Passing Brassie Brook Shelter, I encountered some day-hikers and their dogs winding their way down from the summit. Arriving at last, after nearly 6 miles of varying degrees of uphill climbing, I sat down to enjoy my cold stream water and a granola bar. With the temperatures in the 70's, the cool breeze on the summit made for the perfect weather. Wanting to make a brief stop at Great Falls on my way home, I decided to turn around at the summit and head back to the car.
Midway through my return trip to the car I passed 5 northbound AT thru-hikers all in good spirits after having had a few days of rest. "Oops" was the first thru-hiker I met, and I'm sorry to say that this young women's trail name is the only name that I remember out of the 3 guys and 2 girls that I met. I had a great time chatting with them all, and was happy to hear that this year's crop of hikers seems to be doing well and enjoying themselves as they should. They did stress their desire for the cooler temperatures of New Hampshire, and longed to see the humidity lessen in intensity after a sticky start to summer. After a quick look at the raging torrent of Great Falls (the flood level waters making swimming out of the question) I headed back home for a cold shower, cold beer, and the other glorious luxuries of day hiking.