Date: 2018-09-17
From: Spaulding Mountain Lean-to

To: ME 27, Stratton, ME
Miles today: 13.5

Many days I have hiked and the trail is different every day. I'll forget the details of most of the trail, but there is no way I'll ever forget today. After reading of today's adventure, I'm certain you'll agree.Today we were a group of four hikers. Red Bard and I were joined by Bugs and Robinhood. The plan was to hike 13.5 miles and then hitch to the small town of Stratton, ME. We were thinking of splitting a room four ways. I was the first of us to reach the trailhead. Once we were all there we setup for the hitch and were joined by a fifth hiker. A gentleman with a small truck with a cab pulled into the trailhead. When he said he'd give us a ride I approached his truck only to see it packed with the tools of trade of a painter. I said I don't think this is going to work. He said we'll do whatever it takes and starts unloading tools and ladders into the weeds. Next thing I know I'm helping him unload and we make room for four. I agreed to stay behind to guard the equipment. I'd get a ride upon his return. While I waited another gentleman stopped and offered me a ride for which I had to refuse since I was guarding the equipment. When my ride came we loaded the truck and the driver turned around in the lot. But before we could leave, two more hikers came out of the woods and we emptied the truck yet again to make room for the two. Yes, people go the distance for us hikers.Upon reaching town I found my group and we discussed the plan. Red Bard said a gentleman approached him and offered us to stay at his house, no charge. We discussed and called the guy to accept his offer. Turns out it was the same guy who offered me a ride while I guarded the first gentleman's equipment. His name was Tom and he gave us some simple rules as we drove to his house. Some of which indicated he had a sense of humor. We couldn't stay more than 30 days, we had to shower, wash all our clothes (he had loaner clothes), eat whatever we wanted in the house, drink responsibly, and don't drink his scotch!For dinner we each had our own full Maine lobster, grilled steak, grilled cheesy red potatoes, two ears each of sweet corn, and broccoli/cauliflower mix. He opened two bottles of wine and there was beer and he did later share his scotch with Red Bard and I. For dessert we had six choices of ice cream and made sundaes complete with chocolate syrup, whipped cream and nuts. We all stuffed ourselves and there were leftovers. None of this is exaggerated! Tom and the time spent with him were simply amazing!A little background on Tom. He's retired from the Coast Guard having served 32 years. He entertains 30 to 80 hikers a year. During dinner and the evening, he asked us each questions showing genuine interest in all of us. He said he liked listening to our AT stories over dinner. He is the one who congratulated us with a toast for reaching 2,000 miles. In the day's excitement we'd forgotten. He even walked us through step-by-step on how to remove all the meat from the lobsters. This was the first time I'd done that. I ate more lobster today than I'd previously eaten my entire life.Before bed, we each had our own bed, he said we were free to sleep in as long as we wanted. Coffee would be ready at 5:30 AM and breakfast at 9:00. Just wait (ha ha) until you read tomorrow's entry that talks about breakfast. For book followers, mile 2,002.7 page 206.