Day 115 - Thursday, July 29, 2021

Yesterday we took a “Zero” after successfully completing the Wildcat Slack Pack Challenge. “Zeros” are always well appreciated as we planned our hiking itinerary up to August 8th as well as did our laundry and packed our packs for our next 3 day/2 night hike starting tomorrow. 

This hike will continue from US 2, Gorham, NH (1894.8 NoBo) to Grafton Notch, ME 26 (1925.9) for a total of 31.1 miles. Today’s segment goes to Gentian Pond Shelter/Campsite (1906.6 NoBo) equaling 11.8 miles. 

We started hiking from the Rattle River Lodge & Hostel at 7:30 with temperatures in the upper 50’s. 




And as most hikes, it started right off with a climb summiting Mt. Hayes. 







Wild blueberries are abundant; no need to carry snacks.





Some hiker marked the trail with their unofficial 1900 NoBo mile marker from Springer Mountain. NoBo thru hikers are starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. 




Dream Lake. 







Broke a trekking pole. Trail is very rugged with many rock outcrops.I was able to repair it by extending the upper section to make up what broke on the lower section. Hopefully this will last but New Hampshire has been rough on the poles 



Gentian Pond.












We reached the Gentian Pond Shelter at 3:00 pm. We wanted to make it there early as many thru hikers are on this section of the trail and shelters are sometimes a premium and they are forecasting rain for tonight. Good thing we got there early as the shelter filled up later in the day. 





We have run into this group of young men on several hikes. They stayed at the Rattle River Lodge & Hostel one night we did. I had the opportunity to speak with Uncle Ben as he has been keeping a watchful eye on the group which includes his 2 sons a 3 nephews. It’s amazing how far they have hiked - 45 days on the trail. They are hiking to Grafton Notch then they going to climb Mt. Katahdin culminating their summer adventure. The group includes (left-right): Jeremiah (age17) from Sacramento, Caleb (age 19) from Maryland, Matthew (age 15) from Sacramento, Uncle Ben  from Maryland, Gabriel (age 13 from Maryland & Seth (age 13) from Sacramento. Happy Trails to you all! 

Till next time... Happy Hiking  🥾 

😋


“Acts of generosity in this wild and primitive setting…where basic amenities…are intentionally absent–are often received in a heightened sense of wonder and gratitude by hikers. These acts of generosity are referred to as “trail magic.”

                  (Appalachian Trail Conservancy)

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