Miles: 9.6
Steps: 34674
Kcal: 3554
Avg BG: 132
The temperature was in the low 20s as we started our slack-packing day. Slack-packing is the term when you are doing a day hike – so you are only carrying minimal weight and you can hike faster and longer than with a full pack. Although the temperature was cold, the day was bright and sunny. Once we got moving, we were able to stay warm.
Don’t let anyone tell you that the AT is politically correct. The photo to the left was seen the day before. The photo on the right was seen on today’s hike! Both Serpent and I commented – “Where is Ready when you need him?!” We thought he should have posed next to the Swinging Dick Gap sign!
We took a side trail off the AT to reach the top of Siler Bald. I will confess, as I stood looking up at the summit and the climb – I had no desire to make the climb. I was still dealing with blisters on the back of my feet from my new boots and I knew the climb would be painful. So glad that Serpent talked me into the climb! She proposed that I just climb to the 1/2 way point that wasn’t so far! But, once I got there – the view was spectacular and I had to keep going!
The 360 degree view from the top of Siler Bald – complete with the sound of the wind and Serpent’s comment that “we made it!” as she was Facetiming with her son!
Dinner that night was at an all you can eat (AYCE) Chinese buffet. My kcalorie estimate for the day is just that – an estimate! However, today’s caloric intake was the highest of the trip
Welcome to My AT Adventure 