Back in the USA, Now What?

Lincoln, Maine – September 20 to 21, 2012

On our last morning in Canada, we drove the Element into St. Stephens where we had breakfast and found a money changer to get rid of our remaining Canadian money.  I think we had $19 left. 

You never know what’s going to happen as you cross the border. We elected to take the lesser used border crossing in downtown St. Stephens,NB/Calais,ME as opposed to the major highway Canadian 3/US 9. And it was tight.  If the RV had been any bigger we wouldn’t have fit into the drive lanes.

This time, was the first time we have ever had a border agent ask to see the inside of Big Guy. We figured our luck had run out, this being our 6th crossing in the last 2 two years, and they were going to inspect everything. Instead, he goes straight to the fridge, and not finding anything he needed, proceeded to chat us up about our electronics.  He wanted to know about the navigation software we were using, the Brake Buddy and the tire pressure monitor. He asked about firearms, but not about booze, firewood or what we brought back.  He acknowledged that we were traveling with two cats and that was it. Satisfied that we weren’t nefarious criminals, he bid us a good day and we were on our way.

Just as we cross into Calais, EJ finally got to see some moose!

That out of the way, still left us with the decision of which way to point now.  I convinced EJ that since we were already in Maine, and I’d never live long enough to hike the entire Appalachian Trail at 30 to 40 miles a year, that this would the perfect opportunity to for me to see the northern end of the Trail. She concurred ,so we point towards Baxter State Park, home of MT. Katahdin.

We stopped in Lincoln, ME to establish a base camp at the local Walmart.  Baxter Park was still over an hour drive away but we opted to leave Big Guy and drive the Element instead.

Once again the weather dictated our schedule. We had only one good day of weather left, so our assault on the end of the AT would have to take place tomorrow.

 We got an early start fortified by a Tim Horton’s breakfast.  We wanted to get there while there was still parking available. That’s the limiting factor in the park, the lack of parking spots. We got our parking pass and suggested day hikes then made a beeline for the Mt. Baxter parking area.

We geared up (lots of layers as it was cold), signed the trail log, and began our trek.  Along the way, we pass the last privy on the trail. We cross over a creek and see a nice waterfall.

You just never know what you will run into along the trail. We passed this tree and EJ turns around and starts staring at it. What do you see???

Although I didn’t expect to be able to hike up to the top, I did at least expect to be able to see it. EJ decided to wait for me part way up by a waterfall while I continued on.  The trail continued on up over a boulder strewn path. Trees continued to block my view but I finally reached a point where I could see it.  EJ was worried because I was gone for almost an hour.

We made it back down and took off for another part of the park to hike where more waterfalls were reported to be. On this hike we met several through hikers. And how do you know they’re through hikers? From the aroma. They are in definite need of showers.

It was a great time and our five miles on the AT were really invigorating. EJ learned the she is a walk and gawk kind of hiker while Frank is a head down and go type, but we made it work. Time to head back to Lincoln. It was around 8pm when we got back to BG, tired, but happy puppies, although the cats were very vocal about the lateness of their supper.