AT Day 124: NH Mtns to Wachipauka Pond

Daily Miles: 23.9, Total Miles: 1,796.4

I was just starting out this morning after getting to the trailhead from Lyme NH. Through the trees, I saw what looked like the dark opening to a cave. As I got closer the cave started moving and I immediately realized that it was a large black bear. By far the largest of the five bears I have seen on the AT. I said, “Hi Bear”, he gave me a stare, huffed once and bolted away.

Wow, what a tough day on the trail – New Hampshire is no joke! Over 6k vertical feet on a rollercoaster including Smarts Mountain, Mt Cube and Mt Mist, aptly named. Not much on views today on a mostly overcast, misty and drizzling day.

Early in the evening and clearing up, my reward was arriving at beautiful Wachipauka Pond and finding a great campsite along the shore. I couldn’t wait to set up my tent and rest my weary body, knees in particular. But I soon discovered that my tent stakes were missing – damn, I left them at the last campsite. I did the best I could, driving sharp sticks into the ground to serve as stakes. Looks kind of weird but seems to be holding up. Praying for no wind or rain tonight.