Began the day with another great breakfast at the hostel before heading off on the shuttle back to the trail. That place ran like a well oiled machine. I was sad to leave but excited to chip away at the last bit of trail.
A warning sign stood at the entrance to the next section: The 100 Mile Wilderness.
It is a little over stated these days. There is some cell service and private roads can provide access for a food drop or emergency egress. Overall it is still best to be prepared. I had 5 days of supplies and barring mishap that would be plenty.
The day was foggy and rainy which was nice to hike in but meant limited views from peaks and across ponds.
The rain drops did make the spider webs along the trail stand out. You may have to click the photo and zoom in to appreciate the number of webs in the bushes.
On the way up Barren Mountain I passed "Barren Slide" which was closed due to Peregrine Falcon nesting.
At the peak stood the frame of an old fire tower. Had the weather been better I would have been more inclined to climb it.
I stopped at Cloud Pond shelter. It wasn't that late in the day but I didn't have a good reason to push on. Plus, with this being the final section, I didn't want to rush through it.
Another hiker, Jay, was already there. He was planning to hike all of Maine and then decide what to do next. We chatted over dinner.
Unfortunately the weather doesn't look great for the next few days. Hopefully I'll catch a break and get a view here and there.