We woke up in a complete fog, all views obscured for the first few miles, but by 8am, I’d walked below the fog and into the sun. The afternoon miles were tough. Temperatures in the 70’s and the sun beat down everywhere since the trees are still leafless.

Hiking NOBO is called ‘Walking with Spring,’ also the title of the book by the Earl Shaffer, the first AT thru-hiker. Walking NOBO with this timing means less snow, less extreme heat, fewer bugs, no mud season, etc. But, as I’m learning, it also means a strong spring sun without leaves to shield me! The trail won’t turn into ‘The Green Tunnel’ as it’s known for a few more weeks.

Seven of us are tenting here in a tight group. We spent the last 3 hours sucking down water from the springs surrounding us and emptied our food bags.

Rockhound produced the showstopper with freeze-dried green beans and onions followed by apple cobbler. It put my rehydrated tabouli, couscous with eggs and gorp to shame. For those of you not used to backpacking, the goal is to get rid of food so you don’t have to carry it tomorrow. We’re picking up a huge food drop in Fontana anyway.

I am camped with my feet a good bit lower than my head, sure to slide to the bottom of the tent during the night.

There’s a different bird calling right now—one I haven’t heard out here. Possible a sawhett owl if I remember the call correctly. I’m looking forward to being clean, doing some low miles, good food and comfy bed tomorrow!