Appalachian Trail (day 36) - Bryant Ridge Shelter to John's Hollow Shelter / mile 789

Another good, quite demanding day, I've climbed up to Apple Orchard Mountain and descended all the way down through a James River Bridge right in front another big climb for tomorrow.

Weather was great, my energy levels fluctuated throughout the day but it was to be expected after what happened few days ago. Trail felt quite empty only few day hikers and one Northbound thru hiker called Burger King (not to be mistaken with Burger Man I've met a while ago), whom quickly disappeared in the distance and I haven't seen him for the rest of the day.

Trail was running along one of the first burned sectiones I've seen on the AT, it wasn't even that badly burned, just few patches here and there.

On top of the Apple Orchard Mountain there was a building with a big orb on top of it, it was built by US air force for long range aircraft detection and closed sometimes in the 1980s.
After quite long and steep descent, trail was running along the James River until it reached the bridge which was full of people, some were fishing, others swimming or jumping to the river from the top of it.
I've stopped at the Johns Hollow Shelter, there was a group of friendly section hikers staying here tonight as well, one of them Papa Bear hiked the AT already, it took him two years. They got a campfire running and we talked about Billy Strings, t-shirt of whom I was wearing (I'm still surprised just how many people knows him) and newly elected American pope.

At 7:30 PM everyone decided that it was time to call it a day and we all went to sleep. Unfortunately for us it was Eastern whip-poor-will territory, a nocturnal bird I've met once before, and it started it's relentless chant soon enough.

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