Date: 2015-08-13
From: Caratunk, ME

To: Moxie Bald Mountain Shelter, ME
Miles today: 18.8
Weather: broken clouds

A relaxing evening would follow after posting last night's journal including a Packers win, a hot tub, and more Coke's. Because I had gotten on such good terms with the bartenders after endless Coke refills, they let me plug in my gadgets behind the bar overnight and get a charge that I wouldn't have otherwise been able to. A little after 11:00pm, Yoohoo and I finally made our way to our bunk tent. We had to walk a few hundred yards along the deserted road in order to get to our tent, and we were rewarded with an amazing view of the night sky. You'd think I've seen plenty of starlit skies, but most nights on the trail are spent under the canopy of trees. The Milky Way flowed across the sky as if spilt from a glass. It was something to see. A so-so night would follow as the snores of Huey and the cold kept me tossing. I'd awake at 6:30am, though, and begin prepping for the day.The USS Bennington gradually made its way back to the restaurant where we'd entertain the thought of breakfast despite the 5lbs of food from the evening before. Yoohoo, Huey, and Rabbit each paid $12 for a breakfast buffet that left me unimpressed. I, instead, enjoyed an egg, cheese, and bacon biscuit along with 5 cups of coffee. As the morning hours slowly krept by, we entertained the idea of zeroing for none of us were feeling very motivated to hike. However, a 10:00am shuttle presented itself and we were back on the trail within half an hour later.The day would begin with a ~2,000ft climb over the first ~7 miles which we'd accomplish in a 3mph pace. Reaching the summit of Pleasant Pond Mountain in just over 2 hours, we'd break in the sun of the exposed rocks as we picked blueberries. Towards the southwest rose the sharp-peaked Bigelow's which we crossed 2 days earlier, now appearing hazy and void of any details. With 11 miles still to cover, we got back to it and Rabbit and I were soon blazing ahead. Maintaining a ~3mph pace, we passed other hikers on our way up the ~1,700ft climb to the top of Moxie Bald Mountain. Upon reaching the large, exposed summit, we were treated to our first view of Mt. Katahdin, barely noticeable at ~135 trail miles away. The ability to comprehend the distance hiked on the AT has been nearly impossible during the entire journey. However, finally being able to see the finish line and the stretch of land in between was something special. The 360-dregree view of surrounding Maine was also breathtaking. Endless mountains and lakes in one direction, large expanses of thick forests reaching to the horizon in the other. Walking down Moxie Bald Mountain, I reached my hands out to my sides in an attempt to hug Maine and the beauty all around me. Though Yoohoo chuckled at my attempt, I like to think the ole girl was hugging me back as well.During the ~1,400ft descent to the Moxie Bald Mountain Shelter, I rolled my ankle for the second time today. The pain was sharp and caused me to limp, but soon faded due to either stronger ankles, ibprofen, or a combination of each. I also slipped in a puddle of mud earlier in the morning just as we neared a group of day hikers. I guess our beards, and not my graceful hiking, helped persuade them we were actually thru-hikers. The falls and near-injuries seem to be coming more often as the remaining miles decrease. Just 1 more week is all I ask of my body.Surprising ourselves with a good day, we rolled into camp before 6:00pm even with not starting until after 10:00am. We pitched our tents in a cozy, romantic-like area hidden from the rest of the camp (where's a girl when you need one?) and quickly got horizontal. I spent the past half hour chatting with Rabbit who is tented next to me. I can genuinely say it's been a pleasure getting to know him over the past few weeks. The daylight is currently fading as I wrap this edition up and we've already been in our tents for over an hour. We figured it was a nice way to reward ourselves after pushing it today. Tomorrow brings ~18 miles into Monson, ME where we plan to stay the night in our last town and load up on our last reaupply before entering the 100-mile wilderness on Sunday. Rain is expected in the forecast tomorrow, but the thought of a dry and warm bed should help us push through it if so. Just an average day on the trail today, but one I'll remember fondly a few weeks or months from now.Here's to a Packers W, the first glimpse of Katahdin, and a night with lights out before 8:30pm.*Thank you for the message, Daniel. Yes, I'm the official Exterminator record holder, if only for a day. On the trail, it's the small things we remember most. Down to single digit days left. I'll do my best to soak up everything. Cheers.*Marie, 89 years young, eh? I appreciate your following. Congrats to your grandson in his 2004 journey. Thank you, as well, for your overall support for other hikers through TJ. You really help to keep our butts accountable.