Day 61: Erin and Mike Come out to Hike!

Woke up clammy. The whole mountain seemed damp. I might have gotten a bit chilled in the new sleeping bag at sone point in the night, but overall it was very functional.

Had breakfast with Little Foot (who slept in!), One Life and Serenetina before getting on the road a little after 8am. Only took one liter of water, which turned out to be too little till the next stream. That was stupid.

Hiked a fast 13 miles in the humid humid humid morning air with Little Foot and One Life, who is hiking for the charity A Walk for the Future (more info: http://www.awalkforthefuture.com).


We were all sweating like maniacs and we saw a deer just off the trail. After a few short breaks, we three finally came across Blackrock Gap around 1:15pm and met up with Erin and Mike and Erin's dad, Pat. Hey guys!! They had extra water and a few apples, and they were willing to share. We all chatted a bit before dad left, and we romped up the road. The newbie packs were large and in charge, but they made it the .3 miles up the trail to the first shelter/hut juuuust fine. The three of us who began at 8am needed a break and some lunch. Erin and Mike were fine to take an early break.


The sky looked a bit threatening, but it never stormed. It was still quite hot out though. We hiked on up a few hills and by a few blackberry bushes (yum!) and took a break at one of the Skyline Drive overlooks. (We crossed that road more than six times today!) At one point, Mike squeezed the water out of his short by ringing it. The amount of sweat that came out was very impressive. It made a small puddle!!?!


A few more miles up the trail and we were at the campsite. We deliberated about what to do for sleeping arrangements and finally decided to pay for a campsite. This wound be good to ease Erin and Mike into trail life: sleeping in tents, but a flush toilet and water available...

We found a good spot, and the five of us (Erin, Mike, Little Foot, One Life and I) set up camp. It was only about 6:45 and I'd walked 20 miles. It felt great to still have so much light still!

I washed up in the campsite bathroom and made dinner with everyone else. Chatting, bear bag hanging, chatting. Time for an early bedtime for these campers.

(20.4)



-- Posted from the trail...

Location:Loft Mountain Campground