Gaps, Balds, and New Boots

Stats: Monday night 3/28, MM 137.3

(67.7 miles this week, 146.1 total miles)

One of the most often photographed trees on the AT, at Bly Gap

Another week down, only about 24 more to go (give or take). Bald Eagle, Moondog, and I continue to hike together. Last week some of Bald Eagle's family joined us for a few days.

After leaving Hiawassee and our zero-day, we continued to Bly Gap. We arrived after dark, finding the camping area crowded and noisy. We found our spots and settled in for the night.

The next day we started out for Beech Gap. Before leaving, we took pictures with one of the most photographed trees on the AT. Our hike took us over Standing Indian Mountain, elevation 5,400 feet. Absolutely beautiful views, but what a climb! Somewhere along the way I got poison ivy on my ankle. Well, I guess we all know how that probably happened.

Annoying but not too bad; I've had worse

When we left Beech Gap on Thursday, our goal was to get to Franklin sometime on Friday. The climbing wasn’t as steep as it had been in the beginning of our hike, so we made good time in the morning. In the afternoon we hiked a steep, rocky climb to a fire tower (and back down, not as steep) and made it to Franklin in one long day. Good thing too, my blister was not any better and needed a rest. Plus it rained really hard that night and we would have gotten soaked. Another night of good timing!

On the way to Franklin, we noticed a stray dog was following hikers. One guy left his pack for just a minute to get water and the dog tore his pack apart looking for food. Found out the dog was owned by a guy who lived near the trail; the guy didn’t seem concerned that his dog was wandering, told us not to worry the dog would turn back. He didn’t, so people took him to an animal shelter in Franklin.

Thursday night someone offered to buy me a beer. None other than Baltimore Jack! He’s a legend on the trail – hiked it 9 times and written helpful information for hikers. He was very friendly and answered a lot of our questions. We enjoyed talking to him, and we learned a few pointers from him.

Friday morning my first stop was to pick up a package Mary sent to Outdoor 76 for me. They also have footwear experts, so I took my boots and blisters in to get their help. The assessment was that my boots were too loose and that’s why I had the blister. I left a few hours later with better fitting boots (hopefully). They also mentioned that I needed to hike only 8-10 miles a day for the first 200 miles to “break in” my knee. I’ll try, but, well, going slow is hard for me.

This is why we stopped...but finally getting better!

Later Friday we met someone who told us about a breakfast being provided each day in March by a local church, then a message about Easter was shared. We missed Friday so attended on Saturday. Very encouraging message, and an excellent breakfast!

Bald Eagle's daughter, glad to be on the trail

After breakfast we took a 9AM shuttle back to the trail. We hiked about 12 miles to a campground at the top of a mountain. We passed over Siler Bald, elevation 5,000 feet. Amazing views!

 

Sunday was much the same, including another Bald: Wayah Bald. We didn't intend to go as far, but the next campground was full so we hiked past it to the top of the next mountain. Somehow we seem to end up at the top of mountains for camping. Makes for an easier start the next morning.

Wayah Bald

That day we also had some Trail Magic from Trail Angels – people who provide food to hikers along the way. The ham sandwiches were really good!

Trail Magic from Trail Angels

Our goal for Monday was to get to Nantahala Outdoor Center, only about 7 miles away. We got in early and plan to stay here overnight to get a little rest off the trail. Tomorrow we’ll head back out toward Fontana Dam and the Smokies. One thing that will be different in the Smokies is that we can’t camp outside a shelter area like we’ve been doing most of the time. Will be a bit more challenging to plan our days, but it may also slow us down, and that might not be bad.

One of many shelters on the trail. Not too big...

On the AT, 8PM is known as hiker’s midnight. Most people are in their tents by then, mostly because it’s warmer. Gets much colder after dark. One night people stayed up talking and had a fire going, but most of the time everyone turns in once they’ve had dinner.



View from the inside...and some tired feet!

Mary asked me if I missed TV, phones, and media while I’m out on the trail. I can honestly say I haven’t. The focus of the day is on where to hike, and on the next mountain. I’ve also stopped drinking coffee on the trail – instead of getting out everything to heat the water, we’ve been packing up and grabbing a quick protein bar for breakfast. Then, we’re off!

Moondog, Nailgun, and Bald Eagle

As I continue this hike, I realize that while it’s what I expected, I didn’t fully know what to expect. I don’t think anyone can until they do it. I’m learning more every day.

I’m still breaking in the new boots. After two days my legs are sore, especially my knees. I hope that doesn’t last; if it does I’ll switch back when Mary comes to see me in a week or so. Overall, the knee is doing OK – swollen a little but nothing drastic. Thank you for praying for it, please keep praying!

Thank you again for your support, prayers, and encouragement. I couldn’t do this hike without it, and appreciate all of you very much!

Nailgun

God's awesome creation surrounds us every day

One of the "easier" parts of the trail

Me and Moondog