Even after a good nights sleep in a bed, I was exhausted getting up today. I was slow to get out from under the covers and slow to pack up my bag. McKay, based on the grunts coming from his side of the room, wasn’t feeling much better. 

But at least there was breakfast to look forward to. My parents drove us to a country diner for bottomless coffee, eggs, bacon and (for me at least) apple sauce. Energy was restored for the moment. But by the time we got to the trail head, it was obvious we were in for a slog of a day. 

We climbed for what felt like the entire day. Each time the trail leveled out, it seemed, it would rise again around the next corner. And given we started the day with tired legs, by noon every step felt like there was a lead anvil attached to my legs. 

There were two moments of energy today. First – when we hit the roughly 80 mile mark and crossed from Georgia into North Carolina. We stopped for celebratory photos at our first state crossing and had an extra pep in our step for at least 35 seconds after. 

Second was when we got to the top of one climb and all of a sudden were introduced to Boots, the most adorable corgi pup. Sadly we were also introduced to his parents, who seemed to think they were adorable as well. We chatted with them for a bit before climbing up into the sky. 

When McKay stopped for a break on the last climb, I told him that I’d meet him in camp. I truthfully wasn’t sure that if I stopped, I’d have the energy to get going again. 

But at the end of our 12 mile march, there was an end. I pulled into the shelter and began the process of setting up my hammock. I don’t think I’ve ever taken longer to set up camp. I moved a glacial pace. By the time McKay walked in 15 minutes later I don’t think I had even finished the tying the loops around the trees (step one).

After dinner (and a lot of candy) I was feeling energetic enough to join the group around the camp fire. We all chatted about how the Great Wall of North Carolina was a brutal day. We all groaned and moaned while sitting around the fire until someone said that the amount of elevation we gained today (which was close to a mile of uphill) wouldn’t be gained in the next two days collectively. We all breathed out a big sigh of relief and found ourselves ready for what comes next. 

Boots fell asleep before the rest of us, but as I get into bed I feel myself not far behind.

Key stats:

Miles: 12

Gummy nerds eaten: the whole damn pack