BMT/AT Figure 8 Day 41: Powered by Apple Fritters and a Plan
Day 41, Monday, October 12, 2020
Winding Stair Gap to Albert Mountain Fire Tower
Mile 439.4
Miles Hiked: 9.7
I knew there was a tent site next to the Albert Mountain fire tower and last time I hiked through here, in 2018, I promised myself I would camp up here. I had a plan.
Mission accomplished.
I had a little company…a couple out for their first ever backpacking trip, doing the Standing Indian loop. I’d sprinted past them on the trail, fueled by apple fritters we picked up at the grocery in Franklin while waiting for the skies to clear and the rain to end.
I love a day off with good food and rest. I met a hiker last year on the Long Trail whose main motivation for hiking was to get to the next town. He swore that after a town stop, after town food, specifically, he could hike twice as fast and twice as far.
I was skeptical.
But today I hiked strong, barely noticing the day-long climb.
I’m a believer in the power of town food.
Or at least in the power of apple fritters.
And the power of a plan.
