Today started with a shuttle ride from Hidden Pond Hostel to Neel Gap, which is where I finished yesterday. At the Mountain Crossing Outdoor Center I did a true weight check of my back pack which I have not been able to do up to this point. It was fully loaded with everything and I was afraid that it may be pushing 38-40 pounds, but I was pleasantly surprised that it was only 31 which I’m really pleased with. Hoping that when the weather warms up I can shed 3-4 pounds, but even at this point my body seems comfortable with the weight I am carrying and my shoulders no longer are sore after a day of hiking. Just before I started my hike this morning I received a call from my friend Doug Thomson, from my home town. Doug is one of the kindest, most helpful people you would ever want to meet (and so is his wife, Carolyn). Hearing his voice and infectious laugh was just what I needed to start my day. I also appreciate the positive words of encouragement and support that many of you have sent to me.

Today’s hike was my longest yet at 11.5 miles with a lot of hills and valleys. It was a good test to see how my body is adjusting and I was pleased to have completed today’s hike without any issues. Before leaving the hostel I weighed myself and I have lost 6 pounds during the first 5 days. So, this is not great and I need to up my calorie intake a bit more. And, I tried to do that at Tesnatee Gap where there were a couple of trail angels that had set up tables by the roadside and had a great lunch spread. It was incredible. The two people I met (King Tut & Sip – that’s their trail names) were doing so as part of Nudge Ministries. They were such kind people and a lot of fun to talk to.

The weather today was perfect for hiking and it should be warmer tonight – upper 20s, with increasing temps through the end of the week and mostly dry weather. I am back in my tent for the next few nights and I will scale back my mileage tomorrow to offset today’s higher mileage a bit and will start thinking about a day off sometime soon.

(King Tut & Sips, a few nature shots)