Day 57 (Sunday, June 8th) - Rice Field Shelter to 659.7 Spring Campsite

Today's Miles: 21.60
Trip Miles: 659.70

Sunrise, Rice Field

A pretty sunrise, but another forecast of rain. I left at 7:30 for the Pine Swamp Branch Shelter. About a mile out I was passing a campsite when I noticed a familiar face, Sass (Tracy), from our first day and our hiking partner during the early part of our trip. It was great to see her and she looks awesome.

As we were catching up a voice called out from a nearby tent; it was Ginko (Bradley), another of our friends from early on. Also in the group was Paper Weight who we hadn't seen since Franklin. Everyone was doing great and having a good time.

Each of us headed off at our own pace, but we caught up again later when M and N came by. We all hiked to the shelter together for lunch. Sass, Ginko, and Paper Weight were going to stop at The Captain's Place, a home/hostel that you reach from the AT by zip line over a river. M and N and I are hoping to catch up to Andi and Yvanna so we hiked on.

Ginko, Sass, & Paper Weight

There was a beautiful view at Wind Rock and some lovely campsites, but no water and we were dry. The rains stayed off to the west of us all day and we hiked rain free. Unfortunately, no rain means no streams and the one we're camping at is barely running. We did get enough for dinner, but not much more. Four miles to the next water source in the morning.

Oh yeah, there was a note from A and Y at the Pine Swamp Branch shelter encouraging us to catch them; we'll see.
 
Bye for now.  

Taking a beak

Wind Rock view

Wind Rock