Date: 2016-08-25
From: Pierce Pond Lean-to

To: Bald Mountain Brook Lean-to
Miles today: 18.7
Weather: overcast clouds

I slept very well again. It was beautiful waking up with the morning lake view. I packed up and headed to Harrison's Camp for breakfast where my 12 blueberry, Apple and raspberry pancakes, eggs and sausage and coffee awaited me. I was ready to hike after that!In 3.5 miles we arrived at Kennebec River where the only way across is to take the ferry which runs from 9am to 2pm. The ferry is a canoe that fits 1 or 2 hikers. I am looking forward to that experience. The hike to the river was very nice. It was along a creek with many little waterfalls which eventually dumped into the river. Yesterday I started to get some pain above my heel on my right foot so I put a band aid on it and put duct tape over it to give it some cushion. I had to stop on the trail and redo it. The duct tape pulled the band aid off and it was really hurting. I fixed it and continued on. When I arrived at the river Gametime was the only one waiting for the ferry. I had to sign a release before I could get into the canoe. I sat in the middle, Gametime in the front rowing and the ferryman in the back rowing. I felt like a VIP since I wasn't rowing. I decided to count out the strokes!!! We had a short walk to Caratunk then to Pauls B&B and hiker hostel. Most of the hikers were hanging out in the yard. I just needed a little resupply and they had what I needed there. This Hostel is known for their burger and milkshakes! I charged my phone and ordered a burger and chocolate shake. I wasn't let down. It was fantastic! So many places I stop at make me want to stay longer but I must go. When I set out I planned to go to the first shelter and see how I felt and maybe go further. Well, I arrived at the shelter just before 3pm, it was early and I felt pretty good so I got some water and began hiking the 9 miles to the next shelter. I actually doubted that I would go that far since I had a mountain to climb. The terrain was slow and I went through all different kinds of trails, rocky, roots, steep, muddy and nice with pine needles as cushion. Thoughts of the Hobbit came to me, this is the type of trail they would walk through on their adventures! I will find out when I go to New Zealand next year! I came up on Gnome at the top of Pleasant Pond Mtn. He had hurt his calf and was resting. I gave him some water and continued on. It was steep on the way down which made my hike very slow but then the trail got a little better. I had to find water since I had shared some of mine. When I did, I thought of camping there but there were no adequate spots to pitch a tent so I kept going. I decided at that point that I would try for the shelter. I was 2.4 miles away from the shelter when it started raining. I stopped to put my rain cover on my pack and put my headlamp on as it was dark. This is the first time I went into camp with a headlamp on. I usually get there way before dark. The trail was good so I had a good pace. I arrived finally and my blister was really hurting and I was tired. Qtip was there along with two section hikers who were drinking wine and getting a little loud. I could tell there were at least two tents in the area. I set up and walked up to the creek and got water. Dinner was summer sausage burritos, yum yum. I finally laid down and the two guys were really loud. Qtip had been trying to sleep but couldn't. When they finally laid down they started snoring really soon and really loud! Why is it that the snorers are first to sleep???