Day 7

Wed. Sept 3 Mountain Spring Shelter to Little Laurel Shelter 9 miles Weather: perfect I awoke to the company of a young man who lost his dog bear hunting last Friday. He ran off before I could even get out of my sleeping bag. I seemed a little more worn out than I expected myself to be this morning. Slowly, I hiked on. At Allen Gap, I was in need of water and met "Paul with Bunions." He and I chatted for over an hour before I tore away to find water. The spring that was reported on my map was barely a puddle so I followed the road a quarter mile down to a creek. I knew it was dirty, but I had to have some water to be able to climb 5 miles to the shelter. We talked for another hour before heading in opposite directions. The climb was incredibly slow at less than 2 mph. Paul said he had three people staying with him at this shelter last night. Well, for the last four nights on the trail I have been alone. This shelter I can definitely enjoy by myself though. Through the trees, I got a wonderful sunset, and my heavily spaghetti-saused tortillinni tasted wonderful laying in the grass. Even while being scared about the bears, this place doesn't seem that wild to me. Once I've taken off the pack (and shielded from the rain), I feel absolutely comfortable. I figure tomorrow will be another easy day, but I don't recall ever thinking it was "easy". Either Friday or Saturday I will have to hike a 20, but I don't know when the rain will be hitting here. If it comes later, I will wait so that there will be less food to carry. Otherwise it will have to be Friday. I guess the moon is my cue to head to bed. High: soft grassy patch near shelter to relax on Low: hassle and worry of dried up springs