Day 83: Just Hiking

Because of our late hour of arrival, we were, naturally, the last ones to leave in the morning. We had to get water, though, which was about a 500 foot decent with over 300 stone steps. But we needed water!



Back on the AT, we hiked. Over rocks on the ridge (saw a big black snake that rattled...?), then we came down a hill until we reached Pa 325. And Bag-o-Tricks was there with trail magic! Cold gatorade and chips and water and sodas. And chairs!! Master Chief was there, too, so the three of us hung out with our kind angel and talked all things AT.






We were all procrastinating a bit before the 3-mile, 1100 foot climb ahead of us in 98 degree weather. Master Chief left around 2pm. One Life was feeling lazy. I was ready to get the climb over with, and I had been feeling pretty darn good all day. I just wanted to hike hard and hike long. So I did - for about 4 hours, 11 miles - without stopping. I passed a few kids on the way (and another big black snake) before finally making it to the Rausch Gap Shelter around 6:30pm.


One Life caught up, and Scatters was there! We set up camp, chatted, ate dinner and are headed to an earlyish bed. Maybe an early wake up to make it to a tv for the semi-final soccer match...?
(18.3mi 10st)



-- Posted from the trail...

Location:Rausch Gap Shelter