Date: 2016-08-13
From: Moxie Bald Mountain Lean-To - Mile 2,056.7

To: ME 15, Monson, ME - Mile 2,074.6
Miles today: 17.7

It was raining when I woke up. I thought it might end but instead it began raining harder as I got out of my tent to retrieve my food bag from a nearby tree. No moose as I quickly scanned the pond. No beautiful sunrise either. Didn't matter. Today was going to be a good day and it ended better than I ever imagined. The last 3 days of hiking were real work. They set up today's arrival in Monson, where Beth would meet me for a partial day today and a full day of rest tomorrow in preparation for the 100 Mile Wilderness.The trail was much easier than it has been. I was able to take full strides for most of the day. It was easy to get into and maintain a consistent hiking pace and flow. This isn't saying there weren't some challenges. The rain created puddles and plenty of precarious spots. A southbounder last night said there were greasy rocks and I recognized what she meant several times along the way.Dropping down a few feet of mud wasn't routine. I was called "Safe" after two notable, out of control slides. My hiking poles saved me just in the nick of time. I would've been a "pig in the mud" dirty if I went down on the first slide. The sliding reminded me of my pathetic venture in Little League baseball. Aside from remembering that I was awful, my only memory is when the other team was short one player. Coach gave me to them for the day. I played shortstop for them even though I was hidden in right field for my team. I remembered the grin on the pitcher and the ribbing I took from the catcher. I don't remember it being particularly mean, just good-natured ribbing as I played against them. I hit a double first time up and got a single later. I had one error but caught the ball and threw it to second to start a double play. I remember my coach grinning and patting me on the back after the game as he complimented my play. Don't remember anything else about that experience except how much bigger and stronger everybody was. I love the memories that drift in while I'm hiking.My heart jumped a bit when I saw a rope strung across a river crossing. Would this require fording the river? I've seen numerous journal photos of hikers wading across rivers with running water above their knees. Nope. There was so little snow here last year and so little rain since then that I got across today's river crossings with water only up to my ankles a few times.Beth surprised me by picking me up at the parking lot after emerging from the woods. I spoiled her surprise. She was positioned to greet me immediately at the point that the trail came out of the woods. Except that I came out on the other side of the road and tapped on the window to let her know I arrived. It was nice not to have to find a ride into Monson.As we drove into Monson, I was surprised, but happy, to get a message from Blues Brother, who asked if I was arriving in Monson today. I told Beth he must be tracking me by reading my trailjournal posts but that I couldn't understand his getting an internet signal while he was in the 100 Mile Wilderness. We were confused where to enter the Lakeshore Lodging House & Pub where we were staying for the next couple nights. As wet and dirty as I was, it didn't seem appropriate to enter through the Pub's doors. A couple ladies to the doorway so we stepped aside. Then Blues Brother came after them. Beth was stunned. I was grinning and demanded a few high fives. Blues sprained his ankle real bad a few days ago. It is still swollen and has that ugly black & blue sign of healing. Blues explained his injury as I got another high five or two. Bad form to be happy about a hiker's injury but I was so happy to see him. He's one tough guy. He had to walk in on that ankle for 15 miles. Blues had another surprise. Spirit of 76 was here too. I was on cloud nine. Spirit came in and we started catching up. A familiar face came to our door. Now it was my turn to surprise someone. It was Stripe. He came to find Spirit. It was great seeing Stripe here as I thought he'd be too far ahead - another plus for Subman's 4-day hike plan from Stratton to Monson. Dinner was a joy. I'll admit being a bit saddened by previously not having a big dinner with my hiker friends. I didn't get a picture tonight - we were all enjoying ourselves too much. What an end to the last 4 days. And Beth is here with me to experience it. Incredible.