Date: 2007-09-30
From: Sidney Tappan Campsite

To: Cooper Brook Falls Lean-to
Miles today: 17.1
Weather: broken clouds

September 30, Here I Go Again On My OwnToday was a nice day.I woke up to the sounds of Step Small and Cheeks getting ready and sort of dozed in and out of sleep until my alarm went off at 6:30 a.m. It was 32 degrees in my tent - warmer than it was at 3 a.m. when I'd last checked. I dreaded getting out of my sleeping bag but I was also pretty fired up to get after the day too. I had breakfast in my tent, a first for me. Then I proceeded to get ready, wipe the frost off of my tent, and pack up. I was praying my feet were in better shape today because I really wanted to get 17 miles in.I left at 8 a.m. with no sign of life from Melk or Ronin. I was bummed to have to leave without them but I figured this show must go on. The day started with three big climbs over West Peak, Hay Mtn., and then Whitecap Mtn. The first one was tough but there were lots of rock steps to follow up. The second climb wasn't bad at all. The third climb lasted the longest and took the most out of me but it was a pretty rewarding summit - my first view of Katahdin!I couldn't believe how close it looked even though it was still over 60 miles away. I kept second-guessing myself on whether that was indeed the right mountain but I am sure that it was. The view was clear and I could see 360 degrees around me. Katahdin stood out like a sore thumb.I told Katahdin that I'd see it soon as I descended back into the woods. Rock steps lined the trail and sped up my descent. I made it to Logan Brook Lean-to around 11:30 a.m., signed the register and moved on.From there on out the trail was a dream. It descended to the next lean-to gradually and through the beautiful Maine woods which were full of color today. Luckily it was warming up a bit and I was able to take off my rain jacket!I made it to the next lean-to for lunch and to air out my tent. I was convinced there was a moose around but it turns out it was Step Small and Cheeks walking by. I didn't stay long and was on the trail again at 2 p.m.The next eight miles were easy. The trail ascended up Little Boardman Mtn. very gradually for the most part. It crossed Mountain View Pond and continued down the mountain, past Crawford Pond and down a wonderful path that was almost perfectly flat for four miles. I love hiking in all of the changing leaves and I love all of the ponds we cross. I can't believe how still they are.I got to the shelter at 5:30 p.m., set up and made dinner. I am here with Step Small, Cheeks, Chaco, Snakecharmer, and Candyman. I don't think Melk and Ronin will show tonight so hopefully I'll catch them tomorrow. I really do want to summit with them. ...For a good portion of the day, the only sound I heard was the crunching of the leaves under my feet. When the trail led me back to the pine needle-carpeted forest floor, it was almost silent. Amazing.I enjoyed the day at my own pace and appreciate having done a bigger day. One of the things I will miss about the trail is the sense of accomplishment a big day brings. It's nice to get in my sleeping bag at night knowing I just took a big chunk off of my to-do list.My feet feel much better today and I am very thankful for that.Fifty-nine miles to go and I can't wait. This has been great but, man, am I ready to be home.- Sound of Cooper Brook Falls, voices from the shelter. Post Trail Thoughts:Well, almost one and a half years later and I can say honestly that I do definitely miss is being able to step outside and hike a long day. In fact, I just said that exact thing to Eric this weekend. I loved the way long days felt when they were done on my terms. I needed that feeling on this day.I was bummed to have to leave Melk and Ronin behind that morning but I knew waiting for them meant me being in a bitter mood all day long and, with only having a few days left on the trail, I wanted better than that. I really enjoyed being alone that day and was so excited to see Katahdin and to read a shelter register entry from Sweetwater.I enjoyed my first "breakfast in bed" in my tent that morning and it still sticks out to my as luxurious. I hated being cold!It was odd to be "alone" that night at the shelter when everyone else had shown up in a group. But, it was nice to hang out with everyone! It was a lovely day.