It was a bitter sweet day from the get go. On one hand, it marked the last day of dad’s 3.5 week march northwards. But on the other, it marked the beginning of Kate’s turn to be my hiking companion. I knew when I got to the parking lot in 11 miles, she would be there (with a sandwich) ready to take over the torch from dad. 

My legs felt good as I got up this morning and I knew it was going to be a short day, so I didn’t feel any need to hold back. I let myself move as quickly as I wanted to through the trees and over the mud and roots. 

The biggest slowdown was the humidity. Once again, today was thicker than a bowl of oatmeal. (Note: This saying assumes that the oatmeal in question is not made by pouring cold water on top of instant oats in which case the consistency is actually more of that of soup, but I digress.) I stopped at every stream I saw, trying desperately to put back into my body even some of the liquid I had sweat out. 

When I passed an older guy, he congratulated me. When I looked back at him puzzled, he explained that we had just passed the 3/4 mark. We were in the final 25%!

By the time I made it to the parking lot, I was able to wring the sweat out of my shirt. After performing the aforementioned wringing, I ate my sandwich and sat with Kate in the baking sun with a box of chips, some gatorades and a few boxes of cookies – waiting to doll out trail magic to any hiker in need. 

Bolt soon joined us and the three of us chatted away. And then a car drove in. The guy was moving frenetically and asked us if we were “doing the thing.” When we said we were (I have to assume he meant the AT), he offered us beer and pot. He was on his way to the Phish show in Saratoga and had plenty of both to spare. I gladly accepted an ice cold beer, and Bolt some home grown pot.

By the time dad showed up, I was exhausted. The sandwich had hit me harder than it had any right to and the sun was wearing on me. I told him and Kate i needed a nap ASAP. And so we went to the motel to grab a quick sleep before showing Kate the ropes. A whole new hike starts tomorrow. 

Key stats:

Miles: 12

Elevations gained: 1100 ft

Mile marker: 1658

Free Beers: 1