Earned my dinner today.
Finally I broke the 30-mile barrier. I came very close - twice - last summer, but I put that challenge to bed today. The terrain was ideal. In fact there is already a standing challenge for thru hikers to do 40 miles in one day into Damascus. My feeling is that is ridiculous.
Hike start: 9:30 am, Vendenventer Shelter, Tennessee.
Breakfast: Pop Tarts, 20 oz. Dr. Pepper, multivitamin, gingko biloba capsule.
Snacks: Nutty Butty, Powerbar gels, energy shot.
Terrain: Rolling ridge walk with some up initially, levelling out after Iron Mountain Shelter [1/2 way point], trail weaving along hills but avoiding peaks. The trail itself was soft with some roots and stones. It was mostly wooded except for a meadow mile.
Weather: Shitty overall. Mild spells punctuated by cold wind and rain, sleet at one point. After 5 pm or so the rain stopped but the fog came and went.
Snack: Trail magic cache of oatmeal cream pies and a 12 oz. Dr. Pepper. Declined offer to warm up in truck at Tenn. 91, just before meadow; hands went numb crossing meadow.
Final food: Energy shot, Snickers, bread and cheese, peanuts at Abingdon Shelter, 6 pm.
Hike finish: 10 pm Damascus, Virginia.
Miles hiked: 33.
Now: Calzone and beer at Quincy's Pizza, tenting at The Place, a, church hostel.
Feet: Ache?
12 years ago
Way to go Mr. Ink. 33 miles is one heck of an accomplishment. I am (somewhat) tired after riding my bike 33 miles - which we often do. Saw a History Channel special on the AT a few weeks ago. They said many of the thru hikers make great progress along the Tenn/Virginia Highlands with many hikers making 25 to 30 miles per day. I still find that hard to believe. C ya Friday night !!
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