Date: 2016-08-26
From: Avery Memorial Campsite

To: Harrison's Pierce Camp
Miles today: 25.4
Weather: clear sky

It rained last night. I woke up early and decided to find a nearby spring in the dark. I wanted to get an early start. I found the spring but it was only flowing at a trickle. It took me about 15 minutes to get two liters of water. I was very thirsty so I couldn't take a chance on the next water source that was described in the guide as unreliable.After getting water, a half mile later I was at the unreliable water source. It was a great water source, someone had built a brand new box spring at the source. The water was pure and clean. I emptied out the water I had just got and replaced it with the water from the box spring. As I was leaving the box spring the two hikers that camped with me last night caught up to me. We made the short climb up to the top of Avery Peak. The sun had just begun to rise.This was probably the most magnificent sun rise I had ever seen in my life. As I looked to the east the sun as it came up over a distant mountain reflected its orange sunlight on two separate large lakes giving us the appearance of three suns at once. It was an amazing sight! As if that was not enough the 360 degree view from the summit was incredible. I would say that of all the incredible views I have had on the AT that this one would rate at the top. Advice to all future AT hikers is to plan your summit of Avery Peak at sunrise you will not be sorry!As I continued on I had a goal in mind that was driving me to put in big miles at a fast pace. The goal was to reach Harrison Pierce Camp to make a reservation tomorrow for a pancake breakfast. He only takes 10 hikers each morning by reservation only. Unfortunately I was unable to get phone reception today to make that reservation so I was pushing hard to get there today to make the reservation for tomorrow.As I made my way to Harrison Pierce Camp I passed several lakes called "Carry Over Ponds." These ponds played a part in the U.S. Revolutionary War with Britain. The planned attack didn't work out well. Any way these were the lakes that reflected this morning's beautiful sunrise.At about 4 pm I arrived at Harrison Pierce Camp. I saw the owner and I said, "I just hiked 25 miles today because I heard you have the best pancake breakfast around." He replied, "I'm all full up but just because you hiked 25 miles I will squeeze you in." I then asked him if had rooms available and if I could reserve a dinner spot. He did have a room available but dinner was for the high paying guests only. I told him I understood but to come get me if he had to get rid of any leftovers.The room was a rustic one room cabin built in 1934. It had a wood burning stove and a kerosene lamp. I showered and then napped for about an hour until I heard a knock on the door. It was the owner, he said he had left overs. At the main lodge he piled a rib eye steak, sweet potatoes, bread, and salad on my plate with another bowl of salad and plate of bread beside it. He asked me if I could handle that much food. I stated that I would have no problem at all. As I ate dinner the owner played the piano, he was a very good piano player. I also had an awesome view of a far off waterfall. As I ate, listened to music, and enjoyed the view I realized that I was blessed!