Long Creek Falls
After five days on the trail, we're snug in a hotel in Helen, GA for the next two nights to avoid some cold temperatures. It's supposed to get down into the low teens at elevation - I thought we left those temps in Vermont! Our legs could use a break after the continuous mountains anyway, so we're enjoying the relaxation, the shower, and the opportunity to dry out our gear.
We've hiked just over 60 miles so far and each day has been a new adventure. Our first day was almost 70 degrees and sunny...a very false sense of security. Since then, we've experienced a massive thunderstorm, freezing rain, overnight snow and fog, and a frosty morning with wind chill below zero. We've also experienced amazing views, beautiful scenery, awesome people (including our first "trail magic" - random wonderful folks who set up at trail crossings and give hikers free food - best burger of my life!), and an encouraging sense of accomplishment.
I've found that these first days have been all about letting go of expectations and comparisons. We've run into many other hikers on the trail; all nice people, but each with their opinion on mileage, town days, food, etc. It's an ongoing process to trust ourselves to do what's best for just us. At home, in a familiar environment, I feel like I've learned to be more confident in my choices, needing less and less external approval. But here, completely out of my comfort zone, insecurity runs rampant and it's easy to believe that everyone else knows how to do this better. Fortunately, Shiz and I have each other to work through the crazy emotions and to remind us to laugh at ourselves. Poop jokes never fail to lighten our moods.
Blood Mountain, 4400 ft highest peak in GA
We expect to be back on the trail on Thursday morning and to cross into North Carolina over the weekend. The second picture below is a tree at mile 40 where disillusioned hikers give up and throw their shoes in the branches before heading home. We still have our shoes.
Wishing all our friends in the northeast warmth and safety during the snow storm.
Sweet Pea
Breaking camp on Sunday morning - our tent in the foreground
Mountain Crossing, GA