Date: 2007-06-13
From: Big Meadows,Campground

To: Thorton Gap
Miles today: 17.6

Last night two cars with young adults from MA arrived at the campground around 10 pm. They kept their headlights on while they were setting up 4 tents and getting organized. At 11 pm I asked if they could turn their lights off, because they were shining right on our tent. After all their pots and pans fell off their picnic table and conversation was continuing at a loud level, I got out of my tent at 1 am and politely reminded them of quiet hours, which start at 10. From then on, it was quiet and peaceful. Skiman and I left Big Meadows campground at 6:20 am and hiked north, slackpacking the 17.6 miles. 501 was staying at the Lodge. He picked up Skiman's car and parked it 17.6 miles ahead at Thornton Gap, to begin his slackpack hike southbound. He started at 9 am. During our hike, we saw 4 deer and one grouse. At 3000' elevation, we could look down from the cliffs into the valley below smothered with clouds. It was as if we were looking at islands with water all around, but it was clouds around the hills. It was beautiful so we took pictures. As the day went on, it was fun to see the clouds rise and eventually dissipate. We signed the Rock Spring Hut register and found out the five women from Michigan were ahead of us. Macy, the youngest had celebrated her 17th birthday yesterday while her twin sister was home. Macy wasn't thrilled about hiking with her Mother, Aunt and their friends and she missed her sister. Skiman and I devised a plan. When we caught up to them, early afternoon, we started by singing Happy Birthday to Macy. As if that wasn't a big enough surprise, we announced that Skiman would carry her pack as a birthday gift. She said it was the best birthday present she could think of. So, I carried the light slackpack and Skiman had the 30 pounder. When they stopped for lunch, they took our picture, returned Macey's pack and we enjoyed the 1400' descent to Thornton Gap. It was an easy day with pleasant weather. On the drive back to the campground, cars were stopped on the road with their flashers going and we knew they had spotted a bear. Sure enough, a sow was right beside the road digging in the earth to find bugs. I asked the bear if she would look at me so I could see her snout and she cooperated. I wanted Skiman to take her picture, because he was so close to the bear, as he was sitting in the passenger seat, but the camera was not handy, and he said this bear "didn't count" because she was not in the wild! After an ice cream cone at the camp store, we showered (5 min for $1!) with our clothes on, then removed them to put on dry clean clothes. Having a shower 3 days in a row has been a real luxury, even without a bar of soap and shampoo! We had Lasagne and tortillas for dinner. 501 arrived, having completed his hike south. Skiman drove him back to the Lodge and saw another bear! A family of 5 is camping beside us from Newton, NH. Itks nice to talk with other Granite Staters. I am writing my journal entry in Skiman's car, because it is pouring outside. I stand corrected. It is hailing outside! The hail is bouncing off the car and ground. How is Skiman doing in the tent? I don't intend to find out for a while! Oops! Now, we are having thunder and lightning. The good news is I could sleep in the car,if I had to, and I have all the food! The rain is letting up. This is my chance for a quick getaway! Good night!