Appalachian Trail: Day 40
Disclaimer: This post is NOT sponsored. All the gear mentioned in this post was purchased by me at retail prices. I have no affiliations with any of the companies or brands mentioned.
Today started with getting up early after a late night and packing up in preparation for an early shuttle to the other side of the river. Surprisingly, the late night didn't really cause issues with waking up early. Guess my body is getting use to waking up with the sunrise.
When the van showed up, we all piled in finding whatever space for our packs and ourselves, then off we went for a quick ride through town to get to the other side of the river which would have previously been a bridge walk.
Once we got out on the other side, the day really begun. LOTS of uphills. And with a resupply. Food is heavy. Not for the first time I wish the Ring of Sustenance from D&D was real. For those unfamiliar with it, it's a magical ring that makes things like rations unnecessary. My pack would be so much lighter if I didn't have to carry food.
The Curley Maple Gap Shelter was my first stop of the day for a break and a quick lunch. The shelter was very cute. Then off I went for more uphill climbing.
There was some trail magic at Indian Grave Gap. A nice brownie and an Arnold Palmer. Then more uphill to Beauty Spot which was a nice bald with some decent views and soft grass for a nice rest.
A bit of downhill to the gap for water, where I loaded up with an extra liter because the planned campsite is dry, followed by, you guessed it, more uphill.
I finally got to the tent site around 6 PM. All of the sites are sloped somehow, so I grabbed the best one I could find before cooking dinner and crawling into my bag because it started to get cold.
The plan for tomorrow should be a 12 mile day to the next shelter with lots of little ups and downs, but it's going to be complicated by a detour. Further issues caused by Helene. Hopefully I won't get lost. There are several other hikers who will be going through the area at the same time, so things should work out.