August 7 - 20.8 / 2,100.5

I was woken up by headlamps and people talking about food bags. I then heard someone talking about how us tenters had hung our food in the shelter. That prompted me to get out of my tent and see what was going on. Kinder, a section hiker, and Snickers, a thru hiker, were discussing mice getting into Kinder's bag. I asked if the mice were bothering other bags too. They said it was just Kinder's bag. Realizing my bag was not in danger and that a bear had not taken my food, I went back to my tent and fell asleep.

A few hours later, I did not want to get out of my sleeping bag. I felt like I was back in Georgia again starting out in the winter. I remembered my alarm going off and thought I was awake enough at the last alarm. I then heard Riverdog tearing down his tent. I looked at my watch and noticed it was 45 minutes after my last alarm. Oh well for trying to get out of camp early.

Samurai and I left as Sonic decided to go back in his tent to sleep. Riverdog had already hiked on in order to get his body warm. I struggled up Barren Mountain. I would think that my body would not have any problems with these climbs. I think it is all the food I am carrying. Sam even mentioned how his pack was pulling him backwards when he was going up and down some rocks. My pack is definitely top heavy.

I passed Happy and Pappy. The left about an hour before me, but were still moving at a good pace. I pushed on after the summit of Barren to the next lean-to. There, Sam and I took a break for a second breakfast before going on. The next few hours were tougher than I expected. It is mainly due to all the roots and the occasional steep climb or descent over rocks. We came across a guy hiking southbound who told us about the lack of water across the top of the range. We were already aware of this. He also told us about two older people who he expected we would catch up to and pass. The first one we came to was an older gentleman. It was Retread; I have seen his name in a few registers. I asked him a few questions to make sure he was ok. It did appear he was struggling to get over some of the trail, but he seemed in good spirit and mental condition.

Further up the trail right before the next shelter, I came across an older lady who was moving excellently. She moved over as I approached. I asked her how her day was going and what he name was. In an awesome southern accent she said she was Kathryn Henderson. We spoke for a little bit as we made it to the shelter. Riverdog was there waiting and had carried Ms. Henderson's waterbag from the water source for her. This lady was great. She moved around better than most of us do. She is 72 or 73 and lacks a little over 200 miles of the trail. I forgot how long ago she started. She was inspiring to talk to. I gave her some contact information and told her to let me know when and where she was going to finish. I told her that I would do my best to show up if it was possible.

It had taken me 6 hours to do 10 miles. That was a little unexpected. I had lunch at the shelter and rested. I had one more climb and then a long downhill. The climb was over the summit of Chairback. I should have been able to see Katahdin from up there. However, I was unsure if I was looking at the right one.

As I was nearing a logging road, I saw Sonic and Riverdog sitting. I then saw TP and the Griswolds, a couple and their dog whom I had never met. Trailmagic! TP's mom had driven in to the 100 mile wilderness with some food. I had that with a Budweiser someone else had left along the trail. I headed further down the mountain after the trailmagic to a river. This was another shoes off ford. Before crossing, I spoke to a couple who said they were waiting on their son. Him and two others were running the 100 mile wilderness in a day and a half. They started at Abol Bridge this morning at 3:30. Kudos to them. I can't even walk the trail without tripping. I don't know how the run it, even in the dark.

I think I counted 53 people in the next mile. I thought the 100 mile is supposed to be remote. Most of them were just day hikers who had driven in on the logging road. I assume they were walking around Gulf Hagas. It is suppose to be known for a gorge like setting and multiple waterfalls. Sam, RD, Sonic, and I walked 0.2 miles down a blue blaze trail to check out a little sample of Gulf Hagas. It was cool but nothing to impressive.

The four miles after the side trail were all a gradual climb to the shelter. We made it to the tenting area first. It was packed. I don't know where all these people are coming from. It is almost a bottle neck on the trail. The four of us joined The Griswolds and TP for dinner. We all went to our tents shortly after as the temps were dropping fast. I think it will be a good night. I love sleeping in a warm bag in colder temps.

The funeral for my Nanny was today. I hope it all went well.