Feet hurt!! Could have gone on, but pain sucks. Pack is bothering my back and waist. Both feet and Achilles issues. The later need addressed before they turn into something bad!
Developed a bad case of monkey butt. I forgot to pre-treat this morning:(
I lost 7 lbs on this hike. I know some is water, but still!
Pitcrew picked me up at the parking area at Keys Gap.
Up at 7:45 with alarm. Had breakfast, got ready, and on trail at 9:00 am.
Only 8.5 mile day in 6:45 hours. First 5 miles was VA rollercoaster. Really killed me after 15 miles yesterday. Did several breaks to rest my sore feet today.
Feet hurt a lot by mile 4 and were problematic all day.
Got to Blackburn at 3:45. Feet really hurt and that issue in left ankle was bad today. Could not have gone much further!
Chuck at Blackburn Trail Center 2023
Got unpacked and bedding set up by 4:30. Only person in the 4 person bunk house so far. No electricity but 4 walks and a roof. S my till a lot better than a shelter. Had recovery mix a bit late.
Went to screened porch and chilled and charged phone.
Blackburn Trail Center porch 2023
Feet still sore. Tomorrow will be interesting, but I have much longer to rest tonight and a fairly easy hike once I climb back up the .3 miles onto the AT from Blackburn.
Ate dinner at 7:15. Nice talk with Adam the caretaker. Gave me cookies and a chocolate bar. Done and cleaned up about 7:55. The curry noodles were good and spicy!!!!
Pitcrew drove me to Ashby Gap about 9:00am. Goal is to get to Bear’s den before 9:00 pm. Sam Moore Shelter was backup (10 miles).
Hiked 15 miles in 9.5 hours including the southern 2/3 of VA roller coaster (11 miles). Very hard day. Took 30 minutes for lunch. I got to Bear’s Den at 8:15 pm. Worried I would not make it by 9:00 pm! Exhausted when I got there, but felt decent.
Bear’s Den on the AT 2023
Talked to nice mom and son who are slackpacking his final few miles. They stayed in a camper van but used showers.
Ate dinner around 10:00pm. Went back to bunk room and face timed Dana and read till 1:00 am.
