Another one bites the dust

Another one bites the dust is what New Year sings after we make it to the top of a hill or mountain. Today he sang it a few times. We started the day at 2132ft, then went down to 963ft, then up to 1937ft, then down to 880ft, back up to 1212ft, down to 1110, up to 2361ft and up up up to 3237ft. That doesn’t count all the little ups and downs that are not recorded in the guide. On the way up Seneca had a small fall onto his back. He was like a turtle. I caught it on video but it won’t upload. 

   
We made it to Smarts Mountain Campsite. The wardens Cabin Shelter was our first choice but it was pretty dumpy so we back tracked .1 miles to the campsite area.  

 
We should have a nice sunrise in the morning.

We meet a very funny hiker today. Let’s call him Oatmeal. He asked that I don’t post his photo. He teased that he was on the run, but he might have been serious. Anyways, he was so funny I couldn’t stop laughing. 

We also had ice cream from a very nice man who lives close to the trail. He is called the ice cream man. He was a very nice guy. He has been providing ice cream to hikers and inviting them to play croquet for 12 years. 

We are all very tired. I whimpered out and didn’t get water so they filled my bag for me. I will make it last week until we hit a stream 4 miles out. I am really thirsty right now. I cameled up each time I got the chance but water was scarce today and it was very hot. 

   
 
This was the veil I had while I cooked dinner. Tonight I could have eaten more but I didn’t. Too tired to cook another round. I am waiting for the guys to finish eating, it is my turn to hang the bear bag. Not sure why we call it a bear bag because that’s the last thing we want to get. We hang our food bag so they don’t get it. 

Only 418.8 miles to go. 

Happy Hiking

Emily M. Leonard

About Emily M. Leonard

I am a 50 year old Maine native and lover of the outdoors. Former Physical Education teacher and soccer coach. I am Married to the best husband ever and gave up teaching and coaching to raise our two wonderful sons. I have always enjoyed being outside and on the go.