Appalachian Trail Day 116

Day 116, 06-23-01

Big Branch – Clarendon Shelter

16.0 miles, AT – 1664.9

9 AM 7:30 PM

Woke up late. The trail was muddy too. I stopped at Little Rock Pond to talk to the caretaker. A loon went by twice while I walked the pond edge. It made so much noise. They can fly at 75 mph.

The climb up to the top was spectacular. Very much like Maine. I had lunch on a lookout facing west.

At Rt. 140 I had a chance to compare my strength to that of two years ago when Christie and I hiked the same section. Bear Mountain was a lot easier this time. It wasn’t the lung busting climb it was with her.

I didn’t swim at Clarendon Gorge. I just washed up and rinsed my shirt. Then it was off to Whistle Stop Restaurant for a burger and fries. BA, Crash, Burn and Arlo joined me.

Tomorrow its off to Rutland and the Condo at Pico. I hope the weather is good so we can use the Alpine slide.

The climb up to tonight’s shelter wasn’t too bad. It is a tough one on a weekender. No snakes or frogs like when poor Christie lead the way. I did see two snakes earlier in the day.

Scatman 2011- Back in NY I mentioned how my feet were burning and all blotchy from my socks having too much bacteria in them. Well they were on fire today but while at Whistle Stop I aired them out. It only took the 1/3 of a mile with my shoes back on for it to start again. I don’t believe I got socks until Dartmouth, NH.

The hike was good and went by quick. I don’t recall it being too hard of a day. I was enjoying the new gang a lot by now.

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Scatman

Get out there!