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We’re Alive! And we’ve hiked 273 miles!
First, let me apologize for the lack of blog posting in the last month – it can be hard to make this a priority on town days when all we want to do is eat and sleep. We’ve been on trail for a little over a month now, and we’re currently zeroing in Hot Springs, North Carolina at mile 273.
We’re learning a lot out here – about each other, about our physical and mental limits, and about the area that we’re hiking in. Everyday is new and different, and I think that’s my favorite part about being out here. The date or day of the week might slip your mind (because they aren’t really pertinent most of the time), but there is no sudden passing of time – you’re aware of every day and how it is different than the one before.
We’ve also met some really amazing people on the trail, our friends Lumberjack, Adele, Drankles, Twinkletoes, Jerky-Thief, Ladypants, Michael, Kit-Kat & Charge – just to name a few we’ve been with lately (shoutout to Lumberjack who we’ve been with since day one). It’s been such a joy to meet people with such different stories and backgrounds all out here to figure it out in the woods.
Some highlights from the last 273 miles have been :
the climb up Albert Mountain to the 100 mile mark
zeroing in Franklin, NC with Lumberjack and getting schooled about our feet and pace by Rob at Outdoor 76
a memorable night in a “cabin” (trailer) with the tramily (trail family) at the NOC
the smokies – which were beautiful and rugged, but also terrifying due to some intense winter weather and some sunday tourists at clingmans dome
Linda and Grandma Bev came to visit! Seeing them at the end of a hike and knowing we’d just get to hang out with them in Gatlinburg, TN for a few days was the best feeling
the views and a lunch break at Max Patch have been our favorite so far
any night we get to camp with our friends, have a fire (and sometimes a good view) – are the best nights on trail in our book
Now we’re off to enjoy some beer & good food in Hot Springs, and will hopefully be checking in sooner rather than later! Thanks for sticking with us!
Ashley
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Comments 18
The class was worried about you guys! I’ll be sure to let them know you guys are doing well. Keep it up!
The class was worried about you guys since we hadn’t heard. We will share our update and the pictures with them. Good luck!
thank you!! we’re in Damascus at mile 469 now! hopefully another blog post soon!
Great job making it to Hot Springs. The winter weather is probably behind you, so you can look forward to warmer spring days ahead. You guys made it through some tough areas like the Smokies, so keep up the great effort. Now that you made it 273 miles and are now in “tuned hiking shape”, nothing can keep you from your end goals. Nice pics. Good luck,
Mike
thank you, Mike! we’re at mile 469 in Damascus now and moving well!
Looking great we miss you
thanks Sandy!!
We miss you !!!! Glad to see you made it through the bad weather looking forward to your next blogg
Thanks Kim! Hopefully in the next few weeks!
Awesome pics! Looks like your having more fun than we are lol your the smarts ones! Glad you guys are ok! Hurry back lol
Thank you Barb! We’re having the best time!
Keep up the good work. I’m with you both in spirit!
Tom
Durango, CO
Thank you Tom!
So glad you got to step out into the real world and out of the rat maze. enjoy the trail and each other.
Thank you Dave, we are!
Love the stash! Looking good and happy! We miss you and finally got chamber 5 in place! Take care
Thank you Ken! Zachs stache is my favorite part of the trail.
Hi guys hope you are doing well. My mother is Patricia Sullivan and she worked with Zach at L-3 and she forwarded the link to me so I could follow your adventure. I live in Bristol, TN and I go hiking fairly regularly, although nothing like what you are doing. Wondering if you got to see Laurel Falls in Hampton, TN as you passed through.
Take care and stay safe