Long day. The two guys from Connecticut and the other hiker all got up and going before sunrise. I got up too and got the fire going. I was really anxious to get moving. They all left pretty quick, heading as far as they could - 25 miles if possible to the next leanto. We got going around 9:30 and Leo left around 10, I guess. We planned on 12 or 13 miles to a campsite beyond Sam's Gap.
We hiked through farm country most of the day. Passed cows in the pastures, farm houses, a cattle drive, the whole bit, including being barked at by a tinny hound dog puppy. But the trail was really rough. It was on private land most of the way, so they had to keep it simple. It climbed straight up some really steep mountains as well as straight down.
I was feeling pretty good all day and really moving along. No real aches or pains and I was able to climb with less effort than ever before. Also, I went without moleskin or band-aids on my feet all day with no problems.
After 9 miles and not many views we reached Sam's Gap. I got there around 2:30, Rick arrived at 3:00, and Leo showed up at 4:30! We put our packs in the cemetery back from the road and walked down 1 1/2 miles to the small store/gas station in North Carolina. There we got a few things we could use but could have done without, as well as snacks: ice cream sandwiches, tomato juice, cherry pies and milk. Got a ride from a guy from a nearby farm in a VW. Up to the gap and set off 3.1 miles to the campsite.
In that distance we came across some fantastic open fields with beautiful views. The sun was sinking down and it was just beautiful. I stopped and took pictures a number of times. Leo did too and didn't get in until after the sun had set. We set up camp, got a fire going and started cooking creamed tuna and noodles. Finally got to eat around 10:00. Had hot chocolate with marshmallows which Leo bought. Roasted a few. We also had ramps with our supper - wild onions that grow wild all over the mountains here. Good. We have been finding evidence of Barry and Joe being a day or two ahead of us.
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