I’ve been a little bit discombobulated as I figure out/remember my backpacking routine. I’m not the same person who was out on the AT 11 years ago- I like having a cushier sleeping pad (ugh- when I remember to close the valve after blowing it up- I woke up this morning on the tent floor, a bit surprised and confused until Moped pointed out my mistake), a pillow, a steady job to come back to, and a 25 pound pack. (When I started the AT my pack weighed 47 pounds. Mom, this is why I don’t carry apples anymore.) While Moped and I have been backpacking together for nine years, thru-hiking together is new to us. We are adjusting, although the biggest shift is trying to not feel like we have to push big mile days each day.
The animal sightings have been good so far- a beaver swimming along happily in its pond, about a gazillion newts, butterflies, some fish, a snake, the sound of loons at night on Stratton pond, and one very determined porcupine climbing a tree. There have been a lot of AT thru hikers- all legs and appetite and sour smell, generally not too friendly- we see them once and then not again. Moped says that the AT is like a mullet- business in the front, party in the back. Given that it’s still June, we are definitely seeing the focused folk who are not to be deterred by a friendly smile. Was I that weatherworn and salty? I hope not, but I probably was- I have a distant memory of feeling a bit tired of questions and company after 1600 miles on my own. Anyhow, the Long Trail hikers have been great, and sharing conversation and hiking space with them has been a lot of fun.
Onward and upward!
