2014/5/17 Mile 816
Around midnight last night a troop of boy scouts arrived at our campsite shining their flashlights everywhere and talking loudly while setting up. Real nice guys. I've never run into boy scouts with good trail etiquette.
Got up, packed, ate, and hit the trail before the inevitable craziness of scout breakfast could start. The hiking started with a long downhill and then leveled out. Had to make another wet stream crossing as all the waterways were swollen from the previous rain.
Got to the road into Buena Vista around 1045 and saw two hikers hoping out of a truck. I ran up to it as they were pulling out and asked if they were headed into town. They were. Jackpot.
Rode in the back all 10 miles in. They dropped me at the dollar store and I bought lunches and snacks for the next two days as well as my customary pint of whole chocolate milk.
Wandered down to the Blue Dog Art Cafe which was rumored to have a shuttle back to the trail at 1500. Confirmed the rumor and then proceeded to have a burger and then drink coffee all afternoon while charging the phone and using the WiFi.
Luckily the woman who runs the place, Blue Dog, decided to see if her husband would take me up early. He was up for it so I got a ride back (for free) and started hiking by 1430.
Flew up the big climb of the day. Could have been all the extra calories, the rest over lunch, or the coffee but I felt great. Multiple balds with amazing views at the top of the ridge made it even better.
Passed the boy scouts and headed on to Seeley Woodworth shelter. On the way saw a coyote up the hill which was a first for me. Pulled in at 1930 which was pretty good for dipping into town for a resupply.
All in all a great day. Cool weather, hiking felt really good even over rough terrain, and I got really lucky with rides. Oh, and I hit 800 miles!
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