Another cold morning in the 30’s, but who cares?!? Made some eggs (freeze-dried, blah!) and some instant grits, ‘cause I’m out of other food and need the calories, then strolled 6.0 miles to town. TOWN!!!!

The last bit of the walk was a hard downhill with both shins aching. Pain before pleasure, alas, and as they say: No rain, no pain, no Maine!

We’re staying at a famous hostel. Elmer’s been hosting hikers here in this Victorian house for over 25 years. He and his staff of former thru-hikers cook up gourmet vegetarian meals and charge only 15$/night for some nice accommodations. The money we saved on lodging went towards dinner at the Paddler’s Pub. I had the oriental chicken salad dinner followed by the shrimp po’ boy dinner with a couple of Guinesses. Would have been great except for the hour wait between ordering and being served. Great beer, but don’t bother with the food at the Paddler’s Pub!

On the other hand, we walked across the street (We being me, Green One, Rockhound, and the Jaybirds) to Sweet Imaginations and Ice Cream Shop and my faith in humanity was restored! I picked up some Jelly Bellies, chocolate pretzels, and bulls eyes while the rest of the crew hit the candy and ice cream heaven.

I was up until 11pm reading and eating jelly beans before collapsing into a real bed. Ahhhh….