Day #8, Stratton Mountain and racing the storm--miles hiked: 18.3

Today was another day with big miles. My feet have done well the entire trip so far, but today they decided to stage a rebellion. By the time we were ready to climb Stratton Mtn, I had a lovely blister on my left heal...but the hike must go on.

Stratton Mtn. is actually a ski area, but the trail comes up the back side and passes another rickety old fire tower with a wonderful view.

For those of you receiving text updates, this is where they often happen: welcome to the sky office.

The entire next 11-12 miles was a race against countless brewing thunderstorms. Amazingly enough, we rolled into the most secure shelter I've ever seen just minutes before the heavens opened.

Before the 3-4 hours of thunder and pouring rain, we passed a famous area called Stratton Pond and a sign that we are not accustomed to in Tennessee (Xc skiing, anyone?).

This stream reminds me of the way to a mountain paradise cabin my grandparents used to own:

Considering the weary feet and need to recover a pair of socks I lost off the back of my pack a few days ago, we have decided to spend the night in Manchester, VT tomorrow.