AT Day 49: Double Hump in Jefferson NF

Daily Miles: 18.9, Total Miles: 678.0

My hike today had the profile of a double hump camel. Two big ascents and then coming down to gaps in between. A warm and mostly sunny day with the always high humidity having me sweating buckets. I was also slowed down by a long, very rocky stretch.

The nice thing about today was not one but two trail angel stops. The first one was hosted by the AT trail stewards for that section at the first gap, VA Route 632. Ice cold sodas, Gatorades, and a fine selection of salty and sweet snacks that a thru-hiker really appreciates. I was all by myself when I first arrived but probably a dozen hikers by the time I left. The second trail angel, Easy Boy and his dog, Mollie, were almost to the top of the second high point. Enjoyed this one as well with the same group of hikers, an energy boost for the last 500′ elevation push.

Got down to the bottom of the second mountain, hiking through mixed forest and pastureland. Running out of gas, I crossed the highway and found a nice, shaded, wooded area.

Don’t feel too compelled to hike the big mileage. I don’t need to be in Daleville until Saturday morning to pick up my next resupply box.