September 7

We keep seeing their tracks as we walk through the muddy trails. There are many hoof prints and their waste. The best time to see them is in the evening or very early morn. We start kidding about tracking one, then we hear something large moving. We both spot the moose. It was exciting to see it move so quickly away. How does that large animal move through this thick forest so smoothly?

We are in front of a large stream. Usually you can see a clear line of rocks to walk over to the other side. This time it is not so clear. We know we will have to ford some rivers and here is our first. EZ decides to walk the obvious rocks and step on some that are under water. He takes one of the trekking poles for balance and support. This looks too dangerous for me so I put on my flip flops, and decide to walk in the water. EZ makes it and watches. After about six steps I lose my balance and dog paddle a moment to get back on my feet. I lose one flip flop and a trekking pole and am soaked. I know you are picturing rushing water very deep but the truth is the water wasn't as high as my knee and very little current. I have failed my first ford. Here I am trying to play it safe. I feel ridiculous!

We finish 22 miles to get to a road that is 8 miles from the town of Stratton where a resupply and some REI gear is waiting. I am starting to get use to hitching a ride. You really have no choice when the town is so far away. Thankfully, it doesn't take long for someone to stop so we can jump in the back of their pick up.

I just ordered some water sandals because I know that flip flops are not the right shoe for river walking. We also ordered some headlamps after the disaster of our first night hike.

It was a long hike and our feet are tired. We will take it easy tomorrow.