When we get to our campsite (#53), one of the first things we all notice are a group of Europeans just starting to set up camp in our site. Oh boy--not again? Merlin talks with them and they quickly move to an adjacent campsite (actually very close). The other thing we all notice are the mosquitos! Until now we really haven't been plagued much by bugs, and of course, I hate bug juice so just cover up as best I can. Note: Merlin helped me dispose of my bug juice on Day 3 after it had been sloshing all over my toiletries and into the river bag I had rented from them--not much but I didn't want to be responsible for ruining their bag. That crap melts plastic/rubber, and we're supposed to put it on our bodies? I don't think so. So I asked Merlin how I could dispose it and he said BURN IT--so he did, and boy did it flame! Good riddance.

So, after we pitched our tents Patty and I went over to check out the "plaque" we could see by the adjoining campsite. Watch out for bears is what it said.

When we came back to our camp, dinner was ready so we all eat our "last supper" together. We have chili with rice and for dessert a traditional camping favorite, S'Mores. Susan and I were finally rid of that very heavy "Day 7" river bag--we had been hauling it the entire trip--I could have sworn that there was nothing but rocks in it. Must have been several cans at least?

Merlin asks each of us to give him our highs/lows for the trip and so we go around the circle expressing what the trip has meant to each of us.