Maine is the hardest and most rewarding state on the trail. Miles are slower,climbs more strenuous, and views that photographs will not give justice. After leaving the High 5 we hiked into Rangeley, Maine to recharge and resupply. Its cold enough now to carry good cheese and butter! Also bought so Butoni tortellini which made for an amazing dinner last night. We caught a late lunch of pizza and beer at the Red Onion Cafe in Rangeley, grabbed a bottle of Wild Turkey for good measure, and proceeded to hitch back out to the trail. We spent last night in a firey haze at the Piazza Rock shelter. A full supply of cut firewood, provided by the caretaker,kept our party of sorts going late into the evening( around 10 lol) This morning ,after oatmeal and hot apple cider, also purchased in town, we hit trail. A few tenths past the shelter was a blue blaze (side trail) to some amazing boulder caves. We spent the better part of 2 hours climbing in and around all the caves and notches. Took some great pictures. The weather today was gorgeous minus the wind. Our hike today took us across the Sadleback Range spending the better part of the day above the tree line and in the alpine zone. The colors of fall have splashed all over the trees here, mostly yellows right now but patches of reds are visible as well. Its only a matter of time before we are immersed in peak color. Tomorrow we start over into Stratton, and the Bigelowe Range, more amazing above treeline mountains. We're about 4 days from Monson, where I will be gearing up for the 100 mile wilderness, and the final push to Katahdin. Bella is doing wonderful, she sleeps wrapped up in an emergency blanket, right at my head, its a funny sight. We're at Poplar Ridge shelter tonight, hunkering down for the hard frost that is supposed to come thru tonight. First frost of the trip, bring it on! Tonights meal was amazing by the way. Pasta with sausage and cheese in a parma roja sauce mix, also purchased in town, it was a good resupply for sure. The fire is being stoked and I am being beckoned. Stay warm tonight everyone, I'll do my best to.

-Fresh and Bella the Mountain Dog + Dutch
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