Date: 2014-08-11
From: Moxie Bald Mountain Lean-to

To: 100 Mile Wilderness Outfitters via ME 15
Miles today: 17.9
Weather: mist

Finally made it to Monson - the last civilization before the much talked about 100 Mile Wilderness! It is almost upon us so it is time to make sure I am ready to go!A mostly uneventful to start to the morning - rolled out of camp with some pep in my step ready to go to town! It was a pretty decent hike into town - a little more up and down in the beginning than I expected but the trail was nice for the most part and generally flat(ish).Highlights of the morning were fording the rivers and Horseshoe Canyon. The fords were nothing dangerous or super exciting but boy does that water feel good on sore feet! A chance for them to breathe and get out of the boots is always welcome. Horseshoe Canyon was really neat to walk through as you followed the river as it carved its way through the terrain - enjoyed seeing the river change and rapids form and the trail being so close to it all! Once clear of the last ford it seemed like I would be home free to Monson. I was watching a storm cloud slowly come towards me but I thought I had time to make it to ME 15. I was wrong - after passing the short trail to the hostel I was staying at the rain came down in buckets - it wasn't worth getting everything soaked before going into the Wilderness so I went back to the side trail and walked quickly to 100 Mile Wilderness Outfitters. Met Phil the owner upon arrival - very friendly gentleman who has hiked the trail three times! He gave me the grand tour and I settled into a cabin while getting stuff set up to dry and leave behind - the rain was slowing and he offered to pick me up at ME 15 so I hiked on with a light pack.I dominated the last miles to the road except for the one time I slipped on Monson Slate and fell - that stuff is slippery! Other than that it was an uneventful walk and he picked me up at the trailhead and drove me back.His setup is great - very nice buildings built by Mennonites that house cabin rooms for two and bunkhouses for six people each. A nice shower house and kitchen cabin and everything is new and well-kept. He has done a great job with the place! Super friendly and willing to shuttle when needed. He didn't have laundry yet but he was working on getting it soon so after I showered I went into town to resupply and get laundry done at Lakeshore House. Ran into several familiar faces from the trail and stocked up at the convenience store and Pete's Place - both the best places Monson has to offer!Rode on of his bikes back to the hostel - much better than Uncle Johnny's bikes! I enjoyed the ride back especially the sweet downhills to his place - picked up a lot of speed! Upon returning I sorted through the food box and made sure I had everything I needed. Initially the plan was to carry all the food for the wilderness in one go but it turned out to be pretty heavy so I opted to go with a mid-wilderness food drop - for $25 it isn't too bad of a deal! Back into town to pick up some missing supplies and another bike ride back and I was done for the evening. Finalized plans with the family at home - planning to summit on August 19th! Spent the evening at the hostel cooking dinner and reading a John Grisham book and making sure I was ready to head out tomorrow. The 100 Mile Wilderness beckons and I cannot resist its call! Going to be a beautiful way to finish up the AT!