Stratton Maine stop-in

What's up folks??? So I am just stopping in Stratton, Maine to pick up a maildrop and grab some grub. We currently have less than 200 miles to go and I am so excited!!!! We are tackling the Bigelow Mountains today and tomorow and then we hear it is pretty smooth sailing to Monson and then the Hundred Mile Wilderness that leads us to Katahdin - the summit of dreams. I have still been hanging out with Stash and Remix. We did a 20 mile day over Moody Mountain, Old Blue Mountain, and Bemis Mountain. We stayed with several southbounders at the Bemis Mountain Shelter. It is crazy how many SOBO's we are now passing - sometimes as many as 10 a day. Headed down the mountain and 17 miles later, we go into Rangeley, Maine and stay at Gull Pond Lodge. Bob O'Brien, the owner, is awesome and a really great storyteller. I thoroughly enjoyed my stay there, hanging out with Bob, his dog Gwendy and the boys. Redo showed up there too and we all celebrated her birthday. Right before heading to bed, Boone and his brother, the Follower, showed up. Craziness. They are Northbounders that are travelling very quickly. They hope to summit July 4th. We are shooting for July 7th. It was good to hang out with them, it definitely got me thinking about lightening my load. They each carry about 15 pounds. Woah - my generally weighs around 30 pounds depending on food and water. The next day, we grabbed a big breakfast thanks to Bob and headed up the Saddleback Mountains. They were absolutely gorgeous. We all just hung out on each of the peaks - Saddleback, the horn, and Saddleback Junior for quite some time. I love just chillin with the mountains all around. Layed our heads at Spaulding Mountain Lean-to last night. Climbed over the Crocker Mountains today and now we are in Stratton. I am certainly not minding being in town at the moment as it is about 90 degrees outside, very humid, and the black flies are pretty excited when we are outside. I got ate up last night. As soon as we munch on some much needed icecream, we are heading another 5 miles up to Horns Pond. I hear there is some good swimming there so I think I'll take a dip. I definitely could benefit from a better smell. I have been sweating so much, it is crazy! I am excited about a big day tomorrow over the Bigelows - where if the weather is nice, we could get a view of Katahdin. That would be awesome. It looks like I will probably run into my friends Reuben and Missie who are hiking SOBO this year. It will be nice to run into some folks from home and to hear about their adventures so far.

We will be in Monson on Saturday but I'm not sure about the internet situation. I will try and update before heading into the 100 mile wilderness but if not, I will update you all after summiting. I am so excited to be in Maine. It is gorgeous and it feels really good to be this close. My dream is within reach - woohoo!!! Hope everybody is staying cool this summer and onward I go!

Love,
Kentucky Blue