Day 65 - Rusty's to Paul Wolfe Shelter

Murph and Stray hit the road early, but we and Smittee decided to stick around for more of Rusty’s fabulous pancakes. He got up late and was slow getting started – not that he’s running a restaurant or anything. Ate after 10, and he offered to give us a ride to the fire road (didn’t get there til 11:30).

Seventeen miles to go, and I do not like getting such a late start. Plus the sun had started beating down, making for much less than ideal hiking conditions. But I guess that’s all part of it – hiking in the cold and the heat and the rain; over rocks and roots and streams; up and down; down and up. It’s rare to come across a day with ideal hiking conditions (for me) – 60 to 65 degrees, partly cloudy, soft breeze, climb early, then the terrain flattens out.

Dave and I were on our own for the whole day. The miles started slow because of all the walking over rocks. You really can’t look up, for even a second, or you risk injury. It can be challenging and even kind of fun (did I say that?). At least it gets your mind off the drudgery of hiking.

Met Jason, a young teacher from Virginia, who was very friendly and chatty. He’d just heard from Murph and Stray about a big rattlesnake in the middle of the trail. We hadn’t seen it, though.

Got to the shelter a little after 7. It’s a really nice one with an extra long platform, bunks, and an overhang. Supposed to rain tonight, so we’re inside. Blowin’ Sunshine and Shiggy are here, too. Looking forward to meeting Murph’s parents, taking a shower, and going out to eat (not necessarily in that order) tomorrow. Slept OK but am still waking up and having trouble going back to sleep.