Cloudy, warm, and humid, high on low 70s.
Saw a small snake again and a wild turkey hiding in the grass. Still seems like spring here. Lady Slippers are still blooming and even saw some wild Azalea still with blooms. Mountain Laurel is mostly ready to bloom in the next week or so.
Tough day - two 700-800 foot climbs before lunch followed by lots of up and down. There was also a very steep decent of 1000 feet and 2000 feet total. This coming down from Mt. Everett, the second highest peak in Massachusetts.
It rained on us lightly twice and some thunder. Fortunately, the last several miles of the days 12.8 were mostly flat. Unfortunately, they were full of mosquitos. At one point we had to part some leaves to enter into a pine forest. As soon as we did, we were both in a cloud of mosquitos - 20+ bites each. Applied more deet and put on head nets.
When we arrived, Wendy was spent. There was some idle talk of quitting. We are supposed to do 13+ miles tomorrow. That is already out. Plus we must go to an outfitter for stove gas, hiking pole repair, and some needed clothing. This will cause a late departure. I have arranged a slack pack day of 8-9 miles and we will come back here to Barrington for another night.
Maybe I can get some more pictures tomorrow.
how idle was the talk of quitting? we bet sandpiper didn't consider the talk idle. hope tomorrow is better. no mosquitoes maybe.
ReplyDeleteI hope things get better--sounds like a tough day but hang in there. Looking forward to seeing you in Maine. Love you both, Aunt esther
ReplyDeleteI emailed you an image from GE that shows the trail in white (roughly) from Sage's Ravine and a few miles further. It's very cool. CC
ReplyDeleteStill had mosquitos and still warm but it was a better day. Just idle talk for now.
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