day 22 - 04/01

i got a treat this morning. the woman i camped with made me a hot cup of starbucks coffee. man was it good. even though i woke up to roosters at 6:30, i didn't hit the trail until nearly 9:00 mainly because i was savoring that cup of starbucks. mmm. i also made a decision last night to really try and push myself and get to damascus, va, about 115mi away, in 4.5 days. i got so much food in erwin that it is totally doable. i did 24.9 today over some tough terrain. i went from about 2200ft to 6285ft and there were a couple big elevation changes. of course my feet are sore, but i feel really great and very strong. the terrain from here to damascus only gets easier, so i think i can do it barring no setbacks. we shall see how i feel after day 2 of high miles and i'll plan from there. the cool part is that the climb up roan mt was totally exhilarating. to go from 4040 to 6285ft on miles 21-25 was just totally awesome. i did not stop once that whole way up. i am loving the shape i'm getting into. can't wait to start running and biking big, fast miles once i'm done with the trail. another high for the day is that i hiked thru a fast moving rain storm and the temp dropped about 20degrees in a half hour and now that i am at the top of roan mt i am staying at the highest shelter on the at. the temp in this totally enclosed shelter with 6 guys and 2 dogs is a balmy 45degrees, so with the wind outside it has got to be in the low 30s. i am just nice and toasty warm in my bag. i can see my breath and when i just took my socks off a few minutes ago there was steam coming off my feet like they were a pot of boiling water. and why, might you ask, do i absolutely-fricken love this? probably cuz i'm crazy. everyone on the trail already thinks i am cuz of the big miles i do so i guess i am. i just love this entire experience. it is a journey and everything, everyone, and every experience is something to revel in, whether challenging or carefree. i was thinking today when the storm started that the rain just makes the sun that much sweeter. mother earth must take care of her planet and i am just a traveller and so inconsequential in the grand scheme of things. it is quite an emancipating thought to realize and gladly accept one's place on this planet. cheers to all and remember to stay golden. 24.9mi from indian grave to roan mt shelter. 373.1 total.