After an hour of trying to shut out the sound of snoring in the bunk room, I slept on the porch of the hostel last night. To my surprise, a gorgeous full moon lit the sky at 3 AM – a nice conciliation for leaving the comfort of my mattress.
In the morning, finally able to eat a full breakfast, I decided it was time to head out. I packed extra Ramen and Saltines, knowing that I could stomach them if I couldn’t eat the food I’d bought a few days before. I hitched a ride from a super nice mom with two kids in a mini van (she hiked the Long Trail years ago). Back at the trailhead, I immediately started a steep uphill hike in sweltering heat and humidity. My pack was also full of food and a big new fuel canister, plus the extra Ramen and crackers. None of this helped me after three consecutive days of barely eating. I did 8 miles and called it a day, but not before taking a cool dip in a stream. Luckily, my appetite is back enough that I am able to eat a decent lunch and dinner. Tomorrow is supposed to bring more heat, but all I’m thinking of at the moment is sleep.
Trails And Travels 