25% down

I woke up this morning knowing that I did not have to hurry along and hit trail. I knew I had a short day ahead, so I took my time and enjoyed my breakfast. My orange juice tasted especially good since I was lying in my sleeping bag while drinking it.

Cookie and I were on trail around 8:10AM. There was snow on the ground and in the trees. I started out in two layers, but eventually went to one, not including the rain jacket I was wearing. When you live in Maine, you can become sick of snow quite rapidly. I was not pleased that it was the middle of April and I was walking through an inch of snow.

The climb out of Crawfish Valley to the top of Big Walker Mountainm was a nuiscance. There was no view, and I was immediately sent down the other side. It was completely pointless.

However, I did walk through a lot of pasteurlands, which was a nice change of pace and scenery. The farmers were out tending to their duties, and I continued my walk to Maine.

The trail then proceeded to cross three roads, while all three guidebooks and the Data Book only listed two. It made it quite difficult to figure out where I was.

The climb from the road I assumed to be Virginia route 42 was long, hard, and completely pointless. Once again there were no views, there was a little snow though.

Today I also crossed the 1/4th of the trail complete mark, which I deemed to be at mile point 543(2174/4), I celebrated by hiking 7.3 more miles to Knot Maul Branch Shelter, my headquarters for tonight.

Hardbound did catch up today, just like it was planned. Tomorrow we shall walk 19.1 miles.

I was feeling sluggish all day today, I was perfectly content with stopping after 11.2 miles, a fairly short day at this point.

I am feeling fatigued, I think I shall take a nap, which will hopefully lead o dinner.

And that's the way it was.

Kirby

Ga>ME 2008.