Once I laid down to sleep last night, I tossed and turned for a bit. Around 1-2am, I rolled over for the fifth or sixth time and heard a pop on my right knee. I stretched my leg out and for the first time in a month, it didn’t hurt. God, did you just give me a supernatural adjustment on my knee? I would know for sure once I started hiking in the morning.

The sunrise was beautiful with an orange and pink hue. I walked over to the ledge and just admired the quiet and peacefulness of the morning, praising the Lord for this day ahead. I started packing up and that’s when I realized my knee wasn’t hurting me. I wonder sometimes if our sweet Lord wants us to verbalize our needs more often? Does He want me to ask for prayer, letting others have the opportunity to pray over me or each other? I have to think that He does. Because my knee is healed! I have been hobbling on this knee since the 100 Mile Wilderness and as soon as I asked for prayer, it’s miraculously healed. Thank you my sweet Jesus!

Today was all about finding water. My stealth camp was lovely but there was no water nearby. The College Students told me they stopped at the Ranger Station at the bottom of the gap. That’s where I’m headed. It’s about three miles and I have a half liter. It was cool and breezy this morning. Another great day on the trail. I made it to the Ranger Station, found the Maintenance Guy and he pointed me to the hand pump. He said I should let it flow for a bit before I fill up. Can do. The other bonus was a trash bin so I was able to get rid of all my garbage. That’s a win-win.

I planned to hike to the next shelter and have my morning snack. That was five miles with no major ups or downs. The forest was a bit damp from the evening sprinkle but didn’t get me wet at all. I didn’t see anyone on the trail this morning. Just me and Norman and the Maintenance Guy. When I headed to the Shelter, I thought I might see someone but nope, no one at all. Most Shelters have Log Books so I pulled it out and started reading . To my surprise there was an entry last April from Airborne. I hiked with him last year and evidently he returned for round two. His real name is Tommy and he signed it with both trail and real name. He said I hope I run into some of my friends from last year. He was a super nice guy that I hiked with to the NOC, before Blue showed up. Such a small world of hikers. Gosh, that would’ve been great to see him again.

I continued and decided to push on to the Loft Mountain Wayside. They have a grill and shakes. That’d give me purpose to move a little faster. At this rate, I could have lunch at the grill and save my Triscuits and Salami for another day.

As I came around the bend, I heard power tools whacking away at the trail. Thank goodness. The BlackBerry bushes are alive and well and taking over the trail. I started wearing my wind jacket because my arms were getting sliced from the thorny bushes. I thanked the Volunteer and so appreciate his hard-work. He planned to do a two-mile section and he would be there all day. I shouldn’t complain too much because I have been eating blackberries for the past couple of days. They are ripe and ready for the picken!

There were quite a few vistas today, from both the east and the west side of the ridge lines. The AT crossed Skyline Drive maybe 10-12 times today. At least I was able to see everything the drivers could see and have shade from all the trees. The problem with road walking , which many of the hikers do, is you’re on black asphalt which is hot and there’s no shade. The trail is much nicer.

Once at the Wayside, I ordered a Grilled Chicken Salad with a Blackberry Shake. I love these shakes! It’s what all the locals drive into the Park for, or so they tell me. They are incredibly delicious. I stayed for an hour or so and talked to quite a few tourists. They come from all over to see this park. I talked with one couple from Belgium. They were visiting all the National Parks on the East Coast. That’s one heck of a road trip.

After lunch, I headed back out to finish up my day. I decided to go to Blackrock Hut because it was the only Shelter that had water! It was another six or so miles and now that my knee is feeling better, it wouldn’t be a problem. I saw a few more deer, which I just can’t get over how tame they are. Well at least they have no fear of us hikers., and honestly no predators in this park.

Blackrock was the culmination of my day. There was a 500’ climb if even that, and it had views to the east and west. It was a Shale Rock pile but once again, there was a cleared path that circumnavigated the peak. It was quite spectacular. The skies were much clearer today so the views were stunning.

I headed down and took the spur trail to Blackrock Hut. When I got down into the canyon, there was a gal in a hammock. She told me she saw a bear here at camp and was pretty darn excited. We talked for a bit and I headed over to the picnic table to eat. Cali-Roll showed up. I met him back in Connecticut and he too is Flip-Flopping. I was so happy to see him. We ran into each other several times in the north and I had never thought I’d see him again. He’s hiking Nobo from McAfee which is where I’m finishing. It was so much fun catching up and hearing about his hike.

What an incredible day it was indeed! I just can’t get over the fact that my knee is healed. Not just better but all better! What an incredible and wonderful God we have! It really reminds me how important it is to voice my requests, to ask for prayer and then to believe Jesus will work on my behalf. I am overwhelmed with gratitude and thankfulness. There He goes again. God being the Almighty God!