Fun time at Kingfield and Stratton!

Another update...evening edition!

Elizabeth and I decided to head out for the AT trailhead at Stratton, and were glad we did! We grabbed some soft drinks at the Shop & Save, cooled them down, and headed out. When we got up to Carrabassett Valley, we saw a hiker walking up the side of the road towards the trailhead. We pulled over, and I realized that I had met this hiker before! She also remembered that we had met, but we weren't quite sure where...we did remember lot's of what we had talked about though, so that was fun! Her trail name is Bunkers, after the turnout gear that she wears as a firefighter for the Auburn, New York fire department. (Bunkers, if you read this, I hope I got it right!?). We offered up a cool drink, and a card with contact information in case she needs any help on her final leg of the trip, and deposited her at the WHITE WOLF Motel, in Stratton. We also left her with a ScriptureStick to give to the owner of the motel, who is a friend of one of her friends! Then it was back to the trailhead to see if there were any other hikers needing a lift. Nope...but we did meet Gypsy, who was finishing up some hiking, and had a great conversation with him. We shared a drink with him, and he shared a lot of knowledge. He is leaning more and more ultralight, and showed us some of his gear, including his cooking system, and his backpack, both of which he made, and both super light. He also shared with us some of his dehydrating tips, which I definitely will put to good use. Thanks, Gypsy! We finally left, and headed for home. We made a brief stop along the way to get our feet wet in the Carrabassett River, and to look for some Jasper (Bright red rock). We found a few nice pieces, then headed out. We stopped in Kingfield to get fuel for the truck, and noticed another hiker trying to catch a ride North. I asked him if he had been waiting long, and he said not too long. He was MOSS, another hiker I had met when I was on trail. He was hiking with his dog, Stella, a real cute pooch! Well, why not...off we went, back up to Stratton! We had a great conversation with Moss, and as we entered Stratton, we saw Bunkers hiking out of town...I stopped and asked...yes, she was going to get back on the trail and get a few more miles in. I told her we would be back for her, then went to the Stratton Motel to let Moss out. Back to get Bunkers we went, bringing her back to the trailhead! We had a great time! After talking for a bit more, we headed for home, having had a wonderful day out. Although we received thank-yous from both Bunkers and Moss, please be assured that the pleasure was all ours! Thank YOU, Bunkers and Moss! And thank you too, Gypsy! You all made our day! Now it's good night, and God Bless! Hope you all have pleasant journeys...