A chance encounter with trail angels

I was walking along, wondering in the back of my mind where in Janesville I might sleep. There aren't a whole lot of options and I really want to make some miles after my rest day yesterday. I heard voices coming down the trail and was surprised - and even more surprised to meet Lacey and Carly scoping this section out for a Girl Scout outing. Carly invited me to her house for the night which allows me to relax today and not worry about where I will sleep. Such a wonderful chance encounter and I am so grateful! My footsteps feel lighter as I walk towards town! Now I will fly towards Janesville. Thank you ladies for brightening the day!

Storrs Lake

One of the most infamous sections of trail. Here it goes...

Somewhere good

"Some great journey!" the Centipede said, limping across the room.
"I shall never be the same again," murmured the Earthworm.
"Nor I," the Ladybug said. "It's taken years off my life."
"But my dear friends!" cried the Old Green Grasshopper, "We are there!"
"Where?" they asked. "Where? Where is there?"
"I don't know," the Old Green Grasshopper said. "But I'll bet it's somewhere good."

-James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl

A short day

Today was unexpectedly short: 12 or 13 easy miles. I called it a day upon reaching a camp spot (thank you Tess!) because I hurt my ankle today. I didn't see a hole and I fell in. Oops. It's nothing too severe and luckily it is my right ankle, which is stronger than my left (left ankle weakness a souvenir from the Great Eastern Trail). So I know it will bounce back and tomorrow I will be fine. Actually after some rest I already feel better but I am in a big no-camping gap so I will hang out tonight.
The only bummer is that I had planned to get through Janesville in one day and now I will be in the middle of the city at sundown. Ehhh. It will work out somehow.
I am super grateful to have had a day and a place to rest!

:)

I carried a knife for almost 300 miles without using it... Until today. Worth it!

Breakfast

Best breakfast ever!!! Tomatoes and a melon. I actually will save the melon for lunch. Oh I can't believe I am going to carry a melon... And not for the first time, either. Worth it!

It was a really nice 20 miler today with a 2-hour swim break. Life is great on the IAT!