AT Days 20 to 29 - High Winds and New Friends

Day 20

The group started the day with a hot, muggy, slow climb out of Standing Bear. We saw a trail crew at work, which was cool to experience, and we thanked them profusely for making this possible. Over time, our group split up a bit with DB and Gone-zo going on ahead, and the rest of us slowly trudging along with our sad stomachs. Eventually, we reached Max Patch, where we were welcomed with amazing views and familiar faces. From there, everyone else headed on to camp, but Sour Patch, Connor, and I stayed to catch the sunset and enjoy the incredible spot. After sunset, we walked the two miles to Roaring Fork Shelter, and along the way, Connor and I made jokes about the predator stalking us in the overgrown section. It was pitch black from the new moon and towering thunderstorms in the distance, and our jokes ended up creeping out Sour Patch. When we arrived, the shelter was full, so I ended up sharing Sour Patch's spacious double wall shelter with them since they were spooked out. I'm excited to reach Hot Springs tomorrow, and to sleep through a thunderstorm later tonight!

Day 21

I woke up incredibly tired today after the endless thunderstorms last night. I thought that we would only get a few rumbles, or at least just a quick deluge, but it ended up pouring all night. I am quite thankful that I stayed in Sour Patch’s sturdy tent, as I woke up bone dry, unlike the folks who soaked folks who slept in the shelter. It was once again hot, and after a sluggishly slow first half of the day, I ended up splitting from the group and hiking ahead into town solo. The promise of town food never fails to motivate me! I crushed the 18 miles fairly quickly and ended up at Laughing Heart Hostel at 3pm, which was hours earlier than planned. I quickly knocked out my town chores before going out for dinner and drinks with everyone. Darren had rolled into town, bought everyone drinks, and went out with a bang as he’s leaving tomorrow. I’m going to miss that dude! After going out, I enjoyed a nice fire before retreating to my surprisingly comfortable bunk.

Day 22

We took a zero in Hot Springs today, and just took it easy all day. Because it’s a small town, none of the restaurants were open, so we all grabbed breakfast sandwiches from the “Hillbilly Market and Deli." It felt fitting that even though we were in town, all of us were standing around in a parking lot for breakfast. After that, we said our goodbyes to Darren and then started on town chores. Because I had completed most of my chores yesterday, I only ended up grabbing some waterproof stuff sacks for my clothing and quilt, as my pack liners keep breaking. After stuffing my face during lunch, Groot, Connor, Smiles, and I watched The Fellowship of the Ring back at the hostel on VHS from the local library. Following that, we rushed off to dinner, where I proceeded to watch Texas Basketball choke in their Elite 8 game... Overall, a decent zero, but I kind of wish I had taken a nero since I was bored most of the day. I’ll have to re-assess my next town stop and maybe take a nero instead. Anyways, looking forward to crushing the climb out early tomorrow!

Day 23

I had a rocky start to the day after not getting much sleep in the Laughing Heart Lodge due to my roommates staying up late and making noise. Because of this, I decided to get an even earlier start on the day to put down some decent mileage. My damaged toe feels fine, but I badly need new shoes, so I’ll need to figure out the logistics for that. In other news, I got a fresh cookie from the “cookie lady” at her house in the middle of the woods, and it was delicious! While I was there, I ran into the Alchemist and Rich, so we hiked the climb up to the next shelter, Little Laurel Shelter, together. While there, we had dinner and enjoyed the company of a new person, Taylor, who was doing her 3rd hike of the trail! Since it was comfortably warm out still, The Alchemist and I decided to finish off hiking up the climb and find a campsite just over the ridge. We ended up finding a beautiful secluded site that was flat and even had two springs to choose from! Overall, this was my longest day, so far, with a total of just over 24mi hiked, including my various side quests. I’m excited to see if we can push hard again tomorrow!

Day 24

The Alchemist and I started early today, and immediately hiked across an absolutely beautiful ridge line. I think I might actually enjoy early morning hiking more than I thought I would. We then proceeded to cover many miles before hitting a gap where we encountered trail magic. The timing couldn’t have been better because it immediately started hailing on us! Emoji had practically a whole resupply worth of stuff in her car, chairs for each of us, and umbrellas to protect us from the hail. Another woman at the gap, Ma from New Hampshire, was waiting for her husband, and had us sign the side of her van. After that, we had a long, wet climb up to the ridge line before we made it to Hogback Ridge Shelter, where we were rewarded with sunshine and good company!

Day 25

We started the day at Hogback Ridge shelter, where we were awoken with warm sunlight after a cool, misty morning. With the promise of trail magic, which we were informed of by another hiker, the Alchemist and I quickly packed up and flew down the ridge line, where we had freshly made breakfast tacos. We also ran into Taylor again, who had at some point passed us. We then proceeded to play leapfrog with her as we each took turns, taking breaks and passing each other throughout the day. The 3 of us eventually stopped to have lunch together on top of Big Bald, where we soaked in the views and the sunlight after the chilly morning. After that, we continued to leapfrog again until the No Business Knob Shelter, where we had dinner together. It was there that the Alchemist and I made the call to walk into Erwin that night instead of waiting until the next day. After an incredible descent down to Uncle Johnny’s, we were informed that there were no more bunks available. So we made a reservation at a nearby hotel, and then tried (and failed) to find a ride. After an hour of calling shuttles and messing with Uber, we made the call to just walk the 4 miles into town, which pushed our total daily mileage to over 30 miles! To get there, we had to traverse the “Erwin Linear Trail'' which slowly wound its way through the industrial park and water treatment plant… Once we FINALLY arrived, we celebrated with large orders at Taco Bell before finally passing out at our hotel.

Day 26

After our big day, we slept in and slowly completed chores before we checked out of the hotel. Sleeping in my own, giant, full sized bed, for the first time since starting the trail, was nothing short of amazing. After packing up, we headed to a nearby coffee shop that a Taco Bell employee had recommended for breakfast. Once we got there, we ran into Taylor again, with whom we had breakfast and regaled her about our previous night’s quest. After breakfast, we headed out to resupply in town and to look around a bit. I called a nearby shoe store to see if they had a replacement for my shredded Hokas, but I was out of luck. I ordered a pair ahead to be waiting for me in Damascus, and then the Alchemist and I went and hung out at Uncle Johnny's until our group arrived. While I was there, I met Anna and Will, who were two friends of 700. Once the group was settled, we went out to dinner with them, and then said our goodbyes as we were hiking ahead. Full of Bojangles, Alchemist, and I hit the trail again for a quick climb up to Curley Maple Gap shelter, where we were greeted by Groot and 700, along with several others. After I initially set up on the lower bunk, the old guy next to me started snoring like a chainsaw, so I relocated my things to the higher shelf, where I accidentally woke up Anna from Uncle Johnny's. Fingers crossed the weather holds tomorrow and that we can have a big day!

Day 27

Today, the Alchemist, 700, and I woke up earlier than usual this morning and cranked out a solid number of miles before lunch. Along the way, we were surprised by some amazing trail magic, which provided us with fresh brownies and ice cold Arnold Palmers! It sprinkled on and off a bit, but after lunch, it was partly cloudy and breezy. I felt a bit bored by the lack of views and constant climbs, so I put on some music, and later called my friend Chris to crank out the last 9ish miles up to Clyde Smith Shelter. Thankfully, I was able to secure a spot in the shelter in order to avoid having to deal with the high winds expected tonight, but it was a bit crowded. After some fun conversations with the new faces, Anna and Will, we all went to bed early and prepared for the wind to roll in. Thankfully, it’s looking like it will only be wind and rain, and no hail! I'm hopeful that it blows over without too much drama so that we can enjoy the exposed balds tomorrow.

Day 28

We started the day at Clyde Smith Shelter before hiking what felt like 22 miles of only climbing to Doll Flats Campground on the side of Hump Mountain, thus finishing out the Roan Highlands in a day! Despite the rain and the strong thunderstorm last night, water was a bit tricky to find, though we were being picky. I hiked all day with 700, Will, Groot, and Anna. We started the day with the Alchemist, but due to poor communication, he went on ahead while the rest of us stopped at the Roan High Knob Shelter to check it out and have snacks. The views today, once we broke out of the trees, were stunning along the ridgeline. The high winds were also something else, as they were strong enough to quite literally knock us over when we were going up Little Hump and Hump Mountain! I’m stoked from playing in the wind, and excited for town food tomorrow! Also, my new little group might be starting a book club on trail! I love continually meeting amazing people out here.

Day 29

After a very brisk three mile sprint this morning, we were surprised with a full breakfast spread as trail magic right at the road crossing. One of the kind people involved gave us a ride to a nearby Dollar General to resupply, and then we ended up hanging out at the magic spot again for lunch and drinks, as no other hikers had shown up! A bit past noon, the Alchemist informed us that he had a deadline to reach Damascus, so he launched out of there, and we rushed to follow suit. Groot, Anna, Masochist, and I ended up doing a short day and calling it early at the Mountaineer Falls Shelter as we were all feeling a bit banged up. Strangely, we had left trail magic ahead of 700, but we did not see him again the rest of the day. The hike was gorgeous, as it wove past old cemeteries, ancient trees, and a large river. At one point, Groot climbed a tree and serenaded us as I sat and rested my poor legs. Hopefully, tomorrow we are back up to 100%, and we can crank out at least 20 miles. That being said, just hanging out at trail magic and enjoying the company of friends was a perfect way to spend the day!