Date: 2012-08-27
From: Wilson Valley Lean-to

To: Lakeshore House Lodging and Pub (In a bed!)
Miles today: 10.4
Weather: clear sky

(In which I run out of food, come across my first trail magic and make it to Monson)-Currently sitting in a bunk in the hostel eating disgusting amounts of chocolate covered raisins-Today was the best example for me of the worst the trail can be, and the best it can be. I only had 10 miles to make today to arrive in Monson, but without food and Ibuprofin it started off horrendous. I spent most of the morning cursing the little ups and downs I had to pass and every time I stubbed my left big toe I took it out on the nearest rock or sturdy piece of vegetation (I promise no plants were hurt). I made it about 2 miles before Bull Moose came flying up behind me with his chronic smile and offered me a few Advil. I was happy to have it and I gimped along behind him the best I could for the rest of the morning.With about three miles to go we sat down to take a break and there was a sign for the "Hikers Haven" - a new hostel-like stop in the 100 Miles Wilderness. It's so new that's it's not even in the AT Guide (AWOL's guide) I use. The sign said 0.2 miles off trail and there's ice cream and beer and food. Now my initial plan was to keep moving, but as I sat there I got light headed and decided that 15 hours without a calorie is not a good call. I stashed my pack in the woods and set off to find the Haven. It was all downhill after that - literally and figuratively. The trail split at a point and there was no indication of which way to go. I searched both trails and they both went downhill - down water soaked hills for more than 0.2 miles. After getting angry at my stomach for leading me astray I marched back to my pack and headed back towards Monson in double time.I don't think there has been another time when I've been so hungry. I'd love to blame it on the squirrels and mice, but ultimately it's my fault. The last 3 miles were the ugliest, most uncomfortable and painful hiking I've ever done. And then...Trail magic. I caught up to Bull Moose after my blue blaze mishap and with about a mile to go we ran into a day hiker named Meg Wilson. I mention her by name because she's an author writing a book about women who thru-hike the trail (Kelly I'll get you a copy). She's also an exceptional person. When she offered us a peach and an iced tea I almost got emotional. It's difficult to appreciate the intensity of this kind of encounter when you read about it - I've read about it many times, but this was trail magic in its purest form (not really expected by either party and desperately needed) and it was fantastic. She gave us her number and told us to give her a call and she would give us a ride to the outfitter later in the day.After checking in at the hostel, eating whatever I could get my hands on and showering, a group of us were off to the outfitter, courtesy of Meg, and spent the rest of the afternoon at The Black Frog (a restaurant on Moose Head Lake - picture above) drinking beers and chatting about the trail. From horrifying day to incredibly pleasant. Such is the way of the trail.On day 1 this week I overheard two northbound section hikers in Hurd Brook Leanto talking about how excited they were to complete the 100 Mile Wilderness. It was interesting at the time because it never occurred to me that this 114 miles was a challenge unto itself. I've had my eyes on 2100 miles. I think that was a mistake. Nobody wants to miss the forest for the trees, but there's value in appreciating the little victories along the way. Hooray for completing the 100 Mile Wilderness!Today's post was brought to you by food, because without it, well, yeah...