"The storm starts, when the drops start dropping...

...When the drops stop dropping then the storm starts stopping."
-Dr. Seuss

July 9, 2001

I got a ride to the Trail head from Earl today.  I hope to see him and Marge again someday.

I hiked right around with Yoyo and Truly Blessed (the '98 thruhikers).  Also, Dan and Joe are here.

Yoyo, Truly Blessed, and I on Table Rock

Yoyo and Truly Blessed and I and another guy all got caught in a hailstorm over the west peak of Baldplate Mountain.  

Enjoying Baldplate Mountain's peak

We were all enjoying the beautiful peak of Baldplate Mountain when suddenly a very dark cloud came up over the ridge.  We laughed at the cloud, not respecting it at all, perhaps due to the beauty of the evening.  Suddenly, it let loose

The hail was small but there was lots of it so it covered the ground.  It rained really hard and flooded the Trail.  I raced off the peak because the thunder was getting close.  I got a headache from the hail pelting me.  It was a blast.

We all got to the shelter without injury (not counting the headaches), and got changed into dry clothes.  The Mahoosucs already have been a wild and beautiful place, inspiring me to pen this "poem" about The Cabin:

In the land of Moxie and stony peaks,
Up above Mahoosucs and below the Crocks,
Is a place the heart stays for weeks,
Even though there's no ties or locks.
It slows the time in the mind,
And heals the hurry sickness of the soul,
As slowly the pains and hurts unwind,
And the healing land will take a toll.