September 9: Woke up to a cold, cold morning. It had been a great night for sleeping-- cold temperatures, warm sleeping bag, and the sound of a babbling brook. But the morning was very cold. Started the day, once again, in long tights, a thermal top, and gloves. On the trail by 6:30, walking up to Newhall Lean-To in the wind. The ascent was gradual, some rock steps and roots to contend with. As we passed the shelter, we saw Wilson coming out of the side trail to begin his day. So he did make his 18 miles yesterday!
The morning continued with a pattern of cold and windy at the summit, warmer as we dropped out of the wind. Since we went up and over a series of summits today (Gulf Hagas Mountain, West Peak, Hay Mountain, White Cap Mountain) the pattern became predicable. We played leap frog back and forth with Rosie and Flo, and Jabba, three hikers involved in the Walking Off the War program. Once past Hay Mountain, we seemed to lose the wind and find the sun, making White Cap Mountain more pleasant.
En route to White Cap, we passed a rock on the trail marked with a "K" and an arrow next to it. The ridge runner yesterday had told us to keep and eye out for this rock. We looked up in the direction of the arrow, and there was our first view of Katahdin!
The morning continued with a pattern of cold and windy at the summit, warmer as we dropped out of the wind. Since we went up and over a series of summits today (Gulf Hagas Mountain, West Peak, Hay Mountain, White Cap Mountain) the pattern became predicable. We played leap frog back and forth with Rosie and Flo, and Jabba, three hikers involved in the Walking Off the War program. Once past Hay Mountain, we seemed to lose the wind and find the sun, making White Cap Mountain more pleasant.
En route to White Cap, we passed a rock on the trail marked with a "K" and an arrow next to it. The ridge runner yesterday had told us to keep and eye out for this rock. We looked up in the direction of the arrow, and there was our first view of Katahdin!
Up on top of White Cap Mountain, we had not only fantastic views, but cell phone reception, too, so I could text my Dad about our estimated arrival in Millenocket.
LOOKING AT HOW FAR WE'VE COME
AND HOW FAR WE HAVE LEFT TO GO.
The descent from White Cap Mountain was a nice departure from the descents of yesterday. We had a couple big step downs and some roots, but nothing that made me wonder where the heck the trail went. By the time we reached Logan Brook Lean-To for second lunch, we were strolling along a forest path.
Second lunch was shared with Flo, Rosie, and Jabba. It was a gorgeous spot; Logan Brook almost looked like it had been designed by some designers for a movie. Though it did have the most disgusting privy on the entire trail! (It was almost as dirty as the Doyle Hotel!)
After second lunch, we continued with some more level, mellow walking. With the exception of one small section that had been re-routed due to property line disputes, the trail also looked like it had been designed for a movie set. We continued on, looking for our destination, a sandy beach at Crawford Lake. In true AT fashion, we went down to the lake, then made a hairpin turn and walked back up a ledge to a rocky overlook, down back toward the lake, away from the lake through the forest, and finally, back down to the lake to find the sandy beach. i should be used to this nonsense by now, but when you are SOOO close to your destination for the night, this kind of meandering can really get on your nerves.
Fortunately, our camp spot made all the pointless meandering worth it! A perfect flat area for tenting, a gorgeous lake, nice temps, and a good water source. We went for a nice dip/ bath before dinner, We had a nice leisurely dinner and watched the sun set.
The descent from White Cap Mountain was a nice departure from the descents of yesterday. We had a couple big step downs and some roots, but nothing that made me wonder where the heck the trail went. By the time we reached Logan Brook Lean-To for second lunch, we were strolling along a forest path.
Second lunch was shared with Flo, Rosie, and Jabba. It was a gorgeous spot; Logan Brook almost looked like it had been designed by some designers for a movie. Though it did have the most disgusting privy on the entire trail! (It was almost as dirty as the Doyle Hotel!)
After second lunch, we continued with some more level, mellow walking. With the exception of one small section that had been re-routed due to property line disputes, the trail also looked like it had been designed for a movie set. We continued on, looking for our destination, a sandy beach at Crawford Lake. In true AT fashion, we went down to the lake, then made a hairpin turn and walked back up a ledge to a rocky overlook, down back toward the lake, away from the lake through the forest, and finally, back down to the lake to find the sandy beach. i should be used to this nonsense by now, but when you are SOOO close to your destination for the night, this kind of meandering can really get on your nerves.
Fortunately, our camp spot made all the pointless meandering worth it! A perfect flat area for tenting, a gorgeous lake, nice temps, and a good water source. We went for a nice dip/ bath before dinner, We had a nice leisurely dinner and watched the sun set.
VIEW OF KATAHDIN ON DESCENT FROM WHITE CAP MOUNTAIN
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