7/29/06 Saturday: US201 Caratunk, ME to Moxie Bald Lean-to (18.8mi)

\PICTURES:
1&2 The day started out quite nice with a 6 mile gradual climb to the base of Pleasant Mtn... Course there were the ever present blowdowns with the rock&root walk to keep you on your toes...;)
3. A look back during my ascent of Pleasant Mtn..
4. OHHH!!! Wild Blueberry's everywhere on Pleasant Mtn... mmmmmm very tasty too...:)...
5. A view north of Moxie Bald Mtn from the summit of Pleasant Mtn...
6. Passing bye Moxie Pond on the way to Moxie Bald Mtn...
7. I walked around the perimeter of this beaver pond near Bald Mtn Brook Lean-to actually walking on the sticks retaining the water in the pond... Much of the trail around this pond was relocated to higher ground due to flooding...
8. A rather large moose track on the way from the beaver pond... I came across many of therse but this was by far the largest... Never did get my moose pic..:(
9. Unique rock formation on the way to Moxie Bald Summit...
10. Open rock face of Moxie Bald Mtn. ... Incredible views in every direction...
11&12 Views to the SW of Moxie Pond from Moxie Bald Mtn...
13. Sunset captured during my descent from Moxie Bald Mtn... A fitting end to a gorgeous day... About a mile to go to the shelter at dusk...

After a great breakfast, Mr. Longley drove me the mile back to the trail head and set me on my way north... I thanked him for his hospitality and began another leg of my trip to Katahdyn... It was a very pleasant day with plenty of sun and a nice breeze. Temps were in the 70's and quite comfortable... By 1100, I had made the initial 5 mile trip to Pleasant Pond Lean-to and took a short break before starting the 1200' ascent in less than 2 miles.. The climb wasnt too harsh and soon I was standing on the baldsummit admiring the views in every direction.. I took a moment as I often do to phone Jackie and catch up on current events as well as remind her how much I do love her... It was a long descent to a logging road before my next challenge of the day... I stopped in to the Bald Mtn Brook Lean-to for dinner to regain my strength and tackle Moxie Bald Mtn... A 1500' ascent in less than 2 miles, with spectacular views from in every direction... As with most multiple ascent days, MoxieBald was slow going but I only needed to make it to the Lean-to on the other side of the mountain to end my day... I spent extra time on the summit to chat with my wife and other relatives before grabbing a sunset picture and heading down to the shelter... I arrived at the shelter at dusk to find 2 southbound section hikers already in their sleeping bags.. We chatted a bit while I cooked some dinner and set up my bag for the night... The shelter and multiple tenting sites are nicely situated in the NW corner or Bald Mtn Pond. I got a full appreciation of the beauty of the spot in the morning...:)...