Date: 2008-09-20
From: Crocker Mountain

To: Stratton
Miles today: 7.3
Weather: broken clouds

I was only able to manage about an hour of sleep before re-awakening. I ate breakfast while still laying in my bag. I was nearly packed when Stamper began to stir. I was back on the trail by 07:15, I immediately noticed several Moose tracks that were not here when I stopped yesterday. One maybe two had passed through here sometime during the night or this morning?I had an immediate climb up both South Crocker Mtn. then back up North Crocker Mtn., both over 4000 feet. Once again I was able to enjoy the colors of the north, only this morning there were patches of low lying clouds that just added to the perfect postcard picture. I stood there with disappointment in knowing that I was unable to take a single shot. What a time to have my camera malfunction. Being in the last days of the trip, in the autumn of Maine and when kodak moments were at an all time high.I did thankfully realize that no matter what, I was here, and have been given this blessing. I was standing on a mountain, my eyes filled with wonderment and my soul could hold no more joy than it had right now. In that moment and atleast for a moment longer, I stood fulfilled and could have been happy in this being the last thing I saw before my eyes closed and I would take my last breath of this world.Once I crossed both mountains, the walk down was unusaully enjoyable. I was unaware at the time, but somewhere along the 7 mile stretch I passed Sprite & Freckles. They usually leave their packs along the trail when they step off momentarily, however, they may have been getting water or enjoying an off trail view?I reached the hiway at 11:15. I headed west and was preparred to do the 5 miles into Stratton. There was only an occassional car that passed once in a while. After about a mile, a pick up pulled over and brought me into Stratton. There in close proximity facing each other was a grocery store situated between a diner and pub with apartments above. Across the street was a restaurant/motel, hardware store and at the end was the little 6 unit Stratton Motel/Hostel. This is the place that has the 3 wooden carvings of Hiker Bears standing out front. I went inside to inquire about staying the night. There was a note on the door welcoming any hikers and that the owner Sue Smith would be back later. As it turned out she was shuttling BullDog to Monson. I waited a few minutes, then found the shower and defunked. I then went across the street to eat. In the mean time, I rooted through the hiker box and found some thread. I needed a needle and went to ask 2 ladies whom were sitting in front of their room at the other end of this little motel. They turned out to be "Willow" and "Long Way True". I recognized their names from reading some of their entries in past shelter registers.I sat out front sewing a hole in my pants, enjoying and soaking up the rays of the sun. Sue had still not returned, so I started my laundry and shopped for a 6 day resupply. About 3-1/2 hours after I arrived, Sprite & Freckles showed up.Eventually they checked into a room and I took a bed in the hostel upstairs. I would be sharing my room with Cookie Monster and Spidey.There were several others that arrived today, such as Blazing Star, Mas, No Amp and Tail Gate.The remainder of the day was spent drying out gear, having dinner and just chillaxin. It would be several days before we would enjoy the little treats from a remote oasis like this again. It is suppose to rain tomorrow, gee there's a surprise? I was also half hoping my poles would have been found and forwarded to here. Afterall, this has been the place of miracles and unexpected good fortune. Oh well, I can't complain.