Applachian Trail / Maine Wilderness - 6/13/05 Events

We saw a Ruffed Grouse!! He spread out his tail and neck feathers. We had heard this species in the Whites during a training hike (it makes a nearly subsonic flapping sound that travels long distances).This time, we actually saw him on the side of a run-down road right before camp.

Ron saw a garter snake.

There was a doe on the other side of the river from the camp site.

Whip-poor-wills sang right after dark.

6/13/2005

Applachian Trail / Maine Wilderness - 6/14/05 Events

Saw a Loon diving in the Penobscot River. Didn't get to hear the call. This is a new species for Ara's life list.

6/14/2005

Applachian Trail / Maine Wilderness - The Opening Sign

"It is 100 miles south to the nearest town at Monson. There are no places to obtain supplies or help until Monson. Do not attempt this section unless you have a minimum of 10 days supplies and are fully equipped. This is the longest wilderness section of the entire AT and its difficulty should not be underestimated... Good hiking! MATC"

This sign marks the start of the 100 mile wilderness, a half mile from Abol Bridge.

Naturally this is where second thoughts usually occur. Fortunately, we didn't change our minds, because the upcoming experience will be amazing.

See also…

• Trail Signs

6/14/2005

Applachian Trail / Maine Wilderness - Conifer Base Polypore

This mushroom at Hurd Brook Lean-to is collecting pine needles. The distinctive dark mass that seems to be flowing onto the upper surface identifies this as the Conifer-base Polypore (Heterobasidion annosum); this is one of the fungi that is most destructive conifers.

See also…

• Mushrooms and Fungi

6/14/2005

Applachian Trail / Maine Wilderness - Cool Roots At Hurd Brook

This golden birch tree near Hurd Brook either been undermined by erosion or perhaps simply had a very strange growth pattern. In any event, the roots have formed a complex set of "legs" that seem about to spirit it away.

See also…

• Roots

6/14/2005

Thru Hike