We finally had an early start this morning. We ended up getting to the trailhead around 7. Aidan's dad drove us there and we started hiking south in the Shenandoahs. All day it was beautiful, peaceful, and easy hiking. All the ascents were gradual and most of the terrain was super flat. It makes sense because the trail pretty much parallels the famous Skyline Drive that cuts through the park. In total we did just under 12 miles.

All day we continued to come out to beautiful rocky outcroppings that overlooked the valley below us. All of us would stop to soak it in. There's something about looking off into the world and being able to see such a distance and from such great heights. It makes me feel small and almost like the world is paused. I always wonder if there are others doing the same from the mountains in the distance.

Only a few miles into our hike we came across the 900 mile sign. It was the first mile marker that wasn't actually for us since we were now going south and had only done about 650 miles. For some reason I thought it'd be funny to put sticks below it that spelled "LOL". Right behind the 900 mile sign was a large cliff with a beautiful view. We took this great photo-op to get some photos of each of us looking off in the distance.

We arrived at the shelter/hut pretty early in the day and set up our tents behind it and just relaxed. Today was exactly what I needed after a few days of stress and pain. I managed to not have any stomach issues so I think the break was worth it. It feels so nice to take it slow at the end of the day and unwind in the woods. I'm really enjoying the trip again. I know I won't quit. What a life I have. I get to walk all day through beautiful country with people I love, eat loads of processed and sugary foods while continuing to lose weight, and then relax by a fire each night. This world is so beautiful and the trail is just amazing. I'm having the time of my life and feel so at peace. I hope this lasts forever.