Cowboy camping is something everyone should do at least once on trail. This is my second time this year and I never regret it. The weather was perfect and the sky did not disappoint. There was a sliver of a moon, which I never saw as it was hiding low on the horizon. But what I did see was the numerous stars that our mighty God knows by name, and the Milky Way stretching across the sky. There was no ambient light shining from any nearby town or city so the sky was the theater. It was glorious. And the sunrise was pretty nice too!

It was a fast pack up with no tent and only good coffee this morning. We saw three northbound hikers before 6am, and we were right behind them. The morning walk was nice with a slight downhill to Brackett Brook. Two days ago, hikers that forged this Brook had water to their waists. Blue, Mary Poppins and I had knee deep water and we were grateful. What a difference it makes when the rain stops for a couple of days. The flow was much less and easily crossed.

We started our climb to Mt. Mist. It was fairly easy with some Beaver Bogs along the way and more moose droppings. We saw lots of frogs hopping around, and a few birds chirping.The mushrooms are growing so big these days and quite colorful. The ones I’ve been seeing are in the warm spectrum from yellows to oranges and reds. They really pop out in the midst of the brown and tan colored leaves and the dark mud.

Mary Poppins bounced ahead and was leading the climb. She, like us, was ready to get our milage done and head into town early. Blue and I mosied along and talk to several southbound hikers. Most of the Sobo’s as we call them, left Maine the first of June or mid-June. We are starting to see 2-4 per day and I’m sure they will see 10-15 Nobo’s a day. We definitely outnumber them. It’s great to chat and get intel of the trail ahead. Todays talk was mostly surrounded Mount Moosilauke which is our goal tomorrow.

We ran into Mary Poppins sitting under the “You Almost Missed Mt. Mist” trail sign. Mt. Mist was an unremarkable peak with many trees and no vistas. I definitely would’ve walked right past it. We were looking for a place to make a call in hopes to reserve a room at The Notch Hostel tomorrow night. We found a spur trail which led us to a slight opening. Mary Poppins had service and confirmed beds for the three of us.

Once off the phone, we hiked the last two miles which seems like ten! I don’t get how the final mile or two drag on forever. It was mostly downhill, through rocks, creeks and yep, more mud. We finally arrived at the road, and walked to Hikers Welcome Hostel.

This is one rustic place that could use some TLC. But they provide bunk beds, showers and laundry. Yes, we will take it all. The shower and laundry was outside along with the toilet. They cater to the No-frills hikers who are looking for something cheap and close to trail. There were 15 or so hikers there. Us girls all showered and I used loaner clothes so I could wash all my personal clothing. It works well. Most places have excess clothes that you can wear while your one or two outfits are being washed.

They provided a shuttle to town of Warren, which really isn’t a town. It’s a convenient store with sandwiches, pizza and gas station food. Blue and I ordered a Greek Flatbed Pizza and picked up a few things to hold over till we get our resupply tomorrow.

We were back at the Hostel by 6pm, ate pizza, drank beer and I headed back to my bunk to prepare for tomorrow’s day. Blue talked with Mimi for a bit about life. The Hostel provided slackpacking so we are taking advantage of that opportunity. We will continue northbound and the Hostel owners will take our packs forward to The Notch Hostel, our next destination. This is absolutely wonderful!

After packing my daypack, I crawled in my bunk and prayed. Tomorrow is our first introduction to The Whites. We have Mount Moosilauke which is an intense up and down, but without a pack, I’m hoping I can get it done quicker. Our Lord is bigger than these mountains and He has big plans for us. Thank you Jesus for giving me strength, courage and wisdom to do what you have designed me for. I so love your path, whatever it may bring. Keep us from peril and watch over the weather as we head north.