Fell short of the planned mileage yet again, but this time only by a mile. Today started off easy traversing pastures and generally level hiking. Eventually the toll was exacted in the form of 3 painful climbs.
The menu is starting to feel pretty routine. Breakfast of pop tarts, a tortilla with chicken and chips for lunch, and pasta with tuna for dinner. My snacks of candy are the only thing I look forward to eating anymore.
We passed Lick Creek around 5 pm, which was yesterday’s planned campsite. The site is right next to the water and we took some time for everyone to go swimming. I took a nap while they cooled off.
After the climbs we were all and decided to camp next to the shelter instead of continuing on. This shelter is an old fire lookout tower and offered great views of the night sky and surrounding areas.
Looking ahead it seems like we’re walking along a ridge for the next 50 miles or so. I’m hoping we can pick up the distance
Day 54 Mileage: 17.4 mi [Reed Creek -> Chestnut Knob Shelter]
Total Mileage: 578.2 mi