Starting Point: Mount Rogers National HQ (534.6)
Ending Point: Campsite (547.7)
Total miles: 13.1 trail. 1.5 Double Bonus
Steps: 35,515
Injuries: Intercostal Strain
Achievements:
Kea and I stopped off for a good breakfast before leaving for the trail. We were going to take the 11:00 bus from Marion. However, we had an opportunity to take a ride from a trail angel. I grabbed my pack, but left my outer shell behind.
That was a real dumb mistake. It is supposed to storm all next week. An outer shell it a necessity.
Fortunately, the Sweeper found it and gave it to a hiker by the name of Singing to the Pines.
I didn’t realize this until I was six miles in. While I waited, a ranger came by and I got a chance to paint a new blaze.
After waiting for two hours, I started hiking backwards. He got to the trail an hour later, but bought doughnuts and decided to have breakfast before starting.
Unfortunately, there were some neat things to see, but I had to skip it all. I’m good now, as I have all my gear. Lesson learned.