by Julie Lachance
Last month a Coyote visited Flagstaff Hut, and he was hungry! Pitying the skinny thing, the Hut crew was more than happy to feed the hungry fellow… Phil, a north bound Appalachian Trail thru-hiker, came to the Hut and introduced himself as “Coyote” (his given trail name), he is among the first to take advantage of Flagstaff’s thru-hiker work for stay program. Two hours of work, in exchange for a hot meal, a hot shower and a night stay in the Hut. Not a bad deal for a traveler off the AT. After two hours of stacking wood, a swim in the lake and a few cold beers, Phil was truly enjoying the luxuries Flagstaff has to offer.
Maine Huts & Trails has actually had a few different characters meander off the AT and Northern Forest Canoe trails. “Hippie Long Stocking”, a.k.a. Laura, a south bound thru-hiker also enjoyed the Hut’s hospitality by helping to wash dishes and lug firewood into the basement. Two Unity College alumni paddling along the Northern Forest Canoe Trail were more than happy to work for their keep and enjoyed their first home-cooked meal in months. The shower was an added bonus! Maine Huts is happy to have these wayward travelers stop in and earn their keep. Good luck and safe trails to all the paddlers and thru-hikers!
