Day 2 : Feb 23

Woke up this morning at 630 as the sun was beginning to rise. I slept okay, two nights ago my toes were a bit chilly so I wrapped by down jacket around them last night and that kept them plenty warm. Walker and I were able to get out of camp by 7. We walked for an hour or so and made breakfast next to one of the thousand mountain streams in the area. Apple and cinnamon oatmeal, a pack of tuna, and a nature valley bar is how I start my mornings out here. The temp was probably in the low 20"s when we were eating so we didnt waste any time starting back up again. As we were eating vermont passed us, we think he is a very fast hiker. 

There is a saying on the trail that once spring arrives, you begin to hike in the green tunnel, referring to the vibrant green leaves that have come to life around you that time of year.  However, I would have to argue that green tunnel starts much earlier than that. Anyone who has ever hiked through a forest of rhododendrons knows exactly what I'm talking about. We must have walked by or near tens of thousands of rhodos just this morning. As the day went on we started gaining more elevation and the forest changed from rhodos and pines to barren hardwood, from low valley to high ridges. We would summit a ridge, walk down, and then back up another. That was basically our day. The views were spectacular on the ridges since we were able to see almost completely 360's around us, which if you're interested, if more ridges and mountains.

Something that I find quite enjoyable is hiking so far in a day that you cannot see even remotely where you came from earlier that day. Walker and I both got a kick out of that. 

We made lunch at hawk mountain shelter. When we arrived there was a guy who also doesn't have a trail name who will be known on this blog as Virginia for the time being. Pretty cool guy, talked for a bit then moved on. 

The hardest mountain we climbed today was sassafras mountain. We climbed 600 or 700 feet in probably half a mile. Thankfully this was halfway into the day so we were warmed up and feeling good. 

We were pretty tired at the end of the day. We arrived at gooch mountain shelter and there were probably 10 people here. Couldn't tell if Vermont was here or not,  but virginia talked with us a bit more about future plans. Rice sides rolled in later in three evening but I never had the chance to really say much to him because we were very hungry and eating dinner. 

Speaking of dinner, loaded mash potatoes are great,  spanish rice from fiesta sides is not. I had taco rice the other night and that was great, but Spanish rice will not be bought again unless I am desperate. So far tuna, string cheese, spinach and wraps and ehat I'm enjoying the most. That meal is for lunch by the way. 

From when we arrived at 330 until 7 we relaxed and ate. At 7 it started to rain or sleet or maybe both we got into our tents. It is now 730 and im going to bed. Today was fun. 

One more thing. Tomorrow we are supposed to get as much as 2 inches of rain. What better way to see what we are made of I guess. Better get used to it though. I'll see alot of rain and sun this trail. All apart of the experience. 

Goodnight, 

Tyler M.