The Law – Fox’s AT Thru Hike – Day 43

The sound of approaching cars interrupted breakfast. That’s why I don’t like camping on roads, not knowing who might get there. Two sheriff’s cars parked about 100 feet away. After a brief chat, one headed in my direction. After a little anxiety (am I in an illegal place?!), I smiled and said good morning and he gave me orange juice. Absolutely splendid trail magic.

Walking up the long hill to Chestnut Knob yesterday definitely did something to my ankle. It felt a little worse than a muscle ache, maybe a strain. I go about my day in 45 minute segments. Walk 45, take a break, repeat. After the first 45 I decided I needed duct tape. I got out the razor and after a quick shave, my ankle was tightly bandaged.

After crossing the Laurel Creek bridge heading north, it was easy to get to the creek. There were plenty of shady spots under the bridge and I sat on the stilts while filtering water and relaxing. It looked like a great place to swim, but it wasn’t warm enough today.

View from the power line

This section crosses the Kimberling Creek in a couple of places, but there are warnings against drinking from it. The filters don’t catch everything, so I played it safe and made the long portage from Laurel Creek. I was able to recharge at the shelter, so not bad. The water at Helvey’s Mill is very downhill, but at least it had bends.

The ankle ended the day with less pain than it started.

• Breakfast: oatmeal
• Lunch: cous cous
• Dinner: Dal
• Snacks: sesame bars, cereal bar x2, ladoo x3
• Met Today: Indiana, Serial Killa

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