Last night, home was a small tent site along a creek. I arrived later in the evening and was “carded” on arrival. I may have been the youngest tenter there. We shared hiker stories and it was lights out by 8:30. 

About two miles into today’s hike, I happened on a bench, in the middle of the woods. The kind you’d find on a porch or in a garden. I dropped my pack, grabbed a snack bar and water, and enjoyed the view. What a surprise. 
The rest of the day was a grind. No views. Either straight uphill or constant downhill. One of those days to just push. Nothing to see. Nothing to do. Just walk. 
I am about one day short on food to be able to reach Damascus, VA. So what to do? Hostel…beer, shower, laundry, and microwave food. 
Life is good!