New Trail and More Goodbyes

New Trail

  I had known that moment would come.  I would be standing on the ridge above Lake Watauga having left Boots Off hostel that morning, the sun would be out and I would feel amazing to be passing that spot where I got off trail 3 years ago.  Well, Mother Nature had her laugh that day!! Winds and rain met me on the way up there.  I had to pause multiple times to wait for the trees to settle before hiking on. Nothing like having a tree fall on you to finish a hike!  Despite the climb up, I actually felt wonderful! No misery or tears this trip just a sense of getting it done. I have so many people out there supporting my hike so it was so great to hear from my friend, Pickles, literally at the time I was moving onto new trail!! She thru hiked in 2021 and we hiked many miles together that year. She just wanted to check in on my mental state? I assured her that I was feeling great after a small cry brought on by her positive words.  Hikers out here really appreciate all those words of kindness and encouragement on days like this! So now I’m hiking all new trail! Whoo hoo! Although it doesn’t seem like much to some folks, I’m beyond excited to be doing this again with a better mindset! Virginia here I come! 

Damascus 

  Arriving in Damascus as a hiker is new for me! I shuttled here in 2021 for Trail Days but went back to the hostel to hike up and never got this far.  Crossing into Virginia made me cry! Yes, it’s the biggest state to hike! Yes, I will be so happy once it’s done! I know, I know!! For me it’s not just another state, Tennessee, crossed off the list of 14 it’s a milestone.  I’ve hiked freaking 470 miles! Wow! That’s crazy sounding and yes, I know it’s technically a small portion of the trail.  Don’t rain on my parade! 

More Goodbyes

  I started hiking alone about a week or so ago. I left Mountain Harbour hostel before Scout and Badger. I kinda felt the need to start camping alone or with new folks. We’ve been hiking together for months now and I’ve never really camped alone since I always had someone to meet. Yes, there’s always hikers out here but meeting up with tramily is different.  You catch up on the day and we actually know each other’s habits and ways. Tramilies are sacred out here and it won’t be easy to find another one if I can at all.  I’m not a loner, lol, I’m a social person so meeting people out here is important.  

  The guys eventually caught up, Scout before Damascus and we camped one last night together and Badger in town. We shared another couple dinners together and a bottle of wine. We stayed at The Dancing Bear Inn which was amazing and perfect.  They will be picking their car up from Amicolola and heading north to hike southbound through Grayson Highlands before heading home. So more goodbyes today and probably some tears.  

Gear Changes

  I sent home my winter gear in Hot Springs. I’m a hot sleeper and hiker.  I hadn’t worn those base layers in weeks before they got boxed up and mailed home. Now I’m switching to a lighter sleeping bag/quilt, sleeping pad and tent. My tent is the weird one out here. It’s dark green and holds the heat which I don’t need now.  My bag is a 20 degree bag and I’ve been pushing it aside for quite awhile now. Time to switch to shorts full time and definitely time to switch out my water filter! Gross! I also, thanks to the husband at home, grabbed new shoes!! Wet, muddy shoes made worse by being a half size too small! My toes haven’t been happy but now they’re thrilled!

So once the post office opens and my box is retrieved, hopefully, I will hike out of here and into Virginia. So many thoughts are on my mind but all of them good. Despite my own doubts on my abilities at times, dear husband said….”You’re very strong now, grow some arrogance you’ve earned it. You’re going to make now!”  So off I go to hike this damn trail!