Mile 469

The stretch between Hot Springs, NC and Damascus, VA was a scenic one, but the wettest hiking yet. After leaving Erwin, TN thunderstorms were frequent so feet were mostly wet. Scott Jurek, the ultra-marathon runner trying to break the fastest AT hike-run past us in Ash Gap during the evening. Unfortunately, I was in my sleeping bag when he came through.

Luna, the trail dog, at White Rock Cliffs.

Mile 275

Arrived in Hot Springs, NC to resupply and take my first full zero day. Myself and 4 other hikers rented a small cabin on the French Broad River. A nice place to relax, with hot springs across the street, plenty of beer and food.

I over did it the last couple days in the Great Smokey Mountains National Park and now have a sore left ankle, the posterior tibialis tendon, I think. I'm not quite ready for 20+ mile days day after day. The weather was very cool, 50s, and lots of trail magic, so I was feeling like hiking a lot. Already feeling better, so should be back to normal soon.

So far NC is more mountainous and scenic than Georgia.The weather has not always been cooperative, so many of the scenic vistas were up in the clouds, but still plenty of views, wildlife, and good company.

Here is the picture show:

Not a dramatic entry into NC, but starts with a steep climb.

Hiking the AT, Hiawasse, GA

5 days on the trail and all is well. Currently at the Top Of Georgia hostel spending my first night off trail and resupplying.  This will be a brief post as there is socializing and sleeping to do. 

To summarize so far: 

1.  There are a lot of people on the trail from all walks of life, even starting as late as I have.  No shortage of good company. 

2. It is a nature lover's delight.  Birds, reptiles, bugs, wildflowers. No bear sightings yet.  I need to brush up on my bird songs and learn some plants, especially the edible variety.

3.  So far my gear is working well.  Some minor tears I've been able to fix with needle and thread. 

4.  Doing 15 mile days so far. Feel ok, but getting good sleep has been hard.  Minor blisters. 

Pictures tell the rest of the story:

Not only did Andrew give me a place to stay in Gainesville, feed me good foodie food, help me ship my bike, and drive me to Amicalola Falls, but he hiked the 8 miles up to Springer Mt to see me off. Here we are at the start of the AT

Gainesville, GA

About 560 miles of pedaling from Norfolk, VA and I've arrived in Gainesville, GA.  Heading out of Norfolk riding was rainy and a bit intense until past Suffolk.  Then I was able to find some enjoyable low traffic country roads. 

Country road and cotton field near the VA NC border

From Norfolk, VA

So far, so good.  I've successfully navigated through NYC, NJ, and down the Delmarva (Delaware, Maryland, Virginia) peninsula with about  400 miles of pedaling, 3 ferry rides (Bridgeport to Port Jefferson, Manhattan to Belford, NJ, Cape May to Lewes, DE) and one Virginia DOT ride over the Chesapeake Bay bridge tunnel.

Heading to Lewes on the Cape May ferry