Date: 2023-07-24
From: Horseshoe Canyon Lean To

To: Monson Maine
Miles today: 9.0

Morning was a relaxing pack up out of Camp.  On Trail at 6:20 thinking Seven miles into Monson was quite doable and we would make good time. Of course Maine had other ideas. We saw a Beaver Hut that had the damn situated so that water was backing up nicely for the  Leave it to Beaver Family.  Then we had the climb for the day.  Nothing major, a four hundred footer I think.  I just couldn't get the energy going. Couldn't find a gear and slowed to step by slow step. The mosquitoes were faster and relentless, making matters even more tough in the hot humid morning Sun.  But you can't complain about the weather we have been having. Finally, crested the Top and drank the rest of my water, with Lunch at a view that Recon - Reconned again!  Then we started downhill through a maze of blown downed trees.  None of which you could step over or under, but had to belly crawl under one and limbo on your buttocks for the others. The hardest part was getting back on the feet to stand up.  Looked like a turtle rolling over from its shell!  However, we flew down the downhill from there!  Fastest slalom ever!  By the time I caught Recon, he was already pulling out his Sawyer and Bag to fill up for the last time.  Luckily, he filled mine because I had run dry trying to make it the last three+ miles but fell a mile - mile and a half short!  It was nice and cold!  We tried to keep up the good speed but another slight up took it out of me. Recon could run circles around me with his stride and bionic Knee brace, but he waits patiently and insures I'm doing well. Just a great guy.  For example, last night a hiker was having knee issues, so Recon gave him the knee sleeve that he occasionally wears. Didn't think a thing of it and didn't care if he got it back.  This evening, I see a note that said, "Recon, Thanks for the brace and help!"  Our last mile to Rt 15 was smooth to the road.  Arrived at 11:35 for the 12:00 Shuttle.  Got the tour, instructions and found our beds in the bunkhouse.  Showered and I found some loaner clothes that actually fit ok and look good enough. Hunger was next and we ended up in a Country Store that had great deli sandwiches. The All American Thanksgiving Turkey on sour dough bread won the day for both of us!  We looked over and here is a hiker with a huge double scoop ( more like triple) on a cone.  It was all in his beard and across his face but it sure looked good.  So we hit that up next.  I put mine in a cup no cone though. In between lunch and ice cream we went to the ATC headquarters because they close mid week. Boy that lady knows her stuff but don't stop her, or let her lose her place because she will start that section of speech all over again!  And NO Disparaging Remarks!! We have a good understanding of what to do to get stay at The Birches prior to climbing Katahdin. Still a ways off though. She gave us our 2023 Bag Tags as well. Walking back past the Country Store, I walked past a Ram Van (Life) and saw two people in it.  I took two steps and said, "Hey Recon, that looked like Hawk. Recon turned around and walked back while the driver come around the front. Recon goes, "Hey Hawk, Hi Kathy. Turns out the two stayed a night at Recon's house in Shaftesbury.  Small world for sure. Finally, back at the hostel we had to wait about 15 minutes for the washer to free up and then kill an hour to complete laundry with the drying. I made the mistake of going to the Gear shop!  Replace my DIY bottle and tubing system for a strap bottle holder.  The old system served me well, but is not as efficient as Recons techniques.  I also gave in and bought a pair of Green Feet Insoles that Poet cut to size for me.  I am hoping that some of the foot conditions and soreness will improve with the better support in my trusted Solomons.  We went back to the store for Salads and Sour Cream Chips for me. It was so filling I didn't even finish the last little bet. Conversation was good with a Father / Son (30yr old) team that started March 1st and are about to finish.  The father was the same one that enjoyed the ice cream in his beard earlier. Now it's time to call Joanie. Recon had a good conversation when he had reception and I didn't, early this morning. She had sent a pic of 2 quarts of Raspberries from the yard that look delicious!  I know neither of us would be out here if it weren't for the loving Support of these strong woman at home. So today has been a day of Blessings. Tomorrow we stay for a Zero Day before the HMW.