100 Miles Wilderness

Greetings!

David has called a couple of times when he could get a signal – but, clearly there has never been one long enough to send you an update.  This past week has been rain,  rain, and then more rain.

He says he’s moving pretty slowly because it is so rocky and slippery.  Last Sunday, after falling 5 times in one day, he took a break at the White House Landing Wilderness Camp.  Just south of the Nahmakanta Stream Campsite to Maher Tote Road about a mile to  Permadumcook Lake  - follow shore line about a mile to a boat dock - sound air horn for ferry to the camp.  (You REALLY have to want to get out of the rain!)  It was that or the Potaywadjo Spring Lean-To.  (Do they speak English in Maine?)     

He camped out for the next 4 nights – staying in “Lean-To’s”  (that’s what they call a shelter up north.)  Not his favorite place to sleep – but dryer than under the stars.  There are few, if any  bridges  for crossing the many streams.  He said the deepest has been up to his crotch and the longest about 50 yards.  He has to stop, take off his boots, tie them to his backpack and put on his boat shoes.  Now, he is really grateful he bought those walking sticks!!

No bear or moose so far…but he did have an encounter with a very angry grouse…He’ll have to tell you about that.

On Thursday, again because of the constant rain, David found out about an all-inclusive resort, called the Gorman Chairback on Long Pond.  He took the plunge – found the road to the lodge – and hiked in.  He stayed there for two nights – pampered with all you can eat breakfast, lunch and dinner.  They even did his laundry!  He says we will go back there one day – it was so wonderful.

So, the last word from him was Saturday morning as he was heading back into the wilderness.  He expects to be in Monson, Maine and civilization by Tuesday….if he doesn’t drown.

Take care,

Linda Brantley