Make it count: Day #9

Saturday, March 21 - Day #9 - AT Hike

Total Miles Hiked Today - 16.3
Total Miles on AT - 102.2/2,193 (4.66%)
Standing Indian Shelter to Long Branch Shelter (tent at Long Branch Shelter)
Total Ascent - 2,998’
Total descent - 3,247’
Total States Completed - 1/14

Coming to you live from my tent at the Long Branch Shelter - Mile #102.2 on the AT Trail. Another milestone today - I went over 100 miles. I remember seeing on videos leading into the hike how the trail would usually have the 100 mile markers in rocks (see picture). I called my mom on FaceTime so she could walk the last 0.3 miles with me.

Today was my best day yet on the trail. The weather was absolutely beautiful! Temperatures in the 50-60’s. Perfect blue skies with puffy white clouds. No wind. Trail conditions were pristine. It was really enjoyable and peaceful walking out there. The feeling I felt today is what I thought hiking the AT Trail would be like. Sometimes you have to go through struggles to truly appreciate the really good days. I’m thankful to have the opportunity to be here.

I’m building more confidence with distances as well. 16.3 miles today - around 3,000’ ascent. Right before the 100 mile mark - we had to climb Albert Mountain (5,213’). This was basically a bouldering scramble. Crazy! This would have been difficult without a pack. With the pack - I really had to make sure I didn’t tip over backwards. The scenery at the top was amazing however - well worth it.

I’m excited for my Nero-Zero starting tomorrow. I’ll hike 7.2 miles to Winding Stairs Gap and then take a shuttle into Franklin, NC. The goals: eat heartily, shower excessively, do laundry proudly, stretch persistently, ice body prudently, and sleep unconsciously. I’ve never been more fired up to go lay in a hotel room my whole life.

Feeling thankful and blessed today!