Chapter 13: In which he enters the great Smokey Mountains.

Swift (Laura) has made it very clear that she will not be doing any more hiking today. And that’s why my cunning plan to travel the full 17 miles today has failed miserably. Oh well, tomorrow I’ll have a new chance. I will say, however, that Swift is true to his principles, so there will be a lot of sneaking involved.

I understand it though. Today was cold and almost uphill. By the time we put the permits in the box, it started snowing. I can already tell that Smokeys are going to be a hoot!

Tomorrow we go up to old Rockytop, Rockytop Tennessee. And while I’m there, I’ll probably think of Cowboy (Miranda) and imagine her doing her cowboy dance there. I will force myself to remember that they are not far behind. And she and Gold Bond will surely come to Norway at some point. And then we will do hiking, fishing and all kinds of fun. And I will be very happy to announce once again that “today is going to be a good day.”

For now, and until further notice, I guess Swift and Forrest will have to do. After all, you shouldn’t be greedy, and they really do it very well!

Today we did 11 miles. It was great to feel my body working. Maybe I’m starting to get some prints? I hope so. But they better keep going further and further, because I sure hope to cover some miles.

First night in a shelter

Tonight I will have my first night in a shelter. It’s something exciting and something terrifying. But all the lovely men here are doing a great job making it as comfortable as possible, because they’re lighting a fire. Yes, you heard it. Mollies Ridge Shelter has a fireplace and it’s burning. Our fire chief is a man who looks a lot like Lars Monsen, although he is a younger version. And he has a dog: a beautiful black shepherd named Shadow. And here’s a crest runner who knows a lot of things about a lot of things. He is very kind too.

And let’s not forget Doodles, who arrived after a longer stay at Rambling Roots Hostel due to an ankle injury.

I love AT

My trip on the AT so far has been incredible. I have met so many good people and seen so many beautiful things. I notice that I think positive thoughts very often. I enjoy the challenges that the trail puts my body through and I notice that I am getting stronger every day. This is going to be great!

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