Day 114

14.7 to Deer Licks Shelter. Today was not awesome. We are doing an overnight on trail so carrying full pack with less food, but still heavy. There were a lot of rocks today, just a little wet to be slippery and mostly downhill which is always more treacherous. Climbs are hard on the cardiovascular system but generally I prefer that to a descent, especially this one. Having thoughts of being done with the whole thing-my feet and ankles, and even my elbow hurt. You wouldn’t think elbow pain might be the thing to take you off trail but using trekking poles and leaning on rocks to get down and even pulling pants down to pee all are really difficult. And at this point this is more of a job than anything else. Hike every day for 10-12 hours regardless. We did cross into PA and a hikers family was visiting and cheered us in which was fun. Also crossed a suspicious number of boys with a church group and when I asked how many there were one of the adults said “about 70” which made me concerned. Why do they not know the exact number 🤔 I made it to the shelter just before rain started and listening to the rain to fall asleep is always nice. I just wish everything wasn’t so dang sticky and damp.