Date: 2004-08-18
From: Baker Peak - Under a Star-Studded Sky 

To: Munson House B&B -- Wallingford, VT 
Miles today: 13.3

A memorable evening unfolded into a memorable morning. The night sky was a canopy of heavenly stars flickering and blinking at me each time I awoke. There is supposed to be a meteor shower occurring, but I never saw a falling star. Try as I might to keep my eyes open for as long as possible to extend the ecstasy of the evening, I quickly lost the battle. The lids eventually drooped and I slept. I must have slept fairly well because I awoke at 4:15 feeling refreshed. Perhaps the falling rain had something to do with it. As we said goodnight I quipped "Whoever had the idea to stay up here tonight, thank you!". The 4:15 a.m. quip was "Whose idea was this anyway?!". In spite of my frantic scramble, I was unable to keep my gear dry. Blue stayed on the peak with her free-standing tent already set up. The rest of us made quick work of packing up and departing. Rooney found a nice little tent spot within five minutes and decided to set up and catch a couple more hours' sleep. Stickman, Ursa and I did a two-mile hike to the shelter with our headlamps illuminating the path. Within 30 minutes the sky was brightening and we proceeded by the first morning light. The forest awakening before me was an awesome treat. Ursa and Blue are constantly razzing me about being an early riser. Now, after experiencing the beauty of that hour-long trek, I have even more desire to hit the trail early. That hasn't been said to them however; they're likely to start throwing things at me. Truth is, I'd probably be hiking alone. I prefer their companionship to 5 a.m. starts, so I believe I'll keep my mouth shut!Ursa, Stickman and I sat it out at the shelter. Ursa grabbed a nap, Stickman had breakfast, and I hung my gear in the shelter in a futile attempt to dry it out a bit. The rain didn't materialize into a master shower; nor did it last long. I filtered water, repacked my gear, greeted Blue at her arrival at 8:30 and we were gone by 9:00.Unanimously we chose to come into Wallingford for the night. I welcomed the opportunity to dry out, and we wanted to celebrate Blue's 30th birthday in style. It was a tough day. I asked Blue and Ursa if it was okay to hate the trail for a day; they gave me permission. In reality, the trail was great ~~ muddy, rocky, full of tree roots, but lovely. Being up since 4:15 after a fairly sleepless night simply had me beat up and dead-tired. We came upon a crazy maze of rock cairns and sculptures. There was no sign giving ownership of the creativity so it's a total mystery. Someone at the pizza joint tonight indicated it was thought to be the work of hikers just like us. We skipped the blue-blaze trail to the White Cliffs, as town was calling to us loudly and clearly through our fatigue.Pizza, beer, a makeshift trail cake with a sparkly match as a candle, and a happy birthday tune was the best we could do for Blue. I am honored to be in her company to celebrate the day.My gear is dry, backpack nearly packed for tomorrow's return to the AT, and it's lights out at 10 p.m. Last night's view was superior but tonight's bed is softer.