July 3 - 9.9 / 1,539.0

Last night I had fallen asleep and then was woken up by something rustling in the leaves around me. I laid there trying to figure out what it was. It kept coming closer and closer and eventually walked right by my tent. It wasn't a minute later when I heard human voices coming from the other tents. I could tell one of the voices was Thrasher's. I unzipped my tent and stuck my head out. I could see some head lamps shinning. I yelled for Thrasher to ask what was going on. He said that some raccoons had gotten into a pack. I grabbed my socks from off my trekking poles and pulled them inside. Raccoons, skunks, and porcupines will sometimes take items that have salt on them for sweat. I turned on my ipod and went back to sleep.

Again, I got cool during the night, but it wasn't as bad as the other nights. I woke up, ate breakfast, and packed my bag. As I was eating, one of the gentlemen asked if he could have some more Aquamira. He also offered to give me $10. I really didn't want to take his money. We are all out here to watch out for others. I would hope others would do the same for me. I eventually gave in and took it. Sometimes it is just harder to argue. A little later, the group pulled out the food they didn't need. Turkey, Thrasher, and I all split some 11 or 12 Mountain House meals. They were more weight that I didn't want to carry, but I can use them in my resupply for Dalton.

I hiked 9.9 miles without drinking water and snacking. I was motivated to get to Upper Goose Pond. I arrived by 11:10 and was met by Samurai. It was good to see him again. We caught up on things and decided to try and finish this trip together.

The rest of the day was spent laying on a dock, blogging in the sun, swimming, watching boats and kayakers, and canoing. The setting and location is amazing. The cabin is fairly clean too. A caretaker is here throughout the summer, so that helps.

Later in the evening, Samurai and I helped paddle the caretaker's kayak to her truck. It was nice to get out on calm water and see other parts of the lake.

It is a full house tonight. Sonic, Sidetrack, Melo, Lola, Sunrise, Fogg, Walking Man, and G&G are here. Nice to see some old faces.

Some side notes. Congrats to my friends Sara and Zach on their new addition to the family, a boy. Also, my nephew fracture his first bone. It is doing well. He is a tropper, and it hasn't slowed him down.

Off to bed...pancakes in the morning.