With wet weather threatening most of Southern Maine, I was fortunate to be so far north - the forecast looked a bit nicer. We got up early (0515) and I had time for some reading. It had not stopped raining overnight, unfortunately... We cleaned up campsite and got ready to leave Solon. On the road by 0645, we used US-201A to reach US-201 and then continued to Bingham. We got gas and breakfast at North Country General Store (0800) and then drove north and east on ME-16. After reaching Monson, we took Elliotsville Road (north of town) and located the Little Wilson Falls Camping area (run by the Elliotsville Foundation). I’d been hoping to find a spot where my dad could meet me after I finished a longish hike and, after we checked out the roads and parking, it appeared that the location fit the bill. We then drove north on Bodfish Valley Road until it dead-ended near Long Pond Tote Road, which would also allow me to access the AT. The land there was private but a sign told us the owners allowed day hiking. Since it had stopped raining by this point, I said goodbye to my dad and headed into the woods (0945). The dirt road, which closely followed the Long Pond Stream, was quite muddy but was also rather flat. This meant that I was able to reach the AT with minimal effort after only a little more than a mile of walking. I then started SOBO on the AT from a location just west of the base of Barren Mountain and was quickly reminded of how many roots cover the trails in Maine. It was overcast and cool (mid 60s) and the elevations ranged between 800 and 1300 feet - a far cry from all the 4000+ feet ridges I’ve been on during the Summer of 2022... My FarOut App said that I was about eight miles from Little Wilson Falls, which I’d last visited in October 2014, so I tried to keep up a good pace so I’d reach the end of my hike soon enough that my dad didn’t have too wait too long for me. Along the way, I passed dozens of NOBO Thru hikers (and one section hiker) - all of them seemed very happy to be within 100 miles of finishing the AT (infectious vibes!). About half way through my hike, I took a short break at the Wilson Valley Lean-To. After resuming my hike, I had an unusual experience: I reached Big Wilson Stream and found no bridge or stepping rocks. Instead, there was a rope hung across the 100+ wide river, as though that was all I’d need! I stowed all my gear high up in my backpack and stepped out into the rushing waters, unsure of water depth or footing. I made it about three quarters of the way with water to my knees but then it got deeper and the force of the water increased. By the last 10 feet, I was holding on to the rope for dear life and struggling in the nearly waist deep river. I was quite relieved to make it across - needless to say, I got VERY wet... Before I continued south, I had some funny encounters with other hikers as they assessed the river obstacle. The trail proceeded uphill after this “swim” and I had to put up with a squishy feeling in my shoes, as well as slippery boot treads, as I traversed a rocky section called the Big Wilson Cliffs. Somehow, I made it without falling and then spent the rest of the section in rolling, rocky and rooty conditions. After passing the upper section of Little Wilson Falls, I’d reached my end point. I took a side trail (called “Logging Road” on my map) and soon realized this was a mistake - there were LOTS of trees down and I was basically bushwhacking. Fortunately, I could hear the river below me and was able to find a more-well-traveled (blue blazed) trail that eventually took me to the parking area (1600). My dad was waiting with food (hotdogs & cookies) and drink and this made my 12ish mile, 6+15 hour walk feel like a success! It was nice to relax there, listening to the sound of the river and drying in the sun. As a result, we stayed there until 1730. At that point, we repositioned to the campsite area nearby. My dad had a nice heater that I used to dry my boots and clothes. We were the only people anywhere nearby at that point, so we spent the rest of the daylight listening to the radio, reading, talking and relaxing. After it was dark, I went outside the RV to see if I could spot any Aurora Borealis - no luck, unfortunately... During the evening, we heard a loud, Barred Owl and a passing train. Went to bed by 2100. It was a great day of hiking - hope to get some more HMW miles tomorrow! AT Today = 7.8 miles / Grand Total AT = 2023.4 miles
