As I mentioned yesterday, my dad had graciously offered to be a shuttle driver so I could get more AT miles in Maine; we tested the logistics today. We awoke (0530) to beautiful weather in the morning and ate a nice breakfast at the hotel. It was great to find that it was only a short drive from Medway to Baxter State Park! After a nice drive through Millinocket (via ME-157, Millinocket Road and Baxter State Park Road), we arrived at the State Park just before 0800. It’s been almost seven years since I visited the area and my dad had never been there. We first stopped at Visitors Center for hiking ideas (for Dad) and directions to pick me up later. We then drove to the Gate Shack, where I paid for our parking pass, and then continued into the Maine Woods on a gravel park road. We parked at Katahdin Stream Campground and I showed my dad some good views of the mountain before I headed into the woods on the AT (SOBO, 0845). Since the trail crossed another park road within the first few miles (near Daicey Pond Campground), my dad drove over to meet me there. After I arrived, he accompanied me on the trail for about a mile and we stopped to see a series of cascades which culminated in the impressive “Big Niagara” waterfall. At that point, we parted - Dad hiked back to his car and drove to my planned endpoint, the Abol Bridge. Meanwhile, I walked about another seven miles of AT. This section was really great because everyone I passed was an NOBO Thru hiker that was only about 15 miles from completing the entire 2200 mile AT. All the excitement and positivity was infectious! I lost count of all the hikers after I’d passed more than 30 but everyone was smiling and admiring any views of Katahdin that we passed. I had a great chat with one young guy, trail name “Yonder”, and learned a lot about the 100-Mile Wilderness. The terrain was mostly flat for the entire section and I had the pleasant company of the mighty Penobscot River on my right for several miles. The temps were cool but pleasant and my legs seemed fresh for such an easy jaunt. Before I expected it, I reached the park boundary and got a glimpse of Katahdin, crowned with clouds. I talked to a “gatekeeper” from the ATC (he checked on peoples’ plans as they came and went) just before I reached Golden Road. Soon after (1345), I saw my dad’s car waiting at the Campground Store (he’d only arrived 15 minutes earlier!). I walked across the Abol Bridge and found the end-point of the 100-Mile Wilderness - will have that adventure next year! After over 10 miles of new trail, rewarded myself with some Gifford’s ice cream at the Abol Bridge Campground Store (1405). (My dad commented that the lady inside wasn't nice to him but I didn't have any issues (hiker bias?). We then drove back to civilization via Golden Road, Millinocket Road and then ME-157. When we reached I-95, we used it to drive all the way back to ME-139 (basically, a backtrack of yesterday's drive) and took it west to US-2. It was already about 1700 so we stopped to check out the nightly rate at the Farmington Motel - that turned out to be a good idea and we decided to stay there. I took a bath (soaking sore muscles) and posted on Facebook. We later went to dinner at Taco Bell / KFC (1850) and got gas at Irving (1945) in Farmington. Back at room, had to weather MJ and loud music all evening... I read part of one of my dad’s new books until it got quiet at around 2200. I talked with Dad until late and then read until bed (2359). Had a great day on the AT - especially since my dad joined me! I'm hoping to hike in the Bigelow Range tomorrow. AT Today = 10.1 miles / G.T. AT = 1853.9 miles
