Woke in the shelter loft to what sounded like a sea squall. It had been windy all night, but this was the first significant precipitation. I rolled over, found the book, and proceeded to finish a good portion. Even after the weather subsided I was hesitant to get up. Sometimes tired legs need a rest. What finally got me moving was an unfamiliar, repetitive scratching sound. I peeked down the ladder to find what I will call a shelter pony scratching itself on the picnic table like a dog. I can't say I trust ponies in general, but this one looked especially untrustworthy. There was no way I was leaving my food bag around this guy.
After getting water, I started my hike into the Grayson Highlands. Once again, it was as if I had ventured into the wilds of the UK for the day. Lush grassland, large boulders strewn into lazy piles, small and medium rocks sprinkled throughout, and walking paths cut into the landscape. I even got a nice mid afternoon europeanesque rain shower.
After the highlands, I entered the woods again to find well graded trail. It's not the lack of elevation change in Virginia, because it still has that, but the lack of rough paths that make it easier. Made it to a tent site at Dickey Gap (516.1).
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