Seeing these signs is a Catch 22. It makes the work I've done so far seem so insignificant, but I do like seeing that number to Maine go down.
Miles Today: 16.0
Mile Marker: 270.2 Deer Park Mountain Shelter
This morning was dewy and my tent was soaked. However the weather was pretty great. It was sunny all day and there was a gentle breeze going. Not much in the way of any views. Today was all about grinding out miles to have a short hike into Hot Springs tomorrow.
Originally I was going to nearo, but now I think I'm going to resupply and pass through. I'm still rested from Standing Bear, and skipping the stay in HS saves me money and means I can nearo in to see Mom and Rick next Tuesday. That's been all I can think about this last week. It's going to be a welcome break.
I am going to hit the outfitter in the morning and look for some cushy shoe inserts. I think I was a bit overzealous with my jump into zero drop shoes. I think it is causing much of the ankle and foot pain I've felt since I started. I don't particularly feel any other muscle soreness or fatigue, so finding a fix for the foot pain will make the hiking much better. I'm hoping something like Super Feet will have enough of an incline themselves to allow me to wear these shoes out. If they don't work, I'll try something new when I get to Erwin.