So going back we took “THE RIGHT TRAIL,” a nice gradual down hill, which would have been a nice gradual uphill in reverse! Making it back to the meadow in half the time it took us to go up, we were happy to be able to eat at the grill once again. Our problem now was that our ride home wasn’t coming until tomorrow afternoon since we hiked out a day early. And wouldn’t you know it, nobody was home. So for 31/2 hours we called every half-hour and even tried hitch hiking. I made a sign that said “MAMMOTH” on it, however, no takers! Finally we got through on the phone and our ride was on its way. Back at the grill for ice cream, we talked to an 83-year-old man about when he was young and stationed at the Apennine Mountains in Italy during WWII, just prior to the German surrender. He taught us a song called, “90 Pounds a Ruck Sack, a Pound or Two of Grub.” I hope I am in HALF the shape he is in when I am his age! No trip would be complete without a stop for dinner at Matt Tumie’s Whoa-Nellie-Delli at the Tioga Gas Mart. I mean, where else in the universe is the best food around found at the Mobile Gas Station? UNREAL !!!
And so, the end of our summer adventure. I felt like a kid again and it felt really, really good!
“As age comes on , one source of enjoyment after another is lost , but natures sources never fail. Like a generous host , she offers her brimming cups in endless variety. Served in a grand hall, the sky it’s ceiling, the mountains it’s walls.” John Muir 1898
