(3/4) Back after Rest
I slept amazingly again last night. Other than family, the things I miss most so far are healthy food and a warm, comfortable bed. Getting a bed for the last couple nights made a big difference in my sense of well-being. I woke up around 6 and we packed up the cabin. The shuttle showed up at 9 and we resupplied and went back to the trail.
After leaving the NOC we had to gain back the 3000 feet of elevation that we lost before our zero. We started out slowly, as the day off had made us rested and sluggish.
Before too long we were back in the swing of things, hiking a ridge with some nice scenery despite the clouds. We were up over 4000 feet again, pleased to be back on the trail.
We ate lunch at the Sassafras Gap Shelter where we met a couple other through hikers we had not seen before. Didn’t catch their names.
There was a strange moment where my knee was incredibly painful every couple steps. Pretty soon, for some unknown reason the pain left as quickly as it started. I can’t explain it but I’m glad it didn’t last long.
Over the course of the day we hiked 17 miles, not too bad considering we started at 10:30. We made it to Brown Fork Shelter. Tomorrow we hope to hike to a camp site just inside the Smokey Mountain National Park (SMNP), just over 19 miles tomorrow. We will stop in and resupply at Fontana Dam when we pass through.
Our last challenge of the day was a 1 mile section called “Jacob’s Ladder.” We learned pretty quickly that it was named for its incredible steepness. However, we made it up pretty quickly and were able to finish off the hike in daylight.
I look forward to the beauty of the Smokies, as so far NC has been much less visually appealing than Georgia. It has certainly been a fun challenge though and the scenery will improve as we continue north.
Goodnight.
So happy to know you got really good rest again. The benefits of good sleep are invaluable.
ReplyDeleteGlad to know your knee pain was short lived.
Hoping the weather holds for your trek thru the smokies. Looking forward to seeing your pictures! Thanks for posting them!
Lori
Incredible descriptions of your trip. I have read about Jacob's ladder and you both climbed it today. Love and prayers for safety your way.
ReplyDeleteLoren
You and tyler keep talking about the smokies. I'm looking forward to both of your tales from there. Enjoy the hike and stay safe.
ReplyDelete-Pat
You've came a long way since we first introduced you to the wilderness "Pilgrim " . You guys are doing well, continue to attack the trail and have fun each day in the surroundings of all that nature has to offer.
ReplyDeleteHi Walker! I hope you and Tyler are mastering the Smokies and getting good views. Looks like you'll have good weather through Monday. Shelby got home for spring break last night. Looking forward to reading your next post. Love, Mom
ReplyDeleteWalker and Tyler - We miss you both, and are enormously proud of your attitudes and progress as you journey onward. I consider your vivid descriptions in the categories of National Geographic and Pulitzer Prize Novelists.
ReplyDeleteWe are traveling virtually by your side, enjoying the vistas, shivering and sweating, all the while anticipating what lies ahead!
Walker's Dad