Dave and I have set up beside the trail tonight with plenty of room to spread out our tents. Good thing too, cause the rain that has been sprinkling through out the day started to come down hard a few minutes ago. My 9’ x 5’ 2-person Wanderlust tent is behaving wonderfully, light & tight.

I was another magical day. We were up and out at 8 am and made leisurely progress to Woody Gap before noon. Laura showed up to pick up Claude and brought us some awesome sandwiches for lunch (Thanks Laura!). I had a great time hiking with Claude, showing him a bit of the thru-hiking world we’re entering. Claude returned the favor by passing on some birding knowledge. It was fun to hear D and Claude, friends since high school, exchange playful barbs.

At lunch we met Roger, a 65 year-old who’s been dreaming of doing the trail forever and just retired last September. A couple of his friends were waiting for him and he struggled his way out of the woods with a 75 lb pack! Last we saw, they were trying to decide whether to drive to a local outfitter or drive back to Mississippi to pick up Roger’s lighter equipment.

Shortly after lunch, D & I ran into Willie C. and friend. Willie C is a section hiker, completing the AT over a number of years, doing stretches at time. He’s due back in Rangeley, ME to complete his hike. Good Luck Willie C and thanks for the Snickers!

All the people, the trail, even the weather’s been great so far. I’m only eating about 2000 Calories a day, but that will start picking up soon, I am sure. By next week I have to eat the equivalent of a snickers bar every hour I’m awake to try to maintain weight. Life is tough!