Date: 2016-06-05
From: Hightop Hut (903.4)

To: Loft Mt campground 896.3
Miles today: 7.1

SNP day 6Start: Hightop hut at 7:30 amStop:Loft Mtn at 1:30pm because we were warned of a huge scary stormFitbit:37,591 steps16.26 miles291 stairsGot up at 6:30am. I Think I ended up being the only one that snored last night. I never heard such a quiet shelter. They were mostly all stoned. The rain was loud and fierce but kind of soothing. A guy put out a few mouse traps. One went off right by us. We had drizzle and cloudiness for most of the day. We put our backpack rain covers on before we set out, covering up Paul's boots as well. We stopped talking to as many hikers because, with the impending storm's approach, everyone looked to be in a hurry today. We would also have to go through a lot to uncover the boots. It just seemed like an off kind of day with everyone down about the storm. Close to my favorite part of the whole park, Ivy creek (a long cascading line of waterfalls and pools with the trail going along both sides) we met a bear. A girl hiker was coming one way up the trail and we were going down when she hissed, "Stop! There's a bear on the trail". We froze. I put Cubby behind me as I slowly got out the GoPro. I crept forward but couldn't see the bear in the brush. The other hiker looked alarmed. I didn't want to scare the bear into her but standing there waiting for the bear to get mad wasn't good. I told the hiker that we were going to make some noise and approach. Suddenly I heard a noise right next to me. The bear sprang up a tree right by me. I kept walking and talking, telling Cubby to walk by clicking her poles together and not making eye contact. We waited to make sure the other hiker got safely by as well. I had so much adrenaline I think I could have flown. It wasn't so much fear as awe. We felt lucky to have seen one so closely yet safely. They really are very cute even though very dangerous. We got to Loft Mountain early but decided to stay per the advice of the ridgerunner. We were at the wayside and then made camp there. We made sure to really secure our tent. The wind is quite fierce and it keeps lofting (just like the name says) upward like a kite. This was the first night we used the vestibule and the first night I've zipped my sleeping bag. It's been too hot. We needed the vestibule so we wouldn't create a wind tunnel through our tent. And the temps are dropping. We are on the ridge at the top of the mountain here. We took showers and ate tons of junk food as we waited for our hand-washed clothes to dry in the 25 cent dryer! Sat in the breezeway and talked to a variety of hikers. Felt like old times as three in particular were endearing and thoughtful. They were getting the best from the trail and having a ball. Happy to see it. They were inquisitive and kind to ask us questions. The man and wife who run the store are from Maryland. They are super friendly and helpful, spotting me the quarters to take a shower. I paid him back later when I got change. He also gave me yoghurt that expired today. It was delicious. He kept cracking jokes. Cubby really laughed and liked him so much. In the end he hugged us all good bye. He used to be a teacher and we all agreed he must have been an incredible one. Cubby said she wish he'd taught her, though she agreed that she's had some amazing teachers in her life too. I wish we could have moved on but being safe is better. It doesn't even seem like it will rain now. Cubby really wanted to take a shower...what a difference from when she was 12. She wanted me to take one as well because I think she's a bit worried. I got a big bite on my leg the first day that was bright red and hugely swollen. Now there's one on my foot. I have a rash all over my backside and today my armpits turned a brilliant red and are bumpy. I never had any of this before. Guess we are doing more miles sooner and quicker than when we started before. I'm sure I'll be fine. Aching wise, I am amazed at how much less I hurt. I'm trying this natural medicine to fight swollen joints, etc. I can only attribute it to that. I'm not taking all the vitamins that I consumed daily on our thru hike. Three years later and my skin is a mess but my joints are better than ever. I'll take that. It's late now. Gotta grab some shut eye. Cub wants to get out in two days. That's 30 miles. We will see. Happy to be back listening to the wind as it put on a show for us, whirling and whooshing and putting us to sleep...until my bladder calls and goes and ruins it all.