Aug. 31st
Last night the shelter held only me. That is the second
time this week and only the third time of my entire hike I've been the only
one in a shelter.
I think the start of school and the end of the northbound thru-hikers have
played a role. I only saw four thru-hikers yesterday.
I woke up after 4:30 AM to get an early start. It had rained on and off through
the night and was off for the moment. I had coffee and a mix of four different
oatmeal flavors (that is all I had) for breakfast. I have only one Ramen Noodle
package in my whole food bag. That is the lowest my food has been on the whole
trip. This afternoon I hope to make it to Manchester Center for resupply.
Using my headlamp, I was on the trail at 5:40 and the trail was pure slop,
wet roots and wet rocks. It was difficult to get good traction so a slower
pace was necessary. Still, I arrived at Peru Peak Shelter at 8:30 and took
a break. Enroute I heard a crash in the woods, looked to my right and saw a
moose running away through the woods.
I pushed on to get to the highway to Manchester Center. I arrived at the parking
lot on the highway at 2:45 PM just as it started to rain. The first vehicle
to come by picked me up--great luck. Most people won't pick up a wet hiker
as it messes up their car.
My first stop was McDonald's for a big lunch. I was ready to eat a lot. After
gorging myself, I tried to call Chick, but ended up leaving a message. I did
get to talk to Sonja as Kirk was on a business call. I told her I would call
him back later
My next stop was EMS. My hiking shoes were breaking down badly and the front
of the soles were coming off. I also needed insert replacements for the Superfeet
I bought in Damascus, Virginia. I ended up buying an EMS brand shoe on sale,
new Superfeet and a spray for water resistance. I then got groceries and a
cab to get me to the cheapest hotel in town. The room I got is a lot nicer
than some I have been in on the trail. I then had a very nice phone conversation
with Chick and Kirk.
(D’s Note: 14.8 miles today)
Date Modified: Wed, September 7, 2005