Date: 2003-07-25
From: High Top Hut

To: Lewis Mountain Campground
Miles today: 11.7
Weather: scattered clouds

Wow! What a day!! We woke to the sounds of boy scouts trying to get their food down off the bear poles. We quickly choked down a cold breakfast and packed up to hit the trail. The morning swiftly took a downward turn as both Bumpkin and I were both a little out of sorts. You know how some days you just don't want to go to work?   Well, some days, we just don't want to hike! Only, today, there was nothing else I wanted to do, either! I was feeling emotional, and knowing that I wasn't the greatest of company, I left Bumpkin to hike on her own. I don't know whether it is the physical exertion or the atmosphere, but my emotions seem to sit so much closer to the surface out here.   My buttons are much easier to push, and I seem to be close to tears much of the time. As for today, there was no particular reason for me to be this way...I just was. I spent the morning walking it off, and by lunchtime, I was better! :) We met in an old family graveyard that is linked to the trail by an overgrown path. There were only six or seven graves, but we could easily piece together the history of this family. As we sat eating our lunch, I was struck by how peaceful a place it was.   I could have stayed all afternoon. As the day wore on, we hiked, and hiked, and hiked! The trail took us through old forest, with lots of dead trees littering the ground and huge gray stones strewn about. As usual, there was knee-high underbrush covering everything and every time something made a noise, I was sure that it was a bear! I am dying to see a bear!!   Alas, as the afternoon wore on, all I saw was mile after mile of stinging nettle that seemed determined to impede my progress! I had set a goal to reach the campground by 6:30, and when 6:45 came around, I was still slowly making my way up a mountain.   I was so tired that I was having to stop and rest every few minutes. During the last week, I have seen a dramatic increase in my stamina, so having to stop this often was frustrating. It was during one of these rests that I heard it. Crunch...rustle...crunch..rustle....I looked over and he walked out of a bush. My bear!!! I was so excited! With pepper spray close at hand, I slowly reached into my pocket for my camera. He was young enough that I looked around for mama, but she was no where to be seen.   I quietly took his picture and watched as he wandered deeper into the forest. He was awesome!! He looked just like a stuffed bear, with the brown nose that points forward. He never even knew I was there. I may see more this week, but he will be the most special!:) When I got to the campground, I found Bumpkin smack dab in the middle of the last spot that they had, and she had already invited another hiker to share our site. Spiller is a police detective headed for retirement and I liked him immediately! Outgoing, gregarious, and unbelieveably funny, I knew we were going to have a great evening! We were just starting dinner when a familiar figure walked toward us with a backpack. Doppler!!! Our friend from Rusty's! I have to tell you, Doppler is one of my favorite people I have met on this hike! Nice and kind, with a dry, intelligent wit, he is always fun to be around.   Well, the campground was full, so what were we to do but invite him to share our site!! The evening that commenced was full of laughter and fun. When the park ranger came to quiet us down, we all laughed when Spiller commented on how embarassing it would be to be arrested for laughing!!   Needless to say, we had to turn in way too soon. However, as I lay here with my sides aching from laughing so much, it occurs to me that the day really turned out great. Lesson learned: Don't like the mood you are in? Just wait awhile....it always looks up in the end! :)