Start: Watauga Lake Shelter
End: Double Springs Shelter
Miles: 21.7 today, 435.9 total
I came really close to stepping on a rattlesnake today. As in, 2 or 3 more feet and he would be under my boot. I was walking through some really thick grass, the kind that I really hate when it rains. I didn't see it until I was right up on it, and I immediately stepped back about 20 feet. He noticed my presence about then and started shaking his tail. This one was bigger and had a more defined rattle than the one I almost stepped on in Georgia. And again, I made a big loop around him through the underbrush to the side of the trail (hopefully there was no poison ivy). I kept yelling, "Keep singing, buddy!" so I'd know where he was.
For once in a long while the weather was nice all day. And, up until the last 3 miles or so, I had an almost perfect hike. It was pretty satisfying. But then, with 3 miles left, I started feeling what I thought was a rock under my left big toe. I stopped and took off my boot to find a brand new blister. Oh boy! So I put some moleskin on it and limped to the shelter. To date, the biggest problem physically has been my feet. Fighting blisters has been a main concern. I hope I can keep them under control.
Tomorrow I do 18-ish miles into Damascus, 5 days ahead of schedule! Bring on Virginia!
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