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.