7.14 - Phone Call

From Mark:

"Kris called home Wednesday morning 7/14.  He was in Damascus, Virginia which is almost right on the border of TN, NC and VI.  They were 483 miles into the trip and 25 days of hiking.  They are averaging 19 miles per day with a high of 26 miles one day.  He and Joel are even more positive about this experience than earlier on.  Their equipment is "great", and they are pleased that their feet are holding up well.  They expected days where their feet would be either blistered or very sore, but this has for the most part not been the case.  They do like the routine of staying in a small town hostel every 5-10 days as this affords them the chance to replenish food supplies, do some laundry, dry out any wet articles but mostly eat 2-3 large meals.  They have continued to loose weight with Kris reporting in at 148 right now.

Virginia will be the longest state, mileage wise, but with relatively little elevation gain, so some high-mileage days are ahead.  They continue to enjoy the people they meet on the trail, everything from larger groups of scouts doing just a portion of the trail to single individuals hiking the whole thing alone.  Kris did hint at the possibility of his wanting to do the Pacific Crest Trail Spring of 2012.  He said "I think this long distance hiking is really getting into my blood and I can't imagine not having something else to look forward to."  Of course, work, grad school or even a relationship could alter this a bit."