DV and AV on the A.T.: Over 50- days 9-11

Mountain Crossings at Walasi-Yi is the only place on the Appalachian Trail that goes through a building. Pics below, note the white blaze on the side. Also, there is the Tree of Lost Soles. By the time hikers get to the outfitter here, they know whether their boots are working or not. Twenty per cent of hikers drop off the trail at this point. Anyway, the tree is full of boots that hikers have gotten rid of by just throwing them up there because they weren't fitting properly causing blisters or other problems. The most common mistake is having boots too small. There has to be toe room. The tree is a sight to see. Also, this is where there is a pack shakedown if you want it. We didn't do that because our packs pretty much have what we feel we need. Mine weighs 29.4 and Decaf's is 40.2. He is carrying our tent and food. The outfitter sent home 9,000 pounds last year of unnecessary stuff from hiker's packs. I took a pic below of the trucks picking up. Wow.

On the day we left Mountain Crossings (Neel Gap), we crossed at least 3 named mountains. The elevation pic shows what we did that day. Levelland Mt-Cowrock Mt-Wildcat Mt. Not easy.

Right now we are in Hiawassee Ga and it looks like a thunderstorm this afternoon. We have yet to be caught in lightning and I am so glad. That, according to all my reading, is the scariest thing on the trail. ( not bears). The plan is to hike today to the top of Rocky Mountain to a tenting area. But the worst place in a thunderstorm would be the top. So I'm not sure yet what we're going to do. Probably tent lowér if there is any level land with water.

All is well except I have had swollen ankles for a couple days which is not fun. Prayers appreciated on that. It makes me go much slower. I slept with my legs elevated last night and they seem to be much better. Ibuprofen helps, know as vitamin I on the trail.

And we have reached 52.9 miles as of last night!