Lost and Found - Aug 29

From time to time some piece of hiking gear is left behind or falls off a hikers pack on the trail. A week ago we found a 2'x2' fold up pad that hikers use to sit on when a dry rock is not around. A few days ago we caught up to Orville (he had taken two days off) who had passed us the day we found it. You should have seen his face light up when we asked him if it was his.

Another time a girl hiking south told us she had left a pair of glasses on a log near a stream where we would be in a couple hours. She asked us to find the glasses and give them to a hiker named Fleabag who was fast and would be catching up to her. Best Wife found the glasses and started asking every southbound hiker if their name was Fleabag or did they know Fleabag. Sure enough the next day the glasses handoff was made with Fleabag. We trust he delivered them to the owner.

You might remember the story I told months ago about losing one of my camp shoes on the trail. Three days and 20 miles later I found it conspicuously placed on a bridge abutment in Port Clinton, PA. No doubt someone placed it where it would be discovered by the owner.

I love the trail society and culture that makes the trail one big lost and found. Hikers have lots of fun helping hikers.

Summited Mt Washington in 45 degree and 44mph wind weather. Since we were dressed well it was thrilling. The next day it was warmer and less windy but still not no-shirt weather like the guy pictured below.

Best Wife took a spill and bumped her knee on the way down. Check out the swollen knee. Didn't slow her down much. She's a hiking maniac.

We were just about to break out of the woods at the summit of Wildcat Ski Resort when we heard loud applause from what sounded like a large group. Very strange to hear that sound in the woods. But applause is appropriate when a wedding is going on. Why not get married on top of a mountain if a gondola is available.

Last picture is my favorite. This little fir tree is going to make it. In 25 years she will be 40' tall with roots sprawled in all directions all over this bedrock. She will be beautiful.