El Dorado woke us all up at 6:30 am to get on the trail by 7:30, no more slacking off. He lead us on a pretty decent 20 mile day. The early morning light made the views glow.
We stopped for breakfast at Brushy Mountain, the food was ok, the resupply was mediocre but we’ll survive. There was a flushing toilet and that makes up for everything else.
We passed the 600 mile mark and stopped for pictures. Even though the group feels like they’re moving faster, it doesn’t feel like we’re making much progress. I’m not deep in the Virginia Blues yet, but I was envisioning that I’d be moving faster by now.
The leaves are out in force now, and the shade is much appreciated. Made a new friend on the trail, he was about 18 in long and didn’t seem to mind us much so we were able to pass without disturbing him.
The major landmark of Kimberling Creek is a suspension bridge. Anything that breaks the walking monotony becomes highly entertaining and good fun to photograph.
The water at Kimberling Creek isn’t drinkable, even through a filter, so we walked half a mile up to Trent’s grocery. The chicken fingers were delicious and we picked up some beer to bring back to camp. It was a good night sitting around and chilling with the whole group (minus Peanut) again.
Weather for the next few days is iff at best but we’re planning 20+ mile days. The goal is to be in Roanoake (120 miles from here) by Friday (8 days from now).
Day 56 Mileage: 20.8 mi [USFS 282 -> Kimberling Creek ]
Total Mileage: 618.5 mi