4/26

I woke early knowing that I needed to get out of town. My new timeframe allotted me a little time for dawdling though so with one last sweep through town I stopped at the last little cafe on the outskirts to merely read and enjoy something good to eat before I departed. Letting myself become enveloped in the "pages" of my ebook, i soon realized how late it had become. It was already past noon by the time I had surfaced. I grabbed my things and refilled my drink one last time only to suck down the contents like it would be my last and departed. The days are getting hotter still and as I traversed out of the town the hot pavement was no friend. At a point, the AT joins the Virginia creeper trail. As I headed north I was passed by many families and what seemed to be Boy Scout troops on weekend outings. The trail split and rejoined with the creeper several times before finally departing fully. My final destination for the day was just outside of town. I left far to late to get a good days hiking in and because of that I just allowed myself to stop early. I read all afternoon in the shade of a pine grove. The bed of needles on the floor making a soft nature made mattress that I would fall asleep on for a spell. I know I should have gone further but I really was in no mood.

The first day out of a town is usually a climb. The trail will always drastically drop in elevation to meet with the town and on the other end the reverse is said to meet with the surrounding mountains. Every time a full restock is done, the pack weight is above the average for sure. Putting quick rise in elevation and pack weight together made for a not fun afternoon. My last and final misfortune of the day was only that I started when I did. Starting at noonish meant that I was to encounter some of the worse part of the climb out of town right during the hottest portion of the day. 

Well at least in this town I didn't overheat