Aug 21: My House - Nottingham, NH   Miles Today : 18.2 Miles to Katahdin : 404.8

It was a tough, challenging day today, but the rewards were more than worth it. First, this morning, I awoke to a fantastic sunrise. Holts Lodge faced east and I watched the sky absolutely explode with color. My first challenge today was Smart Mtn. and what a climb it was. Steep, rocky and relentless was the theme here, just what I need to get me ready for the Whites. While the mountain itself is wooded, there is a firetower providing excellent views all around.

Well, as if that wasn’t enough, I then had to climb an equally tough mountain, Mt. Cube. Though shorter than Smarts, the granite cone of this mountain is resistant to trees this proving to be another excellent viewpoint. While on top, I was approached by a young girl, Regil, who had all sorts of questions for me. When she found out I started in Georgia, she asked me to point to it.

The rest of the day was pretty normal. A few ups and downs until I got to Atwell Hill Road, the home of the famous trail angel, Dizzy Bee. For 5 years now, she has driven out to this small camping area to greet hikers with a warm smile and a cold beer. She was great, and there was quite a crew here consisting of north and south bounders. Just before dark, Michelle my wonderful girlfriend, arrived here. She got a chance to meet more of my fellow thru-hikers and share a beer with Dizzy.

All around, it was a great day. Sunrise, views, friends and my girlfriend - perfect. Well, the bed is calling to me, and who am I to resist?

-Chomp

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