This is Luke (aka NoseHose), typing from the public library in Helen, Ga (37 miles up the trail).
The beginning of the hike has been awesome! Beautiful weather, beautiful views, and beautiful company. The statistics I have read say that 20% of northbound thru-hikers quit their hike by Neels Gap, which is 30 miles from the beginning of the hike. With all the fun we have had so far, we did not see how that was possible. But then we got to thinking that probably around 20% of people get stuck with cold, windy, rain at the beginning of their hike. So, I guess it may make a little sense. But for us, it has been highs of 72 with a slight breeze the whole time. We even stopped for a nap and tanning session atop Big Cedar Mountain that had a crucial sunny rock with one of the most amazing views I have ever had. Chris (Dirty Seven aka Fireman, formerly know as Fittie) has been creating the best campfires every night which has been a pleasure after long days of hiking.
Which brings me to the topic of Chris. Caleb and I have tried to convince Chris to stay on the trail all the way to Maine with us (or at least to Damascus) during the entirety of our trip so far, but to no avail. Apparently, Emory can't run with out Chris or something. So, we will miss Chris. Caleb and I are convinced we may not see another campfire the rest of our trip. Also, it appears as if Chris brought the good weather with him, because as soon as Chris was on his last half mile, it started to rain and the rain looks like it will be here for at least the weekend.
But, Caleb and I remain in good spirits! We have just begun the journey of a lifetime and are ready to get back on the trail (well, after some nice pizza and beer in town)! I think the next planned stop for us will be in Franklin, NC, which is about 70 miles up the trail from here. So we should be able to update the blog again in the next 5-7 days. The first few days have given both of us confidence that we can put in some big miles on the trail in the future once we get into hiking shape. For those of you trying to figure out if/when you can meet up with us in the future, I think it would be safe to say we will average between 13-14 miles a day here in the beginning.
Thank you all so much for the e-mails you have sent me. They have definitely been a big boost to me here in town. I hope to see many of you out on the trail with us soon!
Don't work too hard,
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment