It's 8:30AM, I'm slightly chilled and staring at the trailhead sign. I'm reluctant to begin my run and try to reason with myself about how it wont be that bad. The best thing that I can come up with is something like "after 11 miles the uphill is mostly over." Finally, I accept that the pile has already been stepped in and it's best just to get moving.
Within minutes of running my mood has changed and I'm filled with the joy of having a sunny Spring trail all to my self. I momentarily forget that I need to be off the trail by 1PM to meet Dad for our 20 mile afternoon ride. I kid myself about the indulgent life that I lead.
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| Miles of Streamside Trail |
After two hours of continuous uphill running, I'm on the Appalachian Trail, heading South towards Siler's Bald. The site of a guy running through such remote country before noon confuses most of the backcountry hikers. Just before Siler's I'm chatting with a thru-hiker named Bismark, what he think's is idle chatter is really a test. If he's made it here in under three weeks I'll hand over a spare powerbar. He tell's me he started March 23rd. Close enough I guess.
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| Siler's Bald |
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| One of Many Views |
After miles of repeated ups and downs, I'm happy to part ways with the AT and begin the steady descent of Miry Ridge back to Elkmont. In an hour and fifteen minutes I'll be sittin' in the car drinking an iced coffee.
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| Singletrack Perfection |
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| Prostrate Bluets |
It was my hope to be finished by 1PM, when I'm standing at the car my watch reads 1:02PM. Still time enough to drive home, throw the bike on the car and take off again.
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| 25 mile, ~4,500ft elevation gain |
Some great pics, looked like a nice day!
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