Episode 10: From 300 to 400+!!!!!

300 to 400+???? Hmmmm..is she talking about push-ups or squats??? My incredible clients know how much I do love both!!!But nope, I haven’t been working on either one very much so I need to get on that. Thank you, Warriors!! I’ll get crackin’ on first managing to do 300 push-ups and squats, in-between hikes. Then work my way to 400+……😉 Ummm, is it money??? 🤑 That would be great, but I haven’t made $100 while being on the trail, I can assure you of that. (This is one expensive endeavor!!) Okay, okay, I know you know what I mean, no????😛😉

Who’s ready for details from mile 300 to 400+??? It’s about time, wouldn’t you agree?? So, let’s dive in and keep connecting these journey dots! THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE!!!!!!!!!! 🤩

When I left off on the last post, I had reached the Spring Mountain Shelter at mile 285.9 with PBG and Camel. Usually, it would have been just a normal campsite experience: set up your tent space, do your chores, eat dinner, etc. However, at this particular campsite, we met the absolute greatest people on the trail. (Yes, I’m totally bias!! These people became my trail family!!!!😍) There’s Ziggy, Mr. Green and Pandora, (you can follow them on Instagram as bandb_hike_the_at!), 2 Ton, and Long Shadow.

SIDE NOTE: When you’re on the Appalachian Trail, you meet incredible individuals and make true connections with so many people. People that you can’t wait to see again down the trail, as you each travel at your own pace. These lovely individuals can become your trail family, too, without a doubt. BUT THEN there are the people with whom you bond, laugh, support, enjoy each other’s company, share energy, boost each other up, and with whom you hike at similar paces and/or miles per day. And those people really do become your trail family, forever more. Yes, there can always be additions to the family or even separations to the group, but you will always be trail family, or “tramily,” and strive to make plans with each other as the hike moves on. I’m so lucky that this is mine – a tramily of 8!!!!!

Back to the trail! So, the 8 of us left in separate clumps from Spring Mountain Shelter. After just a few miles, PBG, Camel, and I came across a sign that advertised a ‘Mom and Dad Country Store.” Of course we had to go check that out!!! And we ran into Mr. Green and company, who had also decided to check out the store and get some snacks! It’s a must-do, to go visit Dwayne, the Owner, and relax with a treat (or multiple treats!!) at his store!

From there, PBG, Camel, and I were a trio again! The rest of the day was AMAZING and included: interesting and intricate terrain, the climb up Firescald Bald……..

And then you get to the top and it takes your breath away!!!!!!

The climb down from Firescald Bald was very intricate and tended to be very tricky! There were moments of squeezing through rock faces, putting the trekking poles aside to slide from one large boulder to another, and really watching your step as you moved over tons of rocky surfaces. As much as I was concentrating, I did get a couple of photos!

And then it happened. We reached mile 300!!!! WOOHOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!

We made it 15.9 miles that day to Jerry Cabin Shelter, arriving just before 8pm. It was still light out so we quickly set up camp and relaxed a bit. And Ghost and Shambler were staying at this shelter, too!!! It was such a great surprise to see their beautiful faces when we arrived!! I love running into hikers you know, wherever that may be. But I also love meeting new hikers, too! It’s just such a cool world to be in – – – in the land of the AT!!!!

The following day consisted of: another sunny day, fun with the girls, (which is a normalcy, of course!!), but we had A LOT of fun when we came upon the sign for Big Butt Bypass….how could you not have such fun with that??? Way too easy to pass up, don’t you think???!!!!! 😆

We kept leap-frogging Ghost and Shambler for the first half of the hike, until we decided to check out Laurel Hostel – – a place that is right off of the trail, which we heard had hiker food! There, we met Timmy Twotoke and his dog, Oreo. AND we found Mr. Green and party already there!

After departing Laurel Hostel, we made it to Hogback Ridge Shelter, making it a 15.5-mile day!! Two big mile days in a row for us!!!!!!! This time, we arrived closer to 9pm so we had minimal sunlight to get ourselves ready for camp. We decided to stay in the shelter, as we organized ourselves in the dark. Thankfully, it was a really nice night!! And we didn’t meet any mice friends. 😳🐀 (Phew!!!)

But OHHHHHH did we feel those two big mileage days!!!!!! Wow!! And I wasn’t sore at all but my legs felt so extremely fatigued after taking about 10 steps with my pack on. Only 10 freakin’ steps!!!!!!!! I knew it was going to be a LONG day after that!!

In the early stage of our hike, rumor had it that there had been Trail Magic all week at Sam’s Gap, mile 319.7! The three of us were so looking forward to it!! However, we had our hopes dashed when all we found was a shuttle van and a few cars! We had sad face for a quick moment……

But we know that Trail Magic is a gift and is not to be taken for granted, so we took a fun selfie and carried on!!!

The rest of the day was fantastic!!! More breathtaking sights as we hiked to the top of Big Bald at 5,516 feet of elevation!!!

And the girls and I managed to make it 10.1 miles to the Bald Mountain Shelter, regardless of how tired we felt!! We got there nice and early, with it being a much shorter hike, and we were the first hikers to arrive at the shelter!! However, by the evening it was completely full, including GUESS WHO???? Mr. Green, Pandora, Long Shadow, Ziggy, 2 Ton, and about 10 other hikers! It was crowded, there were hikers sleeping on benches in the shelter and some in tents outside, but we all made it work!!!

Since the 8 of us (our crew!!) got along so well AND since Long Shadow has a house in Erwin, TN – our upcoming town – he invited all 7 of us to stay at his home for the weekend! All we’d need to do was hike 6 miles to a place called Spivey Gap, where Long Shadow’s friends would come to pick all of us up! He also offered to slack-pack us from Spivey Gap to Uncle Johnny’s Nolichucky Hostel & Outfitters, (a mouthful!!), which is right in Erwin, so we could complete the miles that we missed!! How sweet is he????? An incredible and gracious being! And the invitation was just too good to pass up!!!!!!!!!

And off to Long Shadow’s house we went!!The 8 of us got to hang and live together for 3 nights and it was an amazing time! We hit up an Indian buffet, Long Shadow made us fabulous breakfasts, PBG baked for all of us, we had a Cinco de Mayo celebration of our own – – with breakfast tacos and dinner tacos with Margaritas!! – – , we watched movies, hung with Long Shadow’s 3 adorable doggy’s, we visited and got to know each other more and more….Hence, we became a true tramily after our complete bonding time at Long Shadow’s beautiful home!!!!!!

When it was finally (and sadly!) time to head back to the trail, Long Shadow stayed behind to nurse an awful Achilles’ Tendon blister and Ziggy stayed with him because he was recovering from a terrible cold. We said goodbye to our room, (PBG, Camel, and I shared it!), gave cuddles to Lily, Reedus, and Jack….and said, “see you soon” to Long Shadow and Ziggy. We made plans to meet up with Ziggy and Long Shadow down the trail, as soon as possible.

After being driven back to Uncle Johnny’s, to get back on the trail, it was past 1pm! It was a very late start but we moved on and took it mile by mile. As we were hiking, we met the fabulous Texas Pete – – a Legend, I call him, because I had heard his name in passing a handful of times prior to actually meeting him! We also ran into Emma and Justin again, who’s trail names are now Juice Box and Moonshine, and we all ended up hiking together. When it came time to camp, we found a place that was 100 yards from Indian Grave Gap and set up our tents together.

The next day, Day 44 out here on the Appalachian Trail, (in case you were wondering!!), was yet another gorgeous and sunny day!! PBG, Camel, and I travelled with Texas Pete, Juice Box, and Moonshine. Our first climb of the day took us to a spectacular view called Beauty Spot!

We then got to hike a variety of paths that were so fun!! More rock hopping, dirt paths, AND treks through these forests that have the best cushioning!! Pine needles and soft ground make for a very spongey terrain!!! It makes the hike feel almost effortless and was a lot nicer for the joints. I was a big fan!!!

PLUS, we ran into some Trail Magic!!!! Trail Angel Rob with his memorable van!! He has a couch in his van, so hikers can relax for a bit, along with so many drinks and treats. This became a reunion of sorts for our group when Mr. Green and crew joined the Trail Magic party. It was so nice and we appreciate Rob so much!!!

From there, it was a push to get to the Greasy Creek Gap campsite, at mile 368.5. For the last 5 miles of our 15.9-mile day, we had the best train! 2 Ton in the front, PBG as the Caboose, and I was second in line, though I was taking the photo! We made the best time, getting to the campsite in about 2 hours!! When we got there, the lovely Ghost and Shambler were there, too!!! And it turned into the best evening, with everyone hanging out by this amazing fire conjured up by the fabulous Mr. Green! It was so much fun!!!

After an amazing night with the best people, our fantastic tramily of now 9 people – – Texas Pete fits right in with our crew! – – – decided it was necessary to hike 17.5 miles to Overmountain Shelter. Why, you may ask???? Well, because this particular shelter is the only one on the AT that is a barn, renovated into a shelter. A cute, red barn that has a stunning view, to be more precise!!!! We decided it was a must-stay and we got on the trail to accomplish the miles!

And what a day of views it was!!!!!! Over the course of the 17.5 miles, we had such incredible views!!! It started with Little Rock Knob!

Then it was time for another really great and challenging climb up Roan Mountain. But PBG, Camel, Texas Pete, and I were so ready for the task! Our goal was to have our lunch break at the Roan Mountain Shelter, the highest Shelter on the entire Appalachian Trail at 6,186 feet of elevation! And that’s just what we did!! It was pretty breezy and chilly, even though the sun was still out….but that’s to be expected at such a high elevation, right?? Oui, oui!!!

Passing through Carver’s Gap, we found Trail Angel Rob and his van full of Trail Magic AND restrooms!!! Two exciting bonus that created such happiness, you have no idea!

We then continued our trek to see fabulous sights from Round Bald…..

…and from Jane Bald!!! It’s crazy how gorgeous everything is, isn’t it???

And so, our journey continued until we saw the most lovely sign: SHELTER!!!! We had almost made it and just needed to hike 0.2 more miles to the Overmountain Shelter. It was a sight for sore eyes for me, especially, because my feet were definitely feeling this day of hiking! Wow, were they sore!!! And when we walked towards the shelter, saw the landscapes and the barn itself, we knew it was worth the long hike!

The best part about staying in this shelter was that our 9-person crew took up one full side of the barn! Plus there was a bejeweled toilet in the privy – – – so fancy!!!!

We woke up to mist, clouds, and the sunshine trying to peer through both! The clouds looked quite dark, as if a storm was brewing, so the message on the barn ceiling seemed to be quite fitting!!

It was so cool to spend the night in this barn, as drafty as it was!! (To be expected, I know!!) And the weather held for us as we departed the Overmountain Shelter. With talk of a hostel that also has a bar with food, (which is only 0.4 miles off the trail), our crew decided to hike the 9.6 miles into Roan Mountain, TN and visit The Station at 19E!! BUT FIRST, we had a couple of large climbs to tackle, ascending Little Hump Mountain and Hump Mountain, where we had a lunch break together. (I know, I know…..VERY special names for these particular mountains! 🤣) The paths to the top of these mountains were so beautiful because you could see mountains, clouds, and greenery for miles in every direction…but whoa, was some of the uphill trek super intense and vertical!!! As always, the views from the top makes the climbs more and more worthwhile.

And this day, Day 47, turned out to be extra-special because we got to check off another state and say goodbye to North Carolina!! Two down, twelve to go!! Hello, Tennessee, for the next 74.7 miles!!

When we finally reached the trailhead and walked the 0.4 miles to The Station, it turned out to be an excellent place to visit….and to stay! A popular site for hikers, though it is a very new establishment, which PBG and I found out the hard way: There are 27 bunk beds available at the hostel, so PBG and I thought that we’d have plenty of time to reserve one. However, as soon as Camel and Texas Pete arrived to the hostel, they paid for their bunk bed right away (the smart way) and PBG and I waited (the non-smart way!)! By the time we requested bunk beds, they were all taken! PBG and I chose the second option: to tent outside instead!

At this juncture, our amazing crew separated for a bit. Mr. Green and Pandora went to a bed and breakfast; 2 Ton and Ziggy moved on to camp further on down the trail; and PBG, Camel, Texas Pete, and I stayed at The Station! AND I found a lucky dime in the parking lot of The Station – – left there by my butterfly Nana, no doubt! She ALWAYS found money, no matter where she was and I think of her whenever I find a coin on the ground! – – SO, I knew it was a great idea to stay at this hostel for a bit! My Nana was showing her support! 😊❤️🦋

We ended up staying at the Station for a total of 3 days! The first one was the 9.6 miles in and “tent night” for PBG and I. The second day became an awesome slack-pack adventure for 13.6 miles, going SOBO, or southbound! Yes, we were moving in the wrong direction….not NOBO, as you know…..BUT we were still checking off miles and working hard for them, especially because the footpaths were so muddy and slippery from the rain overnight! Some of the uphill climbs were very tricky because you would take one step and slide right back down to where you started!!! And the downhills were super exciting because it was a total slip-n-slide and you had to move with the mud and the momentum or you would totally fall on your bum. Or face plant. I did trip over a hidden tree branch at one point….but it only made me take a knee and catch myself, so I did not walk away with a muddy bum or with a mud mask on my face! Sorry that I didn’t take more “mud” photos to show you – – I was so focused on moving well and minimizing the slips through the gooey mud!!!

Regardless of the mud mess, it was a really beautiful hike! We came across one great little waterfall. Nice, right??

BUT THEN we were told to check out Jones Falls, a side trail that leads to a “waterfall that is totally worth the view!” Ghost was the one who told us this and then it was absolutely confirmed by the graffiti on the sign itself! So, of course we had to check it out! And it was indeed so incredible and worthwhile to see!!! We took some great photos!

After our photo shoot at Jones Falls, we made our way to the 400-mile marker!!!!!! Another 100 miles checked off!!! And we had help presenting the mile marker from Tartania, who is adorable and did a fantastic job!!!!! 🐶

Then it was time to hike the four miles back to The Station, where PBG and I actually had bunk beds waiting for us!! Yup, we made sure to reserve a nice bed before heading out to do the slack-pack!!

Then it was time for showers and laundry!! Thankfully, The Station had town clothes – – – but not too much of a selection for females. Hey, I’m not so picky!! SO, my first outfit made me look like a thuggy basketball player. Wanna shoot some hoops?? ⛹🏻‍♀️

And when we heard it was going to thunderstorm for the majority of the day on SUNDAY, the following day, (a significant detail!), we decided to take a zero at The Station. I spent my time well – – catching up on Game of Thrones, (oh yes I did! And by this point, the 5th episode of Season 8 was going to air that night!), hanging with awesome hikers, going to Bob’s Dairyland for dinner, (I had a salad like a very good girl who is not a hiker…🤪), AND through all of this I totally sported a Deadpool sweatshirt and an oversized pair of men’s shorts. At Bob’s Dairyland, I received the weirdest looks!! But when I walked into the Redimart across the street, the cashier told me, “I like your sweatshirt!” Thank you, sweet cashier, for making my day when I looked like a rough-n-tough tomboy crazy person!!!

And oh man, GOT????? Whoa do I need to hash that out with some people. My binge-watching session was basically a success – – I made it through Season 8, episodes 1-3; only had time for seeing the first 20 minutes of episode 4; and then I watched episode 5 with the Game of Thrones crowd at 9pm – – – WHAT. THE. SUGAR?!?! But, no spoilers here, promise!!!! I just have serious issues with some stuff!!!

But enough about that! Because we took a zero and avoided the rainstorm, I got to see the hugest rainbow that I have ever seen!! And it would have completely filled the sky if those clouds weren’t so thick and covering most of it!!

QUICK NOTE: Heads up to those who might be in Roan Mountain or hiking through it: Definitely check out The Station at 19E! Dave and Karen, the owners, are the nicest people!! Dave drove us into town for free, picked us up from town or from the trailhead for FREE, and he only charged $15 for the shuttle ride to the NOBO/SOBO start at 293 – – – which was the total for all riders in the car! And Karen set up Game of Thrones for us AND she was in charge of making a huge breakfast in the morning for $10, for anyone staying at the hostel- – all you can eat! Plus, they do have craft beers as well as super fancy cream soda and root beer in the bottle – – – I was told it was the best I will ever taste! Go check it all out and support such great people!!

After taking photos of the amazing artwork in the hostel AND adding my name to my bunk bed frame – we were encouraged to do so! – it was time to say goodbye to The Station at 19E!

Finally, it was time to go! Dave shuttled PBG, Camel, and Ziggy first. Then he came back for myself, Texas Pete, Juice Box, and Moonshine. It was time to hit the trail and go back to moving NOBO!!

And that’s where this tale ends! At mile 408.8, USFS 293, where our SOBO slack-pack adventure began and now from where our NOBO hike will resume!!

Okay, so………it was another million-word post!! I did warn you about the possibility, though. 😉😆 Thank you for joining me, yet again!!! 💖💖💖

Talk soon with more updates and even more crazy-fun stories!! With photos as proof, of course – – prepare to be REALLY blown away by some sights. And I’m not just talkin’ ’bout mountains and landscapes……wait and see!!

😊❤️😊❤️

As always, sending love and light your way!! Keep that magical energy flowing, follow those wonders, and never underestimate yourself and your capabilities!!