Date: 2008-09-10
From: Gorham

To: Gentian Pond Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Weather: few clouds

In another hour or so, our shuttle will arrive. I went across the street to the gas station to use the payphone. But first I need to forage for my breakfast by browsing the aisles. Chocolate milk and a twinkie for starters, and ohh just then, I saw Little Debbie, she had a jealous expression when seeing me with the Twinkie.Not wanting her to feel bad and after all, we have been together off and on, for such a long time, I swept her off her rack and away we went.Fortunately the payphone worked.Soon after, our shuttle arrived and we were back on the trail by 08:00.We had passed No Amp & Spidey whom had stealth camped nearby.Eventually I had pulled ahead and was hiking alone. This is beautiful country, and has rugged beauty. The ponds, which are actually lakes, the mountains and bogs remind me alot of northern Canada. I have lived up there for several years and have backpacked the entire Bruce Trail and taken several week long wilderness canoe trips. The landscape is strikingly familiar.Just before I reached Dream Lake, I caught a glimpse of a large brown lump? At first I was thinking bear, but as I looked closer it was a large Moose laying down on all fours. I was approaching it from behind and to it's left.I could tell by it's ears it hadn't detected my presence yet. Body language and how it is presented is key when encountering most animals. Without making any sudden movement, I stopped eased my camera out and took a picture.Since I had to pass by with only a few yards seperation, I spoke to it gently in as low and soothing of a voice as I could. I moved with a leisure but purposeful pace down the trail, It turned it's head and immediately stood staring and walking a few steps toward me.The next couple of seconds would be the make or break point? It's also funny how many thoughts and feelings can occur in mere seconds. Being in it's presence this close was exhilirating and awesome. My thoughts were, "is it going to charge me", "can I climb a tree fast enough", "what tree would I climb", "man this is so cool", "how bad of an ass whoopin could it give me"? Still not breaking my stride, I did the only thing that seemed natural, I took a couple of more pictures. I refrained from staring as I continued, however my ears were peaked and on full alert listening for any movement behind me?Every now an then I would take a quick look back until I knew all was well.Yeah baby, that's what I'm talking about! There's nothing like being on the AT!After reaching Dream Lake the trail went around to the east, there was an open area exposed to the sun, and there stretched across the trail were 2 snakes side by side.One was nearly 4 feet long while the other was about a foot. They even appearred to be different species, but were next to each other like the best of friends? I snapped a picture then practically stepped over them to continue on.After a couple of more miles I reached the Gentian Pond Shelter. It was perched in such a way that it offered a spectacular view of the surrounding mountains and landscape with a waterfall near by. This was a postcard picture location. It was only 3:15 but seemed like a good place to call it a day. Johnny Thunder and T-Bone stopped in for lunch, then headed out after. I decided to set up on a tent platform just up the trail. S&F came by at about 4:30, they decided to continue for another hour before stopping.I thought about tearing down and packing back up, but just decided to stay.Tomorrow is Maine and the infamous Mahoosuc Notch, deemed the toughest mile on the AT. I am already comfortable and just a bit sore in the knee, here is fine for tonight."Hiker Dave" arrived later and is staying in the shelter. Green Tea, Feral, Cookie Monster, No Amp, and Spidey have also arrived and set up on the other tent platforms. But the most surprising guests of honor were "Alaska" and "Sheppard". We're talking nearly 1700 miles or more since we last saw each other. They looked great, and it was a good feeling to know they were still out here.From solitude to social gathering, so goes the life of thru-hikers here on the AT. From the mountains and last night in New Hampshire, I am snug in my bag, as the cool autumn air is here. As thoughts and scenes of the many wonderful things I have encountered play back in my mind, I slowly drift off with a smile on my face.