Day 17

Day 17: Santa Mike gave us a ride back to a Mooney Gap (mile 98) from Franklin, where I asked if I could take his photo, and then he asked if he could take our photo (photo 2) .
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@thewanderingsailor Gave me excellent advice before my hike to not only take photos of nature but of people, too. Thank you, Wes!
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We climbed to the top of Albert Mountain (mile 99.7), I used my hands for the first time to scurry to the fire tower on top, which was locked, but still a wonderful view. .
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Photo 5: Took a selfie at mile 100.9, after realizing I had crossed 100 miles!! I look ecstatic, don’t I? I actually am. .
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Photo 6: Jacob gets water. I’m getting spoiled on this water. It tastes so good. .
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At this point, we are hiking over 10 miles a day (12.2 on this day). Jacob hikes ahead to set up camp, he is my “sherpa” after all. I get to the road at Winding Stair Gap (mile 109.4) where a minivan pulls up next to me. A little shady, but then I realize it’s none other than Santa Mike and his wife. What timing to cross paths at the next road crossing! He commends me on how far I’ve hiked today, with the Albert Mtn climb and all, he is actually very impressed. I am, too. I cross the road to go about 1 more mile, thankful for Jacob who lets me focus on my “job” of increasing my mileage, while he takes care of the rest. #at2019