East Carry Pond & 1000 Miles Hiked

We hit 1000 miles!!! I don’t think I can quite wrap my head around the fact that I’ve hiked 1000 miles. I am proud of those miles and also aware that I’m still just shy of halfway, still a long way to go. Everyday brings more miles and I’m just trying to stay right where my feet are each day.

After resupplying in the itty bitty village of Caratunk we took the Kennebec River Ferry which can’t be forded since the river level can change in an instant by up to four feet so a Maine guide takes you across in a canoe. We were told by other hikers that to tip him for a surprise so when we got to shore I handed him a fiver and he let us know he was ‘King of the Kennebec’ and blessed us for a safe journey using his canoe paddle dipped in the river water.

We hiked nine miles to camp. It was a strenuous hike as the trail follows water/waterfalls for a few of those miles and the trail is really washed out. Maine is gorgeous. There are so many lakes and ponds that for the most part I lose track of the names by midday each day.

We camped right next to East Carry Pond (I remembered the name of this one!) which was a beautiful spot. We were lucky enough to get to camp and set up in time for a sunset dinner over the pond and then I woke up at 5:30 the next morning and had my coffee on a rock overlooking the pond watching the sun come back up. It was so peaceful watching the sun bring the reflection of the trees in the water closer. I listened to the birds and squirrels. The squirrels were extra noisy and weren’t shy about coming near our tent. I watched the ducks fishing for their breakfast. The dragonflies skirted back and forth on the edge of the water. I’ve never seen such big dragonflies. I think they are well fed with all the water insects. It was a wonderful morning. Still on the lookout for the elusive moose though!

After breakfast we hiked to the next pond where we took a dip in the water. Maine has been just amazing. Much tougher terrain, but equally fantastic payoffs with the new scenery and views.

~Zipsss ✌️?