Day 16, July 15, 14.7 miles

“You sorry, big fat sack of lard pig. Why don’t you grow some legs and carry yourself?” That’s what I said over and over to Olfrie today. I felt like throwing her off the mountain. After my slack pack yesterday, she seemed extra heavy. I had to carry about 5 lbs of water because I had a 7 miles stretch where there weren’t any sources and that 7 miles was, of course, up and over a huge mountain. I went up Holts Ledge, up Lamberts Ridge, up Smarts Mtn, and started up Mt Cube when I stopped at the shelter for the night. There is a camp group of girls here tonight tenting. I don’t know who all is here, but there are about 5 men in the shelter, and I found a teenie tiny spot to put up my tent (thank goodness). Not dissing on you men, but I think pretty much every male on this trail snores like a freight train. What is that all about?

The highlight of the day was meeting and visiting with trail angel, Bill Ackerly. He is known on the trail as The Ice Cream Man. He invites every hiker to his porch and gives them an ice cream. He also has a croquette game set up in his yard if you want to play. What a special man. He was so nice. He loves talking to all the hikers. He has you sign his logbook. He’s been handing out ice cream to hikers for 13 years.

The weather today was great. It sprinkled this morning and there has been a cool breeze (actually cold on top of the mountains) the rest of the day. Tonight it is down right cold and windy. This is more of what I expected NH to be like. I have a feeling I’m not gonna want to get out of my sleeping bag tomorrow morning. My legs are pretty tired, but I m getting stronger. If I could have a drone to hover over me with my stuff, I’d ditch Olfrie and could make much better time.

I’ve covered a little over 200 miles so far this trip. After tomorrow, I’ll have less than 400 to go. Enjoying it, but ready to get ‘er done!

Trail Angel, Warren and Nellie Bell

Trail Angel, The Ice Cream Man