Okay! Now that I got that small 2.5 mile section out of the way this morning, it is time to get the AT odometer going again. Lynn dropped me off at Kimberling Creek. There is an easy spot for Lynn to meet me on VA 608 so I get to enjoy some freedom hiking. I picked up my water bottle and camera and headed off.
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Crossing the Bridge
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Kimberling Creek
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View from the south end
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Back on the trail
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I headed up the mountain. My map was only showing one scenic spot today. I came across a blue blazed trail. I assumed it went to the top. If I want a view today, I guess I'll have to take a little detour. Up to the top I went where I caught this view of the valley below.
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I headed back down to the AT. A few minutes later I got somewhat of a scenic view when I went under some powerlines.
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Lynn and Madison met me briefly near Lickskillet Hollow Road (VA 608).
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It was a very hot day with a record high. Lynn found a creek to cool Madison off. I refilled my water bottle and continued. Four and quarter miles to go.
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Jenny Knob Shelter was a little off the trail, but I decided to check it out anyway.
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I met a thru hiker named Lost.
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Lost was the first of many, many thru hikers I would meet over the next several days. Since most thru hikers start in March, I'm guessing this area has the highest concentration of thru hikers right now.
I got back on the AT and decided to do some running. I've got to get ready for that ultra.
A while later my water bottle was empty. It was an exceptionally hot day. I came across some trail magic left by a local church. This time I would take a little something. Too late in the day, it was all gone. I was a little disappointed, but I knew I didn't have far to go. Around the next corner, I found Lynn waiting for me. I checked my total AT mileage at the end of the day: 1087 miles. Just a half mile short of being half way. I guess I'll pass that milestone tomorrow first thing.
