August 13-14

I am loosing track of the date. In fact, I cannot keep track of the day of the week. Out here it doesn't matter much.

We only hiked 5 miles after leaving Mountain Meadow Lodge. Matt left around noon and it felt strange to say goodbye. It felt like he should just keep hiking with us. We both miss him already.

We only five miles because of my knees. I had not taken any Vitamin I (Ibuprofen) or A (Aleeve) for two days. I was surprised at the discomfort I felt. I will have to take the meds to finish. I don't believe there is anything else that we can do. I went to bed at 8 PM and didn't wake until 6:15. Must have needed the extra sleep. I felt better today.

We hiked to a cool tower where we see the larger mountains. We then met a man who told us we have the two best states ahead of us which made us both excited. He told us he thought what we were doing was admirable and he was envious. He has hiked from here to Katahdin and asked us if we were prepared for snow. When we said "yes", he replied "You will pass many who were not prepared" (referring to the grave sites). More people have died in the Whites than anywhere else. Parents, no worries, we are well prepared.

He told us that in four miles there was a farm with good food. We spent two and a half hours there eating, drinking cold drinks and napping in the grass. What a life! We had completed 13.3 miles by 1:30 so knew we had earned the down time. Difficult 5 mile hike up to a grassy field with a view of the sunset with dinner. How sweet it is.

We are excited that tomorrow we will cross into New Hampshire. We will spend some time in Hanover. We expect to climb our first mountain in the Whites on Sunday. Mt Moosilauke. I was told it is difficult and fun. Can't wait!!

Pictures and more info:

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Moosilauke

Good night,

Gravity