Day 35 on the Trail

Dave couldn't get through on his phone yesterday, but he did call this morning.

As of July 18, 2011:
Miles today - 10.4
Miles to date - 423.3

He stopped short of his planned mileage because it was raining, he was wet, and it didn't look as though the rain was going to let up.  There were a surprising number of people in the Stratton Pond Shelter, and one of them had seen Cloud Walker a day or two ago.  Dave hadn't thought CW would be getting back on the trail.  He thinks CW is a day or slightly more behind him, but CW is a faster hiker, so he may catch up with Dave.

A day of drying out when Dave was in PA

The trail had gone up and over Stratton Mountain, where the US Snowboard Championships were held last March.  Dave said it was a big climb, but not too difficult.  I am sure he has really increased his endurance and strength over the last 5+ weeks.

Dave is running short of his snack food (Cliff Bars, almonds, dried fruit) so will have to take a detour into Wallingford to stock up.  He doesn't like to get off the trail, but he's learned he really needs the extra calories during the day.  He won't be getting his next package of food from me until 10 days for now.  I'm adding another box of Cliff Bars!

Country Gold is still hiking with Dave.  I'm a little concerned - just a little, as Dave can take care of himself - that Country has latched onto Dave and may sap him of some energy, at least mentally.  Country is a big talker, and wants to stop to talk to everyone they meet.  He spent at least 20 minutes talking to the fire ranger yesterday.  When Dave said he was leaving, Country decided he would leave, too, but commented he wanted to stay because the fire ranger is probably lonely. This morning Dave was getting packed up ready to go and Country was trying to talk him into staying, taking a Zero Day or at least not leaving so early.  Dave said no, he's going, so Country got ready and went with him.  They don't necessarily walk side by side, but Country is always close by and sometimes gets discouraged about his life and the challenges of the trail.  I'm sure Dave gets some reward from having a hiking bud, and I'm glad he does.  I just hope it far outweighs dealing with someone that doesn't have the same sense of optimism and urgency.  Dave wants to get to Mt. Katahdin before it gets too cold and he has 550 miles to go.  What is most important to Dave though, is enjoying his hike. He is more conscious of that than he has been in previous years.  He wants to hike the AT because it's fun, not just to get it off his bucket list.