Home Appalachian TrailAT Continental Divide TrailCDT Pacific Crest TrailPCT
author photo">
Jul 15, 2022 : Tin Man Appalachian Trail

Hitting the Reset Button

Monson

Emerged from the 100 Mile Wilderness on the morning of 16 JUN with a sore ankle/foot. Thought I’d give it 2 rest days to heal up. Fate and “Lucky 1” took me to the John Baptist Mission. Little did I know at the time I’d be spending almost a month there. From the moment I entered the door it felt as though I was a member of a family. Bettinan, aka “Nani Bette,” took care of me (and others) through her pleasant conversation, laid back demeanor, and awesome home cooking. Some random notes from the Monson stay: Maine raspberry soda, homemade whoopie pies, Monson slate (used at JFK’s grave at Arlington), salt and pepper on pizza, onions in Mac & cheese, Greenville & Moosehead Lake, Guilford, the Abbot Bakery, Shaw’s AT Lodge, Brittany’s (age 3) birthday party, Lucky’s electric bike, the “cabin on the hill” and subsequent “safety meetings,” Lakeshore, first time going to a Pentacostal Church service, ATVs, among others. What could’ve been downer time turned into such a positive chapter in a small rural Maine town. I’m forever greatful for Nani Bette, Lucky 1, and Sonny.

Affiliate Disclosure

This website contains affiliate links, which means The Trek may receive a percentage of any product or service you purchase using the links in the articles or advertisements. The buyer pays the same price as they would otherwise, and your purchase helps to support The Trek's ongoing goal to serve you quality backpacking advice and information. Thanks for your support!

To learn more, please visit the About This Site page.

Tin Man
Jul 15th : Tin Man
Author Page
Tin Man's Bio

"Walks of Life"......Aloha, I'm a US Army retiree and 2 x cancer survivor. At age 8 my Mom took me to this place called Harper's Ferry. Part of that magical weekend involved discovering this thing called the Appalachian Trail. When told it went from ME to GA and one can actually walk the whole thing, it blew up my little mind. Ever since it's been a bucket list item. Have done numerous section hikes on the AT & PCT over the years, but life circumstances finally allow for an AT through hike (SOBO start in Jun). This is also the "ultimate rehab validation" (total hip replacement, impromptu, lol, in 2020 due to a mountain bike crash, planned total knee replacement in 21). Hence the moniker, "Tin Man." That said, guess I need a heart now. Last but not least, it's an opportunity to give back. I'm representing the Teressa Rosalind French Foundation. Teressa was a loving, vibrant young lady who was taken from this earth unexpectantly at age 16. The Foundation provides scholarships and grants to young students wishing to meet their educational and spiritual goals. It's my aim to first, repmember Teressa (take her spirit on the trail), then spread awareness of the wonderful opportunities the Foundation makes available to students. If interested in helping the Foundation meet it's goals, please go to the website: https://teressarosalindfrenchfoundation.org/about/ ALL gifts/donations go towards grants and scholarships. I'm fortunate and blessed to have this unique opportunity to "pack it all in" for 5-6 months. Excited to get back on the trail, see and experience so much (yes, including "hiccups" along the way, lol) and for the opportunity to meet so many interesting people from so many "walks" of life. Everyday is a blessing.

Comments 2

  • Blaise Cornell-d'Echert : Jul 18th

    Kurt, You gave me good advice about RV’ing that I think applies here as well. “Don’t be in a hurry.” Be well. Hope you have recovered. Press on brother!

    Reply
  • Scott King Walker : Jan 13th

    I was enjoying the flow of your story, and then it just stopped. I would love to hear the end of the story, even if you didn’t go back on the trail.

    Reply

What Do You Think?