Date: 2013-07-08
From: Stealth Camp by Abol Bridge

To: Stealth Camp by Pollywog Gorge Overlook
Miles today: 19.0

July 8th, day 2 sobo. Stealth camp near abol to stealth camp near pollywog gorge overlook. 19 miles.Not a bad day, especially since it started with 10.5 hours of sleep. I needed it since I was averaging 6 hours for the previous 3 nights. I first woke up at 6, there were still mosquitos buzzing right on my hammock mesh. I went back to sleep hoping they would leave. At 7 I woke up again and they were still there. Poo. At 8 I woke up again and they were still there. Double Poo. last night i was in such a hurry to get camp set and trying to avoid the mosquitos that a left a boot away from my tarp out in the open. The buzzing bugs made the decision for me, and i would not be going out to save my boot from potential precipitation. it rained during the night. Triple Poo. I broke camp as fast as I could and ran the .2 back to the abol convenience store to buy some deet.Naturally they were all out. instead I went with the super stylish bug netting jacket + face mask and matching pants. I looked awesome, and hopefully they would make the bugs leave me alone. With that me and woody set out, as trail lite was sleeping in and woodys brother Nate was still getting a mail drop sorted out.The days hiking was pleasant. Not a hint of rain, while the trail was very smoothly graded with one small 700 foot climb. These sobos don't know how good they're getting it! It did got hot and the bug netting didn't breathe super well, but I would definitely rather sweat than get eaten. There was plenty of muddy patches of trail but nothing that couldn't be avoided with a bit of rock and root hopping. lots of water near the trail, but a lot of it was boggy tea colored icky water, so I was patient waiting for the good sources.The body is feeling good, good enough that tomorrow will probably be a 25 mile day, especially if I can be hiking by 7am. As much as I've liked hiking with woody these past 2 days I think he's going to take it a bit easier. he's a pretty experienced hiker (way more than I was when I started!) and I've enjoyed learning from him, especially about hammock and winter hiking stuff. We also did a sweet hob bear bagging tonight, as we used some technique which name I forget that involves stringing up a horizontal line between 2 trees to create a nice "branch"to hang another line from. It works well with all the conifers in the area.Tomorrows hike looks similar to today, with meh water sources, lots and lots of flat, and one easy 600 foot climb to kick off the morning. Only problem is I've slightly mismanaged my water supply and will be starting the day with 1/4 of a liter. Oops. It will be a thirsty 3.5 miles over the mountain to the next water source.With all the bug netting on the mosquitos are much less of a bother, and the result is I can actually enjoy Maine. if I had one word to describe it I would say Maine is primordial. Its all old forests, mossy boulders, serene ponds, and babbling brooks. Especially in the 100 mile wilderness, its like stepping through a time machine to old Maine or something. A really pleasant change of pace from Virginia. The only downside is these damn mosquitos, as well as the disappointing fact that I've been in Maine for over 24 hours and am yet to see a moose. Fingers crossed for tomorrow!Its now 8 40 and dark enough to sleep. 9.5 hours of sleep will be glorious. Goodnight!