April 28, 2021

Didn’t leave camp until a little after 8:30 as I took my time making breakfast and breaking camp.  Said goodbye to Tobasco and wished her well and started off for Erwin and a zero day tomorrow.

There have been more hikers this year than two years ago.  I suspect that last year’s group got pushed into this year because of COVID.  This year’s group is more predominantly in their twenties.  No international folks like last time.

A very friendly and helpful group with interesting backgrounds and interests from mostly the Eastern US.

I have not seen any wildlife to speak of.  Maybe the larger group of hikers is keeping them away from the trail.  One hiker did report encountering a rattle snake 🐍 when I stopped for lunch at No Business Knob Shelter.  Chatted with a woman from Pittsburgh.  Our conversation turned to biking the Allegany Gap which Deirdra and I plan to do.  She has done the Gap and the C&O canal.  We biked the C&O canal a couple years ago.  She stayed at the same hostel and ate at Buddy Lou’s in Hancock, MD that we did.  Small world.  As I was finishing up, “Clingy” showed up.  I offered him my spot at the picnic table and hurried on my way.

Much of this day was walking along the side of the mountain along a narrow path.  Just need to be sure not to step to far to the side or you would end up going down a steep hill.  There were of course the obligatory peaks to climb and then the last few miles down into town.

Another good weather day.  Except for the one day of rain and wind the weather has been very cooperative.

The views were great today.

Coming into Erwin:

Made it to Erwin.  The Trail literally passes right by Uncle Johnny’s hostel.  Many of the hikers are staying there, particularly the younger ones, but I’m not.  Had a drink on the porch waiting for my ride.  Just as “Clingy” showed up my ride came.  I think he was going to stay there.

I took a shuttle to the Super 8 hotel which is closer to shopping and resupply.  Time for a long shower, food and sleep 🛌.

I am taking a day off tomorrow to rest.  The knee has been holding up fairly well.  It’s been my right foot that’s been bugging me.

Completed about 11 miles and elevation of  2.000 feet.  We descended down from the mountains into Erwin so the total decent from the gap to Erwin was over 5,000 feet.