Derrick Earls, More Heart than Scars tackle the AT together and in Spirit!: Day 23, June 7, 2014

The day of the 5k had arrived and I took my second zero from the AT. A zero is a term thru hikers use when they hike zero AT trail miles. I woke up at 6:45 a.m. and left for the 5k at 7:40 a.m. The day was picture perfect, the weather gorgeous, and the 5k course was beautiful. It was a neat cross country trail.

I took a gentleman that trail maintains the AT to his position as a spotter and went to my spotting location to keep the runners on the trail. Nathan came through with his motorcycle to lead the race. It was awesome to speak words of encouragement to the runners. One 40 year old female hiker hiked with her full pack and did a 43 minute time. Her name was red robin. She was a neat lady.

I received a medal and synthetic bear bait 5k shirt for volunteering. Thank you Teresa!

Teresa Witcher gave out the medals to the winners in their age groups and shared the oranges, bananas, baked muffins, trail mix and cereal bars with the runners. We broke down the race and prepared for Daleville Trail Days. I saw many people I met at the Hiker feed including the sweet ladies from the battle of the baker. The vendors were kind and I won the drawing at Gregory. I received a hat, spork, Chapstick and insect repellant bandana. It's a new technology that helps keeps all insects off. I gave the spork to Taylor because I had received one earlier from Gregory.

Had a few beers and a mushroom Swiss burger at the Tap room. Came home and took a nap.

Woke up at 7 p.m. and inventoried my backpack. I mailed home my gators, bar clave, a card from the churches children bible study, my broke Katadyn water pump (scored a sawyer squeeze in Marion, VA; the last one) and my stoic long johns before 12 p.m. I'm lighter and will be faster. Remember: ounces turn into pounds on the trail.

My cooking pot, water canisters, and laundry are complete. Caught up with Teresa and Homer for a late night snack of avocado, chips and dip, and strawberry ice cream. Let the body soak in a bath and worked on my blog. Tomorrow I hit the trail back at VA 621. The trail is going to have an awesome return because I will experience Dragon's Tooth, McAfee Knob and Tinkers Cliffs.