Blue Sky Smiling at Me

Hot Springs, NC to Walnut Mountain Shelter.   13.1 miles, 3,126 feet elevation gain. Total trip miles 57.1

Got up early after a great night in a bed after a shower at the hostel. Had a great breakfast in town with eggs, potatoes, and this brown goo they put on a biscuit. Stopped by the outfitter for a new tip for my hiking pole. I hit the trail at 9:30. It was a long mileage day with a 3000 foot gain in elevation with a pack full of food.   The elevation worried me, but I’m getting my hiking legs and moved right through.  It was a great sunny day with a bright blue sky. Enjoyed hiking on the trail covered in a carpet at Autumn leaves. Made it to the shelter at 6:00 with time to set up the hammock and cook dinner. Enjoyed some peppered turkey jerky my wonderful wife bought for me with some dressing.  On to Max Patch tomorrow. 

 Hot Springs in the morning