October 12: Stratton, ME (and heading south)

A week since the last phone call, as Jonathan was embarking on his first solo leg, heading south from Monson to recover the leapfrogged section of Maine. He had anticipated arriving in Stratton Friday, but arrived Monday. It has been a wet, cold, lonely week. Though it was dry as he began last week, his pack was so weighted with food, he didn't make the daily miles he had planned. And then the rains came, and with the rain, also shorter days. The boots are shot and the feet were cold, and with the cold feet, came dampened spirits. He put plastic bags on his feet which helped to keep them somewhat warmer. During heavy rains, the trail was like a giant puddle on the flat lands and a flowing stream on the hills. Daytime highs were in the low 40's; nights in the 20's-30's. Saturday finally brought sun.

Much of this stretch has been lowlands. He has seen two moose. He crossed Kennebec River by ferry Friday morning. There had been no big mountains until Sunday when he climbed over the Bigelow range. He has crossed paths with only 5 or 6 northbounders and has had shelters to himself (which was a strange experience) until the weekend. He appreciated sharing on Saturday with weekend hikers - a family with 2 young children and a couple of students from the University of Maine. On Sunday, he shared space with one of the students as well as a couple and their dog. He was very glad to have the company.

He is currently in a hostel in Stratton, watching the weather. Snow is forecast for tonight (1") with an additional 1-3" tomorrow. He has a healthy fear of snow in the mountains, in part because it will be a new experience, and in part because he is alone. He plans to stay through Tuesday night at the hostel and head back to the trail Wednesday morning. He is the only hiker in the hostel. He did receive a visit from the couple he sheltered with last night along with an invitation out for a beer, which he accepted. He plans to call the boot manufacturer tomorrow to get a new pair sent. The next 30 miles will be BIG mountain miles. His next drop is in Andover but he plans a stop in between in the town of Rangeley. He needs the outfitters store there for water treatment tablets.

Madeline shared the phone call with me. She has also been waiting anxiously for this call. I don't think she feels she missed too much this last week on the trail. ~ Amy