Hans Solo

"Sunday was the toughest day ever," Hansel recounted after hiking 26 miles.  The day was characterized by hiking through fields, something that a thru-hiker typically does not experience very often.  The grass was uncut and it was up to his waist.  The fields were also extremely muddy and it didn't help that the temperature was about 95 degrees and since trees were scarce in the open fields, he was in the sun all day long.

Luckily, Hansel met up with Silver Fox at Boiling Springs partway through the day.  "He is the reason I made it today."  Between the moral lift that Silver Fox provided and very special energy goo that he gave Hansel, they were able to make it last 18 miles to their camp.  Mentally, the Trail has been really difficult for Hansel.

"I don't know how I'm going to do this without [Gretel]," he confessed.  Not only was Gretel their chef and navigator, she also contributed to the overal moral of the Trail experience.  When you get to camp at the end of the day, it's nice to have someone to share your experiences with.  Someone to talk to.  Someone to pump you up about hitting the trail again the following morning.  And when Hansel was feeling down, Gretel was there to help build him up again.  Arriving at a shelter only to cook for himself and maybe exchange a few words with strangers was just not as thrilling as Gretel's company.  But, Silver Fox has definitely made the days better and Hansel has appreciated his companionship greatly.

Happy trails, and keep your chin up!

Silver Fox