Shaws

Hi Everyone! Today I hiked into Monson, Maine! Monson is a nice little town with two great hostels. I'm camping out in the back of one named Shaw's. Shaw's has been the talk of the trail for the past hundred miles or so. The owners are very hospitable, and the breakfast is infamous; eggs, bacon and blueberry pancakes! The last few days have been very nice. Out of Stratton I hiked up the Bigelow range over Avery Peak and some others. The weather could not have been more perfect; sunny and visibility was amazing! I had a zero in Stratton because of a few things. When I returned from Rangeley, the weather was not good. It began to rain that afternoon, and didn't let up, so I decided to stay. Also, six other NOBO hikers turned up. We had a fun night hanging out in the hostel! Tic-toc and Cookie, some hikers I met way back in PA also came in. Seeing them was great because I thought I wouldn't after the Whites; a nice surprise! In the morning I had eggs benedict at the restaurant in town (one of three places of business in Stratton) with Tic-toc and Cookie. Having a full belly, I set out to tackle the last serious elevation changes of Southern Maine. After the Bigelows it flattened out.

I crossed the 1,000 mile mark my second day out of Stratton! The last two days were pretty flat, and there have been multiple streams/ponds to enjoy a dip in. I'm thinking of yesterday afternoon especially. My knee began to make a funny clicking noise when I was half a mile from the shelter. It was around 4PM, and I stopped at that shelter to rest. Better safe than sorry, right? There was a stream next to Horseshoe Canyon Lean-to; a very refreshing dip. I then spent the afternoon hanging out with two older gentleman that had already flip flopped from Harper's Ferry WV; Padre and Restless Legs. They were great for company, and the evening ended nicely with some reading.

This morning as I hiked, I was very worried about the knee. It doesn't hurt, but it clicks every step I take going downhill. I can feel it and hear it. So, I'm hiking slow, taking anti-infammitories, and trying to just not make it worse. My toe healed up completely! So, I'm feeling good, but if it's not one thing it's the other. Anyway, I'm going to hobble along and hope it doesn't get worse.

Today was great. I hiked 9 miles into Monson, and hung out around the hostel all day. Tomorrow I will have the world renowned breakfast, and start the 100 mile wilderness. I am planning on being done sometime around the 17th, next Tuesday. Hope yall are doing great, and having wonderful summers! Looking forward to seeing everyone, and being back in Tennessee for a few weeks! Thanks for the interest!!!

The Kid