Day 118 - Congdon Shelter to Glastonbury Fire Tower

At some point during the night, it started to rain. Hard to tell with the earplugs in. But it was still going strong in the morning. My pack was outside the tent, covered but not well. The shelter was across the stream. We both just rolled over and went back to sleep. “Don’t make me go out there,” I said later.

Then we just lay there for a while, listening to the popcorn popping on top of the tent. There were some puddles inside, too, due to the angle of the tent -- but at least it was warm and semi-dry.

Got our latest start yet -- after 11! Wasn’t actually raining by the time we left -- just damp and foggy with plenty of fresh mud. Steep, wet, rocky descent after Harmon Hill -- my favorite kind! I really can’t wait til I don’t have to do another one of those. It’s not fun or rewarding (Ooh, the bottom of the mountain! Oh, the street!). Maybe I’m just a baby and a wimp.

I’m a pretty low-maintenance person, but there are a few simple pleasures I enjoy and really miss out here -- hot, running water; a roof, and four walls. Those are the big ones. A toilet and electricity are nice, too.

After the rain passed, the air changed completely and a cold front moved in. Get me my winter clothes back! Luckily I still have a jacket, hat, and long underwear. Climbed Glastonbury Mountain to a log cabin shelter. Really pretty walk and not too tough -- even though we got up around 3500 feet.

 

We and Greenlight decided to camp up by the firetower. We’re the only ones here. Nice flat ground. Had instant oatmeal for dinner. Dave poured some boiling water in my Nalgene bottle; I added a few drops of Tabasco and voila -- a tea-like drink. Sat up in the fire tower til the sun set. Great view but really windy. Definitely “worth the climb,” as Wingfoot said.

 Ended up being a really good day. Funny how things can change so quickly.