Miles Today - 15.8
Today was the first day I really felt great. The good night's sleep helped, but today for the first time I really felt like I had gotten stronger. My pack, although heavy, felt lighter, and I pounded through the miles in no time.
It helped that it was beautiful out too. I grabbed a caramel latte and munched on some honey buns from my pack, waiting for the shuttle. I didn't get going until 9:30, but a bag of Easter chocolate awaited us at the gap. Magic! I munched on that throughout the morning, feeling great.
The trail took me over two impressive balds. The first I only skirted the summit of, but the second had an old stone tower where I parked to eat lunch and enjoy the view.
The rest of the trail was uneventful, and I rolled into the shelter around 4. The first one there, I picked an edge spot, filtered my water from the stream ten feet away, and curled up to read.
The shelter (and surrounding tent sites) were happening tonight. Rose showed up a little after I did and we planned our next day. Twirls I had passed at the tower, and we spent some time sharing bug battling strategies. Dexter and I discussed terrible TV show ending, and I learned he was an extra on Teen Wolf some time ago. I finally met Purple, who has been painting everyone's nails...you guessed it, purple. I've been seeing her handiwork for the past few days, and got my own right hand done up. Along with six or so others, we all cooked and chatted our way to nightfall, the chief topic of conversation: did anyone know where Salty Balls was?
Tomorrow the elevation will be crazy. I'll lose a few thousand feet in the morning, and then gain it all back by night. Rose and I are thinking of going 18 or so miles to a shelter, stopping mid day at the NOC. I have some food from my family waiting there, and hopefully will be able to grab a burger from the restaurant. Here's hoping my new found strength holds!
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