Date: 2008-06-17
From: imp shelter

To: gorham, nh
Miles today: 8.0
Weather: moderate rain

Up at what I would consider my normal time today. Was able to sleep slightly later because of the shade of the shelter. Maybe I just need to get one of those sleep masks or improvise something with my bandanna. I always wake up when it gets light out.Was able to get out without waking anyone I think. I tried at least.First thing was the last climb of the day. About a thousand feet up Mt. Moriah. Near the top was reminiscent of NY with constant ups and downs over the rocks.The first half of today's hike was odd. I slept relatively well, ate well yesterday and had town to look forward to before lunch, but I was going slow and didn't have much energy at first. Just dawdling along. It was wet though, so that was part of the reason. BH suggested I try taking more protein, and though I think I'm taking more than enough I may start taking some expensive protein bars just incase.After the steep part of the downhill was over the trail started following a brook. The brook grew into a raging torrent. The trail was lovely for this section. A nice gentle rock free downhill slope. The stuff dreams are made of. Except for the mosquitoes. There was plenty of water, and though it was running there were mosquitoes everywhere. It was the second time I put up my hiking poles so I could devote all my energy to killing the bastards two to three at a time. Constantly rubbing my arms without stopping and killing hoards with every swipe.Got to the last shelter before the road so I stopped and "signed off" in the register letting everyone know I was going on vacation. I did this while half jogging in circles to keep the bugs at bay. That was interesting.After I pounded out the message I threw my pack back on and booked it to the road.There was some road construction, and not much traffic on the road. Started doing the walking hitch after about five minutes. Mostly trucks going past, and lots of tourists who prolly thought I was a vagrant. After about a mile I saw a Subaru with a roof rack coming. I knew this was the one. Put up my thumb and on came the turn signal. Excellent. Getting pretty good at calling it by now.Into town and the first hostel was still closed. That made my decision easier, onto the second one. It was on the other side of town so I did my chores on the way.The "outfitter" had canisters, so I'm set when I get back. Picked up TB's overbag for my pack on the plane. He also sent a Car and Driver for the trip. Most excellent.Across the street was a pizza place I had heard about from a local. Good enough endorsement for me. Got the ultimate cheeseburger calizone, and it was delicious. I'm going to miss pigging out.Bought a bus ticket to get me to Manchester for my flight and hit the hostel. Caretaker was odd and a bit annoying but harmless. He did drive me to Wal-Mart for some food so that was nice. Cankles, a section hiker was at the hostel and we chatted for a while. He even gave me some ice cream. Can't beat that. Helped him plan his next section.Watched a bunch of TV and got caught up on the news. I'm pretty oblivious out here. Just found out the Democrats chose Obama. Apparently that happened two weeks ago. Just a little out of the loop, but I don't mind. I always say, terrorists could nuke DC and I wouldn't know for a few days probably.The basketball game came on and I'm not a fan so I just went to bed. Last hiking day for a while.