Week 3/4: On the road through the Misty Mountains


Week 3: Heading north

Goldilocks and I went swimming in the hotel pool and did our best to enjoy as much of Hiawassee as we could while we were there briefly. We received delicious Mexican food from our amazing waitress Lupita; Someone is a lovely aunt, I’m sure. I bought birria tacos and Goldilocks bought pork with Chile Verde. We felt as refreshed as hobbits after two months in the House of Elrond after just two days.

I was finally able to meet up with “The Grateful Hiker” and get a ride. Don and Miss Mary were extremely friendly and helpful. Having a Grateful Dead theme, I expected Don to be a cool guy, but I was blown away by his positivity and great vibe. Even on the phone he shouted «Tom Bombadil» energy and Miss Mary could certainly pass for the lovely Goldberry. They stamped my AT passport for Blairsville and also for transportation.

Mary drove us back to the trail and we camped with Cindy, Baby G, and McGee. We hung out at the Plum Orchard Shelter and felt like a little family. I was really happy and had a lot of fun. Goldilocks and I (mostly me) found that PB&J on corn tortillas cooked over the open stove is amazing, especially with a cappuccino. we look wild child in order to obtain a more accurate representation of the experience of an English school that Angus, thongs and perfect kisses.

We arrived in North Carolina and drove 100 miles! We also climbed our first observation/fire tower.

At the end of the week we returned to the town of Franklin, North Carolina to shower and do laundry. I made us a hotel room charcuterie board and chocolate covered strawberries with Ghirardelli chocolate. Good refreshment. I wrote my blog posts in the morning while Goldilocks left to start walking. I was vibing, jumped in the pool and did my thing before going on a hike.

I returned to the trail at Rock Gap and set out after Goldilocks. I did a little bit of a spooky night hike and arrived at the Silers Bald hut after dark. Luckily the other lady at the shelter with Goldilocks was a night owl and was amazing! His name was Lunares. We had very good conversations in the morning, I wish I had seen her again!

Week Four: The community changes

Another observation tower! We killed Wayah Bald, but it was a very long and emotionally draining day. Like the road through the Misty Mountains, the path is not always easy. Goldilocks and I had a little fight, but we worked it out. Camping near Cold Spring Shelter was really nice.

On the 23rd, I felt like doing WHATEVER the hell I wanted. I drank and drank coffee. I did a blue blaze on Rocky Bald and danced and sang all day. I came across Goldilocks on Wesser Bald and enjoyed the view. We walked to another beautiful view to camp and drink those stove-top cappuccinos we love.

We met up with David at the NOC (Nantahala Outdoor Center) and were able to catch up and meet his new friends, which was great! Goldilocks and I went rafting and zip lining and had a great time, but David and his group of hikers moved on.

Goldilocks and I had an amazing night camping at Locust Cove Gap, apologies to the neighbors for the noise! I finally put it on one of my sister and I’s favorite shows. carnival row. MMMMM Cara Delevingne and Orlando Bloom.

However, the trail has a way of changing your path. One night I didn’t make it all the way to Goldilocks, so I camped with a new friend at Cody Gap. It was really cool and reminded me of a childhood friend; We had some incredible, deep conversations about life, work, women, addiction, and everything in between.

Goldilocks and I stayed at The Hike Inn in Fontana Dam with the fantastic Nancy. I vented a lot to her and received excellent advice; Nancy is a no-nonsense, “no nonsense” trail gem, and I love her for that. After some reflection, Goldilocks and I decided to split up and move on with our own hikes.

I had a wonderful day even though I was discouraged about being alone again. I walked to Fontana Dam Marina and took a bus to the post office to resupply. I even got permission to go swimming in the marina on a jetty, which was just fabulous. I arrived at the “Fontana Hilton” shelter. which was really cool, but I camped to avoid the risk of getting sick.

At the post office, I found some cappuccino powder in the hiker’s box that I was definitely going to miss since I wasn’t going to the store. I found a note inside the cover that said “I love you”; It seemed like a straightforward gift to me, exactly the kind of thing my mom would do. The synchronicities of the trail never cease to amaze me. David and his team were there, which I was excited about. They had a couple of beers and shared them with me, we smoked and enjoyed the incredible view. They will be waiting a few days for the email and I need to keep moving towards the next horizon.

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