Total Miles Hiked from Springer: 109.8
Miles Hiked Today: 15.9
Miles walked in town: 3.0
Milestone: Over 100 miles hiked
Physical Status
Dan: Right wrist is tender and weak but slowly improving. Right food is swollen by the end of a day's hike, but isn't getting worse. Knees holding up but throwing off subtle clues not to push harder.
Sage: Nearly blister free, also dealing with some foot swelling.
Our bodies are feeling the wear from many days on the trail, and we are ready for a stop in town to resupply.We were on the trail by 0645 and set out at a rapid pace.
About an hour after our start, we saw this amazing view:
Then we hit the steep part of the trail. I call it a trail because there were white blazes, not because of its character istics. The white blazes led up what looked more like a rock climb than a hiking trail.
We stopped at the Long Branch Shelter for lunch. I sent Sage to gather some water, and while she was gone I stumbled down the shelter steps, catching myself by falling back onto a bench. I was unharmed, but it was a reminder to be extra careful when tired.
Sage returned with the water and I made her a 2.5 serving Mountain House Beef Stew. She ate almost the whole thing, which was amazing since she normally eats very little.
Lots of water. No need to carry a bunch.
Just past Rock Gap, I got a strong cell signal and started making calls to coordinate a ride into town. The owner of Goode Grove AT & Adventure Hostel picked up the phone, and offered to pick us up in 2 hours at Winding Stair Gap.
The last climb of the day was steeper than expected, but we powered up the climb. We arrived 20 minutes before our pickup, 15.9 Miles hiked.
After cleaning up at the hostel, we discovered there was a Chinese Buffet next to a Walmart Supercenter only 1.5 miles away. Perfect for a big dinner and resupply. We walked back from Walmart with bags of chips, donuts, rice, tuna, ramen, drink mixes, bread and a little candy.
That first photo is gorgeous! Are you both resting your feet propped up higher than your head? That helps with foot swelling.
ReplyDeleteGreat day! Love the pictures as usual.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on on hiking 100 miles on the AT!! A great way to celebrate the centennial of the National Park Service. We are proud of both of you!
ReplyDeleteThe view from Albert Mt was a terrific reward.
Hikers on the AT do take tumbles. But not all admit it. We are grateful for no serious results and that you both have been watching your step.
I have been in a Wal-Mart with you before, Sage was right it probably was a mile all over that store. (And I just had to measure a mile for David to run - you easily do that much in a Super Wal-Mart!)
ReplyDelete