Oh Christmas Tree – Fox’s AT Thru Hike – Day 29

Before leaving for the AT, I had a plan. That plan was Butter. I knew I would start early and that the near-freezing temperatures would keep the butter from getting dirty or spoiled*. Until Erwin, he had forgotten. I bought butter in town to carry out and I highly recommend it. In addition to calories, butter adds flavor and texture to meals. Yes, texture, just listen to all the chefs talk about the «silky richness» of butter!

Today was a tough hike: 22 miles with 5,500 feet of elevation gain and 4,100 feet of descent. It started with a long climb and a short descent to Beauty Spot Gap. Well, not really. Check out 8JQKSf. The day started with freezing socks and jumping jacks to keep warm while I made my breakfast. But he hiking I started with the climb to Gap, where I was rewarded with long distance views and clear skies. The clear, crisp air has to be one of my favorite things about freezing temperatures.

After taking a break, I started climbing Unaka Mountain. Unaka Mountain is the first case I remember of a hard climb without views. However, walking in the quiet snowy spruce forest was its own reward. To my delight, I spent the next few kilometers through spruce forests. It was like wandering around a hallmark. Unfortunately, the day was heating up. Warm snow is wet snow, which means your feet will be soaked for another day. But tonight I have dry socks and my favorite food: Dal, enriched with butter. I’m grateful to be here.

Christmas tree forests

• Breakfast: Oatmeal, extra powdered milk.
• Lunch: tortillas, pb
• Dinner: butter dal, butter potatoes, oyster crackers
• Appetizers: millville bar, oreos, clif bar (blueb), cheese, tuna, fig bar
• We meet today: Hoot

*Yes, I know you can leave salted butter at higher temperatures.

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