Disclaimer. My miles are not a true indication of the amount of effort. Except for today. We had a strict wake-up and departure time. The weather guessers are forecasting rain by noon, so good reason to head to town. Blue keeps a watchful eye on the weather and already booked us a place to stay in Bethel. Much to my surprise.

Today was a quick hike up and over Old Speck Mountain. Maine’s third highest mountain, and the Mahoosuc Range’s highest point, Old Speck is a massive peak that dominates the surrounding area. The summit is also home to a fire tower, which helps provide some of the best views in the region. It was cloudy and overcast so no views were recorded.

We made it to the top fairly quickly and ran into Cassain, Oatie and Garfield. The three men were all headed to Bethel and being there were no views, we all headed down the mountain together. I had secured a ride, one for Blue and I with Homespun, and her husband Doogie was picking up the men. The trail down was some granite stairs and fairly easy, after all we have done in past few days. Before long, we past the waterfalls and turned into the parking lot. There is something quite nice when he hear traffic, as that is the confirmation that town is near.

Blue and I went to our Motel, but no one was there to check us in. The rooms won’t be ready till 3pm, so Homespun gave us a ride to town. It’s another ten miles and definitely, not walking distance. Blue, me and the men all got rides to the local diner. Breakfast was over so lunch was on the menu. Honestly I didn’t care what I was eating as long as it didn’t require hot water to make it palatable. I ordered a Burger, Fries and Coleslaw along with an IPA. Blue had her Chicken Spinach Salad with Cranberries and Walnuts and an Ultra Beer. It was outstanding and it didn’t matter how long it took to get our meal. I was extremely happy and so was my belly!

After lunch, we walked around Bethel. We found a Bakery with Fancy Coffee and Blue was ecstatic. Afterwards we made it to the grocery store and bought makings for dinner and fruit to take back to the trail. Then our driver, Homespun picked all five of us up and drove back to the Motel. Now this is when it gets better. Homespun tells me she’s gonna leave her car so we can drive to town tonight! Seriously? Yep, that’s what they do in Maine. So she left her car, a nice Jeep Cherokee so we could drive to town, and eat some more. Cassain and the men took her up on the offer, but Blue and I were content staying in our room, taking showers, doing laundry and making dinner in the communal kitchen.

Norman was quite happy staying in the room and eating his fill of strawberries. Silly monkey. I thought all he wanted was bananas but I guess any fruit will do.

Today I was able to talk to Dad. He decided to move into an Assistive Living Facility that just opened last year. It’s a real nice place, he can keep his dog Buddy and stay in town. It gives me so peace knowing Dad will be there, still living on his own and being well nourished. He said the odds are a bit skewed in his favor. There’s only 12 men and over 30 women! Dad will be a sought after commodity with all his storytelling and sharp mind. And now, Mom is smiling down from heaven above, knowing Dad will be well cared for and loved. Our wonderful God had a perfect plan, all along. We just needed to find the path.