Miles today: 18.9
Total miles: 852.2
Vernon to High rocks shelter
Got up, packed, and got dunkin donuts this morning. I had bought beer and didn’t drink it all so I gave the rest of my six pack to a guy pouring cement who was very excited for the free gift. Got a hitch with Blondie and was off hiking by 10 am. It was a beautiful fall day and the trail went on a boardwalk over a marshy area. It was so beautiful with bright blue skies and changing leaves all around. With a rejuvenated mind and body from my zero, the day felt totally different. I took my time and today felt like a nice enjoyabke fall stroll in the woods rather than a rushed forced hustling to the next shelter. On my zero day I took some time to sit and reflect and write down what I’ve learned so far from my experiences on the AT. I think that reflection helped me have a new and better perspective that made my hike today all the more enjoyable. I also encountered some unexpected trail magic today: a cooler of water bottles and sprite. That was a nice surprise. The terrain was pretty easy and delta Blondie and I all easily made it the 19 miles to the shelter by 5:30 even with our late start. It’s gonna be a cold night tonight. Already bundled up in my sleeping bag.