We left Standing Bear Farm this morning with our sights set on a big day of hiking. My shin miraculously stopped hurting and the sun was shining down on us all day. This was our best day of weather in awhile and we were going to take advantage of the heat and sunlight.
We had some pretty steep ascents in the morning. We climbed to the top of Snowbird Mountain where there’s an FAA tower. I had never seen one before, so it was very interesting to see up close. I don’t know too much about them, but they’re used for air traffic control. Snowbird is a grassy bald, so we decided to soak up the sun and take a break here. We finally remembered to put on sunscreen this morning. Our faces were already burnt, but I don’t even think about putting on sunscreen unless it’s hot outside. I’d say it was in the 60s today, which may not seem hot for some of you, but when you’ve been hiking in 30-40 degree weather, 60 is a heat wave!
Around 4, we summited Max Patch, one of the sweetest mountains on the entire AT. It’s a huge grassy bald with 360 degree views of the surrounding mountains, including the Smokies. And you know, it was awesome to look back on the Smokies and know that we had conquered that beast. And it was even better since we enjoyed the views as we took in some trail magic from Roger and Rose, a couple from South Carolina. They fed us hot dogs, fruit, Little Debbie’s, chocolates, soda, and beer. I was really craving fruit today, so this unexpected trail magic really hit the spot. A Natty Ice in one hand and an apple in the other; all of the steep climbs today were so worth it.
We decided to hike a few more miles as we left Max Patch around 5. Normally, we would stop hiking for the day around then, but it was so nice out today, we didn’t want to stop hiking. We weren’t tired either, so we kept on truckin’. The terrain was fairly flat the rest of the evening, so we easily made it to our campsite for the night around 7. Fellow thru-hikers Minnesota Pete, Sunshine, Handstand, and Push-up are here as well. We’re camped out right near a creek, providing a much better background noise to fall asleep to than the snoring I’ve had to deal with for the past few nights. We’re feeling good after doing 18.5 today and 18.4 yesterday. I did my math wrong yesterday when I said we had done 17.8. I may be becoming a better hiker out here, but I’m not so sure it will make me a better mathematician. It’s looking like we’ll be doing a “shorter” day tomorrow and hiking 14.6 miles. Wait, I better check my math on that one…
FYI, If there is a photo attached to April 7th Day 23 it is not there. I can’t imagine the feeling accomplishment you must feel looking BACK on the Smokies. Is it too early to ask if you think you are done with the snow? Will email M tomorrow. Love, Strength and Courage!The other Mom
We hope we are some with snow, but there may still be a chance unfortunately.
Awesome, you will arrive in Hot Springs on your 24th day of hiking. That is really good with the nasty weather you have been dealing with. Just wait until you see how fast you fly through Virginia and Pennsylvania
We are very excited to get to Virginia, although I suppose that means we are closer to the end 😦
I grew up in Orrington. My brother, who lives in Bucksport, just turned me on to your blog and I have spent the afternoon reading your entire story and now can follow your up-to-date progress. You and Miles are doing something that many dream of, talk about, but can or will never do it. It’s great to see someone living her dream. Now that you’re reading again, two other books you might enjoy reading when you get home:
1) “Wild” about a 26-year old woman who hikes the Pacific Crest Trail alone
2) “Woodswoman” by Anne LaBastille who lives in a log cabin she built in the Adirondacks
3) “The Roots of a Family – Life in Rural Maine” which I wrote 🙂
You have inspired me, not to be a thru-hiker, but to get back into my blog, All’s Well, which I started with my husband years ago when we were traveling and couch-surfing through Southeast Asia.
Best of luck.
Be well, be safe.
Gail (Glidden) Rowe
Thanks for the recommendations. I’ll be sure to get my hands on them when I return to Maine!
Keep up the great work, looks like u guys are getn your legs!! So cool of u to take time to update the blog.. Love following along and the fact a few days ago u wrote a comment about not an inclination to quit!!!!! All the best Njoy it out there!!!
Graig