Date: 2014-08-13
From: Piscataquis River (Tenting)

To: ME 14 (Hostel)
Miles today: 12.0

Day 165, August 13, 2014 Oddly it seems like I have been alone for days. Did Pot-of-Gold, Lucky Charms, and Mule really say goodbye just yesterday? The trail does that. You lose track of time walking in the woods Hikers will walk by and ask how far to X. I have no idea, could be 1 mile or 3. Coop was a pain last night. I always leave him a bowl of water outside the tent. About 10:30 p.m. he goes out and drinks. Comes back in and hogs the bed. At 2:30 a.m. out he wants again. He drinks the rest of the water and then starts throwing the bowl around. I ignore this. He carries on. Here is way I ignore it. WE ARE TENTED BY A STREAM!!! I guess he only drinks filtered water. Once I gave that to him he was right back in the tent hogging space. So, I woke up knowning I had a ford. I kept my shorts and sandals on. I made my way across and left Coop. Planning to come fetch him. As I headed up to a flat spot to drop my gear I could hear him whining and barking. "I'm coming boy"!, I said. As I made my way back I see bearded men. And then I hear bearded mean saying, "come here Cooper"!! It was U-Haul and Dozer! They thought TLM had ran away again and were trying to corral him, to no avail. Anyway, I waddle back over and fetched him. I cradle him in my right arm like a fat little football and headed back across the stream. About half way across I released him to make his own way. He killed it. To easy. I am so sorry I don't have a pic or video. But trust me made it look easy. And frankly was overly cocky after the deed. We then hiked 12 miles to ME 15. Where I caught a shuttle to Monson, ME. I have now officially waddled the AT without hitch hiking since the day I promised Aunt Bev not too. Feeling sort of proud, as I almost vacillated a few times In this hostel bathroom, at the place I am staying, there is a letter posted at sitting toilet level, from a Mom and Dad who lost their thru hiker son. He drowned at Harrison Pierce Pond (remember we stayed there). Tim, the owner, had shared part of this tragedy with us. I didn't posted this loss then, as it felt to personal. But after reading this letter I decided I would be an a$$ not to mention it. He went to the pond for a dip. He may have been tired or dehydrated or both. Regardless he drowned. He was NOT drunk as far I know. He was alone. His parents have taken the time to post warnings. So I share. Since I am on the subject of tragedies, I may as well talk a little more. Last year a woman, Geraldine Largay, went missing in that area I overnighted in when Pot-of-Gold and Lucky Charms were visiting me and ventured to Baah Haabaahor. I am confused that she was not found. Today I had another person who didn't like Cooper. That makes three. 1. Humans who don't like dogs should be viewed with a suspicious eye. 2. The trail provides. 3. FRIENDS AND FAMILY ARE THE BEST!!! On to Katahdin, Cowgirl and Cooper Hiked today: 12.0 Completed: 2070.8 Remaining: 114.5 Start Point: Piscataquis River End point: ME 14 (Hostel) States Completed: 13 GA (76.4), NC (95.5), TN (287.9), VA (550.3), WV (4), MD (40.9), PA (229.6), NJ (72.2), NY (88.4), CT (51.6), MA (90.2), VT (149.9), NH (160.9), States Remaining: 1 ME (281.4), (4 photos)