Weatherman was slack packing today so we split the ride back out to the Flagstaff trailhead after breakfast. From there I headed north.
Today instead of passing over peaks I was passing by ponds. These included West Carry Pond, East Carry Pond, and finally Pierce Pond where I ended the day.
According to the guide:
“Carry” ponds are so named because they were used for portage.
The AT follows a route where, in 1775, the American army moved through to attack Quebec.
Along the way I was startled by hearing my name called out. Candyman had hiked until 1AM and was camped near the trail. He caught me passing by and I let him know where I was headed.
I saw three SOBOs (southbound hikers) today. Only one introduced himself: Gen-X Jeb.
All the ponds were very beautiful. I had lunch at the second one, and soaked my legs and feet in the third one just before dinner.
I stopped relatively early because there was a river crossing coming up that is done only by ferry. The free hours are limited and I didn't think it was worth paying for the extra flexibility.
Met Jane and Jane, two retired nurses, at the shelter. They are section hiking the AT and one of them is very close to finishing. We chatted over dinner before I went to my tent to avoid the bugs. Everyone else was in the shelter sleeping with bug nets on. No thanks.