We woke up (0600) to a beautiful morning on the banks of Pleasant River (still in the KI / Jo Mary area)! My dad made us a delicious breakfast with blueberry pancakes! After cleaning up our campsite, we made our way out of the area on KI Road. At the KI Checkpoint, my dad’s RV started to overheat so we stopped to figure out what was wrong with it. I’ll admit that I started to think our hiking trip was done - the rig is a bit old, after all. But we were able to add water to the radiator (thanks to some help from the checkpoint staff) and get things back to normal. Crisis averted, we drove out to ME-11 and continued south into the town of Brownville so we could fill up our gas tank (0900). This decision provided a level of security before we drove back into the KI / Jo Mary Multi-Use Area again... This time, we drove farther north on ME-11 and entered at the Jo Mary Checkpoint. From there, we drove about 13 miles up the logging roads (Jo Mary and Johnston Pond) to a place where the AT crossed through the area. When we arrived at the trailhead, we found a re-supply driver from Shaw’s Hiker Hostel (Monson) who was giving food to three NOBO Thru hikers. I said goodbye to my dad here (1130) and he backtracked to Jo Mary Road (and followed it out to the trailhead on the opposite end of the section). Meanwhile, I started NOBO and walked around Crawford Pond. For the first time since I can remember, I was hiking in a nearly flat section. It felt strange not to have to use side trails or climb huge mountains. Instead, I was able to keep up a torrid pace! Of course, I was in Maine and had the usual mud, roots and bridgeless river crossings to overcome... Still, it was great to have a rather easy walk! Early on, I passed two groups of people (4 older women SOBO, 2 younger guys NOBO) working on a HMW Traverse. Otherwise, I was alone most of the time. Towards the end, I got passed by three NOBO Thru hikers (and passed two more who were taking a break). Most everyone was in good spirits with the nice weather and approaching ends of their AT journey. Other highlights of the section: sounds of rushing water (streams everywhere), cooler temps (very little sweating), Cooper Brook Falls Shelter and a shady forest. I made great time to Jo Mary Road, arriving at 1430 after 7 miles of walking. I didn’t see my dad but the re-supply driver from Shaw’s was working his magic at this trailhead by then and told me I’d only have to walk a short distance on the road until I found him (he was right). Since I was done early, we decided to leave the area and drive south - inclement weather was coming and we decided it would be nice to have options for the next day’s hike or drive. We drove back out to ME-11 and headed south, stopping for another gas fillup at Irving in Brownville (1620). We then continued south until we were able to get on ME-16. Heading west, we stopped for milk at Shaws in Dover Foxcroft (1730) and then switched to ME-150. We enjoyed a relaxing drive through the countryside until we got lost near the end of our journey. Since we were near Solon by that point, we got a campsite at The Evergreens Campground again (1900). It was nice to finally get a shower! We then read/talked/relaxed until bedtime (2200). Even if weather prevents another day of Maine AT hiking, I’ve had a great week in the woods. My dad, his dog (Anna) and his trusty 1986 Toyota Crossman) have been a great pit crew for me this week! I’m feeling pretty energized and look forward to my next visit! AT Today = 7.0 miles / G.T. AT = 2037.4 miles / AT Left = 147.9 miles
