Baking in the July haze, I found myself trapped in a heat dome, struggling to escape the relentless sun. Despite my best efforts, I couldn't shake off the heat, even with some timely help. But superstition, an old high school Latin class memory, kept me going. Lepus, lepus, I whispered, knowing I had another good night's sleep. The first day of a new month, and I was ready for a hike. My plan was to optimize my route, swapping between the AT and Skyline Drive to carve the fastest path back to my van. But as I hiked, I realized that I needed to replicate my heroic hike from the previous Friday. I was eager for a break, and a moment of inspiration struck. I could hike, plan to spend the night on the trail, and then head into town to avoid the heat. This would set me up for an afternoon finish on Saturday, when I could enjoy some free time and watch the F1 qualifying round.
As I hiked, I was cooking not just miles but also my entire body. The heat and humidity were relentless, and I was questioning how far I could go. I had to decide between a shorter but steeper route over Compton Peak or staying on Skyline Drive, which would be flatter but mean an additional hour before I'd get more water. I came to my senses and planned to get back on the AT to get some cold water into my system from the spring below Compton Peak. This would help me recover and finish strong.
Over 10 miles of road walking had taken their toll, and it was now past 5:00 PM. My feet were badly beaten up, and I was hydrated but everything else was in rough shape. I kept waiting for a second wind, but it never came. Instead, I was sweating more than ever before, and the air was getting heavier the more I descended. I reached the creek before 7:00 PM, and despite having plenty of time to hike more, the next camping area was 4.7 miles further north - and largely uphill. I quickly surveyed the area for a tentsite, and after guzzling a liter of water, it was apparent that I wasn't going any further. I needed to get my shoes off and let my feet breathe.
In the end, I pitched my tent and inflated my sleeping pad, laying down in my tent to try to cool off. I asked for the sun to set so the temperature could finally come down, but it would be another hour before any such relief would arrive. As I lay there, I reflected on the day's events and the challenges I had faced. I was grateful for the water I had received from the passing car, and I knew that I had made the right decision to get back on the AT and get some cold water into my system. Despite the heat and humidity, I was determined to finish strong and enjoy the free time I had planned for Saturday evening.
