Day 53: Pony Day / 500 Miles!

Starting Point: Elk Garden (495.2)

Ending Point: Stealth Camp (508.1)

Total miles: 12.9 miles

Steps: 32,484

Injuries: Intercostal Strain

Achievements: Mount Rogers, *** 500 Miles ***, Fatman Squeeze, Grayson Highlands, Ponies!

For once, it seemed like our luck had changed.  We packed up at the usual time, but a trail angel brought us coffee.  We were expecting rain and thunderstorms.

Our goal was to first climb Mount Rogers, then enter the Grayson Highlands.  Captain Blogger was so excited to see the wild ponies.

After much tweaking, I finally have a way to tighten my straps so my back does not hurt.  We climbed Mount Rogers in good order.  As we started our descent, we spotted some ponies in the distance.

As we came down, just a mile from our 500 mile sign, we ran into a day hiker giving cans of Pabst to thru-hikers to help them celebrate.

We started our descent further.  Kea and Sweeper were faster.  I spotted some more ponies and took Captain Blogger to them.

There is a broken rock called Fatman Squeeze.  I'm happy to say I had no problem passing through.  The hike has been successful.

We paused for lunch and the ponies came to us.

The last part of the hike was arid and rocky.  It reminded me of the NCal portion of the PCT.

There was quite a bit of rock scramble, so the goal was to just hike 12 miles.  The camp they selected was flat, grassy and had a privy, but the water sucked, so I hiked on alone for another mile.

Here the water was great and I'm away from the crowds.  The Sweeper is leaving at the next city.  Kea is also not looking to finish.  Captain Blogger and I get along great, hike the same speed, and enjoy each other's company, but we'll need to find a third.  So, I'm going to have to get used to hiking alone again.

I'm not worried.  The trail will provide.  A beer magically appeared just as we reached 500 miles.