Abol Bridge to Katahdin Stream Campground

We only had 10 leisurely miles to do today and we'd heard the trail was flat and easy. Got a late start and Murphy and I just meandered along. Much of the trail was along the Penobscot River, so it was really beautiful.

We dilly dallied as much as we could but still got in to the campground by 2. We went to check in at the ranger station for our summit tomorrow. I am number 304 for this year. There are two lean-to's reserved for thru hikers here, but they are back in the woods, so since it was early, we positioned ourselves at the bottom of the trail so we could cheer for whoever came down from their summit. It was a good weather day for them!

Not long after we sat down, a few started emerging from the trail, with dazed looks on their faces. I imagine it will take awhile to really sink in. First, Acorn and White Rabbit, then Shakes, Twist, then Pogano and Kickapoo, and then Stark.

We sat around with them for awhile and then they loaded up to get in to Millinocket and try to figure out how to get home.

We decided to head on to the shelter. Several other hikers here, but it is strangely quiet. Everyone is relaxed but anxiously anticipating the mountain tomorrow.

There are always mice around the shelters, but here there is a very brazen two-headed mouse. Yep....a two headed mouse. I tried to get a photo, but he was uncooperative. 

We are building a big fire for our last night. Swapping stories and memories. Early to bed and then an early start in the morning, for the final 5 mile trek up to the northern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. Holy cow. Can. Not. Believe it.

Thoreau quote for the day. Pretty insightful fellow.

"What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals."