Dick's Creek Gap to Winding Stair Gap

When North Carolina enters with a bang 
Day 10

First state border crossed

Today I crossed into North Carolina, and it was quickly a lot of climbing (at least 2500 ft today, the most so far). These southern mountains have okay switchbacks and don't compare to the grades in the White Mountains, for example, but that doesn't make them easy. I met someone on the shuttle bus yesterday who is hiking the AT as the third of his triple crown, plus a few thousand miles elsewhere. His advice was it never gets easier. That's kind of how I feel about exercise; as you get stronger, you can do more/faster/farther, but it's still challenging in the moment.

My tent, not my dog.

Interesting names?


Day 11
Surprise rain all day! Definitely a bit slippery with the mud on trail today. I was actually sad that it was so level because my hands got pretty cold as soon as I wasn't climbing. Next town stop I'm going to pick up some waterproof gloves.

No rain, no Maine. It's still a challenge to leave a dry warm tent for the rain. Shelter site was packed as everyone seemed to have a similar idea of not wanting to hike as long and spacing out one day ahead of Franklin.

Day 12
Interesting moss as squad hikes out of camp

Luckily it warmed up and was windy early today, so my stuff dried out fairly easily. We had the most unexpected trail magic today. First, there was a sign saying "AT Magic", but it wasn't near any known road crossings. Then, a half mile later was a wonderful setup hosted by a couple who thru hiked in 2021 plus 2 other hikers. The couple was vegan, so in addition to great snacks, there were vegan hot dogs. It made for a tough climb up Albert Mountain, which was a short but steep half mile or so.

View at the fire tower 

Crew at the fire tower

Also surprised to see 2 men on horseback at the peak. I'm fairly sure they weren't supposed to ride horses the AT up to that point, but they were quite a site, full Southern cowboy from hat to boot spurs.

At camp, we all dried out our damp and smelly socks with the hiker version of a sculpture garden, with Peroni posing thoughtfully.
 
Same set up with a very confused dog

Comments

  1. AnonymousMarch 31, 2023 at 1:56 PM

    Love these descriptions and pics cookie. I feel inspired to hike. Keep the blog going we love it.

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousMarch 31, 2023 at 5:38 PM

    Over time, blisters, wet socks will be a distant memory. Friendships, new experiences will last a lifetime. Good luck!

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousApril 1, 2023 at 12:19 PM

    Great job Cookie- love the pics. M

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnnieApril 3, 2023 at 8:07 PM

    So happy to see you happy!! Love you!!! 🥰

    ReplyDelete
  5. Birthday TwinApril 11, 2023 at 3:44 AM

    So inspiring! Love the pics and so excited for all yet to come. What an adventure! 😘

    ReplyDelete

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