19.1 Miles!

7/9
Started at Thomas Knob Shelter
Ended at junction with Hurricane Campground Trail
19.1 miles

We are tenting tonight after spending last night in an overcrowded shelter. Since we were tenting we had the freedom to pick our spot, and since tomorrow we should reach Partnership Shelter we wanted to get some extra miles in before going to bed.

What is so great about Partnership Shelter that we would hike extra miles? Pizza, and it is delivered to the shelter. Everyone is talking about it, not just us but all Northbound hikers look forward to the treat.

Back to our hike..... This is Fat Mans Misery because the rocks get really close and with a pack it is hard to squeeze by. The kids loved the rocky section today.

Great hiking with wonderful views and overcast skies, no sunglasses again today.

Today we also saw the famous wild ponies of Grayson Highlands State Park.

Along the AT are thousands of white blazes that guide you. Sometimes the blazes get dressed up, Pete is with a smily face but our favorite is a Frankenstein blaze. 

Today we also had some great trail magic. We got to a road and two ladies gave the kids Clif Protein Bars. It powered the kids on the big climb we faced after the road.