Day 18

Day 18 (PT 3): 32 miles

Well after spending 3 full days in hardcore recovery, I was ready to get moving again. I’ve never really spent that much time in one place while hiking and I was pretty antsy to get moving but I had to push my instincts aside and go full hermit to avoid the sun. But I had a good time spending a few days in Dalton, the carpet capital of the United States. Fun fact for ya

It was a good first day back. I was conscious of the sun all day, but thankfully had a little more tree cover. I’m hoping there’s more as I continue to head south so I can have more protection from the giant fireball in the sky.

After trying 3 different stores in walking distance in dalton with no luck of getting a bandana, I had to stick with using my pack towel to try to protect my shoulder from the sun. Walgreens did have a leopard print hair tie that might’ve worked a little, but I had to draw a line there. I was able to pick up some burn gel and aloe so hopefully it can heal up rather quickly.

While in town, I fortunately got a replacement trowel after losing mine on the first day. I also got a replacement trekking pole part since one is broken, but it didn’t fit so I’m still stuck with 1.5 trekking poles. I’ve have never had so many problems with a piece of gear as trekking poles. It’s like I’m hard in them or something.

It was just a really good day with an incredible sunset. My only regret is that my rest days weren’t timed out with the release of the last season of Ozark. But you can’t win em all and I was able to see the Northman while laid up.

Shortly before I got to camp I began to hear a few dogs barking aggressively. I thought might have to be ready to go Will Smith I am Legend but fortunately the barking never got closer. Then when I got to camp there were some hunters who had the dogs chasing a coyote. We talked for a while then I got to lay down and try to fall asleep with dogs barking ravenously nearby.

Song of the day: we belong-odesza