Make it count: Day #42

Thursday, April 23 - Day #42 - AT Hike

Miles Hiked Today - 21.8
Total Miles Hiked on AT - 534.6/2,193 (24.38%)

Jenny Knob Shelter (603.7) to Hostal (625.5)

Total ascent - 3,917’
Total descent - 3,198’

Total States Completed - 1/14

**Rain Day

High-five!! 3 huge days (20.1, 23.2, 21.8) have set me up for a nice 11.5 mile day into Pearisburg tomorrow. Today was CRAZY. It was a rollercoaster ride, a journey, an adventure, a bounce-back in the same day, an energy and life-giving day , and a whole lot of fun along the way!!

I’m currently writing this blog in a warm bed at one of the top rated hostals along the AT. (They prefer not having their name on social media during Covid-19 - so we’ll just keep it as “Hostal”). I’m in a private room - abiding by my rule of no Hostal dormitory stays during Covid-19. Its pouring down rain outside - and I’m not out there!

I don’t know - it’s just kind of weird. Today was one of those days that make me feel very, very, thankful. I’m thankful for so many things - the opportunity to do this hike, the physical ability to keep it going, the mental skills needed to navigate a lot of obstacles, and all the family/friends which have supported me to be able to use the above mentioned items to the best of my ability.

Per yesterday’s blog - today was a “Remember When” day:

Remember when I woke up that day on the AT at the Jenny Knob Shelter. It was cold and raining. I was exhausted from a couple big days on trail - so I only got started around 8:30am.

Remember when I had a tough time getting things flowing. My first 4 miles were sloooow. I didn’t know how far I’d go - but at least to the Wapiti Shelter - a distance of 14.5 miles from where I started.

Remember when it kept raining most of the day. It was dark, dreary, and cold. Temps in the high 40’s, low 50’s - but very cold when I would stop for a break. Around Mile#8 - I had very little energy to even keep hiking at all. I was walking in the green tunnel for miles today. I was in a jungle-like tunnel - which was almost dark inside because of the heavy overcast weather. I kept hitting my trekking poles together and singing out load so I wouldn’t surprise a bear in this “tunnel”

Remember when I just kept pushing along to Mile#14 - right before the Shelter. I stopped at this very picturesque pond and saw several whitetail deer along the banks. I sat down to determine my next move. I could stop at the upcoming shelter - but then I’d have a big 19 mile day into Pearisburg tomorrow. I could climb this 1,400’ mountain after the shelter and get to the top where some camping areas are located. But that’s another 5 miles and I’m tired and uninspired with this rain. But — if I wait to climb the mountain until morning - I’ll be doing this very cold - really hard on my legs. I checked the weather - it’s going to rain tomorrow as well.

Remember when I ate some trail mix and my last snack item (a gel I use during my marathons. One with caffeine. One I had been keeping for a moment like this)

Remember when I decided to take the hill. The caffeine and food were kicking in. I was gritting my teeth with determination. I was powering up this extremely steep 1,400’ climb.

Remember when the fog started rolling in as I made my way up the mountain. The wind starting swirling. The temperature (which was tolerable 30 minutes ago) was now 10 degrees colder.

Remember feeling that spooky feeling. So much fog. It was like a scene from a horror movie. I kept singing out loud so I wouldn’t scare any bears.

Remember thinking about my options. I’m going to freeze if I camp up on this mountain tonight. In the back of my mind, I remember this Hostal around the 22-mile marker for me today. It was a very distant thought this morning - there was almost a zero percent chance I’d go that far

Remember when - after thinking it out - I called that Hostal in the deep fog. Nobody answered. I carried on for another 1/2 mile and then I tried again.

Remember that girl that answered. She said they have single rooms for $68. And right before I hung up - she said they were preparing a big, warm, dinner to be served at 7:30pm. What? What?? Are you kidding me? A warm bed and a warm dinner could be mine for the cost of another 5.3 miles

Remember when I decided I was going for it at 5:10pm. I put in my headphones and blasted through the fog. I powered up higher and higher on the hill. Then I reached the final 2.3 miles of downhill

Remember when the downhill started becoming really technical. My body and feet were aching. I came around a corner and my left foot slipped out. I started falling in slow motion. My head headed for a rock.

Remember when on instinct I turned my back in the air and my backpack and hand took the brunt of the blow. I instantly thought about Calm Down - how he got bit by a copperhead in Virginia in a similar situation. I flipped to my feet like an alley cat. I thought I had broken my finger - but decided I was good to go

Remember when I was so thankful I did not get seriously hurt. I took the rocks extremely cautiously the last 1.5 miles

Remember when I got to the road along the AT. I saw the sign for the Hostal - 1/2 mile down the road. I got there around 7:15pm - after nearly 11 hours on trail.

Remember how they met me at the front door, how they showed me to my room, how I took a really hot shower, and then went downstairs for a 3-course meal: a great salad, homemade bread, pasta, and brownies for dessert.

Remember when I wrote about all this while in a warm bed.

Well - I will always remember today for all the turns and obstacles that came along the way. It was really like an adventure within the entire AT adventure. I realize it might not sound so earth shattering - but there were a lot of decisions, obstacles, and belief in myself to get where I am right now.

Good night from a warm Hostal along the AT. I’ll be coming to you live from Pearisburg tomorrow night.