Day 35

Well, I’m thinking my trail legs kicked in and if they haven’t, I’m in for a world of hurt tomorrow. I just did my record distance for the day. While today was a total of 16.3 AT miles, with side trips for bathroom breaks, water and, unfortunately, taking a wrong turn and ending up going .5 miles on an abandoned logging road (then .5 back), I hiked a total of 17.25 miles today. I started with no real plan. I could have either did an 8.5 mile day to one shelter or push towards Max Patch where I would have loved to camp to see a sunset and sunrise but due to close access to a road and people having completely trashed the hill, it is now closed off until 2024 for revegitation. You can only hike over it and stay on the path. I’m getting ahead of myself. First, if you look at the pictures, I started back at the underpass for I-40. After going thru some “green tunnel areas and a MASSIVE climb, I came out to a clearing and could see the massive FAA Aircraft Control radar facility. Very cool and amazing views from up there. After that, it seemed like it was one massive climb and then descent after another. Today had some of the steepest, sustained climbs I’ve done yet, in my opinion. It’s why I’m surprised I pushed as far as I did. I was averaging 29.5 minutes per mile even with those climbs! That’s a record for me! When I reached Max Patch, I was beat but then I was determined to make it to the next shelter where I’d set up my tent and take advantage of the bear cable system and privy. Other than that wrong turn on an old logging road, it was a perfect day! I have completed 257 AT miles and I don’t have any intention of stopping now. Only 1,937.3 miles to go. ?