Eighteenth day F 7/24/20

START:  Reids Gap   3:57amFINISH: Loft Mt. CG    SNP   11:20pm47.2 miles      19:23      2.4 mph892.8  total miles     49.6 mpd6.7 miles ahead of Jennifer21.8 miles ahead of StringbeanA little warm but no rain - but wet grass.Off the Blue Ridge Parkway AT section (with its 2,500-3,000' ascents/descents) and into the Skyline Drive/Shenandoah Nation Park section for a few days.Left shin splint results in another 19+ hour day at a 'patient' 2.4 mph pace.Mercury had many hiking companions today who were quite helpful in keeping her mind off her discomfort. Jupiter says thanks to all these fine helpful folks!Hoping for a higher pace and slightly shorter/more sleep days ahead.Beautiful late day/early evening hiking.Mercury continues to press on into the mountain night alone and Jupiter continues to be impressed by her fortitude! (and he's singing 'Tomorrow' from Annie).