Andover, ME to Stratton, ME

Mile 1996

It's only been four days since my last post, but we've had a busy few days! We've gone from thinking Maine is trying to kill us to loving it. There have been some awesome panoramic views, lots of lakes, and good terrain. And lots of moose poop, but no moose! Where are they?
We want to see one! Also, lots of French Canadians. Like more than Americans. Who knew Canadia was so close?

One day we were able to hit up two lakes- one with a wonderful sandy beach and the other with a canoe all ready for me to jump in and paddle away.

We've been with a big bubble lately. There are 7-10 thru hikers in the shelters every night in addition to another dozen or so section hikers (mostly speaking French). Maine is such a beautiful hiking spot, so I guess it attracts a lot of people. The towns in Maine are sooo small, so it's fun to have so many other thru hikers to have dinner and resupply with. Last night, Five Pair inadvertently paid us a huge compliment. There was some sort of discussion about things we do while walking, and she said, "You guys are always talking! Hiking, cooking, in your tent... What do you possibly still have to talk about?"

We can't believe we are so close to finishing. We have a slightly aggressive plan to summit the Big K on August 20th. If we get held up by anything, it may be a day after, but the 20th is definitely possible.

We have one more trail town to stop in, so that means one more blog post from Monson... Can't wait!