So, the motel's shuttle for hikers dropped a bunch of us off at the trail head and everyone hit the road, but dad and I stopped to put on bug spray. Then this dude pulled off onto the side of the road and randomly starts chatting us up and then takes our picture and drives away. It was creepy. And shouldn't have happened, you know? It rained the night before and it seemed like he was looking for backpackers that were rained on to prey on. You've got to watch out for the crazies!
About midday we experienced our first trail magic! Trail magic is many different things such as a cooler of free water just when you run out, a hitch in the rain, folding tables full of food for thru hikers at the top of a tough climb. It is basically anything nice, usually just when you need it. It's often set up by former hikers, family and friends, or retired folks from the nearby towns. Our trail magic was a table of food and first aid. Pb&J, fruit, hardboiled eggs, candy, water, and the likes. And comfy chairs to sit in!
After that was a quick jaunt up to the lookout tower, where we could (supposedly) see four diffrent states. Beautiful.
We reached the shelter we were planning on hammocking near at 5 o'clock but decided to push on to the next one, making it a 16 mile day. When we finally reached the 6 man shelter, it was already full and there were tents everywhere. We rushed to find three good hammock trees before it was dark. We filtered water and quickly ate some food before jumping into our sleeping bags because we were freezing our butts off! So cold! But I was okay cause of my little personal heater (Luke). :)
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