Monson to Stratton, ME

Another week has passed and I am now in Stratton, Maine, contemplating whether to take a “zero” tomorrow.  Since I left Monson on Tuesday, I have covered another 70 miles and now am at 188 miles traveled.  My primary focus for not hiking tomorrow is to take an occasional day off to avoid injury.  It looks like rain tomorrow, so that may sway the decision.

My last zero day was at Shaw’s Hiker Hostel in Monson, ME.  The hospitality there was excellent, as was the all you can eat (AYCE) breakfast, consisting of three eggs to order (over easy, of course), the best home fries I have tasted, bacon, and AYCE blueberry pancakes.  By the time we got to pancakes, two was enough for me, although the northbound hikers were likely hungrier than us southbounders.  Many thanks to Poet and Hippie Chick, our hosts, who thru-hiked in 2008.

After an easy 6-mile hike out of town on Tuesday afternoon, Wednesday included a hike up Moxie Bald Mountain.  On the way up, I crossed the outlet of Bald Mountain Pond.   Thanks to the dry weather, this one was another rock hop and rather than a ford.

From the summit I could see the Bingham Wind generation project.  Not the most picturesque scene, but it is good to see renewable energy projects being developed cooperatively, as I know the Appalachian Mountain Club was active in negotiating terms for this and other projects.

From the summit, I could also see the upcoming challenge of Bigelow Mountain and enjoyed seeing the wildflowers embracing the summit environment.

Thursday included a hike up Pleasant Pond Mountain, before descending into Caratunk, ME.  The views were great, although nothing in particular to note.

Thursday evening brought me to Caratunk, where I spent the night at the Caratunk House Hiker B&B.  A peaceful evening and another excellent t breakfast prepared by our host, Paul “One Braid” Fuller, who thru-hiked both the AT and the Pacific Crest Trail.

Friday morning brought me to the Kennebec River, the one river in Maine that does not require fording.  The official route across is by canoe ferry, paid for by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and the Maine Appalachian Trail Club.

Friday brought a variety of views along the way to West Carry Pond.  Part of this route was used by Benedict Arnold and 1,000 men on their way to Quebec during the Revolutionary War.  I wish I had taken a picture of a sign with the historical details.

Saturday was a long day with an early start to beat impending rain.  The hike up Little Bigelow Mountain provided limited views of the main summit of Bigelow Mountain as the clouds rolled in.

After a rainy night, Sunday began overcast as I set out for the summit of Bigelow Montain.  It’s two main peaks, Avery Peak and West Peak, are the first of many 4000-foot peaks to be encountered over the next month.

As the day progressed, the sun broke through by the time I reached the South Horn.

This brings us to the end of the week as I sit in Stratton.  With all likelihood, I will take a day off tomorrow and set out on Tuesday to continue my adventure.