Date: 2004-07-14
From: Stealth tenting 1/3 mile south of Bald Mountain Br

To: Caratunk House, Caratunk, ME
Miles today: 14.4

14.4 miles todayCaratunk HouseCaratunk, MaineIt felt great to get back in my tent last night after about 3 weeks. I slept great. I remember waking up once and rolling over and that was it until 4:30 this morning. It started getting light out and I woke up, but wasn't ready to get up yet, so I went back to sleep until 7am. I really needed a good nights sleep like that. I went out and got my food bag out of the tree and got back in my tent to have my breakfast and coffee away from the mosquitos. I was all packed and hiking by 7:30am. It was overcast with little sprinkles of light rain and 60 degrees. I came up to a river crossing and got quacked at by a mother duck because I was between her and her 2 babies. Once the babies got over to her, she turned to swim away and wiggled her tail feathers at me.I ran into a nobo by the name of Malyah. He was in a hurry because he wants to get done with this trail. He said he's not even going into Monson. I don't think I have known of anyone who didn't go into Monson. On the top of Pleasant Pond Mountain I ran into Firebug. We talked a while and then one of her friends that has been hiking with her came up. She said her name was Mrs. Gorp. I had heard of her before and she knew of my name. I don't know how some hikers can be so well groomed and look so clean when they are out here hiking this trail. Mrs. Gorp is one of those hikers and I met one last year, but can't remember her name. I even look bad right after I've been to an outfitter and have new stuff.I hiked on down the mountain to Pleasant Pond Lean-to and there was trail magic there!!! Van Gogh had left a cooler full of cokes and sprite and they were even cold. Thanks Van Gogh, that was really appreciated. I had been thinking about how good a coke would taste earlier this morning.I hiked on down to Caratunk and checked my email. I didn't think this pocketmail was ever going to stop recieving mail. That's always nice when you get to town and have a bunch of email. I heard that the counter on my journal went over 11,000 hits...good job Goosebump, but lets try and pick it up a little. I know you're working now, but there are evenings. (Transciber's reminder to Goosebump:http://www.trailjournals.com/liteshoe/)I met Cobweb here, a sobo and he said that they had good pizzas at Moose Crossing just .3 miles to the left on Rt 201. That sounded real good, so I walked on down an ordered a meatlovers pizza and ate the whole thing. I didn't know I was that hungry.There is a house for sale here in Caratunk and it's tempting to take a look at it. It's right across the street from the po, but it's one of those older homes and I'm not sure I want to tackle a remodeling job. It would be nice to live here though with so many outdoor activities to do. I'll sleep on it and see how I feel in the morning. I'm staying at the Caratunk house. I'm still trying to hit places that I've missed in other years. I feel bad for not going to Steve Longley's because I've always stayed there, but I guess he'll understand. Paul is a great host here and really makes you feel welcome. He made me a milk shake earlier and I'm looking forward to breakfast in the morning. I even lucked out and got the private room. I usually don't like staying in hostels because I'm a light sleeper. This private roon only cost $6.00 more than the bunkroom. Another great day on the A.T.