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Final Zero Day at Shaw’s Hiker Hostel (Day 156)
I woke up at 6:59 AM on the dot, jumped out of bed, and ran out of the bunkhouse and to the hostel kitchen. Shaw’s is known for its delicious homemade breakfast, and they start serving at 7 AM sharp.
Bottomless Breakfast
The tables were already full when I walked in, so a few other hikers and I sat outside with our coffee while we waited for some seats to open up. Once inside, we were served heaping plates of breakfast potatoes, eggs, and bottomless pancakes (mine were kindly made gluten-free). I gave my bacon away to the people at my table, which I think made them very happy.
The Final Resupply
After breakfast, I kept working on the tasks I’d begun last night, like planning my resupply and reserving hostel stays for when I finish the trail. Some hikers pay extra for a food drop in the middle of the 100-Mile Wilderness, so they don’t have to carry a full resupply all the way to Baxter State Park. I considered it, but decided to forgo it for simplicity’s sake (and to save a little bit of money).
Saying Goodbye
It wasn’t long before my friends, Timberdoodle and BoBo, were hopping in the shuttle to head back to the trail. Since starting the AT on the same day, I’ve seen them off and on frequently throughout this journey. They are not zeroing today, which means this is likely the last time we will be together. We said our goodbyes and took one final photo. I think my ridiculous loaner clothes add some flair.
Afternoon Activities
I iced my knee off and on for the rest of the day, hoping it would take kindly to some last-minute R&R before this final stretch. It’s been feeling pretty good for the last few days, which I can likely attribute to the much easier terrain.
For dinner, a girl that I’ve been hiking around for the last few days invited me out to dinner with her and her mom. It was a really nice time, since I often don’t eat at sit-down restaurants when I’m alone. We talked about all the hostels we’ve visited since Georgia, and what we’re most excited to cook when we go home.
The Blogging Continues..
I’m ending the night lying in bed and catching up on these blog posts. This is another part of the journey that will soon end. It will be weird to start going to bed again without writing about my day. Sometimes it surprises me that anyone reads this at all, but it’s certainly kept me motivated to continue documenting this adventure. Goodnight everyone!
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Comments 13
Thanks for blogging! Always fun to read your posts. Exciting as you finish up.
Sarah – I don’t ever comment, but I have really enjoyed your blog posts and have followed them all the way through. Good job and keep hiking (and Blogging)!
I have been following you silently and cheering you on! Congratulations
I’ve followed your journey from day 1, you are so close now but please remember that nothing is more important than your health. Imagine it in your grandmother’s voice if that puts more weight behind it.
Almost done!!!
It wasn’t long ago I was in your shoes! Only it was long enough that I was writing to my town newspaper instead of an online blog. Crazy how time flies.
I’m glad we motivate you to blog,.. because you motivate us to get out there and spend some time in nature. Best of luck in the 100 mile wilderness!
Sarah,
I have thoroughly enjoyed reading and following your adventure.
I wish you the best as you complete your hike on the AT.
Thank you for taking the time to share your days with us.
You’re rocking those loner clothes. You’re almost there been enjoying your blog
Been following you since the Smokies , enjoyed reading your blog , good luck and I look forward to your summit photo.
Been following you for most of your trip and have enjoyed sharing your journey. You’re almost there. You got this!!!!!
Congratulations on your journey!
As a former 2 time Appalachian Trail thru-hiker myself, Sadly I stay away of poets place !
Shaw would be so disappointed in a business that screws hikers out of their funds !
My late grandfather and I thru hiked the Appalachian Trail in 1998 and it was amazing adventure! The highlight was meeting Keith Shaw and his amazing wife who made the pancakes yummy 😋! The respect and kindness was amazing at shaws ! Fast forward to 2023 , Over the past years 3 different owners took over Keith Shaws incredible hostel! But the new orders ( who do not live there in the house , nor are Mainers themselves) just disappointed me and so many others ! The new owner is a creep! Seriously! Disappointed by his actions and words ! Its like a college party all the time ! The place is gross ! Someone had thrown up on the stairs and it had gotten hard from being there over time ! A sure disgusting place to get sick in ! The breakfast was gross! Trying to say they came up with all the wonderful things Keith Shaw did for themselves! I and my Trail Family were disappointed and disgusted by everything about Poets place ! ( Not Keith Shaws ” Shaws Hostel) just screwed the name ! Nothing comes close to just being out in nature near the 100 mile wilderness! Was lucky enough to meet Mudbag at the general store with a few people from the dirty bubble!
Pass on the college party’s in Monson!
Sarah
High 5
Sarah J, by the time you read this, you will have (hopefully) summited Katahdin and enjoyed the thrill of what the last 5+ months have meant. Glad to have read your posts, and wish you all the best back in civilian life!
Thank you for sharing your hike, enjoyed following along,
May God bless you!