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Griffs Journal

Day 7- April 1st

New shoes and 12lbs of pack loss seemed to do the trick. Still a part of “the train” and completed 11.5 miles today. Tired as all get out, but confidence is booming. This is the closest I’ve got to doing the average per day to hit that mountain in Maine on time. Al received a food drop and had excess, so I enjoyed a vegan rice dinner. It was really good, and made better when I paired it with some slim Jim’s.

I took a picture with “rorschach” on top of Wolf Laurel. Super nice mountain woman painting on the peak. Also, I got a little trail magic in the form of a water top off from a guy who hiked in 2000.

Low Gap shelter is windy, and I’m preparing for a cold night. This trip is much more than a physical challenge. Hearing others point of view is a neat thing to learn. You really figure out what is important out here. It’s also how few things you have to have to be happy.

Location and counts:

Low Gap shelter (AT mile 42.8)

Miles Traveled today (11.5)

Total miles traveled (51.6)

Remaining: 2151.4miles and 182days

Blue Mountain Shelter Tomorrow!

Day 8- April 2nd

Today was kind of rough being the day after the 11mile haul. The trail was rocky as can be, and the last part was a brutal uphill. I’m still tagging along with “the train”, I hope to be able to keep up with them. We got to camp early and decided to setup shop in the shelter. The rest of the day went by fast, but I’m hoping slow enough to help these blisters heal. Cell phone service was better than in my living room, so of course I burned up some battery watching WRESTLEMANIA! I saw two mice run across my screen. At the moment, writing this in the morning of day 8, I’m watching an awesome sunrise.

Health Report

Feet are still dealing with multiple blisters, my knees are sore, and my throat is sore from all this fresh air. I think I’m ready for some more abuse.

I’m still enjoying this adventure and we’ll see what day 9 brings.

Location and Counts:

Blue Mountain Shelter (AT mile 50.1)

Miles traveled today (7.3)

Total miles traveled (58.9)

Remaining- 2144.1miles and 181 days

Cheese Factory tomorrow!

Day 9- April 3rd

It was a really rough morning. I was doubting why I am doing this. I’ve noticed every morning is hard and slow going. My feet are killing me and my knee is starting to act up. Homesickness is always hitting me too. Plus the up start of the day was no picnic. Anyhow, I eventually made my way to Unicoi Gap. I met up with the rest of “the train” and we hitched a ride into town. Made my first trip to Ingles. It’s an amazing feeling when you’ve been in the woods for a week and then see nothing but wall to wall food! I got way too much stuff including drink mixes, Tortillas, block of cheese, Pepperoni, pistachios, Tuna, chicken, and instant mashed potatoes. When we got back to Unicoi Gap, trail magic was set up, so we had some hamburgers and baked beans and a Coca-Cola. Good lord I miss Dr. Pepper! I feel bad for AL, all he could enjoy was a water and a banana. At a road crossing I met a family in a jeep, passed out a sticker and gave them a few laughs. Like many others, they’re praying for me. I finally made it to the cheese factory site. It was like mini tent city.

I believe after all the events today, I’m getting my spirits back. This group I’m with is a blast, and it’s only been a week. I’m still in conditioning and my wounds will heal. Plus, North Carolina is getting closer everyday. I am dreading the rain on Tuesday, especially after the events at Lance Creek. We’ll see how it goes!

Location and Counts:

Cheese Factory Site (AT mile 56.2)

Miles traveled today (6.1)

Total Miles traveled (65.0)

Remaining- 2138miles and 180days

Deep Gap Shelter Tomorrow

Special thanks to:

Mark Z

Paul H

Hunter B

Megan B

Thanks for your help!