I usually skip breakfast, but today was different. We were back on the trail, and after a night's rest at Libby Hostel, I felt rejuvenated. The next morning, we headed to the White Mountain Bookstore and Cafe for a hearty breakfast. The coffee was excellent, and the hash brown patties and breakfast burrito were a welcome treat. I was grateful for my vegan friend's dietary preferences, as it meant I didn't have to settle for McDonald's next door. It was a much better choice! After fueling up, we ran some errands, including a quick stop at Dunkin Donuts, which felt a bit plastic compared to the cafe. We then split up, agreeing to meet at the town park for the shuttle back to the trailhead.
As I was leaving the hostel, a woman in a beat-up sedan pulled up and offered me a ride. She introduced herself as Claudia, a reverend with a $100,000 rescue dog. Despite the off-putting vibe, I accepted the offer and learned about her trail angel ministry while waiting for my friend, Always. Claudia shared her thoughts on the local hostels, which were mostly shut down or sketchy.
Once we reached the trailhead, we thanked Claudia and headed out. I was eager to get back on the trail, and the first two miles were a delight as we followed Nineteen Mile Brook. The trail was wide, flat, and surrounded by sparkling water. We stopped at a reservoir, where we shed our shoes, socks, and shirts before taking a refreshing dip in the cool water.
The descent into Carter Notch Hut was challenging, with an all-fours climb over boulders and slanted rock. By the time I reached the top, I was dripping with sweat. Always was behind, and we eventually met up at the hut, where we enjoyed a hearty bean soup with bread. The view from the top of North Carter Mountain was breathtaking, and I couldn't believe we had come down that way.
As we continued our hike, Always and I reached Imp Shelter, where he had claimed a wooden platform. I decided to cowboy camp on the platform next to him, and we traded book recommendations with the caretaker. I suggested fiction titles by McCarthy, Patchett, and Stegner, while Always recommended nonfiction by Mary Roach and Atul Gawande. The caretaker was thrilled with the suggestions.
That night, I struggled to sleep due to the exposed feeling and the hard wood beneath my mattress. I woke up early and made oatmeal at the cook area, thinking a pop tart would be just as good. But the instant Folgers was worth it. When I returned to the platform, Always had already left, and I didn't expect to catch up with him.
Two days later, in Maine, I received a text from Always with a few photos from our hike. We had a great time, and I was grateful for the memories. I decided to take a zero day to resolve an important issue: my pack. I hitched back to Gorham and spent the next day reflecting on our adventure, feeling content with the memories we had made.
