Today we did 18.3 miles, about ten of which were on the Roller Coaster. That is a 13.5 mile section of tightly packed ascents and descents that are generally steep and very rocky. It was pretty slow going compared to what I’ve been doing lately but I also took lots of breaks because of the humidity. My right knee has been a little swollen again as well so I’m going to RICE it the next couple of nights before the four state challenge.

A storm started brewing right as I was getting to the top of the hill where there is a side trail to Bears Den Hostel. It started raining when I got there so I ran the .2 mile down the trail into the building. I got the thru hiker special, which is $30 for a bunk, shower, laundry, pizza, soda, and pint of ice cream.

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