Mile 109 and gratitude

Today I'm in Franklin, NC resupplying and doing laundry. Yesterday was amazing. When I woke up it was raining, after having rained all night. I knew Albert Mountain was going to be a hard steep climb and I was dreading doing it in the rain. But I reluctantly got my self trudging along in my rain gear.

About 2 miles before the start of the hard climb the sun came out. It had been raining off and on the last 3 or 4 days and it was a much needed break. The climb up Albert was a good bit of rock scramble. It was the first time during my hike that I tucked away my poles and used my hands to climb. 

At the top there was a small rock bald with a fire tower atop. Everyone hooted and hollered when they made it up. Not only was it a steep climb, but it was also the 100 mile mark! Everyone chilled for a break and a snack. The weather was beautiful and the view stunning. 

After Albert it was miles and miles of gentle smooth downhill coasting. 

It was both my longest day it terms of mileage and my quickest day in terms of mph. I passed several volunteer trail crews out maintaining the trail and made sure to thank them.

Once me and a fellow hiker, Buffalo Bill, got to the road at mile 109 we hitched the 10 miles to town. Two really nice guys stopped about 5 minutes in and we rode in the back of their pickup with their sweet black lab into town. They actually live near Hot Springs, NC on a bunch of land and told us to let them know when we're near and that they'd bring a picnic and a bottle of wine to Max Patch to share. Super nice guys. 

I needed nice weather, a good hike, and sweet folks to remind me how lucky I am to be here doing this. 

Grateful <3