age. The boys were having such a good time playing in the stream. The youngest jumped out of the water onto a rock. He stood with his arms across his chest standing with confidence and faced me to speak. He asked me if I was going to go swimming. I said that I hope to later when I got to camp. He said, "are you going to skinny dip?" I laughed and said I didn't know but thought that it may be a good idea. The boys continued to play without a care in the world. It was wonderful to experience both of them having pure fun. A memorable lesson on the trail. From now on I won't pass up an opportunity to skinny dip if I get the chance. After the summit of Nesuntabunt mountain there is a side trail with a view. The area had a rock outcropping with a few hikers already there. On the horizon rose Katahdin. My final destination. The mountain rose above all other. The peak of the mountain went in and out of the moving clouds. It was an awesome site to finally get view of it after all of the miles. I plan on standing on the top of Katahdin on Thursday. It was an inspiring view and one that challenged me. I am not far away and have one great effort left to make. To summit Katahdin on Thursday. 30.1 miles left to go.