Some AT Friends Come and Go Quickly – AT Thru-Hike Day 34

Location: Andover Roadhouse

BJ Bear and I began the ten mile hike into Andover together. The day was hot and humid. I decided that I would hike with BJ for a mile and a half or so to warm up my legs and then I would pick up my pace. As we climbed the first mountain, BJ, for once, let me pass him. I told him that I would wait at the top for him. When I got to the top, I just kept walking. Without a goodbye, I separated from BJ. I regret not saying goodbye, but I figured that I needed to get to town since my original plan was to hitchhike into town for a quick resupply and then hitchhike back out to spend the night in the lean-to.

I hitched a ride from D-Man, a trail maintainer from Massachusetts. He took me into Andover and I ate lunch with him at a gas station lunch counter. I listened to his stories of section hiking and trail maintaining. After eating a great meatball sub, I crossed the street to visit with Tomato and David who were sitting on the porch of the Andover Roadhouse. I decided to stay at the hostel and slack-pack with them tomorrow.

The Andover Roadhouse is owned by the same man and woman that own the Stratton Motel, but it is operated by a local woman. She rarely visits the house. I didn’t see her for 24 hours. I could have walked in, stayed, and walked out without paying. The house was left unsupervised and may one day be torn apart by rowdy thru-hikers or snowmobilers. I’m not completely satisfied with this town and hostel, but because I have the chance to slack-pack, I’ll stay.