Current Location: Hampton, TN
Miles Hiked: 428.5
Miles to go: 1769.9
Percent of trail completed: 19%
It’s been an eventful couple weeks since the last update.
Here are some of the highlights:
✔️ Completed the Great Smoky Mountain National Park section
Standing Bear Farm marks the end of the section in the Smokies and is one of the most popular hostels on the trail. I took a “zero” (a day off) here.
✔️ Passed Max Patch
Max Patch is known for gorgeous views and bald summit. As you can see by the picture, I sadly did not get any views on that day. It was the right in the middle of a two day downpour.
✔️ Started hiking with a tramily
As I mentioned in a previous post, hiking solo is my default and comfort zone. However I’ve been charmed by the AT community. I’m learning to embrace the very social nature of this trail.
✔️ Started to knock out my first 20+ mile days.
Though my feet are achey, I am getting stronger. My sweet spot is currently 15-20 miles per day, occasionally pushing 20+ miles.
✔️ Left North Carolina for the last time.
After traversing along the North Carolina/Tennessee border for several weeks, the trail leaves NC for the final time at mile after crossing the Roan Highlands.
✔️ Met the legendary trail angel Miss Janet
The tramily loading into Miss Janet’s van to resupply in Erwin, TN.
Miss Janet has been supporting thru hikers for 40 years and is well known in the AT community. She was kind enough to help out group by shuttling us to and from the trail multiple times, providing a place to pitch our tents in Erwin, and giving us access to a kitchen to make a birthday party feast for one of our tramily members.
✔️ Crossed the 400 mile mark!
What’s Next
It’s hard to believe but I am only 39 miles away from the border of Virginia. This is especially meaningful to me as Virginia is the state I currently call home. I’m looking forward to some familiar scenery and hopefully the opportunity to see my wife in a few weeks.
K, good to see your progress. Who is in your tramily? I had hoped to meet up at some point when you were in VA (like we did with Fred – I forget his trailname) but family issues will be keeping me in VB. Stay safe and enjoy your journey.
Doug and I did a 1 mile portion of the AT at Gatlinburg just to say we had been on the AT. After reading your posts this far, I think we might need to do an overnight hike for the beauty of it!