Georgia- finished!

My first state finished! In fact the picture is on into North Carolina at the 100 mile mark, the Mt. Albert fire tower. My friend commented that she didn’t realize I would be hiking through such rough territory. Neither did I! The climb to that darn fire tower is straight up. But I am toughening up. In fact, the toughest thing has been the arthritis in my left knee. It means that I am the first to hit the trail and the last to arrive at camp each night. But every day is getting a little easier. I’ve only resorted to Motrin once. 

The happiest dog alive. Boomer has settled into trail life. He is invariably happy. Every hiker is his new best friend. Especially Puma, who fed him beef jerky. My husband was worried that Boomer wouldn’t get enough attention. In actuality he has been receiving dozens of  massages and belly rubs every day.  He greets everyone with a happy yodel, and lets me know when hikers are approaching. I’m glad I trained him to stay quietly with other people, a tremendous asset when I need to pop into a store. Boomer earned me my trail name “Whisper.” As in dog whisperer because he is so generally well behaved and obedient. He did one bad thing though – we spent so much time on the shuttle in Franklin that he thought it was his and snarled at another dog who got aboard. Even after letting the dogs meet outside first where they were fine. We put the dogs at opposite ends of the van nd they promptly forgot about one another. 

Speaking of Franklin NC – I have to say that the folks who run the Budget Inn and shuttle have been great. It was a difficult day after losing my tent (long story) but it’s been found and they were extraordinarily helpful in that process. I think Ron, Jack, Terry, etc. would give you the shirts of their back. Big thanks! The inn may not be luxurious but the water is hot and the people are amazing. 

Recognized from my blog. I met “Smokestack” while camping one night and he recognized me from my blog! Wow – my 60 seconds of fame. 

Coldest night ever – at least my coldest night sleeping outdoors a few days ago. 20 degrees, give or take. I can’t remember whose idea the down pants were, but they saved my butt, literally. I wasn’t too cold in my long underwear, puffy coat, down pants, puffy hood, homemade clima-shield booties, and toasti-toes. Boomer was shivering during the night so I put toasti-toes in his coat and eventually took off my jacket and threw it over him. And I remembered to sleep with my filter so it wouldn’t freeze. Once I got moving the next day, the icy cold water tasted delicious. 

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Comments 5

  • Carol Fullerton (Gadget Legs) : Mar 25th

    Congratulations Eva! One state down is huge. Enjoy the rest of your journey!

    Reply
  • TBR : Mar 25th

    20 degress … that is a cold night.

    Not often you hear about a hiker losing her tent. We’d like to hear that story.

    As you’ve heard plenty on the tail so far, “Nice dog.”

    Reply
  • Char Ogdahl : Mar 29th

    Love to read your posts! My son Eric & Friend David are about 50 miles behind you. I wish you all the best on your journey and hope that you keep your arthritis at bay. I really admire you!

    Reply
  • David : Mar 30th

    Way to go Whisper! One step at a time. You’re loving the dream. I’m eager to hear how it works out with the dog. I’ve read that it can be difficult further on. I love hiking with my dog but they are obviously shorter trips. Keep writing.

    Reply
  • Robert : Mar 31st

    Looking forward to boomer’s post. I am sure you already know nothing more loyal in life. You have the best trail mate.

    Reply

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