Day 2- Katahdin Stream Campground to Hurd Brook Lean-to 13.5 miles

Today I woke up with the sunrise at 4:45 a.m. My sleep was so peaceful- I truly love sleeping outside.  The sound that was right next to me all night was the same sound that so many people listen to on machines while trying to fall asleep in their homes. Making it even better, the lean-tos have only 3 walls, so I was still open to the nature around me. My lean-to's open wall was pointed straight at the stream :). I wrote Bomber a letter thanking him for the trail magic and his kind words and left it hanging on a rake so he'd see it later in the day. With about 30 lbs on my back (including 10 days worth of food) I strolled out of the campgrounds and headed out with Justin for the 100 mile wilderness, which is actually a bit more than 100 miles. The morning was beautiful- a perfectly cool summer morning in Maine.

A perfect place to rest for a minute (or two, or three.....)

I felt like a million bucks strolling through the woods. I think the excitement of summiting Katahdin was still coursing through my body. About a mile into the hike, though, it became very apparent to me that I would be needing insoles. The arches of my feet were still upset from the day before and it just got worse. My poor feet just weren't used to so much use! My knees were still upset as well, so I took a break every hour or so to give everything a brief rest. 10 miles later, I came to my beacon of light for the day, Abol Bridge Campstore. I got a big burger and a beer with Justin and we had a cheers to the day and the hike.  Knowing that I wouldn't see another burger in 100 miles made it all the more delicious.

Cheers!

I was completely satisfied with the day as I continued on to Hurd Brook Lean-to. This lean-to is another beautiful one. The brook is just down the path and there were large rocks in the water that were perfect to sit on and soak my feet. I was pretty tired from the day's trek so I settled in while Bill and Justin were reading and Biff did yoga. It's such a relaxing setting out here.


 In the register: "This is it! Travel light, live light, spread the light, be the light".  <-- so beautiful :)
"Why is this called Hurd Brook? It should be called Hurting Brook!" Hahaha so true!