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Today was another “semi-low” mile day- 12.4. It is cold tonight. I am sleeping atop Smarts Mountain (3240 feet), in an abandoned, enclosed firetower with Backdraft. We watched the sunset until all light faded in the horizon. It was perhaps the most beautiful and memorable sunset thus far.
It was a long 20 mile day into Glencliff. It was quite windy in the firetower which made me cold and as a result, I slept just okay. The hiking wasn’t too difficult, but on poor sleep, it can be hard to focus. I am glad to be at the hostel, “Hikers Welcome Hostel!” Sorry if I’ve been short these last few days. I’ve been slightly unmotivated to write in my journal. I haven’t forgotten my commitment though.
Wednesday and today ended up being unplanned zero days due to rain. Glencliff is the last town before the White Mountains, so I want to start off on a good foot. Moreover, the “Whites” are said to be one of the grandest sections of the trail so good weather would be nice; I want to get lots of pictures. The hostel here in Glencliff is cool. I’ve watched quite a few movies- basically just chilled out. I got my heavier soled hiking boots and sent the other pair back home. I’m feeling recharged to get on to Maine!! I’ve also been eating too much!!- Gotta Go!
Climbing over Mt. Moosilauke (4523 feet) was crazy! It was cold, windy, and foggy. Backdraft, Did Dig and I were almost blown off the mountain! After the step ascent and descent, it was easy going to Beaver Brook Shelter. We did 7.9 miles today.
Dang!! I’m having a hard time wanting to write, but I did make it 9.1 miles today. My boots are not working out. Now the soles are too rigid!! When I step on the rocks, there is no give in the soles. My big toes both have large blisters on the bottoms of them. I have to hike a couple of miles, then sit down, take off my boots, and let my feet rest. It is slow- going, but I don’t want these blisters to get so bad that they get infected. I need a shoe that the sole is in between these 2 pair I have.
It was a hard but short hike today- 5.9 miles- up and over North and South Kinsman Mountains. I’m at the Lonesome Lake Hut right now. I’m still “baby-in” my feet. I also noticed today that the shoulder straps on my back pack are ripping so I need to get to an outfitters and see if I can get them replaced. Hopefully I can get a pair of shoes that is going to work for me on the trail.
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