Highlights from the First Half, part 1

Day 3, mile 29.3: Blood Mountain was so beautiful. The top of the Mountain was huge slabs of rock, and you could see for miles in all directions. It would have been nice to camp up there are watch the sunset/sunrise, but the park it was in required overnight hikers to use bear canisters, which are heavy and expensive. We decided to hike through the park, and, although we woke up at 4am, we still barely missed seeing the sunrise from the top of the mountain. It was still wonderful, and we were excited about heading down the mountain into Neel Gap - our first bit of civilization since starting the trail.


 Day 6, mile : Indian Grave Gap would have been just another gap with a dirt road winding through it. We were a few miles from the shelter we were staying at for the night, and it was just about dinner time when we came across the best trail magic we have hit yet! An older couple had set up a short order grill, and we got burgers and grilled chicken made to order, as well as fruit, salad, cookies, soda, and many more treats! It was truly wonderful; the only downside was that after having stuffed ourselves we had to climb to the top of a mountain. The climb was very tough.

Day 7, mile 69.6: Blueberry Patch Hostel welcomed us after a hard day of hiking. Gary and Linnie turned their garage workshop into the perfect hiker haven. We were even lucky enough to get a two person bunk, perfect for that two person sleeping quilt we have. I already mentioned them in my blog, and here's a part of what I said then, "What truly amazed me was the generosity of this couple. They were the most genuine, kind, humble, and hospitable people I have ever met. There are a testament to how when you find your identity in Christ it frees you to be truly generous without thought or worry of self-preservation. God is taking care of these people so that they can in turn take care of tired AT hikers. Many Christian ministries still worry about taking care of their things, preventing them from being truly hospitable. But when you see all good things as being gifts from God, and knowing they belong to God, not you or your ministry, you don't have to worry. That is true Christian hospitality, and a perfect example of Christian charity."

Day 16-21, mile 167.1-237.2: Just a few days ago, some section hikers we asking some of us thru hikers about the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Every thru hiker that piped up said it was a horrible section of trail. I can see why they would say this: the Smokies are wild. They are the highest mountains on the trail, and being at such an altitude lends itself to treacherous weather. While we were there it rained half the time, was foggy and cold the other half, and it even snowed a few times. They are not welcoming, but that's what I love about the Smokies. The Great Smoky Mountains will not be tamed. They are wild and free. If you want to hike through them, go right ahead, but be prepared for the worse. These mountains command respect. There is so much beauty there, but it is not easily grasped. The forests are diverse, the trees tall, the moss thick, the fog unsettling. Welcome to the Wild!

Day 22, mile 240: Although I highly respect the Smokies, I was glad to leave them and head to our friends' Gabe and Becky's house. It was wonderful to finally meet them, and they were very hospitable. We took a much need day of rest there are were able to hang out and catch up. We also got to see The Grand Budapest Hotel while we were there, and it was a good movie.

Day 27, mile 273.9: Hot Springs was, if I remember correctly, the first town the AT actually goes straight through. The AT actually goes right down main street, over the railroad tracks and over the French Broad River. We took a nero there (not quite a zero [zero miles for the day]), and were able to meet up with other hiker friends as well as get good food!

Day 32-33, mile 341.5: Although we didn't actually go into Erwin, TN, it still makes the cut. This is where my parents came and picked us up, and we were able to spend Easter with them in a nice hotel. It was encouraging to see my parents again, and this is where I found out Sarah was getting married! Woot woot! It was also nice to go to church, since we're rarely in town on a Sunday morning. I'm finding that I'm really missing going to church while being on the trail.

Day 35-36, mile 376-387: I really love balds - mountains that are covered in grass on the tip-tops, instead of trees. On balds you can actually see around you to the other mountains - such beautiful views. The Highlands of Roan amazed me. There are quite a few mountains in these highlands, and they are almost all balds. I loved walking through the high grass, being able to see so far, and imagining cows and horses grazing; that's what they used to be used for, and they still use cows and sheep to maintain the balds. Without maintenance, the balds would eventually become forest once again.

Day 41-42, 267: Damascus was a big milestone in my mind. We had finally hit Virginia (1/4 of the trail is in this state). We spend two neros and one zero here, resting, reading, hanging out with trail friends, and eating great food! Towns are always nice, especially when it's been a long time since your last shower!