Training camp?
Making a stop in Blairsville, Georgia over Easter weekend due to heavy rain and a cold front, our shuttle driver was a sweet lady named Gracie. She told our newly formed Tramily that the first four weeks of the tour are training camp and that starting slow is the best way to ensure survival and, once we reach Virginia, going full steam ahead. Hearing this sent chills down my spine because Gracie may not have known it, but two days earlier I had slipped on some leaves before Neel Gap and injured my Achilles tendon on my left side, which caused me to limp into camp that night and into town the next day. I had already spent two days thinking about having to get off the road and was already devastated at the thought of staying in Blairsville while my Tramily continued on its way.
Well, I moved on. Not that I’d recommend it to anyone, since I’m not a medical professional, but I walked 5 miles, then 6, then 8, then 10 and stretched all day, every day. I feel better, not so sore! Still cautious but hopeful that the worst is over and maybe just maybe this is all part of the process 🙂
Tramilia in all our splendor
Due to my perseverance and stubbornness, I made it to North Carolina with my Tramily!
How was Georgia?
Blairsville, GA had a ton of cool murals!
Georgia was great but tough! Blairsville, GA, which was my first stop on the trail, had a cool, small town feel that was very welcoming to hikers. We stayed at the Seasons Inn, which had borrowed clothes to wear while we did laundry, grocery stores within walking distance of the building, and great restaurants with southern charm. They also had hiker boxes, which was great for resupplying ourselves while we were there and picking up some last minute essentials.
Georgia also represented my first hostel stay which occurred in Hiawassee, GA. Staying at the Green Dragon Hostel hosted by Bill and Donna was an incredible pleasure! We stayed in a room that consisted of five bunk beds that were really comfortable, we borrowed clothes so we could shower and do laundry, and they gave us transportation into town to resupply and grab a bite to eat. Bill and Donna were super friendly and hard working to make sure everyone was comfortable during the stay. 
Hello NC…and mile 100!!!
Only 2100 miles left!
In addition to the incredible milestone of reaching another state, I also managed to log 100 miles on the trail!
Sunrise, sunset
Albert Mountain Fire Tower, North Carolina
Serving lewks at the Golden Hour
This week has been about chasing opinions. The longest hike I’ve done so far was 12.3 miles to get to the top of Albert Mtn for incredible views and camp under the fire tower for the night.
My favorite view so far would definitely have to be at the top of Standing Indian Mtn, where the gang camped one night. Some guys were camping at the overlook, they took away the trash and gave us some magic on the trail, which was really cool.
Plus, I’ve been lucky enough to wake up to some incredible sunrises. I’ll post one here 🙂
Dispersed camping beyond Unicoi Gap, love waking up to this!
TRAIL MAGIC!
Photo credits to my new travel companion @chefspoons
Silly moments in Trail Magic 04/11
This week was truly special as it was my first taste of full-fledged trail magic. I have been very grateful so far because people have left treats like oatmeal cookies or handed out snacks at some of the road crossings. The trail magic I received at Deep Gap after hiking all morning was incredible. I had great food, snacks, and a couple of IPAs to wash it down while talking to some really interesting people who were putting together the magic of the trail. Remembering that there is an entire community supporting hikers and wanting us to reach our hiking goal gave me a huge boost and lifted my spirits, I will be forever grateful.
Photo dumpers
Something really cool I finally did this week was start my hike at 05:30, which was an incredibly different hike in the dark than during the day. I have a great photo too!
Resuming the trail after heavy rain and a cold front offered these eerie vibes as we left the shuttle back to the trail.
The only mosquito I’ve seen so far on the trail!
What I’m waiting for…
As I make my way through North Carolina, I’m getting closer to the smokers! I need to print a permit to hike through the Great Smoky Mountains Park and plan to do so at the Nantahala Outdoor Center. By the end of this week, you should be about to set foot in Tennessee and see even more cool things and make more friends along the way 🙂
Thank you for coming to my chat tent 😛
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