It was a warmer night but I only slept until around 0500. After that, I couldn't get back to sleep so I read for a while before getting ready for my day. By the time I was dressed, I'd decided to forego hiking any more AT miles in 2022. I was able to make this choice with a lot of peace because of all the great experiences I’ve had on the Trail since March. With less than 100 miles until I’m done, I am really looking forward to 2023! Ate another delicious breakfast with the other hikers and learned that "Water" had left the trail because she'd gotten COVID - that's too bad because I'd hoped to run into her again... I paid for Shaw's (lodging and breakfast) at 0755 and then headed out of Monson and away from the AT... Of course, I had no intention of sitting on the couch today! Instead, I paid a visit to Mount Kineo, an iconic Maine landmark located on Moosehead Lake and featured in Thoreau’s “The Maine Woods” (which I read in the last year). I actually was able to see it from the top of Barren Mountain yesterday and the locals I’d been with jokingly referred to it as “Maine’s Half Dome.” To reach it, a visitor has to take a ferry from the town of Rockwood. After using ME-15 and ME-6, I arrived for the first departure today and was faced with a strong, icy wind (along with temps in the high 30s) - for the first time in months, I had to put on my winter coat! By 0900, we were on the water (it was even colder out there) for the short (less than 15 minute) transit. Only four other hardy souls joined me… After getting dropped off at the Golf Course Pier (not kidding), I entered Mount Kineo State Park and started the hike up the the summit. After walking along the edge of the lake on the Carriage Road, I had two choices for the ascent: Bridle Trail or Indian Trail. Since the latter trail hugged the cliff, was the shortest distance and was considered (by the ferry driver) a challenge, I took it. This decision soon put me out in front of everyone and I realized I had a chance to be the first person on the peak all day. While climbing, I began wishing I’d brought my trekking poles - I’ve gotten used to having them on every hike. I took my time to enjoy the spectacular views but kept up a good pace. After an entire summer of steep climbs, the relatively short rise of Kineo seemed easy - from ferry landing to the fire tower only took me about 45 minutes. By then, the sun had warmed up the island and I was able to shed my winter coat. At the summit (1789’), I climbed up the rickety steel tower (the wind seemed to make it sway) and got some impressive photos on top. Amazing 360 degree views! I reached the bottom of the tower before anyone else arrived and decided to go back down the mountain again. By now, the second ferry was offloading more people and I anticipated a crowd on the island before long… I used the Bridle Path during my descent and, encountering the latest arrivals near the water’s edge, realized I had a really good chance to get to the ferry by the time it left for the mainland (10:45). This did require that I walk pretty fast (there actually was some jogging involved), just to be sure, but I made it in time. I walked almost four miles in about 1+30! The wind had died down by then and it was much warmer - I would have loved to stay longer. But I had five plus hours of driving to do and didn’t want to wait another hour for the next ferry. Fortunately, I was able to get on the road again quickly. My route during the return was almost an exact reverse of the way I'd used to reach the area on Friday (ME-6, ME-15, ME-16, ME-151, ME-150, US-2, ME-156, US-2, NH-116, US-302) until I stopped for gas at Cumberland Farms in Littleton (1525). After that, I used I-93 and I-91 to get home (listened to audiobooks on the way). I arrived at my condo by 1645 and spent some time unpacking. Thinking about my weekend, I’d definitely be glad to make a longer visit to Moosehead Lake in the future, perhaps after I’ve finished the AT. But I still felt like I’d gotten enough Maine Vibes to keep me going until next year. Plus, I’ve got bigger things planned for later this month - it’s time to focus all my attention on Patagonia prep!