Date: 2008-06-13
From: Hanover, NH

To: Glencliff, NH
Miles today: 43.4

I find myself at the Hiker's Welcome hostel today. I am cleaned up, fed, and ready for bed in a few. There are a good number of folks sitting outside. It has been a reunion for me with Waterbear and StormenNorm... I have not hiked with them since right outside of Hot Springs, NC!! I met Don Juan two days ago in passing. I have met Mockingbird and Little Miss Sunshine today...and the two GA boys are here, as well (One Flop and Hurricane). We just grilled out and now people are having conversation about an array of things... I slipped away to update this before the computer became a high demand point of interest.So, the past three days have been good. We did not leave Hanover until after 4pm.. I did not hit the trail until 4:30pm. The fellas stayed at Velvet Rocks. I walked on to Moose Shelter (11 miles in) and I camped out- solo and in the tent!! It was me, the beaming moonlight, and a bazillion mosquitos clouding around my tent. I could literally hear them buzzing outside of the tent while I slept- BUG FREE! Thank God for micro-screens... The watersource was terrible, so I did not cook dinner or breakfast the next morning. The dinner thing was okay considering I calorie loaded at Lou's in hanover with Cruller french toast and a milkshake.. I got up, hiked on..and I hiked strong. I originally was not going to hike more than 18 yesterday, but I got to the Hexacube shelter at 5pm. I decided I would continue on until about 7pm. I was hoping I would catch Waterbear and StormenNorm at the shelter, but they had also hiked on. The goal was to go only until I was tired. I have tried to quit setting so many lofty goals, but rather go with the flow more. The trail isn't going anywhere and I will be okay slowing down...so that is what I have been trying to do. Nonetheless, I hiked with 3.5 liters of water in my pack just incase I was going to tent...my book noted no other watersources between the shelters. WELL- I did tent, but I tented right next to a stream! I carried that extra weight up and over Mt Cube for 3.5 miles.. haha. I figured it was good for endurance training. I decided I would just tent out, relax, and not worry about making it to the next shelter. I set up camp at 7pm, ate dinner, cleaned up, and was out by 8:45 last night. I did wake up at 2 with a snack attack (which hadn't happened in ages!) I consumed 4 pecan sandies and a handful of craisins and drank about 16 ounces of water. The air was a little cooler last night, which was refreshing...the bugs were still being obnoxious. I did not get up until 7AM..cooked breakfast..and packed up. I did not leave until 8:05 this morning- 'late' departure.I will say this. I climbed Smart Mountain yesterday and hung out in the tower. I had an incredible view and it was very windy...but nice. I took my sweet time climbing. There were several look-out spots on the long climbs. The start of climbing over boulders has begun (which I enjoy!)...the time of solo hiking (and camping, at that) has been incredibly beneficial. The blue skies, cooler air, and perfect breeze have made for some unbelievable moments of true awe...when all I can do is stop, stare out into the distance, and praise God with words and thought. My heart has felt so full at times...Today, I hiked about 11 miles into Glencliff. I totally tripped myself up and fell face forward...I kept getting my hair stuck in branches that hang too low...I wanted to be irritated at the little stuff that kept happening, but I had to stop and relax. I finally made it into town and I have just been able to 'just be'... I am camping outside tonight- it is cheaper, may be more comfortable, and I figure why not use the tent I have been hauling around!! It is good to see these fellow thru-hikers..and to relax. I enter the Whites tomorrow- unreal. I am excited..I will update again soon. I know I promised pictures forever ago, but I lost my 1GB card with all of my pictures from the start of the trip... eek...no good. But, I cannot change it now.. I am sorry for those of you who wanted to see some pictures from the later part of my trip. Hopefully someone will find it.. I know it dropped out at the Stony Brook Shelter. Hope someone finds it and can return it..Keep praying for me.. safety and the ability to take this in..oh, and yeah.. LESS THAN 400 TO GO!!