Day 26

I slept with my rain tarp tucked away last night. It was cold but perfectly clear and I wanted to lay looking up at the stars. I figured I would be woken up early by the sun but it would be worth it. And it was over night, the stars were beautiful overhead.

When I blinked my eyes open, however, it was almost 8am already. I packed up quick and joined the rest of the group for breakfast. Poo bear handed out these pouches that were supposed to be the equivalent of a cup of coffee in snus form (no nicotine). We all gave them a shot but I feel confident in saying I have no need to ever try one of those again. 

The hike took us through a bunch of different types of forests, pine, not pine and completely blown down. When we walked through the pine areas, the whole forest smelled like Christmas (or so I assume). It set the mood perfectly.

And was the perfect aroma to be surrounded by as I found a cooler that said “for thru hikers only.” The cans of lemonade and root beer were both exactly what the doctor ordered. 

There were a few big climbs today, the last of which took us up to the Rone Highlands – the last 6,000 foot mountain for the next 700 or so miles. It was another big bald with breathtaking views at all angles. I stopped to look around and saw jackrabbit eating a pb&j and just staring off into the distance. I figured I should let him be.

The last few miles were a descent to camp. But I was struggling on them and that’s when I realized, I had forgotten to eat lunch. I began to plan what calorie bomb I could make after setting up my hammock. 

And I made it. Ramen noodles mixed with instant mashed potatoes, beef jerky, cheddar cheese, olive oil and mayonnaise. It was DELICIOUS. 

But the 1500+ calories hit hard. Now I’m laying in bed in a food coma, potentially going to be asleep by 7:30

Key stats:

Miles: 19

Elevation gained: 5,000 ft

Mile marker: 385

Holes in my shoes: 2