Leaving South Mountain Pass Road, the trail goes up on small switchbacks for a short hike up 700 ft to the ridge. We walk through knee high grass that is in serious need of a trim, as it's hard to see the trail in the early morning light. The feel of the grass brushing my lower legs drives me insane after 2 miles.
We descend to a very busy intersection and cross the first road to a market. Even though we've only hiked three and a half miles we think it's a good time for a snack and head inside to get a beverage and I get a Snickers bar for a healthy second breakfast.
Inside the market, a man sees our packs and asks if we are doing the AT. He says he is thru hiking but had to start slackpacking due to friction burns on his shoulders from his backpack. His name is Dust. Armed with snacks, we say goodbye and leave the blissfully cool store to continue our hike.
At the 6 mile mark, the trail goes up and over the western side of the ridge to the eastern side. The temperature on the western side, shaded by the ridge, hasn't been very bad, but as soon as I step over the ridge I am in the sunlight and the heat is much more intense.
As much as I am uncomfortable in this heat, I pass several other hikers who are faring much worse. An older man and his son are sitting on the side of the trail with packs off, taking a break and fanning themselves.
Another time, a man is standing in the middle of the trail with a big backpack, wearing a dark cotton shirt and heavy cotton pants. He looks miserable and doesn't say anything as I approach, even though I say hello, and doesn't even try to move out of the trail, making me walk in the blueberry bushes in order to pass.
We are cruising through a flat section of trail and we see a man walking towards us. It's Planet Caravan. He started hiking at 6 this morning as well, slackpacking southbound. He tells us that there is trail magic up ahead with a tent and food and drinks at the next road crossing, 2 miles away. We have done 10 miles by this point, and ready for a break!
At 12 o'clock we have hiked about 12 miles and climbed 3,000 feet of elevation. it's getting brutally hot and the trees above us have really thinned out so we are getting the brunt of the sunshine. A very light breeze is barely moving the leaves, and it does nothing to cool me down. My eyes are burning from all the sweat that keeps dripping into them.
I am definitely in need of a break when I get to the road crossing, and just as promised there is a pickup truck with two canopies erected to provide shade. Zen and Kelly are seated in camp chairs, and an affable older gentleman with white hair and beard introduces himself as Sir Stops-a-lot and offers us each a chicken cheesesteak sandwich.
While the sandwiches are cooking, I grab a cold Mountain Dew from a cooler and look to see Ladybug walking across the parking lot.
Sir Stops-a-lot drives up and down the Appalachian Trail providing Trail Magic. He is donation based, and Kelly and I both donate enough to cover several lunches for other hikers who may pass through.
After eating way more than I should to be hiking on such a hot day, Kelly, Zen, Ladybug and I say goodbye to Sir Stops-a-lot so we can finish up the hike and get out of the sun for the day.
Felling full and refreshed, We chat with Ladybug on the last leg of our hike. The trail crosses a large stream that outflows from a big pond. We decide to stop and take off our socks and shoes and soak our feet in the water.
The water is really warm, unsurprising since the pond is being heated by the sun. The temperature is perfect for a bath but not for a foot soak, but it feels nice to get my shoes off nonetheless. Some other hikers are there doing the same thing. We chill for 20 minutes then get up so we can finish the last couple miles.
The temperature is sweltering by the time we arrive at the truck. Ladybug is going to continue on to a nearby lake with a beach and concession stand. We offer water, and she accepts, filling up from a large glass jug that is in the back of the truck.
We say our goodbyes and go to get Kelly's car, the thermometer reading 99°.
Today's Stats: 16.3 miles, 3,040 feet gain
Trail Stats: 1,427 miles, 279K feet gain
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