Days 63 - 65 on the Trail - 700 Mile Mark!

Dave made it to Caratunk on Tuesday morning.

As of 08/23/11:
Miles in the last 3 days - 31.3
Miles to date - 710.3

Can you believe Dave has hiked/climbed over 700 miles??!! He has "only" 150 miles to go to the end of the Appalachian Trail on top of Mt. Katahdin.  (Side note:  I can't tell you how often I've typed 'trial' instead of 'trail' - I think either spelling is appropriate!)

Pierce Pond Lean-to

Dave spent the night at the Little Bigelow Lean-to Sunday night after hiking 10 miles.  He was at the Pierce Pond Lean-to Monday night after hiking 17 miles!  I think that may be his record day, I'll have to look. Tuesday he had only 3.8 miles to get to Caratunk, but was aware he had to take a ferry to cross the Kennebec River and wanted to get to the ferry early, not knowing the schedule or how long it would take to get across.  He covered the 3.5 miles to the river in the early morning and was one of the first two people there.  The ferry eventually showed up -- it was a 3-passenger canoe!  Or maybe I should say 2-passengers and the 'ferry operator.'

This is the warning found in guidebooks which included the red highlights:

     "The Kennebec River is the most formidable un-bridged crossing along the entire 2,174-mile Appalachian Trail. 
     "The Kennebec is approximately 70 yards wide with a swift, powerful current under the best of circumstances. However, as a result of releases of water from hydro facilities upstream, the depth and current of the river surge quickly and unpredictably. You cannot cross faster than the water level rises.
     "Hikers will be required to sign a release form, wear a life jacket, and follow the instructions of the ferry operator. If river conditions or weather make the crossing dangerous in the judgment of the ferry operator, the service will be discontinued until conditions improve."

Many people have lost their lives over the years attempting to ford the river, so the Appalachian Trail Conference hires a paddler to ferry them.  In season, he makes 30 crossings a day.

It was just 0.3 miles into the town of Caratunk, which Dave says is nothing more than a few buildings.  The Northern Outdoor Center is 2 miles away with a few bunkrooms and a lodge with rooms and a restaurant.  Dave did not have a reservation, but since he was one of the first people off the ferry, he was able to snag the last $12/night bunk.  He heard one of the hikers trying to check in later, moaning and groaning about having to pay $107 for a lodge room.  The room included 2 double beds, a twin and a kitchenette.  The hiker was able to find others to share the room - and cost.  For a vacation, the price is reasonable, especially after seeing what it looks like.  Through-hikers just want a mattress, shower, and a place to do their laundry.  Very few can afford $100/night.

The lodge looks fantastic.  I couldn't copy pictures off their website, here's the web address of their photo gallery.  I've tried to make it a link but haven't figured it out yet.  http://www.northernoutdoors.com/site/gallery.html

Dave was happy with his bunk room, especially after having taken a 20 minute hot shower and doing his laundry.  Not at the same time.  He ate dinner at the lodge and had a couple of beers.  He was in excellent spirits but still recovering physically from his 17 mile hike. He said he won't try to go that far again, even as the trail gets easier in Maine.

Dave likes to meet and talk to Nobo (northbound) hikers, getting to know people he may be running into in the future and always looking for a good hiking companion.  He had a short conversation with one hiker in the Outdoor Center store and was leaving when a guy (obviously not a hiker) caught up with him and said, Did I hear you are from Savannah? The guy kept thinking Dave looked familiar and wanted to find out if and how he knew Dave.  Turns out his name is Bruce Bateman, lives one street away from us and has worked with Dave maintaining the decoys on the lagoons in our community!

Bruce's family has owned land in Caratunk since the 1800's.  Bruce happened to be in the Outdoor Center sending a fax when Dave walked in.  There is no cell or internet service, just landlines and Dave was using the Center's phone.  What a coincidence!  I forgot to ask Dave if Bruce will still be there after Labor Day.  We have two sets of good friends who have camps near Stratton but both of them will be gone by the time I'm getting Dave. Maine must have quite the summer season!

Dave plans to be in Monson, ME by Saturday and will have no cell service until then.  I'll be in Denver with my 6 (out of 7) Lindley cousins, celebrating Vicki's birthday.  I get home Sunday evening, so you can expect the next blog posting on Monday 8/29 at the earliest.