Day 5, still in segment 6. Had a good night sleeping by the swamp. It was quiet and the bugs were really not that bad. Today was a pretty short day had only ten miles to go, no rush.
Dogs! The hound of the Baskervilles? All the hounds of hell? What is going on? So here I am, minding my own business, hiking, when I start to here a few dogs barking at something. It was as if they found a bear and were going after it. What goes through my mind? “Great, dogs are chasing a bear down the trail towards me.” I get mentally ready for bear battle, how am I going to deal with this. I figured when they came into view I’d puff up like a puffer fish and hold out my hiking poles like spikes. Me, looking all big and nasty. Well, nothing came down the trail but as I hiked on more dogs started barking and it was getting pretty crazy. If it was dark I would have been terrified. Turns out it was some kind of Husky training center near the trail and I think it was feeding time. Crises averted, whew!
There was a fairly nasty climb today. Up, up , up. Every time you thought you were about to hit the top the trail just turned and went up more. It’s ok, I was rewarded with magnificent views and in the end a great campsite that looked down the valley toward Frisco. There was even a bench to sit on! First time I’d even seen furniture in five days. Set up camp, enjoyed the views, made, dinner, and was even available to get a phone signal to check in at home.
Later I was joined by three other hikers at the site, one whose name was Kremlin, unfortunately I forgot the names of the other two. Real bad habit of mine. We enjoyed some great conversation as we watched the sun set. A fine evening. 10 miles 1500 feet.
So, so good!! Love the videos, even at three seconds long I wish I was there!!