Date: 2008-09-26
From: Lake of the Loons

To: Monson
Miles today: 3.0
Weather: heavy intensity rain

As I looked out from my tent, I saw the lake was completely covered in fog. The air is unusually warm, and the day has a great feel. I packed up and headed out, right away. I guess I was anxious to get to Monson and reach yet another milestone and see a place that I have read so much about? I was close and surprised that it was only 1-1/2 hours until I reached Hwy 15. I was pretty sure I needed to hitch a ride going East to reach Monson? Before I did, I crossed the road and hid my hiking stick near the trail on the other side. I have had this one for 2 days now and don't want to lose it.Upon reaching the road, 2 guys were standing next to a parked car. One asked me immediately if I needed a ride into town? Score! One of the guys was named Ben Davis. He was gearing up for a run on the AT. He is running the AT to raise money for ALS, more commonly known as Lou Gherrigs disease. The other guy was "Patches" who was part of Ben's support crew. After wishing him well, we were headed toward Monson. I was let out on the main street which was only a sparse couple of blocks long. First order of business was to eat. Nothing was going to happen before then. I walked into the Lakeshore House B&B that was on the main street. The front was a tiny laundromat then went down a hall to access the restaurant in the rear. I met the owner Rebekah, she had a great personality and in no time had a steak sandwich sitting in front of me, even though the restaurant wasn't open yet. I was seated at a small table and looking out through a picture window onto a lake. Rebekah then brought me a huge piece of chocolate cake with a glass of milk, She was making sure I was looked after.I had origianlly planned to stay at Shaw's hostel not far away, however something led me to here and it just felt right. The hostel was full but a bed had just become available before I walked in. I went upstairs and saw some familiar faces and met several new ones. I'm sharing a room with two southbounders. "Tom Sawyer" is on the bunk above me and "Huck Finn" is sleeping in the other bed with his dog. I am referring to an actual dog named "Tyson" not a girlfriend. I did my laundry first thing, then checked out Monson-twice. When Sprite & Freckles arrived I walked over to Shaw's with them to see if they could get a room there? I ran into several more familiar faces, one of which was Warren, I said goodbye to him just before starting the Mahoosuc Notch. He flip-flopped and has already summited Katahdin and working his way back south.I also met a German hiker named "Aeros". He was looking for someone to drive him to Stratton in his car, so he could hike back and pick it up here. He was finishing his thru-hike that came to an ubrupt end a couple of years ago when he suffered a serious broken leg. The girls were speaking with Peregrin whom was also staying here. Peregrin has been enjoying her hike by being able to slack pack. Sprite & Freckles decided they would do the same for a couple of days as well. They had volunteered to drive Aeros back to Stratton as well. So soon we were in a car driving for 2 hours or so until we arrived once again to the Stratton motel/hostel.I went inside to say hi to whoever was there, I recognized a southbounder "Solo" whom I had met at Caratunk. On the way back, we took advantage of being able to stop at a larger grocery store and resupply. I was even able to get some Sambucca there. After all, I was heading into the 100 mile wilderness tomorrow.It was getting dark and had started raining. About 25 miles from Monson, Freckles who was driving, pulled over when she saw 4 hikers and 2 dogs walking along the road. It was Snack & Snap along with Gouda & his sheep dog and Savanah with his dog Emma. Unfortunately, not everyone was going to fit, so the likely choice was Snack & Snap. The guys would have to tough it out with their dogs and do the best they could.Two shaggy dudes, in the middle of a rainy night, with 2 wet dogs.I would later learn that they actually got a ride in a pick up that night and made it to Monson afterall. Can you say Trail Magic?Upon our return, we had an all you can eat fish dinner at the restaurant of the B&B where I was staying. This place though small, was packed and was a town favorite. It was a little late and had we arrived any earlier we would have waited a long time. Some things just work out.Afterward, I walked down the street to the general store. I had spoken with the owner earlier and he told me on Friday nights a bunch of people get together here, with their guitars and banjos and just have a good ole time. Anyone is welcome to play or watch. I would also learn later that when the New Hampshire Boys were here, their credit card wouldn't activate the ATM, consequently leaving them temporarily broke and not able to eat. The owner gave them $20.00 bucks and told them to go down to the BBQ shack and just send him the money when they could.This speaks volumes about his character, I have only great things to say about my entire experience in Monson and the people I met there. I would also learn that the N.H.Boys got the problem straightened out later in the day.I'm sorry that I can't stay here longer, I would like to return and enjoy this slice of life sometime in the near future. I called Kim from the front of the store as it started to rain. We locked in the date of Thursday October 9th for ordering my plane tickets.It was going to rain all night, so I pretty much knew what I had to look forward to tomorrow. Monson is the last tiny outpost of civilization before entering the 100 mile Wilderness. There will be nothing afterward in this rugged and remote area until reaching Baxter State Park and summiting Katahdin.