Day 20 - Mar 12
Sleeping is a real bed is so relaxing. While on the trail, I sleep pretty comfortably, but there is just nothing like a bed.
We got up at 7 and by 715 we were seated at the diner. I ordered 2 pancakes and an omelette with sausage, ham, peppers, and onions in it, with a side of biscuits and hashbrowns. That filled me up pretty well. While eating, an older gentleman came in and started talking to us about the trail. In 2013 he hiked from springer to Duncannon PA. After talking for awhile about our shared experiences, he offered to pay our bill for us. I hope someday I can pay the favor forward to another set of hikers. I really appreciated the generosity.
We got up at 7 and by 715 we were seated at the diner. I ordered 2 pancakes and an omelette with sausage, ham, peppers, and onions in it, with a side of biscuits and hashbrowns. That filled me up pretty well. While eating, an older gentleman came in and started talking to us about the trail. In 2013 he hiked from springer to Duncannon PA. After talking for awhile about our shared experiences, he offered to pay our bill for us. I hope someday I can pay the favor forward to another set of hikers. I really appreciated the generosity.
Speaking about generosity, the lady who owned our motel that we stayed at last night, personally did our laundry for us. The only town laundromat was shut down but after we explained how long it was since we had done our laundry, she actually offered to do it for us for free at her own house. I'm so thankful for generous people, a true blessing.
We then went over to the local grocery store, the hillbilly market, and bought supplies for the next 4 days to make it to Erwin.
Immediately upon leaving town at 10, we realized how tiresome today was going to be. Just like when we left the noc, our entire morning was spent climbing back up into the mountains. 8.5 miles uphill is usually pretty tough, but manageable. The issue with leaving town today was doing this was two thing. For one, our packs were filled to the top with supplies, adding about 12 to 15 pounds. In addition, the tempurature in town was somewhere around 65 to 70 degrees eith plenty of humidity as well. Less than a week ago it was single digits. Now the temp is in the high 60's with humidity.... that'll make you tired.
We made surprisingly good pace during the day but we also took plenty of breaks. With the threat of thunderstorms, we decided to set up camp at 430, only logging 13 miles for the day, one of our shorter mile days. Honestly, this was no problem at all to me. Now that we are back up at our proper elevation, we plan to do two days in the low 20's for mileage, which will put us right where we need to be.
Setting up camp early and getting the proper rest our bodies need is just as important as hiking the correct mileage is. There is much more to hiking than just hiking.
Aside from resting, I think I may have figured out my preferred alternative to rice sides. I'm not sure how much I have ranted about rice sides, but I truly despise rice sides. I have never tried to eat something so vile so many times in my life. They are a very common trail food but I would rather quit hiking than ever eat rice sides again.
Instead of rice sides, I just bought some white rice today at the market and mixed it in with salmon and beef jerky for dinner. It was by far my best trail dinner that I have had. Thank goodness that the reign of terror of rice sides is over.
I think some rain should move in tonight and continue until sometime tomorrow afternoon. This upcoming weekend and next week looks like it will be full of rain. Now that the smokies are out of the way I honestly dont care what the weather does. Sleeping during the rain actually makes me sleep great as it not only serves as a background noise, but typically brings warmer night time temps with it as well.
Tomorrow we hit mile marker 300.
Goodnight,
Tyler M.
We then went over to the local grocery store, the hillbilly market, and bought supplies for the next 4 days to make it to Erwin.
Immediately upon leaving town at 10, we realized how tiresome today was going to be. Just like when we left the noc, our entire morning was spent climbing back up into the mountains. 8.5 miles uphill is usually pretty tough, but manageable. The issue with leaving town today was doing this was two thing. For one, our packs were filled to the top with supplies, adding about 12 to 15 pounds. In addition, the tempurature in town was somewhere around 65 to 70 degrees eith plenty of humidity as well. Less than a week ago it was single digits. Now the temp is in the high 60's with humidity.... that'll make you tired.
We made surprisingly good pace during the day but we also took plenty of breaks. With the threat of thunderstorms, we decided to set up camp at 430, only logging 13 miles for the day, one of our shorter mile days. Honestly, this was no problem at all to me. Now that we are back up at our proper elevation, we plan to do two days in the low 20's for mileage, which will put us right where we need to be.
Setting up camp early and getting the proper rest our bodies need is just as important as hiking the correct mileage is. There is much more to hiking than just hiking.
Aside from resting, I think I may have figured out my preferred alternative to rice sides. I'm not sure how much I have ranted about rice sides, but I truly despise rice sides. I have never tried to eat something so vile so many times in my life. They are a very common trail food but I would rather quit hiking than ever eat rice sides again.
Instead of rice sides, I just bought some white rice today at the market and mixed it in with salmon and beef jerky for dinner. It was by far my best trail dinner that I have had. Thank goodness that the reign of terror of rice sides is over.
I think some rain should move in tonight and continue until sometime tomorrow afternoon. This upcoming weekend and next week looks like it will be full of rain. Now that the smokies are out of the way I honestly dont care what the weather does. Sleeping during the rain actually makes me sleep great as it not only serves as a background noise, but typically brings warmer night time temps with it as well.
Tomorrow we hit mile marker 300.
Goodnight,
Tyler M.
before you get too far north don't forget about grits & grease and greasy greens.
ReplyDeleteGrandpa