Went to Lou's for a breakfast of eggs and French toast crullers. A delicious start to yet another cool, lightly rainy day.
Walked the rest of the way through town on the trail. Part of the sidewalk was painted with an AT theme.
I re-entered the woods and got back into walking mode. However, at some point in the first few miles I veered off the trail and found myself with no blazes. This happens a lot so I turned around and relocated the trail to continue.
Within less than a mile I crossed paths with Otter! He had taken time off trail for commencement and now I had caught back up to him. We were both heading north, but going opposite directions on the trail. I realized that during my recent trail hiccup I got back on going south! If I hadn't run into Otter I would have walked right back to Hanover, but if I hadn't gotten turned around I would have never seen him! Wild.
We hiked together most of the day chatting. Saw a pretty funny sign about bears.
Got a bit of a view from Holt's Ledge mid-afternoon during a gap in the rain.
I had a big day of hiking planned so I said goodbye to Otter when he got where we was going.
The last chunk of my hike was up Smarts Mountain which had quite the climb. Yet again I was missing views due to fog and rain, but the weather is supposed to improve soon. Portions were so steep that steps or ladder rungs were installed, which was a huge win in the rain.
At the top of the mountain I stayed in an old fire warden's cabin that's maintained as an AT shelter. It was just right to get out of the rain. I slept on the bench.
Yes that is snow, likely from last night.