Day 53 – A Lesson In Procrastination

As predicted, we got a late start leaving Bear Garden hostel. We had a great breakfast of bacon and eggs and hung out by the bunkhouse taking advantage of the internet for a few more hours. We got a message from Hatcher saying he was planning on taking a nero. That means he’ll be even further behind. I think we were all a little disheartened hearing that news. The hiking for the three of us didn’t get started until after 11:00.

The weather was decent, sunny but not too hot. Our day started with a fairly flat six miles. We arrived at Lick Creek where the bridge had been washed out. We had to forge the eight-inch-deep creek which I did in my chacos (everyone made it across and nobody died of dysentery either). After a quick snack we had a four mile, 2,000 foot climb out of the valley. It was a steep but manageable section as we made decent time, but my energy levels were dragging.

The climb ended with a bald, a pond, and a shelter with a great view into the valley. Rabbit even found a rabbit friend come say hi to us at the shelter. After another quick snack at Chestnut Knob Shelter, we had six flat miles to go til our campsite by a road. Those six flat miles, however, were strewn with uneven rocks that made our already sore feet and joints even more so. We were also racing the sun going down.

I finished the audiobook “Antifragile” and moved on to the next one “Uncle Toms Cabin.”  I have a list of classics I never read that I’m trying to check off. Today I got through ten chapters and found myself speaking like a debutante by the end of the day.

We made it into camp just before dark around 8:45. I was exhausted after the 18 miles that day. After setting up my tent, I had a Met-Rx protein bar (the fruity cereal flavor is my new favorite) for dinner and went to bed. Tomorrow we’re looking to get to an outpost that does hot food. It’s 15 miles away and closes at 4:00 p.m. so fingers crossed we make good time.

Find out what happens on Day 54 on the Appalachian Trail.

 

Gil

Hey buddy, I’m glad that we both ended up in SATX. You’ve been one of the best colleagues, friends and resources I’ve had in the last five years. I’m stoked for you and Nicole and the adventures and memories you’ll be making. I hope Kristen and I can be more a part of that. Looking forward to seeing more of you when I get back. Take care!