All in a day: Scary goshawk, patriotic pancakes, Kennebec crossing

Some days are more eventful than others, and this last day was newsy on the AT. I did my longest day yet at 13.5 miles, since there were no mountains and I’m feeling in better shape. During the last 2 miles there was a sign to beware of aggressive goshawks. I was wearing earbuds and listening to my audiobook, but figured I would keep my eyes open. I mean, I wasn’t sure this goshawk thing was real. After a mile or so of nothing, I hear a screeching eek-eek-eek as a huge hawk is coming at me swooping low toward my head. Instictively, I take my trekking poles and wave them above my head and scream back. And then I run! My feet were pretty sore at that point, but apparently fear conquers all pain and I start running trekking poles waving. A few minutes later, here she comes again! I tell you those last 2 miles were probably my fastest on the trail. At the lean-to, I shared my scary story, and a few others were disappointed they did not have that experience. Lol. Some people call me lucky🤣

The Pierce Pond Lean to is near the Harrison Fishing Camp, home to Tim, and a supporter of AT hikers. He offers a full breakfast of patriotic pancakes (12 raspberry, blueberry and apple pancakes) plus sausage, eggs, coffee and juice all for $12. As always, breakfast was a time to talk and meet new people, including a retired NASA person who is just about finished with his AT hike. He also met the goshawk yesterday and said it was the scariest experience of his entire hike!

After pancakes this morning, I hiked the approx 4 miles to the Kennebec River crossing by ferry. This ferry for AT hikers is a green Old Town canoe operated by a very cool ferry operator.

Today is a short day and I’m staying at a fancy hostel with my own room called the Sterling Inn. My brother and sister will join me for a few days till Monson.

I’m very grateful for all of my adventures on the AT and am already sad to think of it coming to an end. It’s amazing how fast your body can get used to a new routine. I had wondered if this 50 year old body could do this, and so far, so good. It’s the sore feet at the end of the day that lingers for hours that is the biggest hindrance. But I found out even the 20-somethings have that too.