Well, I have found the “bubble.” There are literally dozens of thru-hikers at the shelter with me. It’s very entertaining but not peaceful.

Today’s hike was much more interesting. I left the shelter without breakfast, and stopped at Brushy Mtn Outpost for their platter (eggs, sausage and biscuits with gravy).

Classy place, huh?

It all began with a long uphill road walk over I-77.

I-77 Mtn Pass

There were some nice views and I also walked through a burn area.

Burn baby burn… 🔥

Since I’m now more than halfway through my planned hike, I’ve added the distance to Damascus to the stats below.

AT Thru-Hike Stats
Section Day #13 (5/21/19)
Start – Helveys Mill Shelter (593.9)
End – Jenkins Shelter (580.4)
Today’s mileage: 13.5
Total section miles: 149.4
Total miles on AT: 865.8
Section avg daily miles: 11.5
“Zeros” taken: 1
Section avg w/o zeros: 12.5
Distance to Damascus: 109.8

Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. ― Ralph Waldo Emerson