Day 122 - Stratton Pond to Peru Peak Shelter

Too tired to write last night. It was a long day, but a good one. Our first 20-miler in ages. Probably won’t do another for quite a while, either.

Hard to get up in the morning. Must have been that comfortable wooden tent platform. Got rolling close to 9. Met Sweeper, who already finished his northbound thruhike and is now doing the Long Trail south. Sweeper said the last three states are the “reward” for having come so many miles. I hope so.

Had lunch at Spruce Peak Shelter. Decided to skip Manchester Center, since we didn’t need any food or to spend any money. Headed up Bromley Mountain, which was a tougher climb than Stratton. The top was beautiful, with tons of wild flowers and marsh grass blowing in the breeze against a bright blue sky with puffy white clouds. Made it worth the climb.

In the ski lodge we met Jobnick, who thru-hiked the AT in sections and is now doing the Long Trail. Nice guy. Headed to Peru Peak. It was a good climb, but really pretty terrain -- think pine forest with lots of moss and carpet of pine needles. Did a couple more miles to the shelter -- another $10 donation, but I guess it goes to a good cause.

My feet were sore, but it was a good tired feeling. I guess we passed out most of the gang -- except for Murph, Swag, and Bad Moon -- by skipping Manchester. Another chilly night. Glad to have the insulation of the tent.