Day 162: August 31, 2021 (20 miles)

Shaw’s Hostel - Cloud Pond Shelter

Welcome to the 100 Miles Wilderness! Today felt like a big day because we covered a decent amount of ground, entered the 100MW, and are officially sub 100! I only cried twice today… it’s really getting real.

Painting outside of Shaw's Hiker Hostel

We were bummed this morning because Shaw’s canceled breakfast due to a potential covid outbreak… so we went to the general store for breakfast. We didn’t have to wait for a shuttle for long, and we were back on the trail by 9am.

We got random trail magic - 2 watermelons. Truffles packed out the mini melon and cracked it open Ice Age squirrel/acorn style. It was hilarious and we enjoyed eating it with a spoon out of a melon bowl.

The start of the 100 Mile Wilderness! Ft. Truffle's watermelon

The terrain was super flat and we were able to move at a pretty decent speed. We saw a beaver at a bog with Down Under and ate lunch at a creek crossing (supposed to ford but it’s been so dry we were able to rock hop across).

Truffles eating his cracked water melon Ice Age squirrel style

The only uphill was at the end of the day which was tough, but thankfully it was just the last couple of miles. At the Barren Ledges, we sat to admire the beautiful view - there were tons of lakes and mountains and it was one of the best views in a while!

Truffles and Magic gazing out atop the Barren Ledges

At the top of the mountain was a half-assembled fire town which the boys enjoyed playing on the ladder. We hiked down to the shelter on a lovely pond; it’s a shame it’s chilly because this would be a great place to swim. Fall is defiantly coming. It gets dark earlier and is cool. Ready for another good day tomorrow!