#136 Hightop Hut to Big Meadows Campground - Day 70: ATMM 906.4 to ATMM 927.2
We raise our glasses to another good day. The trail has provided in many ways.
The simple act of rising this morning is an absolute pleasure. Crisp air and wilderness sounds welcome the dreamer back to the world of consciousness. The morning sun is low in the eastern sky and has yet to shine on our side of the mountain, but just knowing it’s hanging out there somewhere in the clear blue sky is comforting.
It’s going to be another perfect day for a hike.
I load my gear and head down to the shelter to retrieve my food bag from the bear box and make breakfast.
The pop tart I acquired last night from my new over-packed friends is a nice addition. It, well half of it anyway, went well with my coffee. I offered half to anyone who wanted it, Teal accepted.
Two Balls starts telling the story of how he got his trail name, something having to do with a funny chain of incidents on trail where he accidentally wound up carrying two massage balls for his feet - an inside thing between he and and the hiking partner who got off the trail yesterday. Another story I forget upon hearing, but one that draws laughter from the group.
You’ll recall Two Balls and I hiking together at the end of the day up the last mountain, into camp. Well, it now dawns on me that when we were hiking yesterday I never turn to look back him, and he, being behind me, only saw the back of my head.
Recognizing his voice, I turn to look in his direction. He looks over at me and we see one another’s other’s faces for the first time. We both got a laugh out of that. He then turns back to the group and tells that story, gaining laughs once again.