Yesterday was such a dream. I had such a great time by the lake that when I woke up this morning I didn’t want to leave. Still, I had my breakfast, packed my things, and said goodbye to this magical campsite. I got an earlier start than usual because today was the big day: Mt. Moosilauke!

When I awoke, the skies had cleared and it was no longer raining. Being a late riser (by hiker standards) the other hikers had already left or were just about on their way out once I had packed up my tent and gone to the shelter for breakfast.

I started this morning with a traverse across a big and a good 1200-foot climb. I was still feeling a bit sluggish and not in the mood for hiking, but at least I knew I had a full can of Coke to motivate me to get to the top.

Today, I entered another state! New Hampshire, here I am! I can’t believe I finally reached New Hampshire. Part of me was scared to face the Whites, but another part of me was excited to see what everyone was raving about.

Today, I didn’t feel like hiking. I got a slow start to the morning, but it was so beautiful out that I just wanted to sit on top of a mountain and soak in the sunshine. The sun was shining, the sky was blue, and the temperature was perfect.

When I awoke this morning, I was nice and cozy in my tent. I love waking up and feeling warm and comfy in my quilt, but I hate having to get out and face the chilly morning air. But, I did anyway.

After a wonderful night’s sleep, the first item on my agenda after packing up was breakfast. The community members made breakfast for us thru hikers in the deli even though it was closed for renovations.

I swear today was just going to be an in-and-out town day, but sometimes plans change. But, before I get to that, I woke up early for a very special reason: sunrise!

I woke up this morning to a different sky. Instead of gloom, I could see blue in between fluffy clouds. As I packed up and got back on trail, I listened to a news podcast to occupy my mind. Head down and lost in thought, I suddenly heard a rustle on the trail not 10 feet in front of me.

Last night, I had a wonderful sleep. The key to sleeping well on the trail is ear plugs. I wear them almost every night because the tiniest rustle of a leaf or gust of wind can keep me awake and wondering if an ax murderer is out to get me.