We are now 275 miles in and have made it entirely through the Smokey Mountains and summited the highest elevation on the Appalachian Trail. Every day is deliciously simple yet undeniably challenging. There are so many moments of perfection but they far outweigh the trials of the trail. Here are some of our favorites:
The hooting of an owl at night, birds chirping early in the morning, a cold stream to cool your tired feet, palettes of wildflowers in bloom, hiking in a soft rain, the smell of balsam, the first warming rays of sun, the patter of rain on the tent, unexpected trail magic and a warm fire shelter fire shared with new found friends.
These compensate for any soggy days or that last mile of the day when your feet are aching to be free from another uphill climb on a rocky trail.
Each days is upwards of 10-13 miles of forward progress and during this time we have adopted the alter egos of Olga, Helga and Svetlana, three sturdy and industrious Austrian “women of the wood” with some weird German accent who ponder all manner of ridiculous things.
There really is no explanation for these pseudo personalities and their antics but it will suffice to say they have led to fits of laughter that can only be attributed to trail madness. Illustrations follow…
We continue to meet all manner of quirky and interesting folk. There’s Gandolf (who is fully embracing his persona), Birdy, Kodak and Fluff, an active marine who carried in his rucksack a giant queen size pillow. Katniss took them all in a rousing game of Taco, Cat, Goat, Cheese, Pizza therefore justifying carrying the extra pound of playing cards in her pack all this time. She was a sight to behold!! Wilderness Bob, a triple crown hiker, regaled us with stories of his adventures on the trails and then there’s 74 year old Jim, who has yet to approve any trail name he is given but lightens our spirits with his crazy musings when we see him on the trail.
We also had the great fortune of meeting Barbara Allen and her granddaughter Peyton. Barbara, trail name “Mamaw B”, held the record as the oldest female thru hiker at the age of 71!! She held that record for three years and that was 11 years ago!! When we met her on the trail she was yielding a rake and hoe serving as a volunteer for the National Park Service doing trail maintenance. So if you did the math she is currently 82 years young!!! Full of life, energy and the enthusiasm of a child. ❤️
Unfortunately, as we arrive in Hot Springs, NC this is where Peeps will be leaving the trail. 🙁. She has been an absolute pleasure to hike with and during her 2 weeks has experienced pretty much every element of the experience. Including a stay at the Standing Bear Hostel a veritable hippy compound for thru hikers, eclectic, magical and amazing food!! Peeps aka Helga kicked butt on some major climbs and while also managing to stay fashionable throughout. 😉 We will miss her energy, fun and Helga-isms.
Katahdin or Bust! 
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