We did this hike on August 16, 2008.
We broke camp just after 9 AM.
Python Leaving Rainbow Stream Leanto
We all wanted to hike big miles today so that we only had to stay out in the wilderness for one more night.
Messy Trail
The bugs were really bad and for some reason the bugs just love me!
We met a NOBO thru hiker named Stripe while we were taking a break at the Rainbow Spring campsite.
Thru-hiker Stripe
He had covered his arms with mud because he thought it would help with the bugs; he told us the mud wasn't helping! We asked him if he needed any food and he told us that he was only interested in snacks so we gave him some cliff bars, an oatmeal bar, and a snickers bar.
Forest Gimp and Piper also stopped at the Rainbow Spring campsite. We told Forest Gimp that we had been leaving messages in the shelter registers for Barefoot Sage. Forest Gimp told us that Barefoot Sage was in Andover when she was in Monson.
The trail got less muddy as we climbed up to the Rainbow Ledges and it was nice to get some relief from the bugs. We saw lots of blueberries plus bear scat and got a great view of Katahdin.
Ascending Rainbow Ledges
Dirigo enjoying the view from the RainbowLedges
We arrived at Hurd Brook Lean-to around 5:30 PM.
Dirigo, Dragonfly, and Shoe crossing Hurd Brook
Once again we were the only hikers at the lean-to. Dirigo and I decided to stay in the lean-to instead of pitching a tent because we heard thunder in the distance.
Hurdbrook Leanto
I wish we would have pitched the tent because sleeping in the shelter was extremely uncomfortable!