Date: 2021-09-16
From: Chairback Gap Lean-to

To: Sidney Tappan Campsite
Miles today: 11.6
Weather: overcast clouds

Despite the continual snoring, I somehow managed to squeeze in a few hours of sleep. I slept late to let everyone else have their breakfast and pack up before I started my breakfast. We must have received 2-3" of rain overnight! I'm having breakfast about 8:00 a.m. I should be on the trail by 9:00 a.m. I should have a somewhat simple 11.7 mi to a tent site where I won't have to deal with any snoring. I'm still not as far along as I want to be on this hike. However, I am optimistic that I won't run out of food because the last 60 mi are somewhat flat. I'm trying to enjoy the scenery and peace as much as I can but the shorter distance still weighs heavily on my mind.The first 4.5 mi section started off climbing a steep ridge with a beautiful view overlooking the valley. The clouds started dissipating and I was able to see blue skies to the west. After coming off the ridge the train was relatively flat for the rest of the way except for the last half mile, where I descended about 500 ft. I passed thru several beautiful forrests on that stretch and took several pictures.I came to a river crossing where the water was about knee deep. This was a good time to relax, have a snack and do some journaling. There are a half dozen hikers on the other side of the river. I opted to take my break on this side, where it's more peaceful and I can journal.The next three miles ware very pleasant and peaceful. The trail winded along a brook most of the way. The train was relatively flat. After a brief rest and snack I hiked to the shelter a mile and a half away over 500 ft of elevation. I arrived at the shelter a few minutes past 2:00. It was a good feeling to have completed 10 miles. Just 1.7 miles and 700 feet up to the campsite remaining.After a steep 500 ft uphill climb up a mountain and about a 200 ft descent down the other side I arrived at the campsite. There was already a fella who I'd met the night before in the shelter named Clyde who welcomed me. Clyde's tent was set up and he began building a fire. I found a flat spot to set up my tent. I went down to the spring that was flowing thanks to the rain the day before. I filtered some water and joined Clyde by the fire. It promised to be a very nice evening under the stars with live music.By the time dinner rolled around the fire was going really well and Clyde was playing up a storm on his guitar and singing. He is a professional musician from New Orleans. We talked about life, songwriting, music and politics. I finished dinner, cleaned up and got ready for bed. I'm happy that I finally got settled into my tent and sleeping bag by 6:50, just before dark. I hope to get up tomorrow at sunrise. Tomorrow, the first four miles will be a steep hike up the last tall summit in the 100 mile wilderness. After that it's mostly downhill 14 mi to the next campsite. That should only leave me with about 40 mi left in the wilderness. I'm really looking forward to backpacking my final summit In the 100 Mile Wilderness. I'm looking forward to a nice, peaceful sleep with the no snoring or raindrops. Good night.Ascent: 2621', Descent: 2208'