Rainbow Dam - Abol Pines Campground
Today felt like a really special day. We woke up in time to watch the sunrise over the lake with Katahdin in the background. The water was calm and the colors in the sky were vibrant; it looked like a scene from a postcard, and it was all right outside our tent!
Rather than going back to sleep, we got an early start on the day and were hiking by 7:30am. It's funny to think back to the days when I had to get up early and rush out of camp, now we get to be lazy and are never in a hurry because the miles come so easily. Much like the rest of the 100MW, the terrain was flat and easy aside from the rocks and roots.
Truffles and I hiked together but didn't talk much, I think we're just comfortable being in each other's presence at this point. We passed some beautiful lakes and streams, but most of the day was insignificant. We left the 100MW with no food and were eager to get to Abol Bridge for lunch.
The store was basically just a gas station, but we feasted nonetheless and loitered for a long time. We walked back to the bridge to drink beer and stare at Katahdin; it's hard to put into words how it feels to be so close.
We set up camp and cooked hot dogs over a fire for dinner. Creature, Dumb Horse, and Party Dave all arrived and joined us around the fire for marshmallows and drinks. I can't describe how happy it makes me to have all my favorite people together and to know we get to summit together. Tonight around the fire felt like the perfect beginning to the end.
