Day 55

Origin: War Spur Shelter
Destination: Niday Shelter

Today's miles: 18.2
Total miles: 682.0

With a long day ahead with two steep climbs, we got an early start, hitting the trail at 7:20am.  The trail eased us in with a gentle one mile descent before having us climb 1,700 ft in just over two miles.  Once we arrived at the top, we had a few miles of easy terrain, including some bucolic pastures (pictured below).  The only problem with pastures is that we have to climb fence stiles to enter and exit, and Magge's short legs can get tired if there are enough of them.  Just past the pastures, we passed the oldest oak tree on the southern half of the AT - it's over 18 feet around.

Another steep climb brought us to a rocky ridge with great views.  I had packed away the iPad because I thought it was going to rain, so I don't have pictures to post, but it ended up being a beautiful afternoon.  The storms didn't roll in until after we arrived at the shelter, so we stayed dry today.  While we curled up in the shelter, a lightning bolt struck about 100 feet from us, which is the closest I think I've ever been from a lightning strike.  My heart is still recovering.  That is why I don't like tenting during storms.

We have another big day tomorrow so it is time to get some rest.