Date: 2018-04-12
From: US 211, Thornton Gap

To: Tom Floyd Shelter
Miles today: 24.8

I had to go back and correct my last two journal entries, for some reason I had the day count wrong (operator error). Anyway I think it is now fixed. Today is Day 62 since the start of my AT thru hike back on 02/10. How I ever managed to pound out over 24 miles today is beyond me. I got a late 7:30 start to my hike as I was tied to the shuttle ride to the trailhead (those of you following my journal know that anything after 6 is a late start for me), and I felt sluggish most of the day - probably because of all the food I¢ve been eating. I encountered one other thru hiker today, Shoemaker, we had lunch together at the wayside. I also encountered many dayhikers, and one section hiker. As far as the weather is concerned, itvwas a beautiful day. Warm (70) and sunny much of the day. It felt great. Alison of Open Arms Hostel shuttled me back to the trailhead this AM, and I was back on the trail at 7:30 hiking. I did not see much of either Mainer or Capt. Blackbeard last nite after they arrived late, they both seemed pretty worn out. They said they were exhausted, and hoped they weren¢t coming down with something. The relentless day after day exertion that comes with being on the trail can take its toll. There are also countless illnesses that one can contract while on the trail such as Giardia (from untreated water), Norovirus (from contact with mice), Lyme disease (from ticks) and others.I got myself another blackberry milkshake for lunch at Elkwallow Wayside. And french fries. And a baloney sandwich that I packed with me. I¢ve been a glutinous pig these past several days!I am now out of the SNP. I really enjoyed my hike thru the park, the trail is well maintained and there are spectacular views from many outlooks. Kayanne, some day you and I will need to take a nice leisurely drive thru the park on Skyline Drive. I won¢t make you camp and minimal hiking, HaHa, we¢ll stay at motels. Here at the shelter tonite are Sour Patch, T5000 and Ghost. It¢s always good to see them!  They have a short day planned for tomorrow as they will be picked up at a road junction by Sour Patch¢s aunt, then spending a ZERO on Saturday. Someone asked me a few weeks ago if hiking the trail was more physical or mental. In my humble opinion, after hiking 900 plus miles so far (but still having a long way to go), I think it is more mental. Certainly there is a physical aspect as well, but if you¢re not in good shape when starting out the trail will whip you into shape after a few weeks. The mental challenge however is there every day for the duration. Stuff Happens as they say, and you have to be prepared mentally to deal with the mishaps and adversity  that will come along. You will fall, and have to be prepared to pick yourself up and keep on movin. There will be times when you are cold, wet and feeling miserable, and again need to keep movin on. There will be times when a piece of gear fails or doesn¢t perform as expected (eg waterproof boots that aren¢t waterproof) and need to keep movin on. There will be times where you will really miss your family and loved ones, as well as the comfort of your home, but need to keep movin on. These and countless other mishaps/concerns/issues will test your mental toughness. Again this is just my opinion. I am safe, warm and dry in the shelter tonite. Goodnite.