Miles: 6.1 (plus 0.2 sidetrip)
Couldn't sleep too well last night. I think the bed was too soft and it was way too hot. It's gotten in the 90s in the past couple of days. No wonder we're going through so much water. Heard today that a 16-year old boy died on Katahdin yesterday from heat exhaustion. They closed the trails up until Saturday. Not good news for the NOBO's (north-bounders) we saw yesterday. It's supposed to cool off tonight, though. A cold front is coming through the area and causing some thunderstorms. The breeze from it is already refreshing.
Today was a short one. Started off with an AYCE breakfast at White House Landing (mmm... crispy bacon). Then back on the trail for us. My knee was hurting a bit, but we took a long pack-off break at a swimming hole. Cold water, warm sand and a nice breeze made for a relaxing break.
Got to Antler's Campsite around 2 and then I went off to see the famous privy. There's a sign on it that says "Fort Relief." Pretty funny! It has a real door on it, a window with a curtain (can't let the moose see your caboose!) and the trail register. I suppose because there's no shelter, MATC (Maine Appalachian Trail Club) keeps the register in the privy. Reading through it, there are lots of comments like "write a note and then tear a page out to wipe" or "ewww... I wonder how many dirty hands touched this book." Good backcountry humor.
I think the break at White House Landing was just what I needed - real food. It's so incredibly delicious. However, I'm a happy camper to be on the Trail again. I'm just praying that my knee holds up - it'll be a long couple of days coming up.
Until tomorrow...
- Restful Bobo
PS - Right after I finished this entry, a torrential downpour started. We got the rainfly on in time and then had a minor heart attack when our stove didn't start. As it was raining, we sat in the tent and cleaned it out - piece by piece. We were also joined by two guys, both recently retired. They look in better shape than me and Kevin! After the rain, we started the stove again and it worked (phew!).