Navigator reported that the temperatures were so cool the night before that they had some trouble sleeping. Luckily the temperatures were higher today . . . perfect for hiking and hopefully better for sleeping tonight. Turtle reported that the trail continues to be rocky and in some places steep.
One would think that hiking should be . . . well easy. After all, how difficult should it be to walk, right? The truth is that preparing for this year has been a little different than others. Both guys needed new equipment which provided a good opportunity for a “do over” of sorts. New packs were purchased that actually are supposed to fit better. For those non-hikers, choosing packs is comparable to choosing the right prom dress. The packs have to be the right size to fit the body, the pockets have to be adequate to hold all the stuff and the design has to be just right for access. Just like the prom dress, the packs have to be fitted and adjusted for a perfect fit. Luckily most of the fitting is done by adjusting straps.
Other new stuff this year included warmer clothes and gear e.g., pullovers and Under Armor shirts, which are supposed breathe and yet keep you warm, and hiking pants which both Turtle and Navigator prefer not to wear unless absolutely needed. Then there were the sleeping bag liners that were supposed to help keep them warm in the cooler temperatures (hmmmmm . . . maybe that was a stretch). All of this is to say that they continue making adjustments as they try to get used to things.
They had a long day, but pushed to reach their goal of Gren Anderson shelter. They sounded very tired at the end of the day. Apparently the shelter was OK but filled with mosquitoes. It was a typical hiker finish with aches and pains . . . all is well.
Miles completed: 31.1
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