Saturday, March 26th

Russell Field Shelter to Mile 187.8 (dispersed camping)

7 miles

Total miles 187.7

Today was my most difficult day. The terrain was relentless with the elevation changes and rocky path. I didn’t make it to the required shelter. It was another two miles. I have had tummy issues for the past three days and it is slowing me down. 

I’ve looked at my AWOL Appalachian Trail guide again and determined where the next few shelters are. I’m just going to hike from shelter to shelter. Skipping a shelter today was a bad idea. I should make it to Newfound Gap by Wednesday or Thursday. I’ll be almost out of food by the end. It’s okay, though, if I ration it out. 

The wildflowers are starting to bloom. 

I met two two ridge runners today. 

I hiked over Rocky Top today. There is a song about it, but I don’t know it. 

The views today were gorgeous! I wish I wasn’t having such a tough time hiking. It was rocks galore on the trails. I really should know more about geology so I could identify them.

 

Ridge Runner

Ridge Runner