Date: 2015-08-20
From: stealth camp north of Velvet Rocks Shelter

To: Trapper John Shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Weather: overcast clouds

Argh! Of all the things I miss about home, good sleep is at the top of the list. I don't know why I have a hard time sleeping out here-hope it isn't permanent!I woke up- groggy and muddle headed. D.No and C.Shell beat me out and I knew D.No would gloat about it later. I did beat Tedzilla out though, but he usually gives us a half hour headstart. He hikes fast!Only a mile into the hike, climbing, I found a rock ledge the size of a twin bed. I laid down on it and actually had a nice 20 minute power snooze. Then I hiked on. The trail was so beautiful and serene today. It was mostly pretty smooth in the beginning and I was lost in my thoughts. I stepped over a very elaborate log and stick barrier, placed there to prevent people from going that way, and walked half a mile down the wrong road/path before I realized there were no white blazes. I turned around and headed back and laughed when I saw the barrier. I put a lot of effort into getting over it and didn't even remember doing it.Today had two significant climbs- smaller mountains that would get us ready for the Whites. Moose Mountain had two peaks- south and north. I loved the climb and I felt really strong. It was not rocky or rooty for the most part, but very pretty with occasional peeks through the trees of the mountains beyond. The path was covered with dead leaves and occasionally a colorful few recent additions lit it up, red, gold, and orange The temperatures were much more comfortable than the past few days. The miles flew by, even though we had an elevation gain of over a thousand feet.Next mountain was another 1000 foot gain over less than two miles. It was much steeper up this second climb. I was sweating like crazy, but it still wasn't too hard. I was feeling really good about climbing these mountains, the apparent emergence of my trail legs, and looking forward to the bigger challenges of the coming days.The view on the summit of Holts Ledge was breathtaking. The AWOL book promised a precipitous drop-off, and that is an accurate description. My stomach filled with butterflies as I looked down into the hundreds of feet straight down. In the distance I could see Mt.Moosaluke. It was beautiful and brooding.I pased a couple of guys who told me the forcast was for rain that night and for the next 3 days. We decided to cut the day off at the shelter, even though it was still early. Stealth camping is a little more challenging in this area. It was great to make a fire and sit around talking. So much more pleasant than getting to camp late and diving right in the tent. People are social creatures and I think when we deny ourselves that connection for too many nights, that opportunity to talk about the day and share our experiences, it just isn't as much fun. And fun is important. I heated up my pizza on the fire and made some toasted cheese wraps. Ever since Tonreg toasted his wraps on the fire, I have looked forward to these cheese wraps. It's the little things!Finally in my tent, I thought about my daughter. She turned 19 today. I missed celebrating with her but I am so impressed with what she has done while I have been gone. She really stepped up at my shop and with my younger daughter. I hope she realizes how strong and capable she is. This hike is making me stronger and it is also having a positive impact on people at home. How else would they know how capable and independant they are if I had not left and stopped being bossy for a few months? Miss them so much- and I'll be home in about 4 weeks.