My big gamble of not putting up the rain tarp last night paid off. And by that I mean that I woke up dry. It was cloudy and gray out but the rain hadn’t started yet. I opted to eat two power bars rather than make oatmeal figuring that that would get me out the metaphorical door as quickly as possible. 

From the second I hit the trail today I felt great. I walked with a spring in my step I didn’t expect. When I was on flats I pushed the speed and when I was climbing I settled into a comfortable but quick climb. On some of the downhills I even jogged a bit. I felt unstoppable!

My whole reason for pushing was to get to the town of Monson before the rain started. To stay dry. Unfortunately that didn’t quite play out as, even though I wasn’t getting rained on, I was walking through a cloud. I was soaked with sweat and condensation. 

As I got nearer to route 15 I could hear the cars on the highway. I started to jog a few more of the sections. I was mid jog when a SoBo came towards me. “Look at my boy,” he yelled out. “He’s getting to Monson in record time!” My cheeks flushed as I jogged by. “Just trying to avoid the rain!”

15 miles and barely 4 hours later, I made it to town before the rain and checked into Shaw’s Hiker Hostel – a legendary spot on trail. I had been told from the get go I had to stay here. It’s run by two former thru hikers, has an incredible gear shop and overall great vibes. It’s also next to a bbq restaurant. 

I walked over to the restaurant and just as I got inside, the heavens opened up. It poured as I stuffed my face with probably the best shaved steak and cheese sandwich I’d ever had. 

A nap and a resupply later and it was time to eat again. But this time with a special guest visitor. My friend Matt from college was in the area and dropped by. He joined Big Sexy and me for dinner at the local Monson pub. We regaled him with stories of the trail and looked back on the last 2000+ miles. 

But once again, after a long day, I’m in bed by 9pm. It’s time for a good nights sleep, tomorrow begins the 100 mile wilderness

Key stats:

Miles: 15

Elevation gained: 1900 ft

Mile marker: 2084

Dessert: Brownie Sundae