Kevin's AT Thru Hike

Day 47, Monday, 5/2 – Martin and I hiked out from Partnership Shelter today. More than ever, I spent time thinking about what I want my life to look like after the trail. I had some doubt about finishing the trail today. There’s things I want in life that I’m not proceeding towards on trail. The biggest of which is a loving relationship.

Martin had some ankle pain from the consecutive days of hiking, so we were taking it slow. We needed a break, and fortunately came across the Lindamood School. The Lindamood School is a one-room school house built in 1894 that was open to hikers. Someone had stocked the school house with trail magic, so I grabbed a few granola bars and a handful of marshmallows. I found some juggling balls in the hiker box. I grabbed them and may finally learn how to juggle. Running into the school house was my favorite part of the hike today.

We hiked 12 miles to the Long Neck Lair Alpaca Farm (mile 546). It was about 3:00 when we arrived; Mom and Dad picked us up from the road and brought us to an Amish deli. Martin and I didn’t eat lunch, so we were hungry. Because we weren’t showered, we ate outside. Weather was perfect, and the food was great.

When we got back to the farm, Cindy, the owner of the farm, brought us out to the alpacas so we could interact with them. It turns out, I’m a huge fan of alpacas. They’re goofy looking, friendly, and have a soft coat. Mom picked up some yarn to knit a few alpaca hats. Cindy had the yarn organized by alpaca, so we knew which alpaca we got fiber from. We got fiber from Duchess, the alpaca with the dark brown fleece in the family photo.

My toe is still numb today. I told Dad about it, and he was confident that sensation would return. I’m much less concerned about it now. I’m zeroing tomorrow, so some rest should help.