Slackpacking Trip - Day 3

Today was actually much easier, now that I know the rules of the Maine woods... Woke up without an alarm (0630) and ate a huge breakfast at Shaw's with the two hikers who shared the bunk room with me last night. It was way more than I usually eat but it definitely kept me going all day! Got some more trail tips from Heidi ("I don't care if I finish - I just want to know I COULD have finished") and Blueberry Bear before heading out to my car to resume the hiking adventure... It was a beautiful, clear day! I returned to the ME-15 trailhead (where I parked yesterday) and hiked SOBO (0820). Much of the trail today followed ATV and snowmobile trails. Did I mention it was COLD (36 degrees F this morning)? Obviously, this ensured less sweating than usual... It eventually warmed up. Didn't see anyone for the whole outbound hike (seemed like the claim of the "last" Bubble yesterday was real...). However, when I stopped to rest after the first half at the Shirley-Blanchard Road, a couple (NOBO) came out of the woods on the other side. They weren't in any hurry and shrugged at the idea they might not finish the AT this season. I followed them for the rest of the day. There was a tough hill in the middle that made the hike interesting (in both directions), but it provided some great views. The roots and rocks made their appearances again but I didn't fall today. All told, I put in more than 13 miles (more than I planned because I got lost again due to confusing trail markings). After getting finished, I drove back into Monson, filled up the gas tank and got money from a sketchy ATM (1420). Used ME-15, ME-150 and ME-16 to get to ME-11 and made my way north to Millinocket. I had beautiful views of the mountains all the way! When I arrived at my destination (1630), I realized I no longer had any cell signal - even in town. This was a challenge, since the AT Lodge (where I wanted to stay) required check in with a phone call. Eventually, I moved to a place where I could reach the proprietors and arranged my stay. After getting settled in a nice room on the third floor of the big hostel, I encountered two through hikers who were devouring a pizza after finishing Katahdin earlier in the day. I asked about the source of the food and they pointed down the street to a place called Angelo's. It was brisk (and already getting dark!), but I walked over there and ordered a pie. While I waited, they recommended I get a Schlitz (that is a blast from the past!). After I started drinking, some of the locals asked me to join them at their table (they weren't even waiting for pizza - the place was their Monday night hangout location). I ended up having a great time with Woody and his friends - talking about the old paper mill (closed), winter homes in Reno, drone hunting and their kids. They even tried to convince me to buy a summer home in Millinocket. The prices were very cheap and I was tempted... After several hours, I got to leave and they asked me to join them on Tuesday night at the next hang-out joint (Pelletiers) - I told them I would see how I felt after finishing Katahdin. Walked back to the AT Lodge and read for about an hour. Bed (with some of the windows in the next room open!) at 2130. Today's total = 5.82 (more, actually - but yesterday's hike was slightly shorter than I thought) / Grand Total AT = 171.83!