Date: 2003-08-12
From: Spauding Mtn Lean To

To: ME 27 Stratton ME (Spillover Motel)
Miles today: 13.5

Day 152 Avg Mls/Day 13.1Weather: Overcast & cloudy in the morning. Partly cloudy mid day. Mostly cloudy in the evening.Today's Nature: Just a lot of toads.Falls: Today 1 Total 13I was the first one up at the shelter at daybreak. After me they began to rise one by one. Didn't sleep all that well as I woke up over and over.Got a good start and was hiking by 6:15. Was the first one out. I think the group was planning a leisurely trip up one of the mountains. Only saw 3 SOBO sectioners all day.The Trail immediately began climbing out of te shelter. Sometimes, like today, I'm slow to warm up. The Trail climbed from 3,140' at the shelter to 3,990' on Spaulding Mtn.The highlight of the day was when I crossed Caribou Valley Rd (a dirt logging road). As I was approaching I heard a diesel engine...pulling up was Hopper in their truck camper. This was where she was parking as she was going to hike SOBO to meet NOBO Spike. We chatted for minute and of course, I got a nice cold lemonade trailmajic. The only thing that bothers me is I never saw Spike yesterday. He must have stopped in the first shelter that I bypassed. The only other posibility is he got off on a side trail.The work came next...hiked 2000' up South Crocker Mtn (4,010') then North Crocker Mtn (4,228') It was just slow and there wasn't any scenery. I guess the downside was better than expected...gradual for the most part. I was at route 27 before 3 p.m.Hitched a ride into Stratton with the nicest guy, Leo. The passenger seat up front was occupied by his 3 year old yellow lab, Stella. We had to rearrange some things to squeeze me and my pack in the back seat. Got dropped off downtown. Thanks Leo!Found the "hiker friendly" motel, The White Wolf Inn is closed on Tuesdays. The other motel, 2 doors down was full. Ended up walking a half mile back to the edge of town to The Spillover Motel. Nice room with cable TV & phone for $50. Will probably zero here tomorrow.On the way to the room stopped at the Post Office and picked up my drop box. Got cleaned up; walked into town and did my laundry.Stopped by the library on the way to town. It is only open 2:30 to 5:00 each day with a 20 minute time limit on the internet. Took advantage of it to check trailjournals.As I was walking by the WW Inn, saw Sticks sitting on the porch. He checked in yesterday and took a zero here today. Had some bad news, said Dirty Harry took a spill yesterday and possibilty injured his spine. Thought it was bad enough that he got off...could be here in Stratton.Went to the local grocery and picked up a few items. When I got back to the room saw Spike's truck parked at the motel. Knocked on the door and invited them to join me for a drink & dinner. We went across the road to a nice little place, Mainely Yours. Had a nice sirloin steak & shrimp special. Enjoyed Spike & Hopper's company since he is planning 8 miles tomorrow before taking a break to fly home for his class reunion.I hear the weather is supposed to get better tomorrow or Thursday. Just when I was getting used to the rain...yeah right! I shouldn't say anything...it missed me again today.You may be wondering about my falls recently. They seem to be slips as I am carefully trying to slowly maneuver around, down or through a difficult place on the Trail as opposed to a quick, unexpected crash to the ground. I seem to be catching it early enough to avoid a serious crash.Thought for the Day: Some falls are better than others.