(Daily Mi: 14.0) The Bigelows marked the end of southern Maine. Expect the slightly less elevation change until we hit the wilderness another 70 miles or so hence.

And it was decently flat if technical trail this morning. Lots of ledges and rocks, but the kind of stuff I fly generally over, and I manage to keep up 10 minute miles throughout the morning.

Took a break at the 7 mile shelter for breakfast and yelled at bunch of teenage hikers I found taking a bath with deodorant soap and shampoo in what would have otherwise been the most convenient water source -- and home to some fish.

Came upon a very clever little girl selling lemonade trailside. My hand quivered as forced myself to wait for the ice to melt enough to truly chill the concoction before drinking.

Arrived at the Kennebeck River during the ferryman's lunch break. Crusader and then Mountain Man come in while I am waiting.

The Kennebeck has a controlled flow. It is ankle to knee height at its lowest ebb, but can be raised to a depth of 6' in a matter of minutes when they discharge the damn just above the crossing.

As such the ATC encourages hikers to use the canoe ferry service rather than risk getting caught in a surge (in fact there is a blaze on the canoe).

After we get across, we catch a ride from the operator Steve into town and then to his commercial cabins and campstore (Rivers & Trails). Take a cabin w/ Moutain Man and Crusader. Hot as hell inside.

The Monkies are also in and Steve gives us all a ride up the road to the Northern Outdoors Resort which is thronged with people, but has a nice, if unairconditioned, restaurant.

Meet up with Chile who is staying at the 'Resort'. Tells us he decided to wade the Kennebeck this morning -- about a half an hour before I hit the river. Says he was doing fine until the middle at which point he could no longer stand on the bottom to hold his pack over his head and started drifting while kicking to keep it out of the water.

Finally gave up and just swam across pushing his increasing waterlogged bag ahead of him. Had everything in his kit spread out on the front lawn in the sun.