Even dirty people deserve nice things

zero hero

There have been many instances that have made me feel like a «real hiker.» Community support in trail towns is probably the biggest contributor to that. After my first successful hitchhike, being greeted at the Sapphire Inn with the best craft beer I’ve ever had in my life instilled in me the idea that this life is for me. The first night in the city was much needed. Showers and food prepared for you are now a true luxury.

The first “zero” day I took was full of excitement (and calories). We started the morning with an incredibly filling breakfast at local spot, Kountry Kitchen. Everyone in Franklin had the same idea: the line stretched to the courtyard even at 8 in the morning. After eating, I realized that the crowd was gathered for a good reason. Harper, Gibson, and I invited a fellow hiker, whom we called Cheetah Guy, to sit at our table. Her name is inspired by the cheetah print bag she wears which matches her cheetah print hair. He’s also the fastest hiker I’ve ever seen.

After a hard-earned feast, Gibson and I split up to do our chores. My sister kindly offered to send me care packages along the trail, and my first gift box was at Three Eagles Outfitters, just outside of downtown Franklin. I didn’t know it would be an hour and a half walk from where I was staying. The path took me along the entire greenway of the town. It was a beautiful route passing through parks along the river. However, when I arrived at the clothing store drenched in sweat, I decided to find a transportation service to return.

Trust the locals

Luckily for me, the best shuttle driver in town left his business card at the store, so I didn’t have to look far for a ride. Chuck picked Gibson and me up right at the front door, another act of support that I don’t think will ever get old. Getting into his truck, I felt like a kid being picked up by his cool uncle. The roof of the van was covered in patches from all the adventures Chuck had embarked on since his retirement.

Chuck gave us a lot of information on where to go while we are in town. He also enthusiastically shared his own personal stories, which I always appreciated. The excitement he had for his and our experiences along the trail was palpable, as were other hikers I’ve met along the way. For the small price of ten dollars, he offered to drive me around town for a day to complete my assignments.

Once I was done with my tasks for the day off, I met up with my friends to plan the rest of our day. We headed downtown to explore the city, treating ourselves to all the delicacies we can’t get along the way. Previously, Chuck filled us in on the live music at Lazy Hiker Brewery. In the end we were drawn there like moths to a flame. The brewmaster made our days even better by grilling burgers for the hikers! Between the live music, free food, and excessive beer consumption, I entered a state of bliss. Surrounded by hikers I met along the way, sharing stories of our lives on and off the trail fed my soul.

As the day came to an end, the comfort of a bed invited us to return to the inn. The next day was shaping up to be equally exciting, with my friends Emma, ​​Jessie and Paula planning to meet me on the trail! We obviously used Chuck’s shuttle to get back to where we hitchhiked into town and began our ascent.

Angels on (and off) the trail

We plan to meet my friends at Wayah Bald. Little did I know that after the generous feast Emma provided for me and some passing hikers, we would be faced with one of the most difficult climbs since Albert Mountain. Inviting my non-hiking friends on a section of the AT really showed me how much I had grown as a hiker. We climbed about 3 miles up a brutal hill and camped, planning to finish the route in the morning. We would have gotten further if I had stopped eating at a reasonable time, but my appetite doesn’t care about the clock.

After a comforting night with my friends, we continued towards Wayah Bald Tower. Making the structure was amazing, but banquet 2.0 was even better. Emma went to get her car and prepared even more food as a farewell to her best friend. The love I have felt from my friends and a handful of strangers is hard to fathom. This path offers us something that is often difficult to find in «real life.» The hiking community and the outdoor community really look out for each other, with altruism being the predominant attitude I’ve experienced so far. I can’t express enough how enjoyable this whole journey has been so far…and I’m just getting started.

Stay tuned for more AT on the AT. The adventure has just begun, my faith in humanity has been restored and my love for my friends is stronger than ever.

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