5/1/12 – 285 miles
I left Hot Springs with 7 days of food. The next supply town, Erwin TN, is almost 70 miles by trail, and I wanted to have a little surplus in case it took me longer than I expected.
With the extra weight and scorching heat of the day, I felt exhausted for most of the day. This was the first real taste of what it will be like to hike when the hot weather of summer hits full force in a few weeks. I stopped quite a few times while climbing hills to mop my face with my bandana. Thank goodness the leaves are now providing shade for the trail and water sources are still abundant.
I reached Spring Mountain Shelter about 5 pm and set up my new tent. It’s going to be an adjustment going from a tent with all kinds of room down to a little one person tent, but I will get used to it. I think I will pick up a footprint for it – the floor seems very thin.
I’m camped with three other guys that I’ve never met before. Most of the group I’ve been traveling with are still stuck in town. I have no doubt that they will catch me down the trail, though, most of the young people are getting their trail legs and can really move.