Day 14

15 miles

Camped in Sassafras Shelter last night. This one was much better than the night before. Less nice and less drafts but I still managed to have a terrible nights sleep. Idk if it’s sleeping in the shelters, the constant sound of everyone rolling around on their air mattresses or what but I sleep so much better under my tarp. My best sleep is while cowboy camping though. It’s one of my favorite things. It did get down into the 30’s again last night but that lead to an early start again this morning. We were packed up and out by 7:30.

Today consisted of several long and steep climbs. They are starting to get more and more difficult but honestly my legs and whole body in general is doing surprisingly well. I’d only gone on four 2 day hikes a month before starting this trail so I’m as shocked as everyone else that I’m not hurting really anywhere. I did get my first blister today though on the back of my right heel. Not sure how it happened after two weeks of hiking but a little leukotape and I was back at it.

We called it a little early today at around 3:45 after arriving at Cable Gap Shelter when we noticed a decent sized group of other hikers. They seemed nice so we decided to join them, wash off in the stream play cards for a bit. I’ve decided to cowboy camp again tonight. Weather seems better and last I checked there’s no chance of rain. Wish me luck though because it’s been unpredictable lately.