Huffhike

Day 16 (Mile 294.8)

After waking up at the Hotsprings Resort and Spa AT campsite section, I packed up and started to walk towards the laundry mat section of the camp. I had charged my power bank and phone close to 100% the night before. But I figured I would just give them a bit more juice before I headed out.

After my phone hit 100% I hit the road. Like most of the time once you leave a town you go up hill, as most towns are located in valleys. Today was no exception, after leaving Hot Springs I was greeted with a straight up hill climb. It wasnt too brutal, but it definitely wasnt easy. After being on the trail for a few miles, I saw the split for the fire tower. Of course never wanting to miss a good fire tower I took the side trail, and saw an awesome view.

After a few hours I stopped and ate some lunch (ranch tuna, wraps, and cheese its). After I noticed another hiker who I met yesterday. He ended up offering me half of his package of wraps, because yesterday I said that Dollar General didnt have any wraps, and he found some. So that was a big win that made my day!

After hiking a bit more and listening to some Alan Watts and random podcasts, I came to a split that said “free cookies and water”. Of course I walked in the direction of the Southern Cookie Lady for some free treats. As we approached the sweetest older couple welcomed us and gave us cookies and water. They then talked to us about a bear that tried to break into there car for some tomatoes.

I then headed out to cover the last 6 miles before the shelter. Once at the shelter, I made some dinner (garlic potatoes) and took some advil for my ankle and did some streching.

Day 17 (Mile 317.6)

Today wasnt incredibly eventful, I surpassed the 300 mile mark which was amazing, and I saw some tremendous peaks and some cool named summits. But over the past two days, I think Im starting to fall in love with the green tunnel and all the growth occurring around the trail (outside of snakes, fuck them and I hope to never see one).

My ankle seems to be loosing some of its swelling, meaning the ibuprofen and creek beds may be working. However, it appears there is a storm rolling in tomorrow which will impact my resupply plans. Im leaning towards a long day tomorrow and a nero (near zero thursday).

Part of my motivation in blogging rather than doing an instagram post is that it allows for me to write fully and deeply, almost portraying the “real” aspects of trail. Today was a struggle, it was hot, I knew a storm is rolling it, and it was a roller coaster (up hill then down then up)…. But Im still having the time of my life!

One intimidating aspect of thru-hiking is the alone time. Most of the day you are alone with your thoughts. Of course you run into people for a few miles here and there, but for the most part the conversations are quick and cordule.

At camp the conversations are more dense (No politics on the trail), as you are traveling with your friends and with people youve just met. But while hiking, for the most part its just you and yourself.

While hiking today I found myself constantly zoning out. Reliving the past, past events and regrets. Obviously, living in the past is not the place to be. Normally, I am able to quiet the noise and ground myself, using some forrest bathing techniques I have learned.

But today it just felt insurmountable.

In that mental replaying, and noise I came across this idea that, as much as I dont want to. I have to accept that the past happened. People who I wish were still in my life arent, events and things I said I cant undo or unsay. And as much as I would like to time travel to avoid and prevent some events, I cant.

However, the beauty about hiking is you cant avoid those thoughts. You cant distract yourself with a movie, a drink, work,  etc. You have to face those thoughts and whatever troubles you have face on.

For me, I was able to remind myself that the beauty of the past is recognizing where you could have done better and bringing it with you in the future.

The world is surrounded by love, but to create that love internally you have to first love and forgive yourself (something I personally struggle with).

Thats the end of my hippie dippy Ted talk. Maybe it doesnt sound super profound, but it really hit home for me while meandering today.

Happy Trails!