Despite what I expected, I slept pretty well last night. I was worried the cold would bother me, but it never did. I woke up around four to pee and was able to fall back asleep until the alarm went off at six. I wanted to be on the road by seven, so I packed; The process went smoothly and just before 7:00 I was on my way as I wanted. My goal for the day is to camp near a couple of streams, about twenty miles out. Yesterday afternoon I decided I was going to try to do two twenty-mile days and one eighteen-mile day, which would leave me with about a 6-mile hike on Friday to Dalton, where I plan to get a motel room and plan the last part of the hike. I think I like black days more than zero days right now, especially if I can get an early start on the road that takes me to a city that allows me to get all my tasks done before I have to get ready for bed. Dalton is one of those cities. Since I didn’t have cell service last night, I couldn’t check Hot Tang or Two Meals, so I don’t know where they are today. There appears to be a meeting point at the end of the Dalton Road hike where the three of us will probably meet up and finish the trail together. This morning’s walk was cold and I can barely keep my hands warm, which is really my only challenge with the cold at the moment. I don’t feel as fresh as I did yesterday, but that’s to be expected. Yesterday I was coming off a zero day and today I’m coming off a 20 mile day.
At about 2 and a half hours in, I encountered my first major water crossing of the trip. Probably 20 to 25 yards across a large creek. The water was flowing but not dangerously, and the foundation looked good thanks to some concrete foundations that were placed along the creek. I imagine for automobile traffic on the highway. I pulled up my waterproof pants, took out my trekking poles, and crossed. The water was cold, but not uncomfortable. In fact, my feet enjoyed the cold water bath. Shortly after that, I walked a couple of miles down the road before returning to a trail in the woods. Three hours and fifteen minutes into the day, my legs still felt good.
As I walked up a large hill toward my planned lunch spot, I ran into Ole Mr. B, a trail maintenance volunteer who was on the trail before the Southern States 200. We chatted briefly, and I learned that he had hiked the AT in 1986. We said our goodbyes, and I moved on. I was lucky enough to take my 6th hour break (lunch) at a beautiful overlook right next to the trail. There was a wooden platform there, so I spread out and ate. A young woman came out of the woods and sat in a camping chair on the same platform. She informed me that she was part of the aid station team there for the Southern States 200 trail race. I was under the impression that the race would start on the 19th tomorrow, but she informed me that the 200 mile race would start at noon today and the 100 mile race would start tomorrow in Cave Spring. He noted that he would probably see some runners that afternoon. While I was there, a hiker passed by with his dog. We chatted briefly and shortly after two women arrived with backpacks. They were doing a 50 mile hike on the Sobo stretch. I didn’t understand their names.
I estimated I had about 5 miles left to reach the designated campsite. Part of it was a climb, but it went smoothly.
The campsite was good. There were plenty of tent spaces, a place to make a fire, plenty of logs to sit on, and easy access to water. Just as I was setting up my tent, the first of the runners arrived. I applauded and offered some words of encouragement. As I continued with my end-of-day tasks at camp, I kept an eye out for other runners. In total, I counted only thirty-eight runners. Once camp was set up and chores were done, I texted him back and forced myself to be with my wife for a while. I also took a look at the elevation gain for tomorrow’s hike; It’s not so bad. After dinner, I started to get tired so I retired to my tent and began the process of relaxing. It was a very nice day. For me it’s two 20 mile runs in a row. I think my tracking legs are moving forward.
Happy trails. . .
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