Day 145 Little Bigelow Lean-to to Harrison's Pierce Pond Camp

Today's miles 18.1.  AT miles 2030.5

What a contrasting day to the last few days.   No more big steep mountain climbs, just a nice steady trail over levelish terrain. It was warm and sunny again, the ground a little damp after last nights rain showers.  We left camp at eight on a steady downhill then level path.  After two and a half miles we reached East Flagstaff Lake camp spot where we had thought of continuing to last night.  It was a lovely site next to the lake, much prettier though this morning than it would have been in the rain last night.  A bit further and we crossed Long Falls Dam Road which had 'Mile 2000 congrats' painted on it.  It must have been painted a few years ago because we passed the 2000 mile mark yesterday, due to trail changes that road is now @ mile 2016.6.

There were a couple of small hills to go over today, the rest of the trail was quite level.  Some parts of the trail were reminiscent of Pennsylvania with lots of rocks and tree roots but these were small sections, most of the trail today was pretty good, even some nice flat sections.  We were able to walk normally and get a steady stride going for a change, our pace increasing back to 2.5 even 3 mph in parts. 

Half way through the morning we stopped at West Carry Pond, sat on some rocks at the lake edge and had a break.  Another four miles later, we reached East Carry Pond and came across a lovely little beach area at the side of the lake.  We stopped there for another half hours break having a refreshing paddle in the water.  We weren't quite brave enough to go fully in for a swim although the water was fairly warm.  The trail continued alongside the lake and then over some boardwalks then back into forest.  Five miles further we past Pierce Pond Lean-to and carried on just past there to Harrison's Pierce Pond Camps.  A great place just off the trail over some rickety bridges and boardwalks with basic log cabins to stay in and shower facilities. Our cabin is in a lovely spot overlooking the river with a rocking chair on the porch.  Its so nice to have a real seat to sit in at the end of the day.  Tim the owner was very welcoming and friendly, he's been running the place for 29 years.  We're looking forward to breakfast, Tim serves up a 12 pancake breakfast!