Did you know that the White Blaze or white little strip of paint is the marker for the Appalachian Trail? The Appalachian Trail Conservancy has standards in place for the iconic white blaze. It's pretty fascinating to me. The blaze is 2" wide and 6" long. There are rules surrounding the placement of the white blaze and even the type of paint that is supposed to be used. Check out more details if it interests you. Marking the Trail: Both Guides (appalachiantrail.org) The Blue Blaze indicates that you're going off the A.T. usually to a water source. But all water sources aren't marked so you can't 100% rely on a Blue Blaze to indicate water. 

Curious as to their lunch routine? I thought you would be. . . They find a spot and take their food out the backpack. Usually, they try not to have to cook lunch. They are eating chicken or tuna packets with something else. Today Jeff had it with an apple and peanut butter. Maybe you're asking yourself why there are socks there too? Well, every day at lunch they take off their shoes and socks to let their feet dry. Then they put on a different pair of socks. One of the worse things you can do is to keep hiking in damp feet. You have to take care of your feet! I personally don't think I'd have my socks so close to my food but hey, who am I to judge!

Garrett and I are picking them up tomorrow and spending about 24 hours together. It will be great to see them. Also, as a surprise I'm bringing Gavin's dog, Dixie! He will love that. They have requested Mexican food for lunch and pizza for supper so that's what they will get. Also, two of the grandmas have sent homemade treats for us to take to them to help get them some calories. 

As of now, they have out hiked the friends that they've made. The last couple days they have basically seen nobody else. I think they told me 2 different people came by at different times on the trail but that was it. I think that would be kind of strange not seeing hardly anybody for so long. I'm hoping that their friends they initially made will catch back up with them. 

As always, I'll keep you posted.

~Julie