Tuesday, February 15th

-
15.7 miles

Sassafras Mountain to Gooch Mountain Shelter 4.1 miles

My first time staying in a shelter. When I reached this shelter there were 2 guys there named Patrick and Ian(Gigi). They were section hikers and the nicest guys. Later in the afternoon, the shelter filled up. 

I was not planning on sleeping in the shelter. There were no mice reports and I am getting over my fear of Covid since the numbers have drastically reduced. 

Patrick and Gigi had a campfire three times. It was heaven. I met lots of new friends and believe it or not, got a good night's sleep. 




























Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Section Hike on the Pacific Crest Trail - Day 2

-
Image
August 2, 2021 - Day 2 began at a stealth campsite just short of Lake Valhalla. I hiked to another, not quite too stealthy, campsite just shy of Lake Janus. It was a beautiful day of hiking. Although the air was smoky from distant forest fires, it gave the trail a luminescent glow. The haze also kept the temperature down and made it more pleasant. I do wish the air had been clear though. It is easier on the lungs and the photos on a crystal clear day, are stunning.  I learned two very important lessons in the middle of the night. For the past two nights, I was putting my tent up without the rain fly on it. It has been very hot and this allows the airflow to cool me while sleeping. I got away with it the first night. Not so, on night number two!  Around 2am, I felt plop, plop, plop...big raindrops on my face. It is surprising how fast you can wake up when you need to. My rain fly was easily accessible in a tent pocket above my head. I knew my headlamp was in the top pocket (bra...
Read more

Tuesday, April 5th

-
Image
A Camino shell shaped mushroom, I found on the Appalachian Trail.  I have a major announcement! I'm pivoting to Spain from the Appalachian Trail. My wonderful husband Mark gave me a lovely surprise for my 60th birthday, a couple of weeks ago. He gave me an airline ticket to Spain so I could walk/hike the Camino de Santiago (The Way of St. James).  I will be starting the Camino Frances in a few days. The Camino Frances starts from St. Jean Pied de Port at the base of the Pyrenees in France and crosses the entire northern part of the country of Spain for at least 500 miles. Another 70 if I go to Finisterra, the western coast.  The Camino has been my dream for years. I was supposed to go in early 2020. Covid canceled it. I am beyond excited for this opportunity. My daughter Alyssa and her boyfriend will be hiking the first portion with me from France to Pamplona.  I feel truly blessed to have such a wonderful husband and daughters. They are more than I ever dreamed of. ...
Read more

Sunday, March 20th

-
Image
Yellow Creek Gap to Fontana Dam 6.3 miles Total miles 164.7 It was a "dam" good hiking day. I was able to conquer the largest mountain without too much trouble. The rest of the hike was long, but pleasant.  There were some rocky sections. I'm getting much better at traversing them. This one even had a rock scramble to get over. Rocks that are on the uphill seem to be easier.  Today's hike ended in front of the marina at Fontana Dam. As I stood in front of the marina, memories of home flooded my mind. This marina looks nothing like ours, but there are boats and I miss Washington and my family.  I checked into the Fontana Dam Lodge and am here for a few days. I want to hike Smokey Mountain National Park during optimal weather. There is only one out in this park so timing is everything.  Sunrise at Yellow Creek Gap  My beautiful view this morning  This is the Appalachian Trail, right over the rocks Billy Goat Gruff Bridge, no trolls today! Theodora is rock scr...
Read more