Days 37 & 38 on the Trail

Dave called rather late tonight, but he had already talked to Dale and Chad.  He was very tired by the time we talked.  We were not able to connect last night.

As of 7/21/11:
Miles in the last two days - 22.6
Miles to date - 458.6

Dave was 2 days ahead of his schedule last week, but has lost a day with his shorter mileages this week.  One cause for fewer miles was taking an unplanned trip into town, and he will be making another unplanned detour in the next day or so.  He said he's been supplementing Country Gold's food and is running lower than he would like.  I cautioned him against being the safety net for another hiker. After all the months of planning he has done, I don't want him to throw it away for someone he just met and who is not as determined to get to Katahdin.  I recognize that's selfish of me.  I know Dave can take care of himself, but I would hate for him to look back and regret that he lost time and energy because a hiker in a do-rag (Dave's do-rag) with no plan or money latched on to him.

Dave said he took his first fall today.  The rocks were moist due to the heat and humidity, he was going downhill, and he slipped.  Thankfully his pack caught him as he landed on his back.  I hope that by tomorrow he's not bruised nor sore.  I also hope he wasn't minimizing what happened.

He said the last two days have been hard, with steep ascents and descents and he's tired.  He said going uphill is hard but downhill is much more difficult.  It's harder to keep his balance with the pack and poles when he's taking big steps down.  Let's hope for better days ahead!