Mile 1,363.0
Elevation 1,194 feet
Miles Hiked 12.4
Griz and Furnace left the shelter before me, and I took off about 7:30 AM. The plan was to meet at a hot dog stand down the trail. Eight miles into the hike, I reached a long, steep climb called “stairway to heaven.” There were many day hikers out, and it was like trying to move down an interstate highway in a city during rush hour. What a mess!
Once I finally got past the climb, the day hikers were gone and I picked up speed. The terrain was flattening out as I reached the highway where the hot dog stand is located. Just before it, there is a long boardwalk over swampy wetlands. As I approached the boardwalk, I planted my trekking pole in six inches of mud, my right foot slid out from under me and down I went. Unfortunately, the trekking pole stayed in place with me still firmly gripping it and bent six inches from its bottom – freaking great.
I missed Griz and Furnace and found out later it was only by 10 minutes. Nevertheless, I had a couple of hot dogs and contemplated the use of my newly designed trekking pole.
I finished the day’s hike about 4 PM and spent the night alone in the shelter. Everyone else setup tents.
