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Then… We saw it. On the ground, still attached to a rope, was our food bag. Its bottom was ripped out. There was no evidence of food… Anywhere! Not even scraps! There would be nothing to eat tomorrow! NO GATERADE!!!! It would be a long and hungry hike back to our car. How would I ever get back to sleep… (Problem #3)

In the morning, and after a sufficient number jokes about an apparent absence of sustenance, we agreed on two things: (1) Next time, we should hang our food (just) a little bit higher (Like, 10 feet higher!), and (2) Lets get out of here and EAT… NOW!

Blurred vision, no food, and plenty of clean water (Thanks for the water purifier, High-Altitude-Joe!), the 6-mile hike out of the backcountry… Was a piece of cake (one of our worst puns for the day). Ultimately, we had a GREAT TRIP! I'd do it again… Without the bear, though.

EPILOUGE:

We did not starve. In Saranac we ate burgers and wings and had a few beers at Tail of The Dog. My vision was quite disconcerting and (sorry Roger for telling you now…) and the drive back to Roger's camp was on par with holding aluminum walking sticks in an electrical storm. The next morning (Sunday), my trip to the ER concluded with the diagnosis of an abrasion to the cornea. At the time of this writing my vision is just about normal.

P.S.

Yesterday, I called LL Bean. I'm sending back my wonderful boots. I'm upgrading to a boot designed for carrying a heavy load and a pair that comes a little closer to my correct foot size. LL Bean… What a great company to work with. They have a super "rapid return" policy that works because it's designed around the needs of the consumer!

Good night.

"g"