Date: 2003-09-21
From: Rainbow Stream Lean-to

To: Abol Stream Campground
Miles today: 15.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Today is for Ian and Lilian Hamilton and their children Claire and SamThe best night¢s snoring I have ever heard with Woodie and Rick giving an awesome performance. But I did get some sleep between the various concerts. Everyone was up early and ready to move by 7 am. I walked on alone on a glorious Sunday morning. The views along Rainbow Lake were breathtaking with the early morning sun hitting the distant shore. The terrain was easy with just some roots and rocks to contend with. I was hoping that some of the other hikers might catch me but obviously they didn¢t leave camp too early. I delayed over my morning snack but still, no sign of anybody. Around 10, I left the lake and started climbing again. This would be my last real climb before Kathadin as I moved to the summit of The Ledges (1517 ft.). It was bathed in sunshine with a great view of Kathadin. My heart skipped a beat when I saw a sign saying ¢Kathadin 20 miles¢. After all the walking, here I was in sight of the Big Boy. 2.5 miles to the next Shelter, Hurd Brook where I stopped for lunch. Two South bound section hikers appeared as I was leaving. It was a glorious day but a little chilly when you stopped walking. I was glad to get moving. A mere 4.2 miles to Abol Stream which is the entry into Baxter Park and where I was hoping to camp. I walked at a very leisurely pace as I had time on hand. I met a couple from Florida doing a day hike and before I even introduced myself, they said, ¢oh, you must be the Irish priest¢. They had met some Southbounders a few days earlier who told them about me. It amazes me how word (news) travels up and down the Trail. At 15.00hrs. I was crossing the Penobscot River and entering Abol Stream Camp ground. The view of Kathadin from the bridge was like a dream. First stop was the store for ice cream, soda and other vital orders. I paid for my campsite down by the river with the Mountain in the background. Snowberry and Easy Rider arrived soon afterwards. They could not get enough cake, pizza, coffee and soda into the system quickly enough. Soon Mothman and Starbuck arrived. and then a very pleasant surprise, Wildflower, who had completed the Trail two or three days earlier was now hiking south hoping to meet some of her old friends. Tom and Woodie also came, so we had a wonderful group with whom to celebrate. Mothman, Starbuck and Wildflower pitched their tents on my lovely site. We bought some beer and had a great time as we chatted , cooked and chatted some more. Wildflower was able to give the ¢latest from Kathadin¢. She was happy to have walked the Trail but unhappy to leave and go back home. Starbuck, Mothman and I were looking forward to not having to carry a backpack for some time to come. Snowberry and Easy Rider decided that they were going to walk to Kathadin Stream Campground and summit tomorrow. Mothman decided that he would also go the full distance tomorrow. I was in no hurry as John was arriving on 22nd. and reaching Baxter Park on Tuesday evening. I hoped to climb on 24th. , weather permitting. It was hard to believe that I was in such proximity to the long awaited goal. We chatted in the cool September air till nearly 10 pm. Very, very late for a Hiker.