Date: 2017-04-27
From: Daleville, VA

To: Harveys Knob Overlook
Miles today: 16.1
Weather: overcast clouds

I started out slowly this morning and didn't get out of the hotel until after 10 am. My wife is flying in tonight and I wanted to be back in town to meet her so I set up a slack pack day. My original plan was to be dropped off about 15 miles out and hike back to the hotel but my (Trail Angel) ride couldn't meet me until the afternoon. So I just reversed my plan, hiked out of town, got picked up at a crossroad 16.1 miles up the road and am now back at my hotel room. I know some people don't believe in slack packing but I'm a big proponent of HYOH (Hike your own hike) and have no problems with it at all. I don't blue blaze, aqua blaze, or yellow blaze but really don't have a problem with people doing any (or all) of them either, depending on the situation. For example, I recently met a woman hiking with her 6-year-old son. I believe Tinker Cliffs and the Dragon's Tooth areas to be too dangerous for someone that young. If the mother chose to blue blaze these areas using a safer route, I would respect that decision. For me, my wife is coming tonight. I haven't seen her in more than a month. I wanted to do some hiking today but still be back in time for her arrival. Slack packing seemed like my best bet. Another advantage to slack packing is it reduces wear and tear on my body. It gives me times to rest and heal without getting off the trail. I think it's a win/win for me.Tomorrow, I get new shoes. I'm both excited and worried at the same time. For the past 740 miles, I've worn mid-height Oboz boots and haven't had any foot problems. With new shoes comes the possibility of blisters or other troubles. On the other hand, trail runners weigh less than half of what my boots weigh. I could drop nearly 2 lbs. I've been told, that a lb. on your feet is like 5 lbs. on your back. I'm not sure if that's true, but I want to find out.I'm also getting rid of my 15-degree bag and replacing it with my 35-degree bag¢¦another pound gone! I'm getting rid of my heavy liner (which adds up to 25 degrees), my heavy sleeping socks, my watch cap, my long sleeve shirt, my pant legs, my rain pants, and a few other small items. I'm also exchanging my slightly heavier, lined rain jacket with a lighter marmot jacket. Overall, I'm hoping to drop about 5 lbs. in pack weight. Next month, I'll exchange my 35-degree bag for a light down throw and save another pound.   As you know, every ounce adds up and pounds equal pain. I want to be comfortable at night but want to do it as lightly as possible.My picture for today is a pretty Black Racer Snake I first saw beside the trail. I stopped to watch it and it slithered onto the trail, within just a few inches of my foot. For a moment, I thought it was even going to climb my leg. I'm not a snake expert, but these are easy to recognize. I knew it was harmless, so I wasn't concerned. After taking a couple of pictures, I decided to move on. As soon as I lifted my foot, it was obvious where the name "Racer" comes from. This guy could really move and in a flash, he was off the trail into the underbrush.Tonight, I'm back in my hotel room waiting for my wife to arrive. Outside, it is raining again but I'm safe, warm, and dry. Goodnight from the Appalachian Trail.