snifur

12 Apr 2011 - Tues - Day 29: Hiked to Elk Park, NC ( 23.5 miles) and stayed at Mountain Harbor Bed and Breakfast and hostel. The is the friendliest and cleanest hostel so far. The hostel is above the horse barn. It is easy to get to. Weather was horrible: 50mph winds, rain, sleet, snow and hail. NOT fun! I think I had mild hypothermia for 2 hours.

13 Apr 2011 - Wed - Day 30: Hiked to N36 13 16 W082 01 44 near Upper Laurel Fork (12.6 miles). Quiet spot. This morning I started on the trail late because I had a huge breakfast at the hostel, then hitched into town to buy trail snacks. Then I had brunch which consisted of bologna, bread, prunes and donuts. Started on the trail about noon and I was so full of food that I couldn’t even drink water. I made the 400 mile mark today!

14 Apr 2011 - Thurs - Day 31: Hiked to Waycaster Spring (14 miles). N36 16 47 W082 08 21. Elevation 2180Ft. I was slow today due to the full pack of food I am carrying. I should be able to make the VA state line in 2.5 days! I want to try to hike two 20 mile days. I will have to push hard tomorrow since it is all up hill.

15 Apr 2011 - Fri - Day 32: Hiked to Double Springs Shelter (29.7 miles). Great hike today. Not too strenuous and there was a lot of cool wind. Passed around Watuaga Lake and it was very pretty. There was no room in the shelter so I had to camp outside. 55 degrees and windy.

16 Apr 2011 - Sat - Day 33: Hiked to Damascus, VA (18.5 miles) and stayed at Hikers Inn run by Paul and Lee. Fast day. 60 degrees and rain.

17 Apr 2011 - Sun - Day 34: Zero day. First full day off since Hot Springs. Purchased new hiking poles, pack cover, and trail snack bars for the trip to Troutdale, VA where I will pick up my next mail drop. It is 49.2 miles away (about 3 days). I weighed myself and have dropped from 195 lbs to 178 lbs in one month! 17 lbs lost. That is why I feel very tired all the time. I have to start eating more!

18 Apr 2011 - Mon - Day 35: Hiked to a campsite one mile short of VA 601 (17.2miles). Slow day coming out of Damascus. Easy climb out though. 70 degrees and sunny.

Week 5 summary: Total miles hiked this week: 115.5. Avg miles for hiking days: 19.25. Number of zero days: One. Nero days: None.