5°C over night. Felt cooler maybe due to the constant rain making the air damp.
Packed up and left right away, saying goodbye to Sparticus. I'll probably get passed by him in the next week or two after he picks up the gear he's waiting on. Miles for breakfast.
Walked the 4 miles into Boiling Springs, which the trail goes right through. Had breakfast at Cafe 101 Mexican Grill (so the miles were really just an appetizer).
The next 14 miles wound through farms and backyards. Definitely the opposite of wilderness. Passed a shooting range with a little warning sign so you wouldn't be surprised.
Ran across a hiker just out for a day and they told some horror stories of rocks, snakes, ticks, and storms all up ahead. Said they were going out in May for some section hiking, but it was too cold for them now. Don't I know it.
Crossing all the farms meant going over a few stiles which allow people to cross but not the farm animals. This can be better than a gate because you don't have to remember to close it.
The climb back into the hills had a decent view though compromised by gray skies. Had to haul my water up to the shelter again today from about a mile out since the spring is reported to be unreliable.
The hills on the horizon are where I started the day! (click for higher resolution).
Stayed at Darlington Shelter by myself. It was in good condition and relatively quiet.
It was advertised as having a "Taj Mahal" moldering privy, and indeed it was quite spacious.
The dueling thrones are a little deceptive since one is locked. Likely they switch sides when one fills up to give the microbes time to break down the waste.
Today I broke 100 miles on the trail!