We. Are. Tramily! (Apologies to Sister Sledge)

It’s the goofy moments from the trail that stick with me, things that others might not even find amusing. We’re walking down from the dome and Brian and D-Town want to stop for a snack. Both start digging through their food bag for this bag of cheese they bought. Literally in the middle of the trail, they’re each dumping their food bags, oranges are rolling down the path, and I’m just laughing at the ridiculousness of it all. Three weeks before, I was watching TV in Philly and packing. Now I’m with my “tramily” and laughing at oranges. Life comes at you fast.

 

Brian (left) and D-Town, with dispersed food bags. Ah, the search for cheese.

Heading down from high elevation, leaving the Smokies, was like walking into the ecological future of the peak. When we were at higher elevation, everything was still in bud, but then as you go further down, you could see everything leafing out. We’d see one species of plant in bud at the top, but then almost going to seed at the bottom. As a biologist, I was nerd-ing out, pointing out this and that. Brian said it was like hiking with Ms. Frizzles from the Magic School Bus.

Standing bear farm is very eclectic, but it’s very quaint as well. An all-you-can-eat home cooked meal is a hiker’s dream. We walked up and ordered the hiker’s 3-feast, a day’s meals for $30. The owner even asked what we wanted for dinner, mentioning the family was part Mexican. A couple hours later, and I’m sitting on a food baby from all-you-can-eat chimichangas and rice and beans. One of the best meals I’d had in the last few weeks. Throw in a comfy bed and these weary feet were much improved.

Max Patch and a Trail Name

For those who don’t know, (me included before that day), Max Patch is a fabulous viewpoint on the AT that’s popular with hikers and sunset/sunrise viewers alike. We had probably the best possible weather for Max Patch. Partly cloudy sky, slight breeze, stunning sunset and sunrise. The 3 bars of 5G didn’t hurt when it came time to FaceTime with my partner and family. And the travel companions only make the experience better.

 

The next day, as I identified yet another bird, Brian suggested G-Bird as a trail name. The G stands for Garrett (duh), and, combined with tracking the birds I see and hear on the trail: trail name acquired. It fits, it’s simple, and feels right. As I write this in the future, I’m really happy with this name. I went onto the trail wanting to determine who I am outside of my career/degree. But I love birds (and nature in general) and people love asking me questions. I’m certainly not an ornithologist but I enjoy helping people connect to nature. I guess what I’m trying to say is that I’m okay with it being nature related because, that’s who I am!

Hot Springs Vortex

Walking into Hot Springs, NC does the soul good, knowing there’s good food, good beer, and even better company. Almost makes you not want to leave. When you find these moments, hikers call it getting sucked into a vortex. You lose track of time and don’t want to leave.

My original plan was to stay until early afternoon and continue hiking another few miles. I needed to make it the last 45 miles to Sam’s Gap so I could leave the trail for a week off for a wedding. I had a flight to catch and, at this point, 45 miles in 3 days was entirely doable. What I didn’t factor in was the free hiker feed at a local hostel and not one, but two different groups of friends saying “no, stay, it’ll be great”. It’s hard to resist.

41.3 Miles to get to Sam’s Gap

Climbing out of Hot Springs was rough but the weather was good and I was on a mission. These days are just about keeping a steady pace, drinking water, and knocking out miles. The first day was boosted by The Southern Cookie Lady, a woman who gives out cookies to hikers and let’s them fill out water at her house. Today’s was a peanut butter cookie. Day two was much of the same with even more elevation change. Finally, after two long days, I got to Sam’s Gap and headed into Asheville. Once again I got to meet up with my friend from GTMO, ate good food, and prepped to leave for a week. After a month on the trail, I was ready for a long break.

High and Low

High: The trail magic from Camo at Devil’s Gap. Camo hiked the trail in ’21 and knows what hikers need, like fresh fruits and veggies, hot sauce packets, and electrolytes! Seriously, I can’t tell you what a small baggie of chopped veggies does. Adding it to the ramen that night made it a gourmet trail meal. THANK YOU CAMO!

Low: 4 miles of downhill coming off Bluff Mountain. Lots of sore feet and knees in the group.