Well, so much for that plan. Loaded my pack in Miss Janet's shuttle to head back to the trail this morning, but the shuttle left without me. So, I'm stuck here for another day off in sunshine while pack rides around in the "Banana Boat" van for the day. Disappointed about missing the shuttle but it was very serendipitous in the end.
Erwin Zero Day 1
Thought I'd move on today, but after doing so many miles and getting so little sleep in the last 2 days, I'm here to stay and relax a bit before hitting the trail tomorrow. Slept on the couch at Miss Janet's Hostel last night, but not before being sucked into watching movies til 2am.
Erwin
Only a few hours of sleep last night before Leki-less and I woke up to night hike under a nearly full moon down the trail to Erwin, hoping to beat the rush of thru-hikers who'd be looking for a spot at the much acclaimed Miss Janet's Hostel.
Bald Mt.
Started out the day with not much going right. Slept very little in my tent as coyotes pranced around it and animals from nearby farms made noise all through the night. Add to that some swollen glands in my neck from some bug I must've caught, and tired legs for some reason, and it was tough to get going.
Rector Laurel Road
After saying goodbye to Emily this morning and getting a late 9am start, I hiked all day today until just a few minutes after sunset. Tenting out next to the trail for just the second time so far, this time without a shelter in sight. Blue sky all day with lots of sun and snow covering the trail above 4000'.
Spring Mt.
Great day to get back on the trail with Emily B. along for the day. It's been great to see her, though actually seeing a familiar face seems to be the only thing that makes me homesick for some reason.
Hot Springs Zero Day 2
Another zero day today as I wait for my friend Emily to come into town this afternoon for an overnight with me on the trail when I head back out tomorrow. Ate most of the day and ended up back at the Paddler's Pub for some beers with Emily and my thru-hiker pals. I'm still mourning the loss by my Duke Blue Devils to UConn in the Final Four.