Zealand Falls Hut
I got up early today as I had to clear out before the Croo set the tables for the breakfast rush. During breakfast a lot happened. They first demostrated how to fold the blankets that are on each bunk. However they did this as a short play in the style of Star Wars. Luke defeats Vader by folding his blanket correctly and packing out his trash. Then it turns out the hutmasters birthday was today so the other Croo members baked her a cake....and fed it to her face while she was busy addressing the guests. Fortunately they had baked two and celibrated later. After all the guest were done eating I got all I could eat of the pancakes and oatmeal.
I had been having a good converation with a biochemist named Neal last night but he this morning he wouldn't stop. In the end I managed to break myself free at 9 AM and started the 1 mile 1000' climb up the mountain. It was an easy and senic mile. On the way I could observe the changes in the trees and plants. Behind me I was treated lto a beatiful view of Greenleaf Pond and Cannon Mountain.
Once back up on the ridge line I was again treated to clear skyes and beautiful horizon of mountains. The ridge continued to undulate for a while before going through a deep gap before Garfield Mountain. On the downhill I came across a bold chipmonk who was bounceing around right next to me almost poseing for me. I took advantage of it to take many cute pictures. Suddenly while I was taking pictures he jumped onto my leg and then jumped off. I jumped in shock of being attacked by a chipmonk but it didn't hurt me. At the botom of the gap was a small pond, Garfield Pond. There was a small overgrown trail to the shore and I managed to push myself through dense trees and found some rocks on the marshy shore to relax on as I took a break. Back on the trail and I realized I was moving slower than I had anticipated. This was a problem becase I agreed to meet James at the Galehead Hut but by the time I would get there it would be too late to make it to the next campsite or hut. Fina!
lly I got to Galehead a little before 3. James had left a note for me telling me he had already set off for Zealand Hut 7 miles away. I feared I was not going to be able to make it there before dark but when talking with the croo I found out that the next patch of trail much easier. Right they were as I made it in a little less than 3 hours. I didn't have to skimp on the views though. Along the way taking a few minutes to savor the tops of Garfield Mnt, South Twin Peak, and taking the side trail to Zeacliff outlook. All of these were stunning making this one of the most senic days thus far on the trail. The only thing I skipped was Bond Cliffs which I had been hearing loads about from people who had been there but it was over a mile off trail and I wanted to make it to Zealand before dark.
Finally at Zealand I caught up with James. It turns out this was the perfect night to be at hut as there were only two guest in a building for 38. As a result we got a private bunk room. The only downside was my chore was sifting the compost heap which was a very stinky job and I got several blackfly bites. Still it was an awesome night and again I was feed very well. This night they had lots of left over food in the forms of a very tastey salad, falafal, coscos, vegi sushi, and roasted tempeh.
The guest were a very friendly Canadian couple who I enjoyed talking with until bed time.
Today was a blissful day, one of the best yet with the views, pond, trees, people, food, and weather all contributing.
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