Rainbow Lake
June 18, 2010 6:09 pm 1 Comment
Date: 6.18.2010
Location: Rainbow Lake, Maine
Today was my first full day of hiking the trail after taking a zero day to recover from summiting Katadihn.
I hiked the 10 miles out of Baxter State Park. After that you go a little ways down a logging road and begin the “100 Miles of Wilderness”
There is a sign at the entrance warning hikers not to begin this without 10 days supplies, it is the longest stretch of wilderness in the Appalachian trail, and not to underestimate the seriousness of this stretch.
I headed in knowing I didn’t have 10 days supplies but closer to 6. I figured it couldn’t take much longer than that to do 100 miles.
I headed in and hiked another 7 miles.
Most hikers tend to stay at the shelters or “lean to’s” as they are frequently called. These are essentialy just 3 walled wood structure’s with a roof.
I think they are disgusting. I look at the floors and wonder how many dirty sweaty hikers have layed on them and since they provide shelter from the rain I don’t see how they ever get cleaned. They are also notorious for rodents.
Anyhow I passed the first shelter in the 100 miles and kept on going, knowing I have a hammock and can set up just about anywhere.
I had a goal to try and make it to Rainbow Lake as marked in the data book. I pushed on and made it and found a beautiful camp spot right in the edge if the lake. I am so happy to have passed in camping near the lean to and thrilled to have made 17 miles in my first full day if hiking.
Having a hammock sure has advantages as to where you can set up out here. No need to use the shelters, no need for flat ground, just 2 tree’s and they are everywhere:)
I took a dip in the lake to clean up, made dinner, treated water for tomorrow and am now headed to bed. What a amazing camp spot!!!