Date: 2008-08-28
From: Conway N.H (Goose Pond Rd )

To: Smarts Mt. Fire Tower
Miles today: 9.1

Up early and doing the car thing again, I was dropped off at Goose Pond Road where I had started yesterday, only this time I would be heading north.The trail mileage these first few days are very low compared to the effort involved to do them. The To & From drive is the time thief right now. I have enjoyed hiking in New Hampshire. It has now become my favorite state.Passing near the town of Lyme, I learned this is where Lyme disease originated and got it's name. Intersting, the things you learn out here.After climbing Smarts Mountain I arrived at the firetower and dropped my pack.I went over and checked out the old fire wardens cabin that is now used as a shelter. There I met "4-Star" he was already settled in. Still waiting for the girls to arrive, I made dinner while sitting at the base of the fire tower. As I ate, I thought about sleeping in the firetower tonight. Why not, when would I ever have this opportunity to sleep in a tower on top of a mountain again?I finished dinner then climbed up to the top. The area inside was about 7 x 7 feet. I laid out my bed roll to claim my spot.Once the girls arrived they shared my idea and carried their gear to the top.The wind was really blowing hard up here. There were 3 panes of glass missing so we hung our packs to difuse the wind blowing through. There was just enough room for the 3 of us to lay out, however this meant the hatch door was covered with our legs and feet. We worked out a plan for the middle of the night trips we would probably need to be making. Eventually the wind settled down during a beautiful sunset. It was an awe inspiring sight with a 360 degree view of how the light hit all the surronding mountains. Later as I was lying snug in my bag, I was looking up and through the panes of glass at a black sky lit up and filled with stars. I was speechless, It was so powerful and so beautiful.Lying here in the night my mind began to wander. I have now completed 1800 miles, with less than 400 miles remaining, the reality that this trip will actually be ending is creeping more & more into my thoughts. I have begun to think of work, I will need to call for an extension to my leave of absence as I will not be able to make the October 1st deadline. Hopefully they will agree, however, this could cost me?Having these thoughts invade what has been my happy place for so long, it both depresses and agitates me. I can't remember when I have ever been this happy as I have been while on this journey? Now, and so quickly I feel that joy beginning to erode.Another factor that is weighing heavy is about money, I am running low. Unexpected gear changes back in Damascus, medication for my Pneumonia, and this rental car have pretty well chewed up my buffer.Now with additional time tagged on from not finishing in my expected window, this poses a nagging stress that is not welcome here.There are other realizations that are beginning to re-appear as I move closer toward the end. I now see very clearly how specific things in my life need to change. I will be dealing with those things soon enough, but for now I need tocome back and live in the moment. I am spending the night in a firetower, on the top of Smarts Mountain, overlooking a beautiful place, while on an incredible journey, with 2 heaven sent friends. I am a blessed man.