Date: 2008-07-28
From: Nauman Tentsite

To: Ethan Pond Shelter
Miles today: 9.3
Weather: fog

Kate's entry: Blue skies and no rain overnight! YAY!! We were up by 6 am and out by 7:15. My feet were feeling much better all moleskinned up over where my wet socks had rubbed them raw. We went up Mt Jackson and Mt Webster- nice little ups and some nice views. We were concerned that the Webster Cliffs would be an awful down like the Wildcat's down into Pinkham, but were pleasantly surprised with well maintained trails with switchbacks galore - it was a VERY pleasant down - my knees didn't even hurt! We got down to Hywy 302 and decided that we wanted to go to Willey House Snack Bar...and we wanted to hitch if we could...We stood there a while with thumbs out with no results. We started to walk with the thumbs out and were shortly picked up by a man named Andy. We asked if we could buy him lunch to which he said no but he'd like to join us for lunch. He was a VERY interesting guy - combing back from basically working as the camp director for a short 5 day type camp for hemophiliacs and their families. He seemed to be a jack of all trades - working for a ropes course business, ski instructor, substitute teacher, etc. He had some interesting stories to share. Lunch was delicious - an italian sausage with peppr and onions sub, chips, ice cream, etc. My appetite continues to grow daily...and my waist continues to shrink - when I look in the mirror, I barely recognize my shape. THEN Andy offered to drive us back. THANKS Andy!! Once again, the genorosity of strangers amazes me - I hope I can remember that when I get back home so I can be more kind and giving. Andy's stories reminded me of work and I realized that this week HD training must be starting...if I was home, summer would be over. It will be weird to have an August - haven't had one of my own for seven years. This was always the most exciting (and draining) time of the year - time with the HDs and AHDs, getting to know the RA staff, prepping and meeting all the students for the year. It sounds sick, but I'm realizing I'm going to miss it...and I'm sad I'll be missing Danielle's first months as a professional, Montrell's first semester as a full time student, seeing Thifa and Adam get to do the beginning of the year with time to prepare, Judy's first year with training, the new RA staff for L3 (who better be behaving and doing great for Meagan, Larissa and Montrell); I guess I'm kinda homesick for work in a way...and I'm struggling with what I want to do when we get home. I feel so confused about it, but I thinnk that the answer will present itself when the time comes. Not stressed about, just reflective. So work peeps - know I'm thinking of you and hoping you relaxing moments in the crazyness! Anyways...back to the trail.Straight up again, but the trail was again beautifully maintained. Quickly going - we were thinking about going past Ethan Pond, but it started to sprinkle as we came upon the side trail for it. Popped into the shelter as it began to really rain - beautiful!! There's an eating and cooking area because apparently bears like to visit here - hopefully, we don't see one - though Beetle is prepped with her camera. The next few days are supposed to be quite scenic and we are supposed to have great weather. I feel so very blessed to be experiencing it all.