GABO

Day 138 AND 139 Sugar Mountain, NC with DAD!

ZERO DAYS

Had the best breakfast on the AT and waited for Dad to scoop us up and save us from the 40 mph winds pelting us with rain. Thanks trail angel Dad! He shuttled us back across the state line to Sugar Mountain in Banner Elk, NC where we could chill for a few days before he took Corinne back to ATL...no dogs allowed in Smokies. Went to the grocery store and were able to buy real food (Keith cooked for us since he had been missing being a chef) and even used a big shopping cart! Feeling spoiled and are thankful to be out of bad weather! Finished chores and spent rest of the day in town touring wineries. (Banner Elk and Grandfather Mountain) We ate carbs and more carbs then soaked our bodies in the hot tub! We caught up with Dad about what was new in his world and watched the debate before bedtime. Super excited to be slack packing tomorrow!

Day 140 Sugar Mountain, NC

Hiked 21.4 miles in 7.5 hours. It finally stopped raining, but we saw tons of big blowdowns and big branches (widow makers) on the ground. Hiked up and down Roan Mountain past Roan Mountain shelter, which is the highest shelter on the AT at 6,194 feet above sea level! Slack packed back to Sugar Mountain. Slack packing is like when a baseball player takes the weighting donut off the bat before stepping up to the plate and hitting a home run off the first pitch/first at bat/first inning of World Series. Really had a wonderful hike across balds. It cleared up right on time! We are missing Corinne so we are talking to her like she is still with us. Is this what our parents feel like?!? Sorry!

The best part of the day was being able to see Sugar Mountain from a far. We could even see the outline of Dad's place on the mountaintop. We sat in the hot tub and watched the sun set. Scared ourselves watching spooky Halloween movies. I totally miss decorating our house for the holidays!

Day 141 Cantorroso Farms

Shuttled to trail head early...cold! My breakfast Snickers was frozen solid! Finally walking through familiar landscape; recognizable species of flora and fauna. Feels like home! Until we got to the top of Mt. Unake that is...basically is was a dark, dense Spruce forest. This area is known for growing and selling Christmas trees-farms dotting the the mountainsides-cool view from above.

FUN FACT: The first Frasier Fir was discovered atop yesterday's Roan Mountain.

Day 142 Erwin, TN

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Slack packed Sam's Gap 24 miles south of town and we hiked back to hostel 9 hours later. Wonderful 6.5 mile hike up to Big Bald to begin the day. Spectacular views from summit-we could even see the entire Smokie Mountain Range. A bear hunting hound dog found us and followed us for miles. We didn't mind because we pretended it was Corinne. It was National Youth Hunting Day so we were a little nervous the rest of the day hiking through dense forest, especially when we heard gun shots nearby. Thankfully, we made it back to town to see all of the Trick o Treaters in their costumes running in the rain. Went to Mexican restaurant and watched FL beat GA-if you ain't a gator you must be gator bait!

Big Butt Mountain

Day 141

NERO

Hiked 10 miles until we began to feel rain drops on our heads. Feeling sore from lots of P.U.D.S. (pointless ups and downs). Still missing Corinne. I dreamt about her last night after we faced timed with her. Cooked dinner overlooking Painted Creek.

Thanks Dad!

Day 142 Hot Springs, NC

Hiked 17.4 miles, in the rain, to make to Hot Springs! Even though our rain jackets are bad to the bone, they are not waterproof after 8 hours of constant heavy rain/they are still wet from the day before....thankfully Dad gave us ponchos. We wore them over our rain gear and they even kept our packs dry...so it was worth looking like total dorks! We got a room at the Iron Horse Inn, took showers, at lunch, did laundry, called the parents, ate dinner, and went to the hot springs of course! The healing mineral water has been famous since the 1800s. We enjoyed an hour soaking in the hot tub (they pipe in the hot spring water from a few miles away) and left feeling less sore and more relaxed. The spa is along the French Broad River so we had a view of nature from the outdoor tub-one of our favorite town days for sure! Loving staying in non pet-friendly placed but not loving missing Corinne.

Day 143 Hot Springs, NC

ZERO

Ate breakfast at Smokie Mountain Diner then went to outfitters for Smokie Mountain permits. Thru-hikers pay $20.00 to register and must follow all regulations, including only sleeping in shelters; no tenting allowed. Went to open mic night downstairs in tavern and played trivia until bedtime.

Day 144 Stealth spot 0.4N of Max Patch

Hiked 20 miles today to be on top of Max Patch Bald for sunrise. A lot of uphill climbs slowing our pace but still made it to camp in 8 hours. First night in tent since Corinne left the pack...there is sooooooooooo much room in the tent!

Day 145 Standing Bear Farm Hartford, TN

Hiked 13+ miles to get to hostel and arrived completely sweaty. No joke the temperature was 75 degrees...in November! Max Patch Bald was a perfect 360 degree view of NC and TN, including the Smokies to the South. Hiked up to an FAA observation tower and sweated the rest of the day, which made for a great shower as soon as we got to the hostel. The place was under construction but it still had interesting charm...just like the folks here. Very hiker friendly place. Cooked frozen pizza for dinner, drank some cold beer and enjoyed the dinner table conversation. Resupply had a little bit of everything so we are prepared for our last big climb; headed to Tri Corner Knob shelter at 6,600 ft.

Day 146 Tri Corner Knob Shelter

Hiked 18.1 miles, first in sunshine...then in rain...sweated all day because we climbed all day. We had about a 4,800 foot elevation gain in about 8 hours. How to endure 'ups':

1. tell self in through the nose out through the mouth

2. remember to use my 'big girl' muscles

3. pray for those less fortunate than myself that may not have such an opportunity, including those who have passed away, those too sick or not physically able to walk, those who can't afford gear, take the time off work, those busy fighting for our country or wounded doing so. I offer up my suffering for those that truely are and somehow I suddenly find myself on top of the mountain!

Note to self: I can overcome life's 'mountains' because I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

First time staying in shelter-per SMNP rules. I am the only girl in the shelter and had to change clothes in the privy! Trying to be ladylike and represent for women; girl power! Missing my girlfriend Corinne.

Day 147 Mt. Collins Shelter

Hiked 20.6 miles in 9 hours, in the pouring rain, to a packed shelter. We are the only thru-hikers here so it is different than what we are used to. We are close to a road-so lots of day hiker riff raff. Drying shoes and socks by fire and trying to unshrivel my toes. The trail was like a river because of all the rain. We didn't even avoid the puddles because our feet were still wet from yesterday. Everything is smelly and soggy but our spirits are high because great company (day hikers are hilarious; brought telescopes, boom boxes, and Brita filters) Super excited about Cligman's Dome in the AM because we should have awesome sunny weather!

FUN FACT:

The Smoky Mountains, or the Smokies, as they are commonly known, is a sub-range of the Appalachian mountains that rise along the borders of Tennessee and North Carolina. They get their name from the thick fog that hangs over the mountains, in the mornings, and after it rains. From a distance the fog gives the mountains a blue-grey tint that indeed looks like smoke.

Thanks Jay!

Day 148 Spence Field Shelter = MICE!

Hiked 20 miles, to Clingman's Dome, across the 2000 mile mark, up to Rocky Top Tennesee (5,440 ft), and to the last shelter we will ever stay in. The mice will chew through anything so we had to hang our packs and make sure the pockets were left unzipped...but they still pooped all over everything and even ran across sleeping faces. Enjoyed a clear view from Clingman's Dome, the highest point on AT at 6,655 ft. Great 360 degree view from UFO-looking structure. Loving the ridge line walks throughout the whole range; spectacularly fantastic views of the Smokies!

Day 149 Fontana Dam Lodge, NC

As Eore would say...'another rainy day'...sad face. Hiked 18+ miles in 6+ hours, walking almost 3 mph the whole way. The rain led to lots of muddy puddles so the bright side is soft and squishy ground to walk on made my feet happy. And rain meant that we survived the Smokies without snow! We crossed the Fontana Dam Bridge for view of largest Dam/Hydroelectric Power Plant east of the Mississippi.

FUN FACT: Completed in 1945, Fontana Dam is a gravity-type concrete structure 480 feet high, 2,365 feet long, and 376 feet thick at its base. The six-story powerhouse of reinforced concrete with glass walls is located at the base of the dam. Typical of TVA engineering, Fontana is multipurpose, providing electric power, flood control, navigation, and recreation.

Trail angel Peter gave us a ride to the Lodge and we became human again after showers, laundry, and dinner. Get to see Mom and the dogs tomorrow! Dam.

Day 150 Fontana Dam Lodge, NC

Slack packed/no packed 14+ miles today, walking North, back to cabin. Easiest hike ever. We went more than 3 mph and made it to Marina in 5 hours. Not unbalanced, since no pack, so not afraid to fall. I basically ran down the trail and even danced along some parts. Mom and the dogs arrived! The pack is back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ordered the Dam Burger and ate every Dam bite.

Day 151 NOC Bryson City, NC

Big climbs this AM, but Corinne didn't skip a beat. She loves being back on the trail and its so cool to watch her in her element. Thanks to trail angel Mom we were able to refuel and relax in order to sprint to the finish. We are in the homestretch; bittersweet! Ate dinner at Nantahala at River's End.

Day 152, Wayah Bald Shelter

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABY LAROCHELLE!

Hiked 16 miles, of which 4 miles were in the rain. What happened to all the switchbacks!?! The climbs were long and on a huge incline. A lot of roots and big pieces of rock to step on so almost like stair climbing all day. No poles (broken), so actually able to climb faster, but not able to descend as fast. Can't catch self with pole so have to be more careful. Wet leaves are slick! Dry leaves slick too! Hoping last day to wear rain jacket. ATL ETA = 1 week!

Day 153 Franklin, NC

NERO

Hiked 11.5 miles to get into Franklin. Had trouble getting shuttle so had to hitch...twice. Thankful for trail angels who don't mind strange, smelly...dogs. Began the morning with frosty climb to historic monument/overlook. Lovely hike. In town early for lunch at FATZ and got a little fatter to survive the cold snap coming tomorrow.

Day 154 Standing Indian Shelter

Hiked up to Albert's Mountain firepower and to the 100 miles left mark! Today was the most flat terrain ever! Also not very much elevation change made for an enjoyable hike. Listened to favorite iTunes playlist to keep fast pace and made great time. Meeting one of Keith's (ex) coworkers, Chris, tonight so waiting around best Keith-made bonfire ever! Met some folks from ATL, one is getting married at Christ the King (like Kate) and his cousins went to STM and SPX! Small world!

Oops! Too close to fire!

Day 155 Henson Cove B & B

Hiked 17 miles along flat terrain so we got to trailhead in the early afternoon. Walked first few miles with Chris and John before they turn around to go back to ATL. Crossed the state line about 7 miles in and had GA on our mind the rest of the day! We are staying in 2 story cabin enjoying our last few days on the trail. The hosts let us borrow their car so we drove to Mexican restaurant like 10 miles under the speed limit. Came back to B & B for wine and desserts. Slept tight all night.

We are officially in GA!

Day 156 Hiawassee, GA State #14!

Woke up for a delicious breakfast and listened to ATL news station; crazy hearing familiar roads on traffic report. Slack packed 17 miles. Great weather so able to climb without slipping. We walked 3.4 mph and made it back to town early so we could enjoy our last showers before we get home in a few days. We be springing to Springer!

Day 157 Mountain Crossings/Neels Gap

Hiked 21 miles to make to our last mail drop before the outfitters closed at 5 PM. We got a free push-pop just for being thru-hikers. Repacked our bags under the only covered part of AT by the famous shoe tree, set up camp nearby, and tried to stay warm. The storm is a brewin'! 40 mph wind gusts with sustained 20 mph winds made it too dangerous to summit Blood Moutain (the highest point on AT in GA).