MOMENTS BEFORE THE SUNRISE, the birdsong awakes me because it has become a loud alarm when the sky begins to relume.

I then boil water for grits and a hot drink and then talk off afoot at seven. Two kilos later, summit Tray Mountain and soon after arrive at the lean-to where the NY-trio are still preparing their breakfast.

Stop briefly to say a greeting, then resume hiking, and as expected, within two hours they pass me. Addis Gap lean-to is a superb place for lunch, even nice enough to stop for the night because it has abundant water, both a spring and a small stream.

However,there is still too much daylight left, so it is back afoot for me heading towards Dick′s Creek Gap.

Later while hiking along, hear a tapping from above, stop to lookup into the forest canopy and spot a male downy woodpecker.

He is about seven inches in length, has a small red blotch on his hind crown and many white spot over his entire back.

The Wayfarers Journal by Tommy Michel, Episode One: The Journey to Katahdinn, Excerpt from page 43. Please download your free copy at: The Wayƒarers Online Store