Date: 2018-05-25
From: Walker Gap

To: View to West campsite
Miles today: 17.6

1. Date: Sunsday, Forelithe 5 (May 25)2. Day 395-93. Morning temp: 604. Weather: clear, calm5. Time start: 06506. Time stop and miles: 1640/17.67. End point: View to WestLog:I was alone in the clearing all night. The rest of the dead tree didn't fall on me. My shoulder did keep bothering me though, so I took some Tylenol during the night.Since I was in bed so early the night before, I was awake in the rack for awhile waiting for the dawn. I rolled out at 0540 as soon as I could see around. The first order business was cathole digging. No privies nearby, so I had to dig my first of this phase. No biggie.Next I made breakfast and packed up. I filled my water and was walking down the trail before 07.It looked like it was going to be another nice day and it was. My plans were loose today. I wanted to get close to the Brushy Mountain Outpost so I could get some good food, so I was at least going 14 miles. Yesterday was nice with the short day, but I think I stopped too early. There was too much daylight wasted yesterday, so the plan was to take my time, but go later into the day.I enjoyed the beautiful day and the nice terrain, not seeing anyone at all except two trail maintainers until I was close to the shelter for lunch.Just before the shelter a hiker passed me. I followed him into the shelter and we had lunch. He is a young man from Denmark with the trail name Great Dane. He only has a couple months here until he has to start college, so he was hiking fast. He was hoping to get to Harpers Ferry before running out of time, but after our talk, he now wants to make it to Pine Grove Furnace for the half gallon challenge.After lunch I continued on. I only had about four miles to my original destination, so I decided I would push on. First two more miles, then another two.When I got to Laurel Creek I stopped to soak my feet, drink a whole liter of water and fill my bottles. The campsite I was heading to would be a dry camp.When I was there another hiker came in. He realized that he had lost his filter. He left his pack and headed back, hoping it wasn't too far back. When he hadn't come back after awhile, I filtered some of my water into his bottle, refilled mine and headed out. (He did find his filter)I thought the climb up to the ridge was going to be a killer, but it had some nice switchbacks so I made good time.As I was approaching my spot for the night, two hikers passed me. They were taking a break at the fire ring. We talked a bit and they moved on, trying to get to the store tonight before it closed.I set up and made dinner. There still seems like a lot of daylight left, but my feet were happy to be done for the day. This was the longest day of the phase so far and there are going to have to be a lot more like these as I have to average 14.5 miles a day if I want to finish on schedule.Right now I'm at 13.1, so not too bad. Tomorrow I want to eat some cooked food, maybe resupply some stuff and then get at least to the second shelter down the trail.Flora: GreenbrierVOD: Where my hammock isSound: blue jayHigh: Soaking my feet in the creekLow: The last climb of the dayHope: For some good food tomorrow.