Sorry, I was too tired the other night to get this one out and I didn't have service...
The longest day yet, and it seemed like it was. I wasn't sure the day was going to end. We made some really going timing this morning as we headed into the first shelter. I will say I was incorrect on the graves yesterday as we passed the Shelton graves this morning after the first 5 minutes of hiking. Someone definitely takes care of the graves though.
After the first shelter we got about 6 miles in and just past Rector Laurel road to a little creek. We decided to eat lunch and snack here. Gilly was the last one to the spot and mentioned seeing a snake just a few 100 yards back. Instantly, Dark Star was up and running looking for it. Him and Gilly returned a few minutes later, and Gilly was holding the snake in her hands. I can't remember what it was. DS and I also spent some time taking pictures of a newt in the water. Some of the pictures turned out pretty well.
I felt like we had to hike forever to find the next water source. I kept waiting to find a road knowing the next shelter was 1.5 miles past the road. Well, the road never came, but the shelter finally did. Red Hat was also at the shelter. She looked pretty exhausted. She said she was going to hike I-26 and then get a hitch to Erwin to slack pack for the next few days.
We went across Big Bald late in the day and got to see a great sunset. I think we all took some pictures. I took a cool self shot and one of Skywalker standing on a blaze post. At some point of hiking up the Bald, someone got the idea to hike a few more miles in the dark in order to have a shorter day into Erwin, TN. I wasn't too keen on hiking more, but I wasn't going to shelter or tent by myself. We ended up hiking for 3 or so more miles and stopped around 10:45. I tried to blog, but ended up falling asleep 5 minutes into it.
Yesterday, we finished the hike down into Erwin. We all hiked at our own pace. The first place you get to at the trail head is Uncle Johnnys Hostel. I ended up staying at the bunkhouse while the others cowboy camped near the river. Quite a few others were also at the hostel including Dr. Beef stick, Long Haul, and Donner. Super Mike was also able to catch up with us by the end of the day. He had to do a couple of 30 milers to do so though.
I was also able to switch out jackets while here. Michelle sent my lighter down jacket. I hope it doesn't get cold again or that we see more snow. They say to not send winter stuff home until after Demascus, VA.
Last night I got introduced to Dr. Evil. I had heard about him. He walks up to the hostel and takes a beer out of a cooler. The guy who bought them was shocked. Dr. Evil said that someone had drank his last night and now he was going to drink someone else's. We couldn't believe it. Eventually, Dr. Evil came back and apologized. He said it was out of character and gave the guy money for taking his beer. Dinner last night was at a Mexican joint. I did not have any problem finishing my fajitas. I probably could have eaten two orders.
Last night I got a chance to talk with my parents and Michelle.
Aight, time to pack up and hit the trail for the afternoon. I'll try to get a blog out tonight for today.
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