Sixteenth day - W 7/22/20

START:  Black Horse Gap  (BRP)    5:05amFINISH: Punchbowl Crossing (BRP)  midnight54.1 miles    18:55     2.9 mph798.2 total miles     49.8 mpd11.8 miles in front of JPD      23.3 miles ahead of StringbeanStrong Thunderstorms - late afternoon/eveningAfter getting in late after a long hot day, Mercury departs for 'work' at her latest time - 5:05am. It is a beautiful post-thunderstorm morning as the trail crisscrosses the Blue Ridge Parkway with stunning sunrise views that Mercury can enjoy on her northward flow.She gets hit by a strong thunderstorm atop lofty Apple Orchard Mt. which gives her some extra pep to her step.We get visited by six people from David Horton's shire of Lynchburg.Three youngins' walk through a rainy night with Mercury. And yes, it is true. Misery loves company. Two others bring food - thanks for smoothies, milkshakes, watermelon, ice cream, etc. One Mercury fanboy on a motorcycle catches us at a trail crossing. Jupiter finds his  unabashed 'agoginess' refreshing. We sent a record for 'selfies'.Mercury is tired and has sore feet. Having multiple nights of sleep lasting 3.5 to 4 hours and walking (and running–edit from Mercury) close to fifty miles a day through the mountains, with an occasional torrential downpour, will do that to you. Jupiter is writing this on his laptop while sitting on shaded concrete in front of a Food Lion. If Jupiter stays here long enough in his sartorial displender, someone may take pity on him and throw a few coins/bills his way. However, back to the mountains to Mercury!