Final Letter: 6/28 and 6/29

25.7 mistical miles today. Yeah, I know it’s with a “y”, it’s a pun. From the moment I woke up on Sugarloaf Mountain, the sun was hidden by millions of water molecules, and remained that way all day. On one hand, it was a shame because I summited 6 peaks today and received 0 vistas. On the other hand, trekking through the misty hemlock mountains felt like being in Lord of the Rings or something. But it did get old, and these were my last 4,000 footers until the big K, so it would have been nice to catch some views, but it’s not terribly important — I’ve seen dozens already.

Today I officially put 2000 AT miles on my body. 182 left.

I stopped in to Stratton to pick up the food I’d sent myself from Rangely, and they were having a “Stratton Homecoming” or something similar. I bought 2 cokes and a strawberry shortcake from 3 different vendors. Some nice old fellers talked to me as I ate and packed my food, and one of them was supposed to be watching a used-book booth. Having just finished my book (thanks, Leah!) I sauntered to the book tent and purchased Orwell’s 1984 for 25 cents.

Katahdin in 10…

6/29

17.3 sloshy miles today. Knowing it was to be a short day, I slept in until 7:40. Almost the instant I packed everything up, the rain began to fall. Ordinarily that would be depressing, but I’m accustomed to the wet walking by now.

The first 6 miles were relatively easy, with the only “climb” being about 600′ in 1.5 miles (cake). When I stopped at the first shelter for lunch, the rain finally let up, but the sun still hid. Yet the trail was a muddy, rivery, sloshy mess. Once again, I quickly let go of the illusion of maintaining dry feet and stomped my way through every puddle.

The remaining 10-11 miles were very flat, truly a gift from the Trail. They also ran by some beautiful lakes, complete with fishermen and ducks.

I had an ever-growing mosquito graveyard on my arm — perhaps as many as 12 at one point. Certain swampy areas are breeding grounds for the little buggers. I’ve also been killing, within only since I began writing, tiny no-see-ums, who are also apparently vampire-insects.

This shelter is on the shore of a large pond, and since I had the time I took a dip. A quick one, as the water is quite frigid. Tex is here with me — he’s finishing a 13 year section hike. Also met a soon-to-be Triple Crowner, German Tourist, who was interested in my pack. (Triple Crowner = completed the AT, CDT, and PCT.) Back to 1984, whose premise seems ridiculous but whose story is gripping… still early in the book, though…