Miles: 11.5
I don't have much time to write before it's dark, but here are a few highlights from today.
We got kind of a late start, but finally got on the Trail around 9. The day started on the wrong foot when Kevin slipped on a rock while crossing a stream - soaked his boots and bent one of his hiking sticks. After that, it got better and we took an extended break on top of a miscellaneous mountain with beautiful views (there are just so many). It reminded me of Blood Mountain in Georgia with the granite outcrops.
Things went downhill after that - literally and figuratively. My feet started burning each time I took a step. They're just not used to the weight of the pack yet. We took several breaks and finally made it to Rainbow Stream Campsite, where we debated about staying. After a long break, we decided to push on to the lean-to about 3.5 miles down the Trail. From there, I practiced the Bradley Method, as I learned from Debbie. Concentrate on breathing and not on the pain. It worked and we made it to the lean-to in pretty good time.
Kevin and I took a bath in the creek and had a fabulous dinner (mmm-mmm... lipton noodles and chicken). We're eating all of the canned chicken first because it weighs so damn much.
We met a couple of people today - a pair of guys from Clemson that are attempting a south-bound thru-hike. Hope they make it, but they looked in rough shape. We also met a guy towing a plastic kayak - no joke. He was hauling it down the Trail to a drop-in point and kayaking back to Rainbow Stream lean-to through the deadwaters. Interesting character.
Other than that, we hiked through lots of bogs (I officially hate bogs), got lots of 'squito bites and will get lots of rest tonight. Tomorrow is only 8.1!!! I'm so excited.
- Itchy Bobo