8/9 Back on track

19.8 hiked today, 1986.2 miles N, 187.8 miles left
Straton Motel Hostel in Straton, ME

After yesterday's ordeal this morning the river had calmed down considerably. Still it was no cake-walk being mid thigh. I was great to get across.
That was a good start to was would be good day getting me back on track. I hiked with Trail Dog and Woodstock for 5 miles until I ducked into the first shelter to check the register and they moved on. Along the way we spotted a bull moose running away from us. I couldn't get any pictures but I did get a good look at it's bum. I enjoyed talking with them as I hiked and the first 5 miles went quickly.
At the shelter I meet a couple of SOBOers and another summer camp group. One of them, Runway, had just graduated with a fashion degree and her kit showed it. She definitely was fit and the clothes she had made for herself were very flattering making her the best dressed thru-hiker I had seen thus far on this trip. She even had decorative trim on my backpack which she also sewed herself. The only problem was it all seemed totally impractical. Right now everything is working find but on a cold wet day the buttons on her rain jacket, the lack of a rain flap, and the decorative stitching on her rain jacket are all going to leak like crazy and soak her. Also the flattering and trim cut of the jacket pants left no space to layer. Finally her pack was at capacity and since she started so late on her hike she is likely going to need to add layers but has nowhere to store them. I hope she doesn't get into too much trouble during the fall storms!
Anyhow after the eye candy I was back heading north. Since I had lost so much time in the last few days I decided to skip the 3.4 mile round trip to Mt. Abraham which is supposed to be very nice but I did do the 1 mile loop to take in the top of Sugarloaf Mountain. On the way up I came across of dense patch of birds which seemed less fearful than most so I think I got some good pictures of them. They just bounced from tree to tree about 6 feet away taunting me with their chirps.
On top of Abraham it is pretty ugly with a tiered looking ski lodge and communication towers but the view afforded was great. I enjoyed looking back at Saddleback which looked much more peaceful than yesterday. The ski lodge is left open for hikers to use and I took advantage of it. On it's deck I dried out my wet clothes and gear in the howling and bone chilling wind. Inside there was electricity and I took advantage of the hot plate up there to cook my last dinner. After relaxing for a couple hours enjoying the view I had to move on if I was going to make it into town before dark.
I descended to the Crabasset River before going back up to run along the Crockers Mountain Range. During this I was surround mostly in White Birch and Spruce with only a rare other tree interloping. From what I hear the Carabasset River was dangerous to cross yesterday. That means even if I had gotten my long day in yesterday or the day before I will still have gotten pinned down by a river. Today the crossing was easy as there was a plank to walk on to cross a narrow gap though it though it looks like without the plank it would be a bit rough.
Then I climbed up the Crocker Mountains. This climb reminded me of how fast one can hike if the trail is graded well and I zoomed up the 2000' in less than an hour. On the way down the other side I saw saw a lot of wildlife. I ended my day seeing another moose, mostly from the rear. It was a sizable cow that got away before I could get a picture. Also in about 10 feet I managed to flush not 1, not 2, but three grouse. One did the whine and broken wing thing they often do and the other exploded out from the brush to fly off leaving a very twice startles thru-hiker.
Down at the road I got a very easy and friendly hitch in. One in town I checked into the hostel which is really nice. It is a two story apartment with full kitchen, a laptop with high speed Internet, telephone with free long distance down stairs, and several nice beds upstairs. What was even better I have the whole place to myself making for a very nice and relaxing evening with lots of space to spread out.