Stellar day! Woke up to an amazing sunrise over Watauga Lake up on the mountain above then had a little bit of hot cocoa and took off. Was thinking of splitting up the days to get to Damascus tomorrow but said screw it, I’ll just get there tonight. So I walked all day long! Early on I found my long lost friend, Socks, sick on the side of the trail, we chatted then I moved on. Shauna was a trail angel at the trailhead and made my day with snacks and great company! So grateful to meet her. Onward to a highlight of the trail, this wildflower filled pasture with cows grazing and a beautiful AT branded barn. The clouds and sky were mesmerizing. Met a lot do trail crew today and thanked them. Saw the oldest shelter on the AT which was cool, then crossed the Tennessee/Virginia Line! Woohoo!!! I trail ran for the whole downhill into town. I walked out of the woods at 8:37 for an 8:39 sunset! The town was quiet and ghostly but so calm and peaceful. I walked through town and saw this AT sign on an older historical home. I saw the sign that said “The Place Church Hostel” oldest hostel on the AT. I knocked at 8:59 and a guy said well I guess we close at 9 so you can come in! Wow what a blessing. $10 per night and the best shower of my life. I was the only one staying there, bachelor pad to myself! Finished at 34 miles! Time to break that record again!
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