TRAIL DAY 65
Mon, Apr 25, 2016 Parts of this day are clear as a bell and others vague or remembered in isolation. AWOL tells me it was a doooown > uuuup > dooooooown > corrugated up > doooooown > uuuup day and pictures tell me the final up was to a “stealth” site just west of the trail. I remember the site or one just like it. I remember Theo there and his sloooowly falling asleep and then coming to. His head would often sink ever so slowly to the ground and then something would startle him awake.
But I’m getting ahead of myself.
I must have set out from Old Orchard Shelter before Applejack and Theo and I must have made tracks. My Golden beauty was still learning something he’d have down pat by the time we got up north – that I move faster on the flats. He likes the lead but when he realized that I was probably going to overtake him, he would move over to the side of the trail to let me pass. The choice of who led, however, was always his.
After long, nearly straight trail sections through still-naked woods, over beautiful streams, I stopped at a spring on the east side of the trail to fill up. Applejack came along after me and did the same, as I started out again.
Before long, I came upon another bearded hiker in his 60s. His name was “Farmer.” We paused to chat a bit and then hiked off together. Farther on I suggested a greybeard selfie. We continued down a long, long stretch of wide trail that must have been a cartway at one time. Farmer was impressed with my pace in the lead.
At some point we came to a small clearing with room enough for Farmer and me and then Applejack and few others to stop for lunch. After the break, my fellow hikers took the lead and were long gone. I took my time taking in the foliage and the beauty of the sunny day.
In time, the long dry, trail shook the dust from its boots in lush green, sunlit meadows sprinkled with buttercups, goldenrod and ragweed. It was another Oz moment. We left one world and entered another. From centered and focused to expansive and free. An 8×10 to wrap-around panorama. From drab to dazzling. Air, grass, flowers and vista.
In the distance was a group of hikers about 50 yards west of the trail. I didn’t stop. Instead I headed back into the woods on a long straight path with welcoming trees and the odd flower and curious proliferation of plants. I made my way for what seemed a long, long time and then the trail turned left and uphill. The day was turning to dusk and thoughts were turning to a suitable campsite. Part way up the hill, there was a spot on the west side of the trail for about 4 campers – and they were there. The ladies from MOJO’S! I had no idea they were hikers and it was a big surprise to see them roughing it in the woods. Faye, whose name I would learn better later, had a bug net over her head because she was allergic to some biting insects.
I greeted them, restraining my surprise, and moved on up the mountain. As I did, I heard howling sounds that I imagined were coyotes. When I got to the top, the trail turned right which seemed directly northbound. Getting on to 7:00 p.m. in the sun of late April, it was time to find a place to eat and bed down. I pitched just feet off the trail and cooked in the path while leaning up against a tree. One hiker passed as I was sitting there.
It was a quiet and sunny spot with time and daylight enough for me to appreciate the companion whose life was dedicated to following me, no matter the trials, the lack of sleep, the length or pitch of the climb. I was his life’s source and better be bone tired than to be without him. And so it had to be in this faithful K9’s mind, in his gut, in the marrow of his instincts and I have to believe in the depths of his soul.
It was a lovely, peaceful, slowly departing late afternoon and evening in the leaves with Theo, under the sky, among the trees, caught in sunbeams fading from the day as I readied for my tent and dreams.
Day #65 Old Orchard Shelter > Stealth beyond Trimpi Shelter 18 miles