20x4 and Beyond

On the day we left Hot Springs, Strider and I hit a milestone: we completed our first 20x4, meaning that we progressed 20 miles by 4:00. This was also our group's first 20 mile day.

We came out here to be badasses.
-Strider

It's expected that you have to be able to ramp up to 20 mile days to complete a 6 month thru hike. 2,197 miles in 180 days averages out to over 12 miles per day, and the recommended starting pace is 8 miles per day. Every town visit and "zero day" drains the running average. The closing of Baxter park is a hard deadline for all NOBO hikers.

The goal of this leg was to reach Erwin in 4.5 days with a relatively aggressive pace. We ended up reaching town in 4 days, averaging 17.25 miles per day. However, since the town day is a zero, it averages out to 13.8 miles per day. This is only barely enough; we will want to increase the mileage even more, and turn all of our town visits into "nero" (near zero) days to keep up the average.

Horn tooting aside, accomplishing longer days feels good. We are learning that the limit on how far we can hike in a day is determined by how much we can eat. By doubling my caloric intake during each snack break, I can walk right up hills with no problem. The details of technique and shoes are solved well enough to support this, but I expect there is plenty more to learn.

The rest of this leg was beautiful, with excellent vistas and well kept trails and facilities.

Even as our pace increases, I still take the time to admire and photograph the sights.

I've been feeling very comfortable on the trail. I'm focused on staying on my feet and avoiding hazards, but it's becoming second nature. I can look around enough to absorb the flora and fauna around me.

Crossing I-26 was a nice personal milestone; I have probably driven across this gap over a hundred times, while traveling between Asheville, NC and Erwin, TN.

Spring is transforming the forest. It seems like every day we see new flower species in bloom.

On the last day of this leg, Saturday the 4th, we encountered double trail magic. A crew of weekend hikers was handing out ice cream, churros, and margaritas to early celebrate Cinco de Mayo. Later on, a lady met us in a parking lot with the trunk of her car filled from end to end with food. I ate voraciously, and the next few uphill miles flew by.

After crossing Temple Hill we could hear a train and the river roaring in unison.

The night at Uncle Johnny's hostel was mellow. There were some familiar faces, but many new ones. I lacked the energy to meet them, and instead focused on getting a large pizza delivered and eating the entire thing with ranch dip and a few baby carrots which were up for grabs.

Tomorrow is Erwin Day, and we have a plan.