Take a Hike! Journal
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Journal: 8/12/99
Posted by Wendy on Monday, 30 August 1999, at 9:39 p.m.
Thursday, 8/12/99, Inn at the Long Trail – 15.7 miles
Nice hike today. The weather was good, overcast with periods of sun, light wind, stronger on the peaks. Water was present in the form of streams all morning. I love the sound of running water! There were a few fairly steep climbs today, and they kicked my butt as usual. I still find it amazing that after 1,600+ miles, I cannot go up the hills any easier than I do. It just doesn’t seem fair somehow.
I heard today from "Stitches", that "No Time" is one day back. I was thinking about taking a zero day at the Inn at the Long Trail to let the heat rash on my back heal.. so I decided to stay and give her a chance to catch me.
Yesterday at Pico Camp Shelter, the last shelter I passed before reaching the Inn, Black Bear and I met a man and woman out for a few days. We exchanged pleasantries and talked about our respective hikes. The woman, younger than the man by at least 10 years (or so she appeared) asked if "we" were going to write a book about the experience. I told her that I was thinking about it. She asked if I would include her in my book. I replied "Only if you do something really memorable." Nothing. Oh well.
We’ve been passing quite a few south-bounders, and met one that was particularly interesting. His name is "Otter", and just by chance we spoke. When he found out my name was Paddler, he told me he has been hiking since June, started in Gaspe on the International Appalachian Trail, and had stayed with Bill Miller in Nictau, New Brunswick! What a hoot! [Bill Miller is a dear friend of the family in N.B., and is the owner/builder of Miller Canoes.] Otter had met Julie (Bill’s sister) and Bill’s mom fed him and made him feel right at home. To top it all off, he borrowed one of Bill’s canoes and paddled down to Plaster Rock (N.B.) to get new boots. This is a smaller world than we think!
Life is good.
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