Today’s Miles: 14
Trip Miles: 316.8
“I like big butts and I can not lie…” Sir Mix-A-Lot
Patchy fog before 8 a.m., then a slight chance of rain showers between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m., then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 68. Northeast wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Up at 7:15. Damp and overcast, but it looks like it will clear off soon. Lone wolf headed out at 7:30. Ate, packed, refilled water, and headed out at 8:50. Sun is mostly out, and day looks promising. Knee still swollen. Took 600mg of ibuprofen. First big stop is a shelter at 7.3 miles.
Made it to Camp Creek Bald at 9:52. One hour flat. Not bad considering.
Made it to the top of Big Firescald Knob at 11:30. Really great view.
YouTube video from Big Firescald Knob.
That was a fun rock scramble. First on the trip so far, but not the last !
Woohoo! Crossed the 300-mile mark about 12:00!
Reached Jerry’s Cabin Shelter at 1:00. Got my tent rain fly and footprint out to dry. Partly sunny and breezy. Perfect for drying out. Filtered water and had a snack.
Been a good day so far. Making a little under 2 miles per hour and completed 7.3 miles. Nice scenery and plenty of level walking. I’m being VERY careful with my left leg. Passed about 8 SOBO hikers…mix of section hikers and day hikers.
Back on trail at 2:00. Got about 2 miles and 800-foot climb up to Big Butt Mountain (I’m not making that up). Doesn’t look too bad. After that, about 4.7 miles downhill to camp for the night. Should get on about 6:00.
Trail passes through a large meadow at mile 302.8.
And there is a great big rock.
Why would I want to bypass big butts?
Summitted Big Butt at 3:00….and had this very nice view
Made Flint Mountain Shelter at 5:20. Very nice shelter. No cell service. Weather has been perfect this afternoon. Clear, windy, mid-70s, lower humidity. Evening looks similar. Camp all set up by 6:00.
Hung a clothesline and put up my sweaty clothes to dry. Breezy and low humidity, so they should actually dry for a change.
Got water and made dinner at 6:30. Had great conversations with an older section hiking couple, two 30-year-olds sectioning, and Puzzler who is a NOBO completing his triple crown, and a young woman thru-hiking a NOBO.
In my tent at 8:15. Tomorrow I’m either doing 11.3 to a hostel or 18.9 to a shelter with a big climb the last 4 miles. Will see how I feel at the time. Knee is not as bad tonight as last, but still swollen and sore. Got a good 2.6-mile 1600-foot climb early in the day.
Technical Notes:
- Pop-Tarts 370
- Snickers 250
- Trail mix 270
- Trail mix 390
- Peak Refuel chicken rice 740
- Fritos 400
- Water liters 5
- Miles 14
- Time 8:30
- Elevation gain 3100
- Calories consumed 2500
- Calories burned 5500
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