Day 23 Little Laurel Shelter to Sugarloaf Gap (18.5 miles) 311.5 total miles

Thunder, lightning, and rain last night. Rain for about 3 hours of hike today. Started raining right as I stopped to set up tent tonight and still raining now.  

Pretty sure it’s rained 6 straight days and I’ve been hiking 5 of them. If you are having drought issues in your area, give me a call and I’ll come hike through. Gotta just about have the issue here in SE about fixed!
If you’re able to zoom this pic in, you will see the first flat stretch of farm land I’ve seen. Just wish I was hiking down there.

This has been my toughest day of hiking yet. Didn’t have much pep in my step this AM and the hike was much more difficult than topography map led me to assume. Then add some rain and slippery surfaces.

Below is my attempt at a panoramic shot. Might have needed an assist from my friend, Legs, for this one!

As I mentioned earlier, the terrain today was much more difficult than I had guessed. Not so much because of up and down hills but because of having to scramble over rocks…in the rain and wet. Had to climb down into that little gully and then straight up other side.

Slipped and fell on my butt twice today. No injuries, thankfully.

Found a place to camp just as rain started this evening. Pretty cold. Summer sausage, peanut butter, and a Snickers bar for dinner. Living large!

Hope for better day tomorrow.

Happy trails!