After a few days with good entertainment in good company I can see why the "average" hiker has 30+ zero days of slacking. Alas this tea-party must end at some point shortly and the weather says it will be soon. A few things that are not really related to me walking and a few that are:
I spoke with Noah-John (he's the guy I have hiked over 1/2 of the trail with) and he is out of commission right now on account of a pinched nerve in his neck and lack of mobility. In an failing attempt to not to have "T-rex syndrome" (big legs little arms) we have been doing push-ups. Long story short, well actually its a short story shorter, he is waiting to see a specialist and will then probably jump ahead on the trail in order to meet his finish deadline of 8/7/08. How does this play into Sir Bacons plans? It now appears I'll have to hike the White Mountains solo, or at least without someone there who generally watches me back. I mean as hikers we look out for each other but its a little bit easier when there is a pair of hikers at the same pace that can share resources and info if needed. The "Whites" are the last dangerous hurtle for me in this walk. It has been known to snow up in the mountains in every month of the year and there is not much cover since much is above the tree-line. The terrain also calls for a lot slower of walking because of the grueling ups and downs. All in all I'm a bot nervous but it will be fine. Hopefully Ill be able to call people on a daily or every other day basis to say "I'm still OK" since contact in the whites will be kind of spotty.
While in town I managed to visit the White's lovely home in Cumberland. I helped Andrew on a few rather fun projects over the last few years. Jenn and Ben the 3.5 month podling are all well. I think Ben was born just about the time I left on my walk. Andrew has already shipped out to South America (?) for his newest coastguard deployment and Jenn and Ben are about to start a shuffle that will land them in Californie. Jenn's first comment was "you look different." Et tu brute, for she is no longer bed ridden with pregnancy complications. Best of luck with the relocation you guys. I look forward to seeing you in September when Andrew gets his first break.
Morgan in particular, but all others I have crushed in scrabble will be glad to know that I was severely spanked at scrabble yesterday. E-"high fives" can be directed to Ellen (the one who writes the poetry posts) who put me in my place. Final score something like 200 (me) to 250 (her). A rematch TBA just in case the original game was a fluke or I was taking it easy on her because her birthday. Happy Birthday Ellen.
In catching up with Andrea Weed, who made me the most monstrous O'natural's sandwich last time I was in town (Operation Kitty-Troll 911), I owe her a belated happy birthday. Photos of that sandwich she crafted made other hikers jealous. I'm torn by finding I missed Andrea's birthday and loosing at scrabble in the same day. Rectifications will be forthcoming.
A cut0throat kickball game occurred Sunday afternoon in a Westbrook field. A close game ultimately lead to my teams defeat when "the moose" scored the winning run. I suspect the other team was using steroids or dandy lion magic to gain the advantage. Final score 19 to 21.
Sir Bacon's armor, cloak, pantaloons and boots have been located for the final summit (boy its heavy stuff even with the push-ups.) When going through storage I was very overwhlemed with everything I own and here is why:
Backpack, hammock, sleeping bag, 2 shirts, 2 shorts, mini-towel, mini first aid kit, 3 bags, spork, 50ft rope, toothbrush/paste, matches, FM tuner, cellphone, ID/debit/phone/medical card/cash, camera, water treatment chemical, earplugs, 2 soda bottles, 1/2 guidebook, journal.
Above is an entire list of what I have existed with for the last 30 days. So much stuff in storage. I'm sure ill like it when I get back and get re-acclimated.
To that, I would like to announce that even though I have been living by "wild-child hippie wood rules" for over 3 months I didn't pee on any trees while in civilization. I even used deodorant for the first time in 3 months! Never mind that the deodorant was being used to try to wax my moustache into a more impressive style, it was used non the less. Good times all around. I mean the only thing I didn't do was go fly a kite. No wait I did that too. :)
It was a good break. The feet & knees are feeling much better. I have had a chance to visit, catch up, and now its time to get back to it and finish this thing.
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4 comments:
I laughed out loud at your use of deodorant. Funny stuff, Sir Bacon. How out of touch will you be as you hike the Whites?
I cannot help but rebuke
My Scrabble win was not a fluke!
I pride myself on this victory
Since you're a champ with a history
Of defeating your pals, earning high scores,
Talking smack, starting wordsmith wars.
But don’t forget that I maintain
That same reputation: I generally reign.
I will admit you were plagued by vowels
The only word that rhymes here is bowels.
Don’t let this defeat stick in your craw
In part it was due to the luck of the draw.
But in any case, the game was fun
And some friendly competition has begun....
P.S. "mil" is a word, as is "cee"
next time we play with a dictionary!
Glad the rest did you good. I'm sure since you've been exercising your mind by naming rocks you are a little out of practice with nifty words hence your scrabble spank. Then again I don't suppose you've had the opportunity to do much reading either.
I have a Mom's concern about the dangers ahead but I couldn't be more proud. One of my nurses asks regularly "How's our boy doing" as you've become everyone's entertainment. We'll all be rooting for you and I look forward to hearing your OK. Leave the hair raising stories to tell me after your safely through this part of the journey.
Oceans of love, Mom
Bwaaaaaaa haaaa haaaa haaaaa!!!!
Finally you feel the ignominious sting of scrabble defeat!!!!!
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