Day 21

Day 21 (PT 6): 28 miles

I crossed into Alabama shortly after starting the day. It’s my first time being in the state. Early in the day the trail was really overgrown and I was getting a few ticks on me. It started to rain off and on which forced me to put on my rain gear and had me feeling like a turkey in an oven.

The sun came out in the afternoon and I was reminded why I haven’t seen many people and why this isn’t a popular time to hike this trail southbound. It was hot. I basically spent the whole day as a slimeball, sweating profusely. Even as I lay on my tent typing this inside a shelter (because there are hornets again and mosquitoes) I’m still sweating. It’s crazy I’m excited to go the the Oregon desert with a futile hope that it will be more comfortable. It’s rare that I can actually smell anything from my body, but I could smell my back sweat today😋

In the evening the trail was heavily slanted from erosion. This did a number on my ankles flexing constantly. I’ve been reminded of that feeling of walking when all of a sudden it feels like your ankle needs to pop. Often best not to pop it.

There’s a really cool sounding and loud bird by camp (see video)

It wasn’t a particularly difficult day, but it wasn’t easy. I’m getting used to hiking in the heat again, and there wasn’t a ton of scenery, but I’ve started something new. I’m making myself verbally remind myself at least 5 time daily, “it’s such a beautiful day.” That movie by the same title is one of the most profound things I’ve seen in a while, and I’m just trying to add a piece of its message to my life.

Song of the day: I’m on one-future ft Drake