11-19-12

Days since my thruhike began: 215
AT miles hiked today: 17.8
Total AT miles hiked: 1929.1
Miles to complete my thruhike: 255.1

We did slackpack from McCormick Gap to Dripping Rock on the Blue Ridge Parkway (BRP), but we didn't do the full 24 miles we had ambitiously planned. Don dropped us off on Skyline drive this morning. Luckily we arrived at 7:45am, later than we had intended, because we had to wait until 8am for the gates to open. They are closing Skyline Drive every night at 5pm through January.

It was hazy and around 51 degrees for most of the day. I know the temperature now because Eagle Eye got a digital thermometer on clearance at the outfitter. I'm envious, but at least I can look at hers. The sun did show for a while in the afternoon, and I saw a lovely sunset through the trees. Unfortunately, I didn't get to any good viewpoints before dark, though I got to one after dark when I couldn't see anything. I spent all day listening to music on my phone because I knew I was coming back and could charge my phone tonight. Also, the long climb of Humpback Mountain just kept going and going and I needed the distraction. I should have brought an Ipod on my thruhike so that I could listen to music and not run down my phone battery. Now I know.

It was pretty trail today and I met a couple of section hikers, but otherwise it was empty. Eagle Eye's eye is starting to get better, but it's really good that we can go back to a clean environment after this so she can clean it up and assist the healing process rather than staying out in the dirt tonight. This slackpack was Don and Jeanmarie's idea, for that reason. I don't really know how to thank them enough for how much they have helped us. They were willing and able to provide exactly what we needed, right when we needed it the most. They truly are angels.