Lived alone, suffered alone, died alone
Such a long day, and it's mine. The longest day of my hiking trip, and my feet and ankles are considering going on strike because of it. I think I will re-negotiate my contract of service with them.
The day started out lovely. I ate breakfast and was on trail at 7:30AM. I hit trail early knowing I had a long day ahead of me.
I spent most of the day walking along a ridge that makes up southern Appalachia. There was a wonderful view of the valley I was above to my right, and a never ending forest to my left.
The sun decided to come out again today. These two days are my first back to back nice days since the Smokies. I can easily get used to walking in nice weather all day long.
The terrain today was quite easy. The first 17 miles north of Kincora are rough, but you can hit cruise control on the terrain I was hiking on today.
Towards the end of today I was feeling quite fatigued. These larger mile days take their toll on the human body and mind. My brain felt like it was completely fried when I rolled into the shelter tonight.
At the shelter I met a man by the name of Crazyhorse. He says he has thru hike five times over the last 15 years. He told me some interesting stories about his experiences on the trail.
Tomorrow I shall stumble my way to Damascus, Virginia, where I shall take a much needed zero mile day. I also need new hiking shoes, the ones I am currently wearinng having just about imploded and exploded at the same time.
I seem to have found myself into a void of hikers again, which is quite nice.
I think I shall read a book and prepare to sleep. Doing nothing is quite a delight.
And that's the way it was.
Kirby
"If you come to a fork in the road, take it." --Yogi Bera
Ga>ME 2008.
