Day 36 - Indian Grave Gap to Orchard Campsite (363.6 mi)
13.1 miles
I'm writing this while @toesalad is massaging my calf.
It was a great hiking day, one of my best. Gorgeous, early summer temperatures. Clear skies, good pace, and a happy crew.
I was up early again, at 5:20.
We got out of camp, with ease, at 7:30 this morning. Hiked in one hour segments, before taking a 15 minute break, instead of our usual 45 minutes.
Took our lunch break at Cherry Gap Shelter. Met Bear Juice, saw TBird and met Bill Murray, so named because he looks a lot like the actor.
Trail magic at last road crossing at Iron Mountain Gap. Bob has been there every day since March sometime. Enjoyed sodas and loosened up on our "no sodas" rule that we made after Hot Springs.
We made camp tonight in an old apple orchard. Three other hikers are here also, we don't know them. It's lovely here. And we weren't completely exhausted by the time we arrived. The evening was relaxed, it feels like I haven't had one of those in weeks.
I laughed a lot today which was a nice change from last week. Today was a hiking gift, gratefully accepted.
