Beginning to Walk

First Leg

Happy to say our long-a** section hike has begun. Made our way from Massachusetts to Tennessee and caught a shuttle ride to the trailhead on Rte 19E just after Roan Mountain. Three days hike to Hampton TN where we are staying overnight at The Brown Family’s Braemar Castle.   Not a real castle, but an old hostel with bunks and private rooms for a reasonable price. Okay… two nights in a tent followed by a night with a bed and shower seems wimpy, but we are following the “Hike Your Own Hike” guideline.

Trail Name Update

Max agreed to change his trail name to “Pokey” for well-deserved reasons. He has embraced the retirement time mentality in every way. He takes things nice and slow but Maureen is happy to wait! After much convincing, Maureen has accepted “Moon Mama” but generally shortens it to Moon.

Lessons Learned

Always happy to meet thru-hikers and learn a few tricks. Camped with “Last Call,” who is moving from FL to ME and taking the long route to get there. He shared good pack-wearing tips to include losing shoulder straps when going downhill. Tried it and it works to help with load balance. We wish Last Call safe travels.

Also, no surprise to thru hikers but it is still chilly in this part of TN!    Glad to have a warm sleeping bag and long sleeves/pants.   Temps feel similar to New England.

I know how important “Leave No Trace” is, but this elf house next to a waterfall was too cute to pass up.

On To Damascus!