Thursday June 27, 17.9mi/28.8km

Bald Mountain Pond shelter (2059.6) to Hwy 15/Monson (2077.5) (ME)

I was excited to get to town, so I started walking at 7am. The view from the campsite this morning was nice. Not pictured: hundreds of mosquitoes.

There were no significant climbs today, only a few river fords. The first ford looked easy, but a few seconds after I took this photo, I slipped on a rock and took a swim. Oops.

Since the trail is in the lowlands now, everything is very green, and there are many more bird noises.

The next river ford went more smoothly, and there was even a rope to hold onto!

Being down low also means more moose!

The trail followed along the W branch Piscataquis River for several hours. It was nice having the sound of water for background noise.

Just before I got to the road, there was a small climb, and the hill had an obscured view of the valley I was about to enter.

I got to the road at 1:45pm, got a hitch from the third car that passed by, and was in town at the Shaws hostel by 2pm. One of the owners, Poet, welcomed me and gave me a tour. They even have a gear shop!

Then after a shower, I headed over to the only restaurant in town, the Lakeshore House pub. I saw some interesting transportation on my walk over… oh, Maine!

I was starving, so I ordered the biggest thing on the menu, Pot roast with vegetables and potatoes. Then I stayed a little while for the entertainment of open mic night.

I headed back to the hostel, repaired my leaky thermarest air mattress, and planned out my last week on the AT. Tomorrow I enter the hundred mile wilderness!