Days 59 + 60: Healing
Day 59, 4/14:
After a fairly restful sleep, I wanted to push it a bit. Did 20.7 miles to Chestnut Knob Shelter, which included a brutal 4000+ feet of elevation gain. Of course the last few miles was a straight 2000+ foot climb. Nothing like a climb to end the day. Unfortunately there was no water at the shelter, so I had to drag the extra few liters up to the shelter. Oh well.
A very cool shelter with FOUR walls and a door! Very nice to escape the wind. Unfortunately the privy was not as lucky and was quite chilly at 645am.
Sunrise at the shelter. A beautiful sky over the valley below.
Day 60, 4/15;
Feeling pretty good after the 20 miles the previous day, I decided it would be a great idea to do 24.2 to Helveys Mill Shelter. Why not? Minimal big climbs, and it would be a great idea to push my biggest miles on my 60th day on trail.
Wellllllll, like most things, it didn't go as well as planned. After descending nearly 1000 feet, it was a 5 mile rocky ridge traverse. Unfortunately during this time I lost my footing and fell. Nothing broken but my ego and morale. The last 4 miles into the first shelter were both painful and excruciating. Mentally broken I took a long 45 minute break, ate some snacks and drank water. With a bit of my dying battery, I turned on some music and hung out to clear my mind. With only 10.7 miles down, it was another 13.5 to my destination. Ugh.
Met back up with Hot Rabbit and King Arthur at Laural Creek/VA 615. Rabbit apparently had a shitty morning as well. We all pushed on and eventually made it to US52/Bland, VA. We decided to hitch in. Food. So Good. Grabbed Subway and ice cold soda.
Now waiting for a shuttle back to the trail and then the final 2.2 miles to the shelter. Hopefully we can move after eating so much.
A very long day. 22 miles in less than 9 hours despite the horrid start. Now 2.2 left and then it's right to bed.
Tomorrow, less miles. 18 to Dismal Falls.
Beautiful Day through rolling pastures.