Date: 2015-09-20
From: Speck Pond Shelter 

To: Grafton Notch Hwy 26
Miles today: 5.5

Last night was another sleepless night, not because of the cold and wind, but endless wrestling of my decision to skip the rest of Maine until the beginning of next season when it is warmer. I estimate it would take me until the end of October to complete it and at this point that is too much risk with hiking alone with few other hikers on the trail in possible snow, ice and freezing conditions. Attempting this with rock climbing does not seem smart to me. I also found out that the river crossing by canoe closes Oct. 12 and by skipping ahead to climb Kathadin on Sept. 30 I would not make it back in time anyway. Knowing myself I will probably regret this decision later, but I feel at this moment it is in my best interest.The trail was not too bad today and the rock climbing was minimal. I am noticing a larger variety of mushrooms on the trail lately. If I had more time I would try and identify them, but I can do that later from the pictures I took. The trail towards the Highway ran alongside a stream that was pleasant to listen to and had some nice waterfalls. It is beautiful country here. I even saw a spruce grouse today. They sometimes walk in front of you on the trail making a lot of commotion.We reached Grafton Notch which is where we are getting off in Maine. It is a state park with a big parking lot and many different trails to hike on. It wasn't very busy today and neither of us had any cell phone service to call a cab into the town of Bethel which is 20 miles away. We tried hitchhiking with no luck until a gentleman from New Jersey offered us a ride after he finished his day hike. We had seen him earlier in the morning on the trail. It was on his way to New Hampshire where he planned to hike in the White's for a few days. I will pay forward his kindness and generosity. We are staying at at The Chapman Inn for the evening, a charming Bed & Breakfast. I had my first lobster roll this evening for dinner, and it was delicious. I've heard a lot about them but wasn't really sure what it was. I eat a fair share of Florida lobster but have never had it made into a salad served on a hot buttery hot dog roll. I think I can figure out how to make this at home. My brothers are the best lobster catchers I know.Tomorrow we will call Bruno AGAIN to pick us up and stay at his hotel in Gorham because it is only 25 miles away and the closest place to a bus station to get to Boston which is where we will both need to get on trains. The Concord bus stops at the Irvine Circle K which is right next to Hiker's Paradise. The bus ride to Boston is 4.5 hours. I have never been to Boston before and since I will be right there we are going to spend a few days exploring the historic city before going our separate ways. My niece and nephew are going to college there and my sister had been renting an apartment near Boston Commons and she has graciously invited us to stay there. Next I will take a train to Connecticut to stay with my daughter and granddaughter for a few days arriving on my birthday. Next I will be taking a train to Harper's Ferry to start the southbound portion of my hike. I feel like I have the beginninsurance of a cold so hopefully it will be gone before I resume my hike.