Date: 2009-09-15
From: Monson,ME

To: Whitefield, NH
Miles today: 0.0

September 15 --I was up early to gain access to the shared bathroom and left for the 5 minute walk to Shaw's at 7:05, but I returned to the room within minutes to retrieve my camera for a few sunrise-on-the-lake photos. Arriving at Shaw's I found both tables nearly full, but they welcomed me with happy smiles. I was asked what number I would like, which meant, for example, 2 was for 2 eggs, 2 pancakes, 2 strips of bacon, 2 sausage links and some home fries. I started with a 3 and enjoyed the company of Zipper, Grits and 4 new to me folks while I overheard stories of Yo-Yo at the onter table from folks I had seen on the trail. I had to have more blueberry pancakes before they wrapped it up by 8:00 and I exchanged contact info with Zipper and Grits before heading back to the Lakeside where I packed for the hitch and made a cardboard sign for Rangeley. I walked to the edge of town on ME15 and within 10 minutes a van stopped and got me. A couple my age from Phoenix with a summer vacation home in the area, asked me "Where is Rangeley?" I pulled out the map and they could take me to my next intersection, ME16 in Abbot village, ~10m. 0k, off at the post office and I stood with few cars passing, finally I went into the PO and took seceral 9"x4" propaganda cards and made a sign on the back of one for Bingham, the next local town, scribbling to fill in the letters with my ball point pen. I stood for over an hour at the edge of the parking lot, moving closer, following the shade. Finally a car pulled in near me, and I recognized them quickly as I walked over to the passenger window. "How many cars have gone by?" said the driver in a familiar voice that had said good bye to me an hour earlier. "Oh, 'bout 35 I guess", and the wife turned to him speaking too low for me to hear, then quickly he said, "There's a restaurant near Bingham that we haven't been to in 2 years, come on , we'll get you that far". Trail angels, trail magic, destiny, my new friends were like old friends as I answered all the questions of the trail and I explained that kindness is everywhere. Dropped off on US201, again in front of a post office, I immediately started making a sign for Madison, a town past my turnoff. It was 20 minutes later when a Jeep type stopped, again a couple my age, responding to my Rangeley sign. The shotgun passenger said she'd get in the back to which I objected, but gave in when she explained the dog would be more comfortable with her. They were Dave and Mary Ellen, locals, retired from the school system and "professional" trail angels who regularly stocked the West Carry Pond Lean-To with her home baked chocolate chip cookies and other treats for thru-hikers. I was somewhat embarrassed that I couldn't remember the night there, though I was sure that I had tented there, it turns out that I had, but I didn't sign the register, damn. They were great, and knew many hikers by name, some I knew too. Dave was driving me on roads that I hadn't planned, through Salem, avoiding a bridge work detour, and at one point said, "Well, today is your day, we're gonna take you to Rangeley!" Trail Angels, Road Angels, these folks were great, my feet tingled with delight. We soon arrived at my truck where several small groups were hanging around, Paddy-O, from the VT lot where had I met Pellet one evening, was there, and I offered 2 SoBos a ride into town after thanking my afternoon hosts. I dropped off the guys and returned to the IGA for snacks and headed toward Whitefield down ME17 where I once again, 3rd time, stopped at the Mooselookguntic Lake overlook, now near sunset, and a little further, I rounded a bend and saw a big bull moose cross the road and pose, while I stopped for photos. All was well in Whitefield as I arrived well after dark.