(3/22)

     It was another late morning for us. After hiking 23 miles yesterday and getting to camp late we were pretty tired. So we slept in until 8:45 then made oatmeal which takes some extra time. Basically we didn’t get on trail until 9:45 am. Right before we started hiking Boots passed us, another through hiker who we met like a week ago.

     Today we had a full day of hiking without rain. This hasn’t happened in like a week and it was so nice. We spent most of the day on a cool ridge with a steady wind and 50 degree temperatures. It was still overcast but we could at least see what was around us.

     The trail has been pretty flat the last few days, but soon we will be in the Grayson Highlands. The Grayson Highlands are known for rolling fields, tall peaks, and free range ponies. For now the Blue Ridge mountains have been very pleasant as the mountains evolve into chains of ridges instead of tall mountains separated by valleys.

     It was a pretty easy day of hiking. We passed out of view of Watauga lake and through some iconic AT sections. 

     There were around 3 miles of hiking through a hilly pasture. This provided a unique and interesting appearance.

     We finished up the day hiking to a stealth site near Double Spring shelter. Tomorrow we will cross out if Tennessee and into Virginia, the longest state of the trail. I look forward to Virginia but hope that they don’t close down the things we need to stay on trail (food, access to town, legal passage and camping). 

     We expect a lot of rain tonight and tomorrow. Tomorrow night we will be in Damascus as long as we can find a place to stay. 

Goodnight.

Walker