Marion Push – Fox AT Thru Hike – Day 40

I make plans. Yes. But I also try to listen to what the day and my instinct tells me. Today’s plan was a short 12 miles. That would leave me six miles near Damascus tomorrow. It’s been hard to stop at 2 and that’s why I intentionally lingered at camp this morning.

After eating and packing as inefficiently as possible, I set off. When I got to Dicky Gap I heard voices. Voices often announce the magic of the trail. Sure enough, a trail angel has set up shop at Dickey Gap with a pizza oven, oranges, drinks, and donuts! We sat, two nobos, a sobo, and a trail angel, talking about upcoming lodges and states.

Fueled by pizzas and Gatorade, I set off. Before I knew it, I was passing the Trimpi shelter. I was way ahead of schedule. After my break, I reflected on the status. My legs felt good, energy levels were excellent and there were no worrying pains. I could be at pickup at 4. It seemed silly to stop so I called Marion Outdoors and made arrangements.

The views continue, with a postcard scene of the Rye Valley today.

• Breakfast: oatmeal
• Dinner: Ice cream, cereal.
• Snacks: apple pie x2, 1.5 personal pizzas, oranges x3, cereal bar x2, donuts x2
• Known today: Javelin (sobo), Slingshot, Mighty Mouse, Turtle, Buckey

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