Resist the easy, do the difficult (Day 38)

Being a hiker, there are temptations everywhere that prevent you from walking. Towns, friends making zeros or blue flames very convenient. Today I had to dig deep to continue along the trail.

The day started with Scholar and Mollie walking towards our campsite. They’ve been thinking about a name for Mollie’s trail, but couldn’t decide.

Ferdinand and I suggested «Foster» since her entire original family left the trail and she has been with us ever since. She liked that! So Foster it is! Today they walk alongside us.

Which is also great for my dad! Because he lost his water bottle. The scholar found it! Thank you academic!

Ferdinand is almost running forward, because he suffers from some serious foot problems. Their theory is that if you keep walking fast, your feet will go numb. I’m not sure about that tactic, but he’s definitely outgrown his shoes and needs a new pair ASAP.

While Ferds’s feet are tormenting him and Dad’s knee problems flare up again, I’m feeling great! My body feels strong, ready for anything. I am grateful.

Today there is another amazing waterfall! It’s a hectic race there, but it’s worth it!

Water is great for soaking your feet! And a knee bath for dad. This is a great place! And the water fall is incredible!

After all the fun, reality set in. Ferdinand’s feet are in bad shape, my dad is struggling with his knee. It’s too late. The original trail still had a big, steep 6 mile climb in and out of Pond Mountain, before reaching the lodge.

There is a blue blazed shortcut to the town of Hampton. Dad and Ferdinand decided that this time it was best for them to take the blue fire. Which I agree with, considering his injuries. But I’m fine. So even if it’s very tempting to join them, I’m making the difficult climb.

After walking up the mountain at a crazy 2.5 miles per hour pace, I arrived at Boots Off Hostel! My colleagues brought me resupply and McDonalds! Awesome.

It’s time to do laundry, shower, call home, have a beer, and spend some quality time by the campfire. We sat there with some hikers from the section. They were very cool!

Good day today.

This website contains affiliate links, which means The Trek may receive a percentage of any products or services you purchase using links in articles or advertisements. The buyer pays the same price they would otherwise pay, and their purchase helps support The Trek’s ongoing goal of bringing you quality backpacking information and advice. Thank you for your support!

For more information, visit the About page of this site.