AT Day 46

2104/5/16 Mile 790.7

Cool morning made it hard to get out of the bag but at least the sun was out and the rain had stopped.

Trails weren't too muddy, which was a pleasant surprise, so the big downhill at the start of the day wasn't so bad.

Had to cross a creek at Matt's Creek Shelter but there was no bridge and it was really high from all the rain. As about 12 day hikers watched I pulled my boots off and waded across. I was greeted with cheers and granola bars on the other side for supplying entertainment.

Crossed the James River on a neat footbridge that I think was built for the AT. Big climb in the afternoon where I ran into Gazelle again on the way up and we found we were headed for the same shelter.

Tons of folks at the shelter which was on a little pond. Many section hikers and a few through hikers. One of the section hikers brought donuts to share with through hikers so we enjoyed them for dessert.

Set up the tent and got the bed by 2030. Rumor has it that there is a shuttle into Buena Vista at 0900 that I might try to get to so I can resupply my lunches and snacks for the next few days.