Pack Mules

I started laughing out loud on our hike out of Pearisburg this morning. My pack was so heavy coming out of town that got to thinking that I look like one of those pack mules that they use in the Grand Canyon. We are moving at about the same pace and smell very similar.

The climbs out of town were steep and not very scenic as we came around a large chemical factory and past a decommissioned landfill. For most of the day we were just hauling our food and shelter to better places.

We ran into two more thru hikers that we hadn’t met before and that felt good to have some more company on the Trail. It wasn’t long before we popped out on top of our climb along a beautiful long ridge line that looks out over the valleys and farms on both sides. We set up tents on a nice open field and made a big fire. The temperature is dropping fast and there is another chance of snow.

The smartest thing I did in town was buy a bottle of Sriracha hot sauce. I used it for all three meals today and it really tastes great with the food that I am already loving. I am finally getting pretty comfortable with a heavier pack and have started to branch out with a few luxury items. The tiniest changes can add so much happiness on the Trail. I even splurged for sugar packets for my coffee. Ooooohhhhh.