Date: 2005-08-06
From: Kid Gore shelter

To: Winhall River
Miles today: 17.1

Winhall River, 17.1 milesEveryone gets up before me this morning. As Skywalker signs the register he brings up the subject of Egocentric Moronism. This all goes back to the Allentown Hiking Club shelter in PA where Chronic Fatigue Syndrome referred to a bunch of hikers who disturbed his peace and quiet at the pavillion in Port Clinton as being egocentric morons. The term has entertained many a hiker since then and Skywalker felt the need to write about it in the register. He says one of the main characteristics is excessive talking about oneself. I get in on the discussion and argue that sometimes actions speak louder than words. Leaving your loved ones at home could be judged as being egocentric. And in my opinion hiking this trail more than once is moronic. I write about this in the next register concluding that I'm definitely an egocentric moron myself. This whole discussion is a lot funnier if you know more of the background story and who is all involved but it's an on-line journal so I'm not na! ming names.It's all fun and games at this shelter where we all have second breakfast. The Trolls are here and all the Long Trail hikers too. When Skywalker and I leave I remind him of his southbounder entry in Goddard shelter. It's got something to do with them acting like they own the trail whereas we think that WE own the trail. It seems Skywalker has some trouble sharing the trail. This might also have something to do with the fact that some soutbounders act like their way is the 'right' way ; )It's really not all that serious but we're just around with it just as we see a southounder approaching. We're being silly and can't stop laughing. The southbounder thinks we're on drugs or something. Definitely acting like a bunch of morons here...The southbounder informs us about upcoming trailmagic. Now that sounds good. We've got some incentive to hike on now. The first stop offers us coca cola. Nice! The second stop has some Pringles and other drinks. I go for the non caffeinated orange soda this time. After all these breaks it's finally time to climb Stratton Mountain. I huff and puff as usual but most of the climb isn't bad. There is one steeper part that I don't really appreciate but at least it's not a pointless climb. On top we meet the caretaker. She informs us that the Trolls just left. Too bad. We'll see them at the shelter though. I climb up to the top of the firetower and have an awesome view. I wish we had stuff like this every day.The last half mile to the shelter is a litle tiring. I'm ready for a good food break and I have issues with twigs and wood chips getting stuck in my sandals. Skywalker on the other hand has issues with his trekking pole. In order to save weight he cut a loop of his trekking pole and now he keps dropping it. Sometimes a little extra weight really is worth it.We're happy to get to the shelter and meet up with everyone again. Thru hikers Patch, Chubster, Eanglish Bob, Skywalker, and the Trolls are staying here tonight. I join them for dinner but move on two more miles beyond the shelter. I just don't see why I should pay five dollars to stay in ahelter that is no different from the other shelters. It's not enclosed like the one at Goose Pond where the suggested donation was three dollars. So pay five dollars and still be attacked by mosquitos... I don't think so. Call me frugal if you want to. When I pass by Stratton Pond there is a beautiful sunset. I take a couple of pictures enjoy it for a while and then move on. At Winhall River bridge I find Goat camped right next to the trail. We chat for a bit and I hike on a couple yards beyond the bridge to find me a nice spot to Cowboy camp (as they call sleeping under the stars here).