August 13

We were off early again this morning. We had 10 miles and two mountains to climb.

The day started fairly miserably. The trail was wet and muddy and the clouds were low and dark with occasional sprinkles. Just dreary.

But once we got into the hemlock forest near White Rocks, things were much nicer. The under story of ferns and hobble bush disappeared. In its place were tiny hemlock trees and large expanses of vibrant green moss. Out of the moss grew bright orange mushrooms. The green and orange contrast was stunning. In addition the fog was swirling around the tall hemlocks. It looked like a movie set for Lord of the Rings. A beautiful fantasy setting and we got to walk right through.

A little farther down the trail was a group of cairns. Not just any group - but a whole field of them. The mist and fog finally cleared enough for it to be safe to take out the camera. I wish I could have for the misty forest too.

There was a hard stream crossing so Beth and I took the long route around. Our feet were dry but we added a 1/2 mile or so to our mileage.

We got back on the Long Trail and the sky started clearing. I told Beth to look at the beautiful blue sky and just after I said it, it started to rain. Obviously I need to stop commenting on the blue sky because it always rains when I do.

Bear Mt. is lovely. The hobble bush is gone and just the ferns are left, which makes for a much more open forest and the light green carpet of ferns is so inviting. In addition the trail was dry!! Well it did rain on us, but very little mud and no creeks in the trail. This is my kind of trail. It even had switchbacks going up.

We stopped about a mile up the trail at an overlook. We could actually see the mountains in the distance. The trees blocked the view a little, but it was nice. Beth who had dawdled all the way until lunch, really hauled up the hill, probably going about 2mph.

We got to the Minerva Hinchey Shelter and Patches was there. I got out my soaking wet trail clothes and took a quick bandana bath.

Beth elected to have a cold supper so she wouldn't have to wash the dishes. That was fine by me because then I don't have to cook. And the sky started clearing. I mentioned the blue sky and it didn't rain on me this time. Yes!

Patches thought I should have a trail name before I leave the trail. I told him, "Blue Sky". He thought that was perfect, especially since he had teased me unmercifully about one time I said the sky was blue and it poured on us back at Lula Tye Shelter

Billy Boy was here at dinner time and other thru-hikers started showing up later.

Snowberry and Easy Rider tented nearby.

The sky stayed clear all night and I even saw stars. Life is good.