Adios North Carolina

Another state finished. After walking for days on the NC/TN border, I left NC for good today. I think it won’t be long before I hit VA!

View from my tent. The feature image shows what I see each evening from my tent – sleeping dog. Sometimes I get a peak of sunset too. 

Open wide. Fortunately there are only a few people so annoying that I want to stuff a dirty sock down their throats:

 “It doesn’t matter how fast you hike.” Well it does in some ways; if you need to hike 5 hours to at maximal exertion to cover 15 miles and I need to hike 10 hours at maximal exertion to go 15 miles, I will be tireder, less rested, and crankier than you. And I don’t want to explain that again. 

“Wow your pack looks huge/heavy/unbalanced. Don’t worry it’s 60 liters, weighs under 30 lb fully loaded, and maybe I’m unbalanced but it’s comfortable. 

“You’re holding your trekking poles wrong.” Nope. I’ve had them for 8 years. I’ve got it figured out. 

Forest Fires. There are two forest fires in the area. According to the locals, one may he arson and one from a careless hiker. I can see and smell them while hiking and there may be a detour another 17 miles or so up the trail. 

Warm weather. It seems to be here! It has been hot in the afternoons the last few days. So I’ve been hiking as early as I can during the day, resting in midday and then hiking late. Except for yesterday I quit at 4:00, my feet were sore from the ridiculously rocky descent from Roan Mountain. And today because I reached a hostel. Yay for showers, laundry, And resupply. 

All for now. My phone charging cord broke. Out of juice.