The First Week(ish)!

Sketch at Justus Creek

Drew on the wall at Outdoor 76!

Dinner in Franklin

Crossin’ the border

Wow, 11 days into my hike, and it feels like being home already. I did start doing higher miles than everyone recommends pretty much from the start, but I’ve been listening to my body pretty well every day to make sure I don’t push too hard, and am planning to slow down now that the folks at Outdoor 76 have given me a proper scolding (8-12 miles, I know I know).

Since starting I’ve crossed a bunch of milestones; rolled into NC a few days ago, slept in two shelters (rain will make you happy to put up with mice and snores like nothing else) and crossed the 100 mile mark. I also think the hiker hunger has set in— I eat all day, cook a giant dinner, and still wake up hungry in the middle of the night.

I spent the first few days truly solo, but have since fallen in with a ‘bubble’ of my own who do similar miles as me (shoutout to Weatherman, Mooselegs, Beast, Twister, Hobble, Six Strings, Hammer, Ziploc and Old Eagle). I still hike alone most of the day but will see familiar faces at the campsites and shelters, and share rooms in town. The social aspect is definitely something I’m loving about the hike– there are lots of really nice fun people out here, ages 8–78 enjoying the trail and the lifestyle, and it just wouldn’t be the same without it!

I’m currently at the NOC, taking a double zero, sort of unintentionally (more on that later!). I already miss the trail and cannot wait to get back on. I’ve eaten at the restaurant a bunch of times, and sent home a pound of stuff I don’t need (camp shoes, my second pair of tights, underwear, gaiters), and hope the lighter weight will help me catch up with my crew when I get back on trail on Sunday. The Smokeys are coming up, which i’m both excited and nervous about. Well, that’s all for now!

Frozen Mac, out!