Tag Archives: long-distance adventures

I didn’t want to risk falling or having to be rescued. Having experienced this type of situation before, I reluctantly turned around and began my descent to the campground as clouds scudded by and the rain continued (see photo).

I rock hopped across the Lower Fork of Nesowadnehunk Stream, and then another stream. Happily, I kept my feet dry. The trail turned uphill and passed Big Niagara Falls- which wasn’t that big (see photo). I slowly gained elevation, passing Daicy and Grassy Ponds.

The site turned out to be exceptionally beautiful with Mount Katahdin reflected in an arm of the West Branch of the Penobscot River (see photo).

The day started with a level trail for 2 miles, followed by a 300-foot climb-then a descent to the Potaywadjo Lean-to where I met 4 day hikers. The trail stayed flat for the next 7 miles but with lots of roots and rocks. Can you find the trail in the photo? It’s in the middle.

After descending for two miles, something marvelous happened: The trail improved dramatically. Instead of roots and rocks, the tread was smooth and duffy (see photo). I wondered if I had taken another trail, but the white blazes showed I was on the AT. I dined on peanut butter for lunch at Cooped Brook then continued gradually downhill to Cooper Brook Lean-to.

The trail grade moderated such that I could actually hike rather than picking my way around rocks and over roots. I passed by a small waterfall (see photo) and continued downhill following a stream. By and by, the sun came out for a while then retreated. The last part of the day followed a wide, well-used trail that tourists used to see a large waterfall.