August 10, 2004

I hiked 18 miles today.  My total mileage to date is 1,634.8.  My hike over Stratton Mountain, an elevation of 3,936 feet, was rewarded with hazy, but still incredibly beautiful views atop a fire tower at the summit.  The slopes of Stratton Mountain is where Benton MacKaye first envisioned a long-distance trail that would connect the Appalachian Mountains.  I hiked on and took a very long break at Stratton Pond, perched on a rock. 

The caretaker at Stratton Mountain told me that a moose was killed by coyote/dog mix breed and lay dead in the pond.  I later learned from Loon the moose floated with his antlers sticking out of the pond.  The moose was shot so that it would submerge.  As I sat perched on the rock, I was hoping to spy a live moose dipping in the pond.  I chose not to dip in the pond for two reasons.  The temperature was chilly.  Secondly, I did not want to swim anywhere near a dead moose for fear of kicking one of those huge antlers!  My hike ended with a hitch into Manchester, Vermont where tomorrow, I will take a zero day to make phone calls, repair my tent, shower, do laundry and re-supply.