It is sometimes a little sad to leave a good place in a trail town to resume hiking. That was certainly true this morning because a light rain was falling and breakfast at Shaws in Monson was so, so good. But once on the trail I realized several positive things to look forward to. First, I had two working trekking poles for the first time since Day 2. Second, the AT leaving Monson was absent of steep climbs and boulders to climb over.
See my current location:
As the rain fell lightly and consistently most of the day, and the chill of 55 degrees was tolerable when I kept moving, I was happy to stop for a break at the Horseshoe Canyon Lean-To and talk with SOBO hiker Bull Dog from Georgia. Bull Dog had the best idea: to wait out the rain and take a zero day in the shelter. I decided to get back on the rain soaked trail for another nine miles to a campsite near the Bald Mountain Stream. Drought conditions in Maine were improved by the rain. I enjoyed the quiet solitude of the trail today, and the booming sounds of Independence Day fireworks from far away reminded me of the holiday. 15.9 miles; total miles: 130.4.
Boulders look tricky to walk on!
Thanks for the update. 55 degrees is ideal without the rain of course.
I love reading about your adventures ~ Thank you for sharing.
Stay safe,
Mary
Hi, Roger,
Have you seen any moose or any other animals this far?
Marv S.
Muscatine, IA
Unfortunately, no moose in my experience, yet. Several other hikers I met have encountered them. I saw what might have been a river otter.