July 27th, 2018, Maine
We awoke to blue skies which was great after the rain yesterday. It was only the second time I had slept inside a shelter. It seemed like I did more tossing and turning than in the hammock. But I was glad to be in a dry lean-to when I woke up.
Magnot and I both woke up around 5am and started getting ready. With enough time I thought I might make it to Maine Highway 27, the road to Stratton and Carabasset Valley. Both towns have hiker hostels and resupply.
I headed out about 6:15, my earliest day yet. The short hiking day yesterday allowed me to wake up early and feeling refreshed. The morning sun gave me some interesting views and there was heavy fog in the valleys. I hiked along all morning and didn’t see anyone else until after 11am.
Today’s hike covered two tall peaks called The Bigelows. Other than hiking Mt Katahdin this was the most elevation change yet in one day.
At the West Peak I was able to get a single bar of T-mobile service. I called the Hostel of Maine and confirmed their shuttle would be at the trailhead at 4:30.
I was on pace to make this time but still had 8 miles to hike. And with about four miles remaining, and a steep descent, the rain started again. I was concerned I might not make the shuttle but ended up reaching the road in time. Today was 15.6 miles with some rain and a lot of up and down: a good, strenuous day. And I was so glad to be riding the shuttle at this point. More about the Hostel of Maine tomorrow!