Walking 3:00:00 [3]
Very mild sprinkle got me going faster in the morning. I'd rather hike in the rain than pack in rain. Then cloudy, cool, threatening all AM until sun broke out - perfect. Two long uphills - legs still okay. Hiked out past Gray's Arch - fantastic arch and overhang to end the trip. Earlier I took one wrong turn. Uphill, I saw two faint trails, but left seemed larger. Hiked along base of 20 foot wall waiting to get on top of it - oops dead end. Hmm, haven't seen any white blazes in a while. Backtrack. Right branch had white blaze 50 feet ahead, just out of sight behind rock. Otherwise trails were very well marked.
Overall, my 'back to back-packing trek' went well. I packed reasonably: not much extra; nothing missing but hat for sleeping. One-burner propane stove was excellent: dehydrated for supper; oatmeal etc and coffee for breakfast; snacks for lunch. 1-man tent and new sleeping bag next time. Of course, no rain, no mosquitoes, and cool temps make everything easier.
Went to Natural Bridge State Park's resort lodge for supper and wi-fi. Easter buffet: food was only warm, still ate too much, but hot shower and catching up an emails feels good. I'll easy hike here tomorrow, then must decide next route towards Georgia.