Make it count: Day #152

Tuesday, August 11th - Day #152 - AT Hike

Miles Hiked Today - 4.0
Total Miles Hiked on AT - 2041.8/2,193 (93.11%). 151.2 miles left!!

Pierce Pond Lean To (2037.8) to Caratunk (2041.8) - Sterling Inn in Caratunk

Total ascent - 182’
Total descent - 821’

Total States Completed - 13/14

**No Rain - Warm again today. Highs in the mid 80’s

———-

The last Nero for me on the AT! It’s been a great day. It started with a huge breakfast at Harrison’s Pierce Pond Camp. We were joined at breakfast by Always and Sunny. 13 pancakes (raspberry, apple, blueberry - for red, white, and blue), a huge helping of eggs, and sausage links. We all rolled out of camp back to the AT to hike our 4 miles into Caratunk. (I couldn’t actually finish the 13 pancakes - but I tried hard).

The 4 miles went slowly - but there was great scenery - as we walked near a flowing stream most of the way. We made it to the Kennebec River around 9:30am. The ferry was 1 guy in a canoe that took each of us over separately to the other side. It was fun! We got to paddle as well. When we got to the other side - the guy commented that we were one of the fastest crossings he can remember. I was just powering the paddle through the water - it was cool to do something athletic other than hiking.

After we crossed the river - we had 1/4 mile to our shuttle pickup. It’s been a relaxing day. I got my shower and laundry done right away. Then ate lunch, shaved, and got my resupply setup into Monson.

I took a nap this afternoon and then got my rental car figured out for Saturday, August 22nd. The plan after completing Katahdin is to get a shuttle into a Hostal in Millinocket to stay the night (as it will be late once we descend off Katahdin). Then - the morning of Sat, August 22nd - we’ll get a shuttle to Bangor from Millinocket. Sam, Granger/Slider and I plan to head to Bangor together. We’re still figuring out the rental car situation. I am renting a car for sure and driving back to St Louis. I’ll take 2 days to get back. I’m trying to reduce the risk of Covid exposure by driving versus flying. Then - upon arrival into St Louis - I may need to quarantine (still don’t have that figured out yet).

It’s 5pm now - we’re going out to dinner at a brew pub tonight. I wanted to have most things done so I can get some sleep after dinner. We have 2 huge days into Monson. 18.8 and 17.9. Tomorrow will be particularly difficult - with over 4,000’ vertical ascent. Only 10 days left!!!! Keep staying strong! Keep healthy and safe! I can do this!!

Goodnight from Caratunk, ME!