September 12

Hit the trail this morning under beautiful blue skies and temps around 70. We are so thankful for the weather conditions and it looks good until Sunday with 30% chance of showers.

Spent most of yesterday and last night in Caratunk at a lodge/brewery. A very cool place that attracts hikers, fisherman, rafters/kayakers, quads, snowmobilers and hunters. We enjoyed some good food and hot tub.
Did not have the energy for pool volleyball like the younger crowd but was fun to watch.
My knee is doing much better with more tame terrain and acti-patch treatment every night thanks to Robin Walker. I feel confident that I can finish this with minimum discomfort.

Our hike was awesome today. Had a few good views, a swim in the lake and a challenging river crossing that I rock hopped and Gravity waded with her water shoes. Maine has been spectacular and I would really like to come back someday for a fishing/hiking trip.

We have a campsite next to a flowing stream. Enjoyed the evening with Sparky from Arizona originally from TN and Passion Flower of FL originally from Utah. Built a fire, ate our dinner and did some star gazing. Trying to savor these last few nights with only about 10 before it is over.

We will have a full hike Thursday then half on Friday before hitting our last town of Monson before entering the 100 mile wilderness that takes us to our final climb.

We ran into Razor a ridge runner we met way back in Georgia. He is hiking southbound the entire state of Maine. He told us to not race through but enjoy this last bit of the journey. All the hikers are getting excited about being only 10 days or so out from Khatadin. I'm told the final climb can be very emotional foremost and that is what I am expecting

Thinking of our family and friends everyday.

EZ