It rained like hell all night long. Gusty winds so strong I couldn’t hear anyone farting on the platform (but I could still feel the rumble of the boards when Bunny or Bear cut one—animal farts are of a deep resonant quality). I admit to farting, but only when I’m walking, peeing, or sleeping which are socially acceptable times. I’m very social conscious. Sometimes, I’ll even drop to the back of the line when hiking to be nice to everyone. Sometimes, not often.
Today was an unexpected and unplanned for zero. We all agreed that with our minor ailments, it would be best to not try to tackle the Notch in the rain. It’s a good thing that we haven’t taken a tent zero before now. It was very relaxing. All we had to do was sleep, eat, and pee (some things are constants with old men).
I did go down to get water a couple of times. The first time, it was still raining lightly and the shelter was still full of the rude hikers from last night. Normally, if you come to a shelter, people will try to make space for new comers if it’s raining. This group actually spread out to make sure we wouldn’t even ask for space. After noon, it stopped raining and the shelter emptied out. Only Chip stayed in camp with us today. After everyone left, Chip told us that he had cell coverage and tomorrow was going to be a nice day to go through the Notch.
While we were lying around between naps, Bear broached the topic of slack packing. We are 1905 miles into the trail and we haven’t slack packed yet. Marcia tried to get me to consider it a few days ago to take some impact off of my leg. I wasn’t ready for it then, but after the pain returned yesterday, I knew I had to consider it or possibly not complete the trail. I’ve been pushed into a corner.
Bear talked about a hostel in Andover that would slack pack us for about 50 miles through southern Maine. I just kept quiet while he, Bunny, and Sassy talked it up. When they got done he said “well, consider it.” I borrowed the phone from Bunny (since I’m not permitted one) and checked out the hostel. I knew we had to do it if we wanted to complete the trail as true nobos. When I agreed, no one could believe that I had done so.
Once we get to Grafton Notch, I will violate one of my criteria for thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail. I vowed that I would carry my pack the entire way unless I was injured or near death. My leg has caused me to accept slack packing as an option. When we get done, I’m going to cut the bastard off for betraying me.
We all went to the shelter to have supper with Chip. He did find my pack cover last night and told me this morning. My bandanna loss was a necessary precursor for Chip to consider picking up the pack cover. May “Old Red” find a new home where he will be appreciated as much. He has travelled with me from Delaware Water Gap and wiped hundreds of gallons of sweat from my head, neck, and arms. He may have smelled bad at times, but he did his job well. I will miss him dearly. At least I still have Bunny by my side. I just hope that if she falls behind, someone will be kind enough to pick her up, stuff her in his pack, and return her to me like Chip did with my pack cover.
EFG