Day 29 - 7/7 - Cruising and Dessert for Dinner

Shirley-Blanchard Road (121.0) to Pleasant Pond Road (146.2)

Moose Print

Last full day of slack packing for a while, and I took full advantage. My dad and I got an early start, so I was on the trail by 7 for my 25-mile day. I spent the morning listening to podcasts while I walked the slow climb up Moxie Bald Mountain. I found a fresh moose hoof print in the mud, which was very cool and reminded me just how big moose are. I hope I see one before I leave Maine, but maybe from a distance.

Since today was the first sunny day after two days of rain, the bugs were out in full force. I usually hike in pants and long sleeves just for that reason, but the morning was hot enough my dry-fit shirt stuck to me with sweat, and the bugs bit me right through it. So, I was quite happy to reach the top of Moxie Bald Mountain, where there was a nice breeze that kept the bugs off me.  I stayed at the summit for lunch and then cruised through the afternoon to meet up with my dad.

By the time I reached the end of the day’s hike, I was looking forward to one last real meal before my dad leaves, and I’m back to freeze-dried food. However, once we got back to Monson, we realized one of the big downsides to such a small town: everything closes at 7 pm. It was 7:15, and the only thing open was the gas station. Dinner was cake and ice cream with root beer, which isn’t so bad, all things considered.