Muskrat Creek Shelter [mile 81.4]
What first, the good or the bad? Let’s start with the bad: Today was the first time I actually questioned my ability to do this, physically. Not to do it at all, but to finish in time. I only made it 7 miles today. And all the other people at this shelter started 4 or 5 days after I did, including the retired couple.
That’s the bad news. Today was tough, tough, tough. Out of the old shelter and immediately up. And up. And up. Every time I thought it couldn’t possibly go any higher or steeper, I turned a corner and the trail angled up for another half mile. I mean 45, sometime 50 degrees of pitch. All day.
Bly Gap, I hate you forever! You are NOT our preciouss!
The good news is that I think I know part of the problem. I’m simply not eating enough, and especially not enough protein. I don’t have enough energy to do 15 mile days. I worked on that tonight—ate a big dinner. I’ll get into Franklin in a couple of days, and I’ll change up my meal plan again.
The best news: Today I finished Georgia! YAY! No matter what happens, I’ve done the entire AT in Georgia.
And as I lie here typing, I hear some familiar hikers roll in: Peanut, who camped next to me at Lance Creek, and Hobo who started 3 days before me. Look, the day’s turning up already, just as I’m about to turn in.
Rain tomorrow.
Karma on the Trail 
It is your hike, it really does not matter how fast, it is progress that counts. I am glad you are figuring this out and kicking up the food intake.
Yeah, the food’s been kind of hard to figure out. Getting thers, though.
Nothing wrong with an excuse to eat more!
I hear that!!!
Do you know Jordana? You are both posting on wordpress about someone named Peanut. Not sure if there is more than one Peanut
I do know Jordana! We were roomies at the Hiker Hostel the night before we started. She’s one of my favorite hikers, and I love it when we end up at the same shelter.
Also, It’s the same Peanut. 🙂
That’s really cool. Keep up the hard work and let Jordana know the frog at trail-hike-life says hi. Take care!
Not to worry about your mileage; those long-mile days will come. The most significant thing is that you crossed the GA/NC border, what I believe is a key hallmark toward long-term success. Keep your spirits up, your feet in front, and walk whatever pace feels right. 7-10 mile days are not unusual at this stage; maybe as much as 13. Also, you began in plenty of time to make it to Maine.
That’s great to hear! Thanks! It’s hard to know what’s reasonanle at this stage of the game.
Loving reading your blog! I see a book in your future!