Monday!

May 12th- Monday

The bad things from today include getting sunburn and a blister on my toe.  

Between yesterday and today I hiked a total of 8.3 miles on the AT.  Not a lot.  I probably totaled close to twice that since I did most of the trail two times.  I say most because I accidentally ended up on a service road yesterday for a short time.  It led to the same place.  I had no idea I wasn't on the trail until I saw it from the shelter.  That said, I purposely took a service road instead of hiking the same section of AT today to try and save time.  Yesterday I would have missed part of the trail because it veered away from the service road.  Thankfully someone was heading north so I saw it.  As far as I know, I didn't miss any part of that section of the AT between the two days.  

It was good to be at a shelter this morning and get to talk with fellow hikers.  Apparently there are trail angel type groups that can help find rides along the trail.  I need to look into them some more, but I'm happy to have found out about it.

There was a nice gentleman with trail magic when I got to the bottom of the mountain.  He is 81 and tries to help out by clearing downed trees and such along the trail when he can.  Wow!

My plan for tonight was to go to a local campground.  I tried and failed in making a reservation online.  Then I drove there and the office was closed.  I was hoping for a way to get in and pay tomorrow but I didn't see any directions for that.  So I'm at an inexpensive hotel.  I've had a shower and done the laundry, yay!

Since most of today was the same trail as yesterday in reverse, I don't think I took as many pictures. 

This morning's view. 

Some birds I may have heard.
Merlin App.

Carpenter bee.

End of a rat snake that I briefly saw on my way to the privy.

A different rat snake on my way back from the privy.

A geological marker!

Lens thinks this is red columbine.

Seeing this crossing meant I was close to getting down.

Lens thinks this might be a Fowler's toad.

Getting back onto I-80.

I noticed a box that seemed attached to the fence post.

It says wifi on it.

A very narrow road.

☮

Started listening to: Hey, Ranger! By Jim Burnett.

Thank you for being here and being part of my daily happy things. Stay safe!