Trail Notes – April 18

I guess updating has become a habit.

Today was very hard, in a way different than yesterday. It was not as steep, but rocks, rocks, rocks. I very sorely missed my hiking poles. I really needed them for this section. I meant to reach a campground 10 miles from my starting point, where hot showers and pizza could be obtained, but I just ran out of juice 8.5 miles in, and pitched a tent near Rocky Run Shelter on the AT, where I settled for a sponge bath in the privacy of my tent, and a Knorr’s pasta side for dinner. I am a total of roughly 15.6 miles from the point I started at.

I won’t deny that today was extremely discouraging. Never fear, I am not quitting, but it was hot, tiring, and the rocks just would not stop. Plus, I felt so grubby – alleviated somewhat with wet wipes and a change into clean clothes. But I signed up for this, all of it, so I will continue on, and it will get better. Bonus – No leg cramps today at all! It might have something to do with the consumption of at least 128 oz of water during the day. And I am still thirsty!

Ah, well,tomorrow is another day. 7.5 miles planned. I am getting it done.

It’s dark. Hiker midnight. Ziptie out…