Days 134-136: Cornhole Massacre

Day 134, 9/9/23

US Rt 201

0 miles, mile 2,047

Today was so much fun! Karen made a bomb breakfast bake casserole and a pot of coffee for everyone. She is a great cook. After hanging out for a bit, Ethan and I ventured to downtown Kingfield and explored around town. We went to Orchard Girls Cidery and got flights of ciders, some with very interesting flavors. We had to laugh at how in depth the description was for a lot of them and when we got to number 4, all the description said was “Beet Cider.” It sadly tasted like dirt. One of them was a mango, pineapple, and jalapeno cider which the jalapeno really came through on. My favorite was just the plain apple one. The owner was awesome and he runs the whole place himself.

After our ciders we went to the craft beer shed and got some more seltzers and beers to enjoy by the river. Karen’s son Mikey recommended the Apres seltzers and I can confirm they are really good, I had never even heard of them. Once we left the beer shed we realized we really didn’t get enough and went back to the grocery store for some more. It was a beautiful day so Ethan and I went down to the river with some chairs and beverages. I love me a good bev by the river. We were skipping rocks when I found one that looks exactly like NH! I took it with me to keep. I went for a swim and then we made our way back to the house.

Before dinner Karen wanted to play some cornhole and she so kindly left out the fact she could be an All American Cornhole Champion and totally hustled us. Needless to say Ethan and I had a pathetic score in comparison. It was definitely fun though. We had vodka penne sauce for dinner and headed out to the fire pit. Dad and I have been totally influenced to get a solo stove now. That thing is awesome.

Day 135, 9/10/23

US Rt 201

0 miles, mile 2,047

Ethan and I slept in today and we were all feeling very lazy. Karen made another breakfast bake and coffee for us. She sadly left around noon to drive back to NY. I’m so glad she could come and see us for a couple days. Ethan left around 3pm to head back to NH. It’s crazy that next time I’m back in NH it will be to go home!

 

Day 136, 9/11/23

US Rt 201 to Moxie Lake

12 miles, mile 2,059

The road crossings are a bit weird through this section and we need to hike 12 miles today, and 24 tomorrow as our last two slackpacking days. Google maps sent Dad down a very sketchy road that’s sole purpose is for trucking. There were a lot of washouts and it was in rough shape. It was really the only option through here. After tomorrow we will take another zero and then head into the 100 mile wilderness. Dad called shortly after we started to let us know he picked up Legs and Scissor Hands who we met back in NH and also gave a ride to Lincoln from Crawford Notch! Dad said he dropped off repeat customers on the phone which was funny. He is enjoying doing a little trail magic while we hike.

The hiking today was short but extremely slippery. It was sprinkling on us for most of the hike but since it was only 12 miles we weren’t too worried about it. I’m not excited for our long day tomorrow and I am also not excited to get my full pack with 5 days of food for a rainy time in the 100 mile wilderness. I am excited to stand on top of Katahdin and go home though. I unfortunately cannot have one without the other. 9 more days!