Date: 2014-07-31
From: Moxie Bald Mountain Lean-to

To: Monson, ME
Miles today: 17.9
Weather: overcast clouds

Peaceful, albeit noisy pond last night. The loons came as I wanted but then I thought..SHUT UP! Not really. They have a wonderful, soothing sound to them really, but I did hear some sort of coyotes or wolves most of the night on the other side of the pond. I didn't realize how late it was when I got there (no phone remember) and it got dark soon after I arrived. Turned on my hurt rib a weird way and it's smarted for a while but ok this morning. I'm still doing a lot of groaning though. This morning, FINALLY, after maybe a week of crap, it's full sun. Not a cloud. It was so depressing lately. Hopefully, this'll put a pep in my step, especially as it's only 18 miles to Monson and I intend on getting there TODAY. Also finally, after all this up and down, the guide shows it pretty flat, even slightly downhill ALL DAY. Haven't seen that in a very very long time. Again though, it doesn't account for roots and rocks so it's not an easy flat, but at least it's flat. Maine is definitely wild. Much more wild than anywhere else. The trail is uneven and crazy, there are rarely footbridges over streams and now we're crossing real rivers - on foot. The best way to tackle them is to just go right in. In fact there are warnings out about trying to go barefoot. Really, your shoes will dry eventually so it's no big deal. And I seem to be way beyond the point of getting blisters again, even with wet feet so a river is like any other section of the trail honestly. I had three full on crossings today. Loved it. You really feel like you're doing something. The trail was a mix of mucky bog, and long stretches of piney/sprucey soft walking. You never could get your feet dry as every time you were just about to, you'd have to walk through a puddle or something. It's also so much easier - and faster - to just walk through the mud and water. No sense in trying to skirt around it. It takes up too much time and effort and you're going to make a mistake eventually and step in so most of us just hike right through. Less damage to the trail anyway. I made great time, but something very unfortunate happened. This I didn't expect. My rib has been ok. It really just doesn't bother me when hiking. Taking my pack on or off really isn't a big deal either, no flinching or anything. But...those damned gnats! They love your eyes and nose and one flew right up my nose. And what always happens when they fly up my nose...I sneeze. O.M.G.My rib. The pain was KILLER. I even stopped the sneeze about 3/4 of the way through because I was gasping. It just knocked me to my knees. I had to just find a comfortable position and stay there until it calmed down. I needed to breathe deep but couldn't. This calls for nutella. Took the pack off and sat on a log and had the rest of that nutella to just chill for a bit. I did not expect that...at all. Although it still doesn't hurt to put my pack on or off, the residual pain just sits there. Won't go away. Everything slowed down and damn it all I hear thunder. WHAT?! At least I had less than three miles to go. The adrenalin kicked in and dulled the pain and I just booked it to the parking lot. Right before I got there, Tenzing's dad was there waiting for her so I asked for a ride. I think we missed the storm by about fifteen minutes. Well at least there's that!Made it to Shaw's in Monson - big moment. Last stop. But I really just have to lay down - which hurts too - and avoid aggravating this any longer. I will be fighting sneezes for a while! Monson is a nice little town although pretty depressing. Most everything is closed or for sale. They did have something very comforting though - BBQ! I went over for dinner and it smelled so much like home. Asked around - why Maine? And the lady working the bar said the owner had gone to Texas and loved the Texas style of BBQ - light on sauce, heavy on rub, and decided it's what he wanted to do. Pretty dang good if you ask me.