An ominous fog laid low over the church as we departed Elkhorn City for an 84-mile, 8,000-foot (1.5-mile) climb day. The Appalachian Mountains extend from Newfoundland to Georgia, including the Blue Ridge Mountains region, meaning we will be climbing for the next two weeks!

The Breaks Interstate Park is just 6 miles away, 1,000 feet above Elkhorn City, so as we started to climb and the rain started, the thickly forested area stood in stark contrast to the corn fields of Illinois, rolling hills of Indiana, pastures of Western Kentucky and the “hollers” we had navigated to get to Elkhorn City.

The thick broad leaf deciduous trees hung to the ground with vines of ivy and morning glories, and soon the rain cascaded off the leaves running toward us on the roads we climbed. I was grateful for the rain as we started an 8-mile, 2,000-foot climb that would consume the next 75 minutes, and soon my glasses were useless and tucked between my chest and jersey.

Descending with caution it bevame apparent that the next 60 miles would take most of the day, and the temperatures would be pleasantly wet and only about 70! Perfect for 24 climbs spread out over the 84-mile rout.

By 2:30 p.m. — after 7 hours, 2 donuts, 1 cold hot dog, and a liter of water — I made Tazewell safe and sound and ready to climb again tomorrow!!! Thanks for following along!