Day 153

8/6/21 Weather today was perfect sunny skies warm but not hot temps. Mosquitoes not bad. Initial trail conditions were poor with lots of mud. It hasn’t rained in days so I’m not sure why there is so much mud but if there was rain the mud would be a lot worse. Walked by several beaver ponds but didn’t see them. Trail generally down hill but then had to climb 1,700 feet to the summit of Stratton Mountain(3,936 feet) and climbed it’s fire tower with great views. Again in the Boreal forest. Could see the gondola lift for the ski area to the east. From there climbed back down to the large Stratton Pond Shelter which had wooden bunks and a flat second floor. Lots of people staying in the shelter as well as camping in the adjacent area. I got a wooden bunk. Mostly young women at the shelter doing the Long Trail.