Date: 2004-10-10
From: Leeman Brook Lean-to

To: Cloud Pond Lean-to
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: overcast clouds

It¢s 7:30 and I¢m already bundled up in my sleeping bag. It¢s cold, I did not cover the miles I hoped to, and I can see my sock through the front right toe of my hiking shoes; still I had a wonderful day. Today was a day of amazing autumn views, waterfalls, ponds, and streams. Today was a day of Tom Foolery and reflection. Today I hiked with an old friend and had a great time. Sunshine, Dapper Dan, and I roused at about 7 a.m. Silliness immediately ensured. They informed me there was no privy so I went in the woods only to see the ¢Toilet¢ sign 2 minutes later :-(. We all set out a plan for 23 tough miles. By 8:15 we all managed to separate ourselves from the warm embraces of our sleeping bags and pack up. As we left we teased Sunshine for having a crush on actor Tom Skerritt. While Sunshine is straight, he did inadvertently mention Tom Skerritt 3 times last night. Plus his name is ¢Sunshine¢. It was clear as we left that the day would be fun. As we left Sunshine said his knee felt better than yesterday, however he still walked slowly. After about 8 minutes ¢Dapper Dan¢ hiked ahead and we said we¢d see him this evening (we lied). I hung back with my old friend to catch up on what had happened with him since August. We talked about the wedding he attended, his new girlfriend he met there, and life after hiking. I told him about how my hike has changed me, how God has touched me, and my desire to live life differently than those around me. We paused at least 10 times for views of falling waters, serene ponds, and mountain ridge views of the leaves and sky. At one point in our first 7 miles of walking and discussion we both began to reflect on our hikes. We found a couple of things in common: A) We both have found a contentment in the small things and people around us, not big goals and materials. B) We both have an added sense of confidence and success, within a realization of how blessed/lucky we are. C) We both have lost a buttload of weight (Sunshine 80 pounds, me 45 pounds :-)). As I caught up with my friend and we looked back I smiled. We both have truly been changed by ¢the trail¢. As we wrapped up discussion we forded a stream and Sunshine almost fell in. Then I realized: We had just crossed under 100 miles to go. WOW!A few minutes later we took a break at a shelter after 11 miles. The day was proceeding quite nicely, but it was past 3:30 p.m. as we left. Just after we started to go Sunshine jolted his knee again (yikes!). We pushed on, but the going was slow. The climb out of the shelter was the Barren-Chairback Range, noted for it rocks and roots. We proceeded slowly, placing our feet out of the way of obstacles. Thought the climb itself was hard, we laughed and told jokes and stories. I particularly enjoyed how ¢sunshine¢ (John) introduced himself by his trail name at his sister¢s wedding several times out of habit. At least he did not pee on nearby trees. With dusk approaching we reached the top of Barren Mountain. As we crested the mountain the air seemed to drop dramatically in temperature. It was cold and windy as we descended the mountain toward the shelter. As we walked we both talked about how to get home. I may or may not have a ride. I¢m not stressed, but it seemed a good thing to think about. Sunshine needs to finish hiking 4 days in Massachusetts. One option might be for me to visit Rob at the Bird Cage, and tag along with Sunshine and his Dad when they leave for Atlanta. The bus to Mass. Would cost less, I¢d get to see an awesome friend, and my house is directly on Sunshine¢s way home. As I mentioned these options to Sunshine we hit the sign to the shelter: time for dinner. The walk to the shelter was 0.4 miles ¢ blech! As we walked and spoke of plans Sunshine suddenly howled in pain. He slipped and aggravated his knee again. He recovered enough to be able to hobble to the shelter right as dark set in. As we began to cook we weighed the options: A) The 7 miles we would night hike through the dark is the difficult Barren-Chairback Range. B) Sunshine¢s knee is less than healthy already. C) It¢s cold and a sleeping bag seems nice. It did not take long to make a decision: We were staying at the shelter. Now here we are ready for early bedtimes after nice hot meals. Today was so beautiful. From leaf-enveloped cascades to gorgeous views off of ridges, our first full day in the 100 mile wilderness has seen it more than meet its reputation. We have 95 miles left as we go sleep, and 4 big days through this gorgeous wilderness between us and Katahdin. My mind is still reeling. Before I pass out I will close with some of the random thoughts on my mind:1)        Sunshine is the smartest guy I have hiked with and we get along great. Still, he¢s the type of smart guy you see pushing a pull handle door. 2)        We passed at least 6 people today. This struck me as odd for the 100 mile ¢wilderness¢.3)        It blows my mind that I¢m discussing how to get home. It¢s so exciting, yet scary all at once.4)        Today wasn¢t hard, it was just slow. My body feels alright minus the numbing cold. 5)        I only have 5 days left to see my first bear :-(. 6)        The formations of the clouds in the sky are some of the coolest I have seen in my entire life. 7)        Tomorrow we will attempt 24 tough miles. If we succeed we will cover 8 of the last 10 peaks over 2,000 feet. That will leave one peak at 2,008 feet and one at 5,280 feet: Katahdin. 8)        I get giddy every time I think of Katahdin, and I¢m dying to see what it looks like.That¢s enough of my thoughts. I¢m so blessed and so pumped up right now. I still think I¢ll manage to fall asleep now before 8 p.m. :-). Goodnight, BEATBOX   ttt