With a short day planned for today, Brent and I took our time getting ready. Even though we hadn't had any rain the last couple of days, it is still a challenge to try to keep everything dry. We had wet clothes from swimming, wet boots and socks from crossing streams, and despite clear skies, the morning dew seemed to make its way into our tents and make our tents and sleeping bags damp. We laid our things out and let the morning sun do its thing. We didn't get on the trail until after 8:00. Within a half mile we passed Wadleigh Stream Lean-to.
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Today's section had one big obstacle in our way, Nesuntabunt Mountain. Not a huge mountain, but we had 600-700 feet of elevation gain.
Trail???
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That's more like it, a stone staircase.
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We reached the summit!
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We were hoping for a view today, so we were more than willing to take this short side trip.
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We had a great view of Nahmakanta Lake . . .
. . . and Mount Katahdin.
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We did make one mistake today. There had been plenty of lakes and streams the last few days. We put off getting water, and we were now out. We wouldn't die of thirst, but the next few miles would be tough. After climbing down the mountain, we found a little trail humor. A crutch and oxygen tank left by a tree. There was a note on the tank that read: In case you need some help finishing.
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We finally got to some water at Crescent Pond.
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We prefer to get our water from streams, so we decided we could wait a little longer. The trail gets close to Pollywog Stream. We can get water there. Big mistake. My AT map which is usually quite accurate showed a decrease in elevation in this area. We ended up having to go up a fairly good size hill. Brent doesn't look too happy does he? I wasn't too happy at this particular moment either.
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We were close to the stream, but it was a couple hundred feet down. As we came down the other side, we met our first nobo thru hiker of the trip. I could tell she was pumped and congratulated her on being so close to the finish. The AT finally got within a few feet of the stream. That cold drink of water sure was good. The trail then intersects with a logging road and goes over this bridge.
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Pollywog Stream from the bridge
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We had lots of water now as the trail followed Rainbow Stream. It's a beautiful stream with lots of cascades. I couldn't resist jumping in and cooling off in the midst of these cascades.
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Rainbow Stream Lean-to
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Passing Rainbow Deadwaters
Do you see a theme yet? Between today and tomorrow I will pass Rainbow Stream, Rainbow Stream Lean-to, Rainbow Deadwaters, Rainbow Dam, Rainbow Lake, Rainbow Spring, Rainbow Spring Campsite, Rainbow Mountain, and Rainbow Ledges.
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How's this for a cool tree?
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Brent and I decided to take the short side trail to Rainbow Dam.
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The dam was very small and not impressive, but the view of Katahdin was.
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We continued on another 2 miles until we reached the tentsite.
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I set up my tent . . .
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. . . and then went down to Rainbow Spring which was right next to the lake.
The ice cold water was perfect for lemonade.
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We went for a swim at Rainbow Lake.
I've never backpacked before, and Maine's 100 mile wilderness is perfect for it. There are lots of streams, rivers, and lakes where you can rinse off so you don't feel so gross at the end of the day.
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Now it's time to get a fire going to help dry out some wet clothes.
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There, how's that?
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Ok, I admit it. I didn't really use the sticks. Brent started the fire with his lighter. Before we built the fire, I noticed a pair of socks in the pit.
"Someone threw their socks in there."
"Yeah, they're mine," said Brent. "They're full of holes."
As the fire started to die down, Brent added, "I think my socks are done."
As Brent watched the fire burn out, I went down to Rainbow Lake and watched the sunset.
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One more day and we will be out of the wilderness. I sure hope Brent's truck is still there.
