Yesterday was a big mileage day in the mountains, especially after my zero days (zero mileage), but today I still pulled off 13 miles. My legs were tired after today, more so than they have been in a while, and I think it is because of the elevation changes, a lot of ups and downs today.

As I took a slower pace, it helped me reflect on some things. The first of which, a concept that a close friend of mine brings up sometimes, is charitable assumption, assuming that others’ intentions are not to hurt or offend. This can be challenging, as when other hikers decide to toss trash in fire pits. It is definitely one of my pet peeves, but perhaps their bags were fit to burst leaving no room for trash, or perhaps they thought that burning AA batteries was healthy and acceptable. Whatever the intent, I try not to waste energy hating and simply pack it out myself.

Another topic of my reflection was pace. I tend to hike quickly. By quickly, I mean very few people pass me, but I was focusing today on going slowly and really enjoying the hike. I hiked a lot slower than normal, and it was surprisingly difficult when someone passed me not to try to catch back up and pass them. I had to laugh at my competitive or achieving nature and hold my pace.

I had a pretty great time today, seeing. Blueberry Bear again and meeting some new people. Most of the people I met earlier are ahead of me, as they were off the trail for less time. I’d like to catch some of them, especially Truck, but whatever happens will happen.

A noteworthy event today: I passed into North Carolina! The first state of the trail complete, I feel more like an official thruhiker. Sleeping tonight in a shelter. It has become a sort of ritual for me to start a fire. There were quite a few camping at the shelter, and when someone requested I build a fire, I obliged. It worked out well for me, as they collected most of the firewood.

We enjoyed the warmth and the clear sky for a bit (the stars tonight are fantastic!), but all are nearly asleep by 10 tonight. It is feeling chilly, but hopefully it will not be too cold tomorrow.

I am looking at the next place to resupply, as I have been eating my food faster than I anticipated. It is a good thing. I need the energy, but I am going to have to get used to stopping more often or carrying a boatload of food. I am hungry still, but all of my food is hanging from a branch, so I will have to wait until morning. We will see how it goes.

Goodnight all.
-Firewalker