A Little Time In The Water

It seems as if over the span of five months we have encountered "the worst _________ weather in history". From snow and ice to below freezing temps, monsoons and Maine heat waves we have experienced it all. In this last state the rain and "cloud walking" took a drastic turn and Mother Nature decided to turn up the heat. Due to Maine's typically mild temperatures only a few buildings have a/c but luckily for us every day holds multiple opportunities to swim. The trail winds through the lakes region of Maine and the water seems to always feel like the perfect temperature. Moose, Wideload, Sharpshin and I took an early morning swim at Flagstaff lake and our echoing laughter bounced off the surrounding ridges. A smooth pebble beach met the water and you could walk out and still see your feet when you're chest deep. That afternoon we swam in another pond and tried to avoid the slow but stealthy leeches that inhabited the shallows. The rivers in Maine lack bridges to "retain the rugged nature of the state" and therefore the ford requires walking through the water while navigating the slick rock with 30 pounds on your back. Most of these fords involve a swimming break to wash away the days frustrations. All of the fords are unassisted except for the Kinnebec, which requires a ferryman to canoe hikers across the 75 yard wide river, that can change in depth when the dam opens by up to four feet! Last night, at the horse shoe canyon lean to, Chase (Sharpshin) and I descended into the canyon to swim at the base of a spectacular cascade. Refreshed and revitalized we climbed up the rock face, returned to camp and dreamt of the last trail town, Monson. 

(Hillbilly Dave, the ferryman)