Four Girls from Nova Scotia section hiking the Appalachian Trail

We had an extra day for short hikes after we got off the AT - several with short distances to a few waterfalls. Photo credits to Nancy, showing some smart and very helpful ladder construction.

One of the many waterfalls we saw - not as dramatic as earlier in the year but still beautiful.

A challenging hike in rugged terrain does not call everyone's name (or isn't possible for many)- but a yearning for the spiritual closeness with nature where humans haven't 'messed' it up is probably universal. I am so grateful for every opportunity to feed my spirit in those sacred places.

The dark hole on the left is a deep cave where unfortunately a moose fell to its death. Just cautiously poking my head around to look down there was scary. Poor beast.

Off the AT trail but still hiking around Grafton State Park. Cindy, Nancy and Janice love waterfalls: not just looking at them but scrambling over rocks to get up close. Sometimes close enough to strip down for a dip in a cold pool - but those photos are off limits :-)

A splay of morning sun-rays: Frye Notch Lean-To. On this hike I've been going SoBo (southbound) on the same section I did NoBo in 2014 - this hut and its surrounding area brought back the most intense deja vue's, It was a wonderful feeling - could recall @sparklybling and @mypictograph greeting me with other hikers as I hobbled into camp (I had injured my knee before then.) Oh the memories....

I really like my home-made dehydrated food but 'Honey's' supper of shepherd pie, corn on the cob, leafy salad, sauteed zucchini dish, rolls, ice cream with brownies, ice-cold drinks - was a real treat.

The Cabin's breakfast was as filling and delicious - the prices worked for us @ $20/bunk, $10/supper, $5/breakfast - with shower and laundry facilities. Add in the conversation with other hikers and the hiking memorabilia on the premises; quite a respite before returning to the trail the next day.

Hiking up and over 'Old Blue' was challenging and tiring - very grateful to catch a shuttle into East Andover and spend a night at The Cabin Bunkhouse. Even better (cooler and more fun!) for Cindy and I who jumped into the back first!

A shared experience of grit and resilience with three great hiking girls.

Oh what a feeling to summit Bemis Mountain. Thankful for wild blueberries to munch on along this section of the trail.