AT Day 149: Onward to Monson ME

Daily Miles: 17.9, Total Miles: 2,082.7

I awoke to a cacophony of loud loon calls and the deep bass of croaking frogs – what a combination! Earliest start yet at 5am – cooler and less bugs at this hour.

Not as much elevation gain/loss today but plenty of creek crossing and boggy stretches. A trail full of exposed, slippery tree roots was also challenging. Not a bridge to be had so my new, now muddy shoes were temporarily cleaned off while wading across streams and one tricky beaver dam. As it heated up in the afternoon, the gnats got so annoying I put on my head net. It couldn’t protect me from the black flies biting me through my t-shirt on my arms and shoulders.

So happy to finally arrive at the crossing and road to Monson ME on the shore of Lake Hebron. I went straight to the Country Store, ordered a big sandwich and cold drink and collapsed into a chair under a big ceiling fan. Somewhat cooled off, I picked up my last resupply box from the PO and checked into nearby Shaw’s Hiker Hostel. A reunion of sorts seeing Stella, Photos, Captain Jack, and Oadie. I met Poet and Hippy Chick, the hostel owners, and checked out their small but well-stocked gear room.

I got cleaned up, washed my clothes and went back to the Country Store for a takeout dinner, later meeting some southbound hikers just coming out of the 100-Mile Wilderness. Early to bed, no AC but windows wide open and ceiling fan going full blast.

New bird today: Golden-crowned Kinglet.