Day 117, 17-Oct. Milepost: 1390.8 miles, Daily: 20.9. 64.1% completed! Ascent: 2810′, Descent: 5685′, Highest: 4050′. Camp: Lynchburg Reservoir Rd area, Blue Ridge Mtns, 1000′. 40 degrees in early morning! Great hiking weather with great sunny views from Cole Mtn. Long descent to 1000′ out of the wind. Met the Sutton family who thru-hiked the AT this year with their 5-year old boy.
Looking back at the previous day, when I was hot and sweaty at times, the cold 40 degree morning forced me to wear several layers, hat, buff and gloves most of the morning. It was Sunday and many families were on the trail to enjoy the sunny, autumn day (after it warmed a little). It was fun to meet the Suttons, who achieved national awareness by hiking the entire AT this year with their 5-year old boy.
Another family offered me water when I realized I was low on water with 10 miles before reaching a reliable source. The trail provides! Thanks to a long, fast descent to a large reservoir I hiked 21 miles!
Yikes! Glad a family offered you water, angels on the trail are gold.
Gorgeous!
Brrr! Cold mornings! I hope it gets a little warmer as you proceed south….
This week the forecast calls for warmer temperatures. At the moment I am breaking a sweat while climbing south of the James River!