Tried to get an early start as I was worried about the rain forecast for the day. Had to disengage a hitchhiker before I could start walking.
Again began the day with a climb. First stop was a fire tower I was actually allowed to ascend.
But once again my views were foiled by fog.
Oh Diane, I almost forgot. Got to find out what kind of trees these are. They’re really something.
Took a short detour to see a nearby pond. The bugs have been quite bad, but they were even worse at the pond.
Mosquitoes and black flies both biting constantly. Again, I hiked most of the day with my bug net on. Eventually the sun came out and I got some nice views.
Made it to Bromley shelter, but a hiker yesterday had told me that the ski resort warming hut at the top of the mountain was open. So I filled up my water and hiked the last mile.
The hut was a full on building with electricity (no water, heat, bathroom, or working stove though).
It had a surveillance tower next to it with views of the ski lifts and mountains.
The promised rain eventually did show up. It was a gusty thunderstorm and I was happy to be inside.
Met Bare Tracks there. He is hiking barefoot, West Virginia to Maine. K-Won also made it there later.
We talked about logistics. The upcoming bridge near North Clarendon is out and it is too dangerous to ford the river. The official detour is a 6 mile road walk. K-Won also needs to go into town to get some mail. So we talked of shuttles and other options folks could use.
It has been a while since I've been in a shelter with other people. We had a very chatty evening.