Date: 2023-07-30
To: Mahar Landing
Miles today: 14.5

Rained Last night, so while we were happy to be in a Shelter, the moisture makes for a damp night when everything is a little soggy from previous use. Also, it is just up from Cooper River and Falls so lots of moisture in the air.  It's always a mental challenge when putting on damp clothes in the morning.  Underwear and Socks are the worst for some reason. We get through somehow and on the trail!  The Trail to and after the shelter was good enough that we called it Ventura Highway. We cruised to Mary Jo road and were there by 8:00. If Recon hadn't adjusted the Resupply, we would have been waiting there until 1-3 in the afternoon. A real blessing to keep hiking. We made stops at a shelter and then again at Antlers Campground, a popular place that never seems to match our daily hiking milage.  So we used it for a second Lunch and forgives out miles to Abol.  Recon read great reviews about a spot called Mahar Landing. Four miles away and then there was a shelter seven away.  Recon said, "Let's check it out and if good, call it a day at 14 miles".  The mosquitoes became relentless as we left Ventura Highway and got into a little bit more roots and mud. One Fly bit me on the back of my neck, I thought it was a yellow jacket!  Left a welt that burned whe Recon sprayed my back with Bug Spray! When we hit the peninsula campground with two water entries on a Lake side and a cove side, we were stopped for sure.  Treated it like a Nero at Recons Resort! Set up camp, best hammock hang of my life!  Recon even tried it out. Then Came laundry - clothes on a clothesline.  Hung Quilts to dry and fluff back up, so they won't be cold like last night!  Socks and shoes hit would good sanitary Sunshine and then into the lake for a bath.  Recon went under, I just couldn't do it, choosing dry hiking shorts for tonight and tomorrow!  Although my black pair dried as well.  It's really the waistbands that never seen to dry completely. After swimming, came foot repair with duck-tape.  Still having a few spots of rubbing and sores. Gathered water and had time to cook the Knorrs Mexican Rice Dinner with Pink Salmon. It takes at least 15 minutes to get the rice soft instead of the seven on the package. Even had a cup of hot apple cider to top off the evening.  I had cell service so called Joanie because tomorrow is our 41st Anniversary!  2nd Tome I have been gone on the AT!  She got a card that she won't open like I put on it!  However, home life is Ruff!  Thunderstorms brought down branches in the backyard and the bathers shower doors are out of line and bent off the wall. She told her best friend Ruthie, she was going to redo the bathrooms to teach me to ever go away again!  That's on top of an Air condition Repair last week!  Oh well, I am in such a peaceful place enjoying the time following Recons Journey to Finish Katahdin.  Speaking of which, we had two awesome views of Mama K today. Full sun, no clouds, and compared to early yesterday morning, it so much closer!  Almost like you can reach out and touch it, but still 45 miles away!  We didn't rush today and took full advantage of the camping spot. Now a sunset beyond the lake and mountain trees!  Will get the milage and to Abol Bridge in a couple of day!