Date: 2013-07-31
From: Full Goose Shelter

To: Highway 2 outside of Gorham, NH
Miles today: 21.4

I, along with Sharon, Trevor's grandmother, are currently in route to connect with the Crunchmaster for the weekend. We'll pick him up at the White House hostel and probably take him some place to eat. Can't seem to keep enough food in him.Tomorrow is the first of the Whites, the Wildcat range. Trevor plans on slackpacking the entire range, at 21 miles, followed by another 'zero' on Saturday. I'm hoping the weather will cooperate and allow me to hike with him on Sunday.I'm working on a 'work' project while riding up today and will do the same tomorrow at the hotel. Am very blessed to have a job that allows some flexibility, much of what I do involves working on a computer and collaborating with others via the phone. I have an internet box that allows me to have an internet connection almost anywhere.Trevor had his biggest day yesterday, his first moose sighting, and his first state line crossing. Here's his FB post:"I woke up at 4:30 this morning and was hiking down the trail by 5:30. The day started out just like every other day in Maine. It was cool and foggy as I summited the three Goose Eye Peaks. So yet again, I had no views from the top of the mountains. I reached New Hampshire around 9:00 and was really excited to finally start a new state. Right as I entered New Hampshire the weather started to clear. I had great views from the top of Mt. Success. I could see Mt. Washington towering over every other mountain. I ate lunch as I walked to try and save time and didn't stop for a break until I got to the junction for the Gentian Pond Shelter. I sat completely silent for around 10 minutes just to catch my breath. I heard some sticks breaking in the woods but thought nothing of it. I figured it was a hiker coming down the trail. After a few minutes, and no hiker showing up, the noise kept getting louder and louder. I finally figured it was some kind of animal so I stood up to see what it was. And about 30 feet in front of me stood a cow moose with its calf right by its side. I quickly grabbed my phone for a picture. I didn't get a great one because I wanted to leave quickly. I was blocking their path and didn't want momma moose chasing me down the trail! The rest of the day consisted of tons of ups and downs. I was starting to get really tired and decided to stop for water at Trident Col Campsite. I looked at my book and realized I had 7 miles left to go. I couldn't believe it! I continued south and ended up listening to music to take my mind off the pain. I finally reached the summit of Mt. Hayes around 7:00 and still had 3.5 miles to go. I figured I would get to town around dark. The last 3 miles was all downhill and I moved along pretty steadily without stopping. Once I reached the bottom it was almost dark enough where I need a headlamp. I walked even faster and got to the hostel at 8:30. I was so happy to be there. It took me 15 hours today! It wasn't my pace that slowed me down, it was that I took so many breaks. I took a really fast shower and then put in a frozen large pizza in the oven. I finished off the pizza faster than it took me to cook it and ate a pint of ice cream for dessert. What a great way to end my first 20+ mile day. I will probably zero tomorrow. Time for bed."