April 28 - 23.8 / 595.6

Before I talk about the day, I want to say I have come up with my new favorite trail mix. No, it does not have nuts or fruit and probably isn't good for me. On the last few resupplies I have bought mini oreos, gummy bears, and peach rings. I mix them all together and poof, a great snack. I call all rights to it now to sell it when I get off the trail.

This morning and last night was one of the coldest while out on the trail. I am glad I still had my winter bag. I even ate breakfast in my bag. I could have used my heavier down jacket, but I was able to get by and kept moving once I got out of my bag. For some reason it takes me over an hour to get ready in the morning. It isn't like I have a lot to do. I think some of it has to do with the others still sleeping when I even start my routine. If they were up and going then maybe I would move faster.

TW and I were again the first two to leave the shelter out of our group. We both like to get going as soon as we can. SB, DM, and SR all had their respective tent or hammock still up when we left. I will apologize for talking so negatively about VA yesterday. Today was much different. The ridge line was much easier to walk on today as there were no rocks. I hiked 5 miles in about 55 minutes. TW and I were both on the same pace, and we decided to stop at a road crossing for a snack. I even sent out a GPS message just for Richie to have something to look at. As we headed back into the woods I noticed a large styrofoam cooler off the trail. I opened it only to find melted ice and the weather forecast. Other hikers had already cleaned out the trail magic. Ahhhhhh! Frustrated, I didn't even look at the weather. I closed the lid and went on.

The next 7 or so miles were pretty easy. TW and I did get to another road crossing and were unsure where the trail went. We tried looking for blazes all along the road and in the woods; however, we saw nothing. TW even pulled out a map to try and figure it out. I left my pack and ran a little ways down the road. I ended up finding a blaze and ran back to get my pack and her. We hiked down the road and got to witness 3 deer carcasses that some decided should be dropped off beside the road.

We neared I-77 and started to walk along what we thought was the trail. It ended up going up a small hill and overlooked the interstate and a valley. Sitting there was Donner and Young One eating lunch. We joined them with a shoes off lunch for about an hour. I even sent some emails and checked the FB.

The afternoon was pretty much the same and a pretty easy hike. I leap frogged Donner and had a pretty good pace going. I came to another road crossing and caught someone a little off guard. (Might need to limit the younger ones reading but I'll keep it PG.) Through the trees I could see a female with her shorts down around her ankles. I am going to go with she was going number 1 but she could have been trying number 2. I made as much noise by kicking leaves to let her know I was there. She immediately yanked her shorts up. I walked out of the woods and just said, "Sorry." What else do you say in that situation? I will say guys probably have it easier out here when it comes to using the restroom. Yes, I have seen other guys relieving themself along the trail, but they at least get behind a tree or face away from you. This girl was just in the middle of the road, right out in the open. Did she not think anyone else was hiking the trail today? For now, I will not mention her trail name just in case I come across her in the future. It was my first time to meet her so don't try to guess who it was.

I was planning to stop and rest at the road, but hiked on cause it was a little awkward. I stopped 3 miles short of the shelter and just took some time. I called Sarah, a manager of mine, to check in on work and other things. TW passed me, and Donner approached as I was packing up. The last 3 miles were smooth sailing. There are a few people at the shelter. All are tenting or hammocking except for Young One and Donner. I like being in my tent as I feel like I have my own space and I can blog without disturbing others. Plus, I needed to let my tent dry out from two nights ago.

Sorry, but today was a little uneventful.

I know some of you have asked me questions. I am going to start doing Q&A posts too. So if you have questions, leave a comment or send an email to either thompson.brianc@gmail.com or throughhisfeet@gmail.com. Once I get a few questions I will respond. Don't be afraid to ask questions as others probably have that same question about the trail or my experience out here. I will try to give my first response tomorrow if I have the time and phone service.

Until then, enjoy the full moon tonight.

Goodnight, friends. BT