Day two was a killer. I had Sassafras Mountain to navigate, along with several steep peaks and gaps all day long. The AT in Georgia likes to visit every mountain top it passes, and the trail builders never heard of switch-backs. By the time I hiked 11 miles to a place called Justin Creek, it felt like I had walked 20. I can see why novice backpackers quit after just a few days. These mountains are hard!
My feet are doing good – no blisters yet – just a couple of sore toenails. My knee feels good and I only feel it if I go too fast on the descents. I still don’t have much appetite and I know I’m not drinking enough. It’s supposed to get cooler next week so that should help.
I’m starting to meet a lot of thru-hikers now. One interesting man is 89 years old, attempting to hike to Maine. Another, is carrying a 90 pound pack – the one leaving stuff beside the trail.
I am pretty tired tonight. I should sleep pretty well except for an air mattress that has a slow leak and leaves my hip touching the ground. I may replace it at the outfitters in Mountain Crossing.
Wow, one would be either inspired by an 89 year old thru hiker, or totally discouraged by his accomplishment. He must have been hiking for years and years.
Was the leaky air mattress the one you loaned me on Picketpost? That was a good, expensive mattress. Hope you can repair it.
Keep trudging, Trudge!
The 89 year old man is apparently hiking the same direction you are – towards the north. Did he catch up with you, or did you catch up with him?