Date: 2023-08-02
To: The Birches
Miles today: 9.8

Recon woke me at 5 making noise and leaving the door open with cold air coming in.  He later admitted that he thought we had to be at the Kiosk at 6:00 and only had an hour to get ready!  We didn't need to be anywhere until 7, plus he was in a good mood so I fought off the Benadryl from last night and got ready fairly quickly. When heading up the road to sign the sheet, Recon said, "Look who it is gbolt!".  I didn't have glasses so I had to get close and suddenly realized it was Iceman!  He is back at it supporting an FKT Hiker that left Katahdin at 4 am in the morning.  It was great to share time and later we met Maniac who had the 2nd Fastest time after Tim Horton back in the day.  His son was going run with the hiker and Iceman is providing the Road support. All pretty cool.  We went to the Kiosk and the Ranger showed at 7 and had us go through the sign in and said we were good to go for the Birches tonight!  We headed back to the Campground Store for the free Breakfast.  Turned out to be items in heat pans.  Still built a double egg and sausage muffin with side of French toast strips plus coffee and OJ.  So not bad!  Took the shortcut back to the Kiosk, chatted with the Ranger and headed into Baxter.  Almost immediately we were bombarded by Mosquitoes so aggressive and in there standing water habitat.  Bug spray work slightly but both of us were running low and kicking ourselves for not purchasing some at the Camp store.  I even resorted to the Bug net for ears and face for only the second time on the AT. Soon enough we walked along the Penobscot River and gained a little elevation for a breeze to give us some relief.  We turned away from the big river and headed through pine forest and soft trail.  The only issues came when the mountain stream was flowing down from our right side.  Slowing our pace as we still have ti be careful that we don't stubble or fall and end it a day early!  We had one stream crossing where Recon handled it easily and I of course got one foot wet.  Recon said it goes with my one eye glasses!  We followed a stream up hill to what is called Niagara Falls for Lunch. Halfway point of today and a beautiful spot.  The rest of the trail followed Darcy Pond to the left and then Grassy Pond to the right. Finally hit the Katahdin Stream Campground Sign and AT .1 to Headquarters.  Signed in, paid $10 and got Plastic Permit and Exit Slip for tomorrow. Had to gather water and walk .4 to the Birches.  Four people were setting up so we went towards the back to find a spot for a tent and hammock.  Good hang again for the last night. Recon built a fire to smoke the mosquitoes away.  Sat around the fire ring with the other nine hikers from this morning.  Relaxing afternoon getting things ready to pack for tomorrow and things to leave in the headquarters lean to for hikers. At 5 pm. the Ranger came to register the rest of the group and two more people were added.  One hiker has a boyfriend (Blue Grass) that also hiked the AT in 18'.  She also was from Brooklyn New York, about a 20 minute bike ride from my daughter.  Had a Group Pic taken , which was kind of cool and created even more community and story sharing. All ate dinner together and then laughter started growing.  The quiet guy from this morning became the Funniest comedian tonight. Him and his girlfriend told the best bear story ever.  It even became an article that Recon had actually read! Suddenly a little after 7 pm Recon joked about making coffee early in the morning to get more trail stories!  Soon everyone headed to their tents to get a good nights sleep.  All knowing that each personal story and Journey is going to come to an end at the top of a mountain, touching a sign.  I am just so thankful and blessed to be here at this moment, being allowed to share in Recons finale that has been so many years in the making.  It is truly filling a gap in my already great Appalachian Trail Thru Hike Experience.