I so needed good rest. I think my legs are starting to request time off. The miles were not excessive yesterday, but those stairs were something else. I don’t believe I have anything quite like that today. My neighbors from the Motel were living it up last night. Possibly a bit too much libations. After listening to a couple of podcasts, I finally fell asleep, way past my bedtime.

Me and the Father-Son Duo were driven to the trail bright and early. Grandpa Al took good care of us. Some Owner/Operator’s don’t understand how important it is to start early. The sooner I get on the trail, the sooner I can get my miles in and relax. On the PCT, it was 10X10. Ten miles by 10am. On the AT, I’m happy with 10X12 and that’s a push. Needless to say, I should be moving as early as possible.

The weather has been cooperating today. A nice breeze to keep the mosquitoes away because they have been feasting on me lately. I don’t like using Deet and all the Chemical Laden sprays but I need something. My Mom used to swear by Vitamin B12 so I’ll be getting some at my next town stop. I’ve got lumps and bumps all over my arms and legs from these blood-sucking instruments of Satan. I know there’s some redeeming quality of mosquitoes but I can’t seem to remember what that is?

I made it to the Appalachian Market. It’s quite an Icon on the trail. It’s more of a convenient store with hot food to order. I had my new favorite breakfast sandwich with egg, cheese and some sort of meat. Today was bacon. While I was waiting in line to pay, a day hiker told me to get something else to eat, and he’d buy it. Seriously, do I look that hungry? I probably do so I reached for a slice of pound cake. We sat and ate our breakfast together.

On my way back to the trail, my belly was full and I was ready to climb. The day wasn’t too hot but it was muggy. The mosquitoes were swarming me. I went to battle and tried to out run them, but that didn’t work. I had a few vistas but nothing too spectacular. I’m amongst the trees, which helps to keep the heat down but not great for seeing any views. The green tunnel is back.

Interesting place I walked through today was an Inoculation Station. When a smallpox epidemic threatened General Washington’s Army in the winter of 1776, he ordered that all troops be inoculated. This foundation, served as that station for the Continental Army. I guess things haven’t changed much since then.

I wasn’t seeing many hikers today. I think the bubble of thru-hikers are still behind and the flip-flippers are scattered. I made it to Dennytown Park which is a large parking area with lawn and water. Extending my luxurious green mat, I relaxed and ate my lunch of pepperoni and cheese sticks. Whistles caught up and we chatted about where to stay tonight.

Whistles is a young intellectual guy who reads a lot and has many stories to tell. He hikes solo and is forever scaring out bears, porcupines and snakes. This is a great reason to hike alone, if you like that kind of excitement. He wanted to head to the shelter, another 7-8 miles north. I was thinking maybe 1-2 miles max.

He headed out and I followed shortly behind. I was thinking the beaver Pond might have a good flat spot. It did but way too many mosquitoes for my liking. I continued until I came across a fern grotto that had a possible flat area I could clear out. Yep, this will do for the night.

It was a perfect spot with a nice view of the green ferns and a few trees. The birds were great company, squawking and singing as I was setting up camp. I’d be all by myself tonight as no one would be stopping here. I love tenting when there’s no one else. It seems like the way it should be. Just me and the birds and all that Mother Nature has to throw at me.

So I’ve been on trail now for one month. I’ve hiked solo and I’ve hiked with my friends. The Lord brought me people to minister to, to share the trail with and angels to keep me safe. I feel that this journey has been perfectly planned, and just the way He designed it. My knee has recovered well from the rock incident, and the rest of me is feeling much more capable. Within a couple of weeks, my friend Blue will be joining me. She is a strong hiker and hiked with me last year, so she’ll be a welcome partner.

The sweet Lord has been with me all the way, carrying me over rocks and boulders, getting me prepared for the trail ahead. From what I’ve heard, these exercises of climbing, lifting and pulling are the prelude to things to come. Child’s play as they say. So I’m going to need to master this course, or go home! As long as I have Jesus by my side, then I will have everything I need. Well maybe, I will have the Lord take the lead. That’d be a much better plan.