Forgetting the Advice – Fox’s AT Thru Hike – Day 3

The weather cleared up today and was perfect. Cool temperatures and clear, sunny skies provided seemingly endless views. I couldn’t ask for a better day.

After a morning of 8 miles, I stopped at Gooch Mountain for lunch, where I met J.J, who is a really interesting guy. He offered to say that he was walking the path because a dream also told him so. More power to him. J also gave me the advice to stay in a hostel if I’m ever too depressed. He says he was miserable two days ago and the shelter really lifted his spirits. This seems like pretty good advice to me.

With sunny skies and too much energy, I decided to go against the advice of limiting myself to 8 a day in GA. At Gooch Gap, I encountered Freshgrounds for the first time. A wonderful guy, he put fruit in my backpack because I wanted to hurry. I finished the day at Lance Creek, grateful to have the flexibility of a tent.

Today was a 16 mile day, I went a little overboard, two blisters. Something to consider if you’re hiking a long trail: not everything in your body will acclimate at the same pace. Your muscles and cardio can be solid before your feet get stiff, or vice versa.

• Breakfast: 2x ladoos
• Lunch: Bean floss pasta, oatmeal
• Dinner: Cous cous with marinara
• Snack: Stroopwafel & pb, orange, apple, fig bar, Luna bar
• Known today*: J, Nomo, Freshgrounds
• Days without ramen bomb: 3

*I’m using initials for anyone who doesn’t have a route name.

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