August 6th
We both woke up this morning with headaches and Jodie had a cough that she reports feels like a cold. I brought decongestants and Tylenol etc and by the time we finished packing up we felt improved. I think we’re both experiencing altitude symptoms, but so far tolerable.
Filtering water for breakfast.
This morning so far has been lovely! The trail feels kind and gentle. I feel encouraged. The elevation had been rolling. We’re catching glimpses of amazing views of valleys and distant mountains. The sky is overcast but as the sun starts to rise I see more patches of blue so we are hopeful for a beautiful day. We hiked from 5 until just after 7 and got 3.6 miles in! We passed a bunch of the hikers just waking up and breaking down their camp so we are feeling good about ourselves this morning. We get up so early everyday that we pass everyone we’ve met on the trail the previous day while they’re still sleeping and then they pass us on trail while we’re eating breakfast or later on in the day.
The overcast day cleared up and it was warm and sunny again with clouds lingering on the horizon.
We made Kenosha pass campground at 10,000 just after 4. 14+ miles! The temperature dropped and the clouds were threatening rain. The camp hosts were previous through-hikers of the Appalachian Trail and are hiker friendly with a hiker box (things donated by hikers), fresh water and a charging outlet. We set up camp and hitched to the tiny little town of Jefferson 15 minutes after everything had closed, at 5 pm!!! There were two vehicles in the parking lot, both with two people eating very large and juicy burgers. Feeling heartbroken and a little emotional about missing a hot meal, no cell phone service or grocery store we hitched back to camp to cook ourselves dinner. A local young couple, that also love CT hikers, picked us up. The husband has been interested in hiking the CT but the wife has been unsure about his safety. We told her about our Garmins and the texting options and numerous people we are seeing every day on trail, often camping near other people. I think it gave them both comfort and hope, and maybe he will be able to go hike the CT. It makes me feel like all was not lost when connecting with people in a single moment can make a difference in their lives.
It’s funny I was reading about other through hikers and when asked or interviewed it’s not always a ‘want to do’ this thing, it’s often a ‘I just need to do this thing’. It pulls on you and drives you forward. It’s not fun filled days skipping down the trail. There’s a lot of pushing and pain, and chores. Taking care of yourself in the wilderness isn’t easy. Setting up and taking down camp, cooking your meals. Washing your selected body parts, the ones bothering you the most in ice cold creeks and hand washing your under clothes and hoping for a dry pair of socks or undies tomorrow. Being too or too cold and dirty! But the mountain top highs are amazing, exhilarating! And the feeling that you accomplished something that was really hard at the end of your day is so satisfying!
Jodie’s blog bikehikerepeat.com
More photos on FB
You two are an inspiration. Sending you both so much love. 🥰