After the 15 out of Stratton we awoke to rain. No fun. Despite the weather we pushed 17 miles to the Pierce Pond Lean-to. The hike was not fun, but we kept our spirits high none the less. The lean to at Pierce Pond sits right on the banks of one of Maine's most pristine bodies of water. Stocked with land locked salmon and home to some huge trout. A traditional Maine sportsman's camp also sits on the banks of the pond,and from the lean-to it was a .4 mile hike to the camp in the morning for its famous hiker breakfast! 12 pancakes, sausage,eggs,coffee, and juice! It was amazing! I had no problem cleaning my plate. The camp was similar to the hut system in the Whites, but far more rustic and laid back. Tim,the owner, has been operating solo for the past 20 years. Breakfast was just the start of an amazing day. 3 miles past the lean-to on the AT is the Kennebeck river, home to the only ferry crossing on the trail. Dave, the ferry man, is out from August thru October, 4 hours a day ferrying hikers across the Kennebec 2 at a time in his Canoe. It was pretty cool. The trail leading to the river, skirted the banks of Pierce stream with several log bridges and waterfalls. The last of the log bridges was really sketchy, and just as Bella reached the far bank she slipped and fell off the bridge 6 feet to the creek below. She was soaked, but for her first trail folley, and experience with deep water, she came through with flying colors, soaked to the bone, but still bright eyed and bushy tailed. Once across the Kennebec we were in the town of Caratunk,Maine, population 45! We stayed in Caratunk at Northern Outdoor Resort. A rafting camp home to a brewery and 30 person hot tub attached to the lodge/bar. The place was packed with tourists and I hadn't seen so many good looking women in a LONG time. We soaked it up with some PBRs and a nice campfire. Instead of cabins, they had cabin tents for really cheap, so that was the route we took. Overall it was a fun off trail experience. As I write this, we are in Monson, Maine the last town before Katahdin. I'm 114.5 miles from the northern terminus! After my final resupply tomorrow, we start into the 100 mile wilderness! It seems like just yesterday I was getting off the train in Harpers Ferry, now I'm only a week away from finishing the 1st half of my quest. Katahdin isn't the end for me but I imagine it will still be an emotional time. This trip is far from over, and still I have more stories than I can type, 800 pictures, and memories that will stay with me for the rest of my life. The trail provides.

-Fresh and Bella the Mountain Dog
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