Jeremiah 1 - 52
Lost Mountain Shelter campsite to stealth campsite just outside Grayson Highlands State Park - 14.8 (grueling) miles hiked today. 501.5 total AT miles hiked.
Today was filled with challenges, milestones, and always beautiful scenery. The day started with the big climb up Whitetop Mountain to Buzzard Rock. Although the climb was extremely tough, with the razor like, rock strewn path chewing at my new shoes with every step, the views from the top were worth it. We stopped to rest at the Buzzard Rock where I was able to briefly FaceTime with my two oldest granddaughters and show them the views.
After a brief rest, we continued on, descending into another gap, filled with pine trees and smelling like a Christmas lot. We reached a road crossing at the gap and had lunch there before tackling the afternoon climb up the side of Mt. Rogers. That climb took most of the afternoon, as it was also pitted with protruding rocks and boulders that had to be carefully navigated. All told, we had over 4000 feet of vertical climbing for the day.
Our reward for facing those challenges was reaching the Grayson Highlands, where wild ponies roam free. Almost immediately upon reaching the Highlands there were ponies everywhere. They were obviously used to hikers as they’d walk right up to you looking for a handout. So gentle and serene, they looked like they were unaffected by anything we said or did. We saw dozens of them for the next several miles, of all sizes and colors.
We bypassed the shelter we planned to stop at, instead opting to stop and set up camp just before the state park boundary, as tent camping is not allowed in the park. We’ll hike through the state park tomorrow.
Finally, just before we stopped for the day, we passed the 500 mile marker, yet another milestone on this journey.
Until next time...
I am so enjoying your pictures and narratives of your journey. God bless you both.
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