Date: 2015-08-17
From: Caratunk

To: Camp site 2062.7
Miles today: 24.7

It was another early start today. We were up at 05:40 and had our breakfast of doughnuts and coffee. Sugar and caffeine to get you going in the morning. It was a quick breakfast and I was on the trail at 06:30.    The morning was foggy and there was a heavy dew, so everything was damp. The trail started out quite nice the first few miles. It was the usual Maine roots, rocks and mud but it was a nice steady climb and not to steep. That all changes when I went past Pleasant Pond shelter.    The trail climbed 1100 feet in just a bit more than a mile. There were several rock scrambles where the trekking poles were put away and it was pulling yourself up and over rocks. Eventually I made it to the top soaking wet from sweat and very tired. I was rewarded with some great views and an awesome patch of blueberries.   I decided to take my morning break here and pick some blueberries.   After stuffing myself on blueberries I picked another quart to take with me on the trail.    I started the descent and came upon the first of 3 snakes I saw today. It has been unusually hot in Maine the last few days; that might be why the snakes are so active. I dropped down 1500 feet to a gravel logging road. Lavander was going to meet me there for lunch. About a mile before I got there I met 3 south bounders and they asked me if I was Count. I said yes of course and they told me Lavander was waiting at the road. Lavander had done some trail magic for the 3 hikers. She had provides them a cold soda and some snacks. Something every thru-hiker much appreciates. Soon I was at the road crossing and I had a nice hour long lunch break with Lavander. She also provided a cold soda and a non-typical hiker lunch. Too soon lunch was over and it was back to hiking. It was anther 12 by 12 today!    Again the trail started off to be fairly easy with a nice gentle climb. That soon ended as I started the 1600 foot ascent of Moxie Bald Mountain. That last 500 feet of elevation gain was mostly rock scrambles. My shirt was soaked with sweat by the time I made it to the top. I think as quick as I drink water I sweat it right out. I had to stop for a break at the top because I was exhausted. I met a couple who was flip flopping the trail and had a nice conversation with them during my break.   The next section of trail was quite pleasant. The trail was up on the ridgeline which was solid granite and no trees so I had fantastic views. Then it was time to descend down to the valley. The trail for the next 5 miles was very rocky and really muddy in lots of places. I had to stop and take my boots off to ford a small river. The water felt great on my hot tired feet. I took as nice break waiting for my feet to dry before putting my boots back on. I finally made it to a spot I had hoped to stealth camp but the sites didn't look that great. So I continued on another mile to a spot next to a river. I will have to ford the river tomorrow morning. So this will be a good spot to camp for the night. That way I can ford the river first thing in the morning before putting on my hiking boots.      I got camp set up and now it is time for dinner and some rest. It has been a long hard day. I hiked 24.7 miles and I'm tired. Thankfully, I had cold chicken wings and a sandwich for dinner. No cooking. I'm glad as I am very tired.