Day 53

Planning this next section was rough. So many pluses and minuses to each option I could come up with. It sounds like most push to Iron Mountain Shelter setting them up for a easy-ish, flat-ish section for a full marathon distance of 26.1 all the way to Damascus. Could I accomplish that? Probably. Do I want to? No. Why should I rush? I’m out here to enjoy the journey. Not going to rush it just to complete what’s called a “Damascus Marathon Challenge.” What’s more realistic is doing it in 3 days. Here’s the dilemma. Monday says 90% lotsa rain. Then Tuesday night, the low is down to or close to freezing again. Reservations in Damascus seem to be filling up so I found a room at Firefly Inn on Tuesday night. That would get me in a warm bed during the coldest day coming up. The price was good and breakfast at their diner is included. I opted for that option and booked the room. Problem is, that’s 4 days out here. I can either take my time and stay out here or just hike, get there Monday and find a different place to stay that day then Firefly on Tuesday. Why spend more money though? I don’t know if this is the best option but I plan to do just 10.7 tomorrow, 16.5 on Monday and that leaves me a very short 2.3 nero into Damascus. I think that will be nice to give me all day to explore the town and be ready to head out the next day. Today, I finished at a campsite at mile #441.5. Other than the nice view of hiking around Watuga Lake, it was mostly PUDs (pointless ups & downs with barely any views if any). I think some people stopped to camp here as well but set up on the other side of the path a good distance. I’m hoping for a quiet night. I already had an easy freeze dried meal and now in my tent ready to relax for the night. It was good having a zero yesterday and getting my new shoes. Jason and I finished it up with Indian food and scotch. I won’t see him again until probably New York. Oh, I have to add the picture of trail angels today. Ben & Heather had a massive spread of anything and everything a hiker could need. It was nice just to sit, relax, have a Gatorade and socialize. Big thanks to them and their son.