Date: 2007-07-23
From: Leeman Brook Lean-To

To: Shaws
Miles today: 3.0

Greeting from Shaw's. This place is great. I woke up a little late and did notget rolling until around 6:45. I didn't make it to shaw's in time for breakfestthough.I did have a good first hitching experience. I got to the trailhead, took offmy gaiters, cleaned up a little, and stuck my thumb out. The very first car thecame along stopped. It was a couple of secton hikers that just got done. Theysaid they got a couple rides including 1 on atv's that really helped. Reallycool people and dropped me right off at Shaw's. Nice people. Thanks again.I rolled into shaw's around 9am. I got a shower which felt geat. I alsofinally shaved. Lets just say shavng for the first time in 2 weeks with a cheaprazer is not the best way to go.I missed breakfest and didn't want to walk the mile there and back. The worstpart was the place still smelled of breakfest. One of the hostel people droveme to the store so he could get gas. He picked me up a few minutes later sincehe had to drive a section hiker to bangor. Saved me a lot of walking.I only made a .25 mile walk to the post office and back to pick up my mail drop. I was really surprised when one of the hostel ladies here asked if I was nate. I said yes and she gave me a box of food with a note. It was from Bre. It wasthere food drop. Her and Christin got off that day before the Crooper brookshelter. Christin really hurt her ankle. I know the feeling. Thanks guys thatis going to help a lot.I forfilled my goal of doing nothing today. Some of my friends can atest, but Imake a really good guy on the couch. I laid around and rested my ankle. I didwatch a lot of tv. It started with walker texas ranger, to waterworld, judgingamy, bad boys 2, still standing (love that show),king of queens, random comedy,demotratic debate, and now friends. They have all of 10 channels here, soselection was limited, but great. With some sleep involved.I did score some ben and jerry's when the hostel person drove a couple of us tothe store for dinner.Another great thing they have is a hiker box. Basically everyone leaves thingsthey don't need for other's to use. I scored some rope that doesn't stretch formy foodbag, 2 different ankle wraps (seriously), stuff to repair my foodbag,flip flops for camp shoes, and vegtable oil for added calories. I really madeout with everything I needed at no cost mind you.I did a Mcyver like repair on my foodbag. I found some pvc glue and ziplocks. I glued pieces to where the holes are. I then added extra glue to the outsideof the hole. Probibly doubled the weight of the bag, but it works for me.Another cool thing they have here is a hiker fridge. People tend to leave foodin here. Lets just say I found some beer in there unclaimed. I split it withjames and a couple other hikers here. It was a really good west virgina 6 pack(what we call back home a 6 pack with different random beers) of good localbeers. Long trail ale is great btw.So dinner was a couple of good free ales, some pizza james gave me, and some icecream.Total bill so far is 28 for bonk room and ayce breakfest, 3 for loundry, 16 for2 large subs and quart of choclate milk, and 4 for ben and jerry's. Not to badconsidering.Btw the people here are great. They were really helpful when they knew my anklewas hurting. I have been icing it a lot over the course of the day. I also gotrides everywhere. I was able to wash my cook set in the kitchen. Best of allthey made some pretty good coffee this evening. Very nice people.The plan stands now at waking up tomorrow and seeing how it feels. If it feelsgood I am going to wrap it and hike in a couple miles starting around noon. Ifnot I am prepared to zero here. I think it is best not to hurt it anymore thatit already is. It is feeling a lot better though.Until then ice, rest, and advil. Ahh the diet from my rowing years.