ET's Info-Stew

14:15: We were at Rockbound after I think three and a half hours. Where do I start?

Surprisingly, the hike here was much easier than I remember. Last time I was so tired I took a two hour nap and was grumpy. This time I feel tired but I'll be able to get up and do stuff without a problem. We just got off the trail and I'm eating lunch. For the trail I packed GORP, a Powerbar, and some beef jerky for energy. Well at some point I took the jerky out of the fanny pack, and unfortunatley that was what I was craving most. I made it to camp with barely enough GORP (there was still some left in my pack, of course).

We hiked the first four easy miles in a little over an hour. I munched on GORP and stayed pretty energied. When we stopped before leaving Loon behind us, I took off my shoes, kicked back, and ate my Powerbar. Then we hit the trail and I felt good; really good like I did when we first hit the trail.

I hit a small wall just after passing Buck Island, but knowing we were almost there I didn't stop for a needed break. After more ups and downs, a bit of backtracking, and some cross-country, I'm a bit low on energy. Actually in the time I've been writing, I've eaten (mmmm, Jerky) and feel energized again.

My gear worked out well. If I lose some inches on the waist, the backpack would be more comfortable. My feet are sore in the arch area unfortunately, but I have no blisters. Time to finish lunch and set up camp.

18:09: It's getting a bit chilly now with the breeze, but the breeze goes away long enough for mosquitos to get interested.

After setting up camp I took a really quick dip in the lake. Yes, very cold but now I'm refreshingly clean. I got a sunburn on my legs because I didn't put sunblock there this morning.

Next we took a short hike along the river to Buck Island and when we got back it was dinner time. Chili-Mac and green beans hit the spot, but I've had better meals out here.

There weren't any thunderstorms today despite their forcast. At most it got partly cloudy.

I'll be resting the rest of the night. I'll pump some water, change, wait for hot-cocoa time and sunset. I need to replenish my strength for tomorrow's hike.

22:00: Bringing the pillow was a very good idea. Even laying on hard rock I'm comfortable with the pillow. I think I'll sleep really well tonight.

My legs burn. Neglecting to put on sunblock on them was a big mistake. How many times must I get burned before I learn my lesson?

After sunset the misquitos were a really big problem. I put on my undies and fleece but they were still finding parts that weren't well covered. I felt surrounded by a cloud of them. I need to see if there is some more compact alternative to misquito coils.

After dark I saw five satelitees but only one shooting star. It's nice to see so many stars but I think as the years go by you can see fewer and fewer.

I've taken very few pictures, but I don't know why. If feel like the pictures won't do the scenery justice anyway, and there isn't anything that would really incite a memory. I guess I need to look harder.

Jenny's pack worked very well today. I fill it with whatever I am going to need and it's easy to carry everything, for example, when I'm filling water. I'll definitely have to get one for myself.