39 – You Dirty Rat

Just before falling asleep last night, we saw a mouse run across a beam in the shelter. It hurriedly ran from one end to the other without a notice from Stan. Our theory of Stanley being our dog deterrent from mice and/or bears was in question.

I slept fine but when I woke one of the first things I did was check my bag. No bites, all my food and food bags were intact. It was a different story for Rabbit. He had his squeeze peanut butter pouch in his water bottle holder. The mice has chewed a hole in the pouch and gone to town on his peanut butter. Rabbit just squeezed some out of the hole and put it back in his holder. Rabbit also lives dangerously.

The first 9 miles today were cruise-y and we made great time into Clyde Smith Shelter for lunch. I was mild/moderately dreading the second half of the day due to all the climbing crunched into the last 5 miles (also my knee was hurting).  I had needn’t worry though, the hiking went just fine. I hiked that afternoon with Sip, Hatcher and Stan. We handled the mountain swimmingly.

Random thought of the day:

The days are all running together. What day of the week is it? What’s the date? Who’s the president? When is the next Olympics?

Tonight we’re staying at Roan High Knob Shelter, the highest shelter on the AT, elevation 6270ft. It’s also unique in that it has 4 walls and a door. We had a fire out front in the fire pit. The pine needs burned with a satisfying crackle. Our first fire in over a week (if you don’t count the bonfires at Trail Days.

Stan likes to claim whichever sleeping bag is  empty last. That ended up being mine. I scoot him over and snuggle in next to him. Looking forward to what tomorrow has to bring.

Stow away in my pack for Day 40 on the Appalachian trail.

 

Phil D

Hey buddy, I hope you’ve been well. I appreciate all your support and your friendship through the years. I’m glad that across time and duty stations we’ve been able to stay in contact. Let’s get the fam together soon.