🌜 Stealthy Hammock Camping @521.3

Challenges today with my left shin- whatever muscle that is I’m inclined to remove it 😅

So immediately after the marathon day I felt okay but I think that long day of downhill was stressful for particular leg muscles that were put into overdrive. There has been a little swelling on the left shin/ankle but it seems like I can manage it with ibuprofen, tiger balm, and deliberately walking slowly while properly balanced. Of course that is a tall order in this environment😂 but slow and steady seems to help- Taking breaks, hydration, etc.

Apart from that moderate discomfort in the afternoon, there was a lot to see throughout the day.

It was a chilly start to the day (mid 20’s) coming down out of Thomas Knob Shelter but it sure was beautiful! There are grassy pastures in every direction with wild ponies grazing. The scrub and hay give way to lush and mossy forests teeming with gurgling springs and fresh mountain streams…. All the while amazing 360° views of distant mountains (many I’ve undoubtedly travelled) stack the horizon in a gradient of purples and blues.

I saw an F-14 fighter jet rip across the sky at one point today… the speed and sound were awesome but it made me wonder “is everything okay?”

We hit mile 500 pretty early in the day as well!

My pals were hiking at their own pace today and I wasn’t actually sure is we would meet up but I ultimately found them just before dusk and quickly set up a hammock for the night. Clear skies with many stars- nearly a full moon, too! Hoping to sleep well!

21.9 slow and steady miles today to arrive @ AT mile 521.3.Leggi altro