Day 12 – This is a Test. This only a Test.

9.6 miles / 67.1

Gravel Spring Hut

Last night’s private room wasn’t really all that comfortable; the bed was an antique four poster, very high off the floor that creaked when I moved. Since Street Clothes was sharing the room, I felt self conscious about any noise I was making. His bed made metallic “sproing” sounds, so that wasn’t too fun either. I also was dealing with some anxiety about getting back onto the trail today. But it was either that or make arrangements to go on home, and I’m not ready for that.

It was another great breakfast with Street Clothes and a couple from Tucson named John and Martha. I think Lisa and Scott appreciated my contribution to the conversations each morning. After Lisa took me back to Chester Gap, she seemed sad to see me go.

I had to make the climb back up to the AT with full pack this time, but it felt OK. Then I backtracked to the permit box, and began this next leg (see what I did there?).

I didn’t fall into the zone today, as I was constantly monitoring my legs and feet. I found myself pushing along faster than I meant to go, then moderating, then pushing again. I had leftover pizza from last night wrapped up for lunch, and a few other snacks I got out of the hiker box, so I did take breaks through the day, which was helpful.

The day was mostly cloudy (read: I was walking through the clouds), but as the day progressed the mist let more light through, and then occasional sunshine. There were some minor views through the trees, until I climbed Mount Marshall (elev. 3326 ft). There I had 2 excellent overlooks; the first looking down on the tops of the clouds, with holes through which the valley was visible, and the second an unobstructed view of the hills covered in trees with new fresh foliage almost looking like fall colors. So beautiful!

Somewhat before the ascent up Mount Marshall, maybe halfway into hike, the downhill climb started causing some concerning sensation with my left shin. Coming down Mount Marshall really aggravated it. At this point, I was 8 miles into the 9.7 that would bring me to the Gravel Spring Hut.

The remaining time was a bit of a struggle. The shelter is quite a ways off trail, and drops down a significant amount as well, a path I’ll need to climb up out of tomorrow.

This shelter is known for having a colony of wood rats. The Far Out app has comments about a rat called Annabelle. I’m trying not to dwell on that. There is a thru-hiking couple tenting nearby, a section hiker who is also camping and a thru hiker called Gummy Bear sharing the shelter with me.

It’s supposed to rain tonight and/or tomorrow.

Let’s see what stories the night will bring, if any…