Day 8 & One week out thoughts

Day 8: Definitely warmer today. Had a nice climb. Warmer weather and warmer night including making our first campfire on the trail. A shorter day than typical, 15+ miles knowing we had a big day the following day to make it to the Natahala Outdoor Center.

One week reflection: We have now been thru hiking the AT for a week. For several days, we were definitely sore with minor aches and pains that would come and go. it is amazing to see how our bodies have adapted to this new lifestyle of hiking almost every day, all day. Our Western Maine training has trained us well for the long continuous climbs, as this is where we thrive! We feel strong, and our legs have seemed to be able to persevere through all of the miles we have put them through. Both my dad and I biggest fear coming into this was our sleep. We both have found that we sleep very well out in the woods in our cozy three person tent. Every night is a slumber party. We both have reached our highest sleep scores on our Garmin watches on the trail. We both feel very blessed to be out here and every day on the trail is truly a gift.