Appalachian Trail Day 105

Day 105, 06-12-01

Pine Swamp – Brassie Brook Lean-to

21.0 miles, AT – 1485.4

7:40 AM 6:00 PM

It rained cats and dogs last night. Lightening all night too. A big storm.

I found out that head nets hold in a lot of heat. I jury rigged my tent inside the shelter. My tent isn’t free standing. I put it up inside and took off the head net. It was really muggy and I wanted to lay out but the bugs were getting me.

I slept in big time. No one around to wake me up. I got going pretty quick though.

It was another hot and humid day. My plan was to do 16.6 but it turned out to be 21 with a mile side trip to Salisburg, CT. I got two Cokes and a soft serve chocolate ice cream cone. Not many people on the trail. I got to see a bunch of great views and I’m also enjoying the New England woods. I saw BA in town, but he pushed on 7 miles to join the gang. They’re about four miles up right now. In a way I wished I was with them. I left my group back in Kent for two reasons: 1) to hike and be alone for a while. During the evening last night, and part of today I went 19+ hours without seeing or talking to anyone. Right now besides saying a fast hello to a passing day hikers, its been 4 hours since BA left and after my second night camping along, I’ve had enough. Being alone is not fun, in life or in the woods. I have to stick it out until after my 30 miler. Then I can hit the brakes and let my group catch me.

I saw a snake today but thats about it. I trimmed my mustache. I had to wipe my mouth after every bite since there was so much hair in the way.

By pushing on today, I have cut out a day and I will be in Great Barrington tomorrow. I told my friend there I would be there Thursday just today. I hope he doesn’t have plans tomorrow night.

Scatman 2011- Now that I’ve done the PCT and spent 30+ days alone hiking I realize it takes a few days or more before I get comfortable spending my days alone. Maybe that’s just me but I now like to start with others and at some point I’m fine with going on my own. I do not recall the storm at all but I do remember putting up my tent in the shelter.

Appalachian Trail Day 105———-

Scatman

Get out there!