Got an extra-early start thanks to my watch getting set an hour later. Was disappointed to hit a section of trail that disappeared into a stream--the stream turned out to be the trail because of all the rain. This would foreshadow what we would encounter later.
Met up with Wild Child who was slowly moving down the trail with a swollen and discolored foot. B and Etch-a-Sketch caught up and we all walked with Wild Child a mile to a paved road. Someone else had already carried her bag to the road. We flagged down a car who took her to the doctor in Bastian, VA.
Continued on and reached Kimberling Creek and passed over our first suspension bridge. We stopped for lunch and to dry out our gear. B hiked to Trent's Grocery to pick-up our care package from Mitch and Jawan. Thank you for all the goodies!!
The trail flattened out and ran next to the river; ideally we should have flown through this section. Not so as it was badly flooded. We stopped at Wapiti Shelter for dinner with friends then proceeded up the hill.
Saw a beautiful view off a rock outcropping then decided to hike 2.3 more miles to a look-out tower for sunset. Well, the "look-out tower" ended up being a fenced-in communications tower with "no trespassing" signs. We found a clearing nearby and enjoyed our grounded view of the sunset.
Ended up setting up the tent after dusk. It felt great to finally cool our heels after 22.5 miles--our longest day yet.
What a beautiful view! I'm getting more and more jealous as your journey continues! I hope your friend gets cured and back on the trail soon!
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