That being said, we are now through the Smokies! Our honorable c/o 2003 VP Andy Frizzell took us in for the night after we decided to take a zero due to the rain (which quickly escalates into snow at 5000 feet). After getting a ticket in Gatlinburg (probably the only person in America to get a ticket without actually owning a car), spending New Years with the Burgesses, and pushing my luck with Bret by getting us lost, we arrived at Andy and Ashley's! So great to catch up with old friends! And so touched that they would take us in.
He took us back to the trail, and we trudged the last 40 miles through the Smokies on mostly solid sheets of ice and (thankfully) less snow. Combined, we only fell flat on our butts 3 times..not bad considering everyone else had fancy chains and yaktraks to keep them from slipping!
We got to Fontana Dam after a LONG 24 mile day. We were exhausted so the next 2 days were somewhat laid back (11 miles and 15 miles) and we got to the Nantahala Outdoor Center. One of Tonys twitter followers found us wandering around and dehydrated so he took us to "town" and we stayed at the Relax Inn complete with an outdoor washing machine with a dryer located in the main office. (Don't ask)
Today we made the HUGE climb out of the NOC and Amanda met us at the end of the 27 mile day after hiking into Siler Bald. She got to see a WILD HOG and said she was terrified and had no idea what to do. She "took of running and looked at him and then stood completely still." Please google wild hog and look at the grotesque images. They are hideous!
After eating a large and medium pizza we are now at the Microtel and very warm and happy!
We have 109 miles to go! We saw our first Northbounders today too! Which means they have done 109 miles of 2184. I do not envy them one bit.
Wow! What great pictures! I'm glad you guys were relatively safe in the cold and icy conditions. I think you were smart to end up in the South at the end of your journey. :) Keep it up! I can't wait to hear/read that you've finished.
ReplyDeleteThis wouldn't even be doable in the North right now!! So wonderful to see you last Sunday! Been thinking about you today; getting close to baby time!
ReplyDeleteHello you two. I am an old high school friend of your mom's and just wanted to congratulate you on the (near) completion of your awesome adventure. Or maybe I should say the completion of the beginning of your awesome adventure!
ReplyDeleteWhen she told me about your trek, I thought "what a great idea for a honeymoon". You have created memories that your children and grandchildren will be sharing for a long time and, hopefully, you will put into a book for all of us to read.
Best of luck on the final leg of your journey!
Randy Houk
crazyguyonabike.com/DakotaBlue
www.nothing-better-to-do.com
Hello Randy! Thanks so much for reading our blog! You sound like you are on quite the adventure as well! We wish you well and will check out your trek!
ReplyDeleteHello from Louisiana.. I am the Bird Legs geezer you helped up The Ledges just north of Kent CT. We broke bread together (with Mark W) and then went our separate ways. The blog is a good one, and I have enjoyed hiking with you vicariously. You two are to be commended-you have remained focused, worked hard, and persevered in the face of difficult situations. Take these traits to your next endeavor and you will be successful yet again. If you were my kids I would be very proud.
ReplyDeleteHope you are enjoying GA and a bit of warmer weather. Great views from Albert Mt. Firetower, Tray and Blood Mts. Avoid BM Shelter if convenient to do so.
Safe travels!
Of course we remember you BirdLegs! Seems like we were just in CT! We are 50 miles from the end. Thank you for your kind words of encouragement. We truly appreciate them. Also thanks for reading!
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