Date: 2015-08-09
From: Stealth Camp at 1727.3

To: Happy Hill Shelter
Miles today: 13.9
Weather: broken clouds

Today was a fun day, and I had no idea it would work out the way it did when I got up this morning!As expected, I heard a lot of animal noises during the night and it was a bit of an interrupted night's sleep. I left camp at 6:45 and realized almost immediately that I was not where I had thought, but instead a mile or so back. Yesterday's day of hiking that I already thought was unimpressive, was now even more so. Humph. At least I had not sent my journal entry yet, so I corrected the mileage before it was posted.And, I did finally have decent cell phone reception so I could send Gary my journal entry. I also got a text from Yoda, asking if I was interested in trail magic as she had access to a car and no particular place to be. I thought she'd be well into the Whites by now, so I was completely befuddled. As it turns out, her aunt Liz (of the Idaho connection, if you've been reading since May) and Uncle Tom drove from Nebraska (!), to visit with Yoda. When Yoda saw my 'return to the trail' entry from Friday, they realized I was not far from where they were staying in Lebanon. So, after some back and forth (thankfully I had pretty good signal today), it was determined we would meet at Rt 14 and have lunch.First I had another 6 miles or so to hike. The trail was easier today, with more level-ish stretches in between the ups and downs. It also passed through a number of wildflower meadows and pastures (in the early morning that means you'll get wet feet), some of them with excellent views. And then there were wild blackberries and raspberries, always a treat.I got to rt 14 not too long before noon and went to the trail angel's house. It was easily recognizable by the giant AT logo. They give hikers breakfast and drinks and sound like all around wonderful people. Since we were planning to go to lunch I stayed outside in the yard, but I should have gone and met them. No time though, because Yoda, Liz and Tom arrived shortly after I did. It was great to see Yoda again and equally great to meet Liz and Tom. They bravely gave me a hug despite the stink factor! They had also already figured out where to go for a burger, so while Tom drove and Liz navigated, Yoda and I started catching up. We hadn't talked since mid June, so we yakked and yakked right through lunch, dessert and the drive back, some three (!) hours later. Later today, Yoda was going to hike 1 mile and catch up with the crowd I left last week and I am quite envious. Not envious enough to skip this section and do it later though, as Yoda suggested. I may have slack packed, but I do have standards! Tom and Liz, it was great to meet you both, and thank you again for lunch! And maybe see you at Christmas! After this completely unexpected and very welcome interruption of my hiking day, I only had a few more miles to Happy Hill shelter, which leaves me with just under 6 miles to get into Hanover tomorrow. I will shower and do laundry at the rec center, patronize Starbucks or a local coffee shop if there is one (it's a college town, there must be!), collect my free bagel and slice of pizza, and resupply as needed, before hiking out again. It will be another low mileage day, I'm not exactly setting the world on fire with the mileage since I've been back. And it's only going to get worse in the Whites!It is pretty quiet here, there was only one other person here when I arrived. 3 or 4 more people have since shown up, but it's almost dark so that will probably be it. It has cooled down again like two nights ago (yesterday was warmer), so I'm expecting another good night's sleep!Open map in new windowWant to add a map to your journal?