April 1, 2022
AT mile 32.4 to 49.1
Hiked: 16.7 miles / 26.9 km
AT miles hiked to date: 49.1

With clear skies we knew last night would be cold but we didn’t count on the wind which started through the night and blew strong and cold all day. On a bright note, Ros slept for the first night since arriving in the US and woke refreshed and invigorated. 

We made quite good time on a well graded track and had hiked about 5 miles before mid morning when we came across our second lot of trail magic. Star Gazer had just pulled in to a parking lot where the trail crossed the road and she had EVERYTHING a hiker could want including a friendly smile. We thought she could be renamed REI because you could almost do your entire resupply there!

We each had a warm beef and bean burrito and then shared a can of soda and freshly made strawberry shortcake (a first for both of us). We were blown away by her generosity and hiked on up the next slope with renewed vigour.

Today’s trail gave us better views and we were treated with some long stretches of ridge walking.

We are camping about a mile from Blue Mtn so expect a steep ascent first thing tomorrow morning. While hiking we made the acquaintance of Old Scout who is hiking his third long trail having successfully completed both the Pacific Crest Trail and the Continental Divide Trail. He is hiking at a similar pace so we may see more of him in days to come. Old Scout told us the forecast is for freezing temperatures overnight and a cold day tomorrow so we will layer up tonight.