The weather has taken a turn for the worse. It looks like rain all day. I guess I can't complain. I've had awesome weather for over a week now. It's just as well, with a 31.4 mile day planned I don't have time to enjoy scenic views and/or take many pictures. There wasn't much for us to see when Lynn and I arrived at Newfound Gap.
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Today's starting point (once again on the state line) was higher than a lot of mountains I've climbed.
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Lynn at Newfound Gap
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1.7 miles down, 29.7 miles to go
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Thru hikers packed into Icewater Spring Shelter to stay out of the rain.
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I skipped the sidetrail to Charlie's Bunion since there wasn't anything to see today although I did get partial views into the valley from time to time.
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Overall, today was a rough section of trail, but I did take the opportunity to run when I could.
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Since I was approximately halfway through the day, I took a break at Tricorner Knob Shelter
Although I'm a section hiker/day hiker, I usually fit right in with thru hikers. But the thru hikers here didn't seem to want to let me into their inner circle. That's when I decided I needed to use my secret weapon. I brought out and shared some Starburst candies. I was immediately let into the conversation after that.
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I had Cosby Knob Shelter to myself. I took my last break of the day and called Lynn to let her know I was ahead of schedule on this extra long day.
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5.2 miles to go
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The weather tried to clear several times today, but never did.
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This cool section of trail was built on top of a retaining wall.
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Rhododendrons (I have to look up the spelling everytime I use that word.)
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I finally reached Davenport Gap, 31.4 miles later.
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In 3 years of section hiking the A.T., this was my highest mileage yet. I have another 30+ mile day the day after tomorrow, but it will be just a little shorter. Tomorrow I hike up to Clingmans Dome, the highest elevation on the Appalachian Trail.
