Day 87

Describe today in 3 words: Hot, waterless and dangerous! Shenandoah, you’re not impressing me so far. (First, I have to show off my new shoes! They’re green this time to go with my pack.) Actually, today just sucked. We have to understand that there will be some absolutely horrible days but remember that good things are ahead. Today was that horrible day. I pushed a 21.08 mile day (only 20.5 AT miles though) out of necessity. It was either that or only an 8 mile day and then to this destination. 8 miles is too short a day for me now and that would take two days out of what I just did today. The other reason is because over 12 of these miles had no water sources anywhere. Add on top of it being dry so you have to carry a lot more water, it was also a 92 F degree day! I was sweating profusely and cursing the trail, “Screw you, Shenandoah!” The trail today was not what I expected. Shortly after filling out a permit, attaching it to your pack and heading into the park, it gives you some majorly steep, very rocky sections. Add on top of the steep, rocky climbs with extremely hot temperatures and no water anywhere with the freaking GNATS constantly dive bombing your eyeballs. It all made for a very miserable day. There was also really no decent views. Main views were of a cell tower and electrical poles. As for calling it dangerous, that would be because today was my first day coming across a rattler on trail. It was coiled up behind a tree next to the trail so I didn’t see it until I stepped right beside it and it tightened up and started rattling. I completely jumped out of my skin, spinning in the air a 180 and forward away from the snake. My heart was going as fast as that rattle! Anyway, I made it to the Blackrock Hut with barely a cup of water left. The water source here is fantastic and I was able to really soak my hair and refill all my bottles. After a dinner of instant mashed potatoes with mini pepperonis (a guy here gave me some of his olive oil as well), I set up my sleeping gear and am ready to go to bed. Be kind to me tomorrow, Shenandoah. Please?