The first hundred miles: the walk

Day 9, Mile: 150.8

Up to this point, I’ve spent the last few days logging as many miles as I can. The training I have done and the physical condition I have allow me to cover some important kilometers. I don’t usually talk to people while I’m hiking, except for the occasional ‘Hi’ and ‘Happy hiking!’, but when I do, I try to get to know the person. I don’t normally talk about myself nor do I enjoy doing so. Rather, I ask questions about them: why, how many miles, and where they stay. My story is boring; You can get everything you need about me here on Trek and by reading my few pre-trail blog posts.

The places we found

When I go hiking, as I mentioned, I just want to walk and rack up the miles. Currently, with the exception of my day zero today, I average 22 miles per day and expect that number to increase as my body becomes more conditioned to the brutality. However, I try to meet people when I camp and talk to them.

I have met some people in shelters and shelters. Rambling Roots and The Green Dragon so far. Both are excellent hostels and I highly recommend them as part of your experience if your miles add up for a stay. I have enjoyed wonderful times with people in some comfortable places.

the question I ask

I’m not going to tell what people tell me and why. But they are very convincing. The questions I usually ask when I can sit down and talk to someone are along the lines of:

What is your story?

Why are you hiking?

What do you do and how did you find the time to walk?

What are you going to do when you get back?

What is your favorite road food?

How many miles do you do a day?

Do you feel like you are improving?

What team do you like?

Among many others. It’s good to know the community here. A big part of these questions is that they give me more mental fuel to keep pushing myself every day. I am a mental energy synergizer, let me harness your energy.

Mandatory update of trail conditions.

Personally, I would highly recommend starting the hike early. The mountains that you can see through the trees are incredible. While I am a big fan of walking through the green tunnel and love seeing all life, seeing and appreciating the landscape also has its benefits and beauty.

The tour in Georgia was a good awakening of what awaits us. The conditions are much tougher than I expected, but the trail is very well maintained. There is a section before Unicoi Gap that I’m not a fan of, but that was probably because I was trying so hard to get to the gap to take a shower and some food from the city.

Blood Mountain was also spectacular if you climbed the rock to the top. I didn’t expect the Georgia mountains to be so beautiful. I have been deeply impressed by these glorious tectonic clumps of earth. The rest of Georgia was beautiful too.

I’m told the road changes completely when you get to North Carolina and gets worse. I totally disagree with that. So far I think North Carolina has been a highlight and a more enjoyable hike. Sure, it’s steeper, but I guess I’m not too worried about the elevation gain. There have definitely been more landslides in North Carolina, but I think it has to do with more difficult terrain and scattered volunteers than anything else.

Recommendations

The Green Dragon Hostel is a must stay in Georgia. They are becoming more and more popular. If you can get a bunk bed, definitely take it.

Rambling Roots Hostel is another must stay. The art collection, fish tank, and super sweet dogs and cats give you a much-needed break from the trail. Honestly, Rambling Roots takes all the good things about Notch Hostel and adds its own touch to it. It’s worth it when you get to NOC or Stecoah Gap.

Sweetwater Mountain Farm and Guesthouse is top notch. Some of the trail volunteers will feed you very high quality food and treat you.

Following

We are going to speed through the Smokies; I would like to finish it in a few days. I’m very excited to surpass them. They look quite beautiful from a distance.

Anyway, cheers and I’ll update you in two weeks.

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