Monthly Archives: May 2019

Heading to and leaving Hampton TN

Hike

Somewhere outside of Hampton TN I just thought the view was pretty
Going into Hampton TN you walk by the Laurel River. The sounds of river water is so calming and nice
Down many many uneven stone steps and you see Laurel Falls
Everyday you need liters of water. Here is a typical source. Can you see the leaf that makes a spout to fill your bottle easily. After that you filter it and chugalug. Yum!
After leaving Hampton TN you need to climb over this mountain where you get to see this lake far below.
And then three miles later and one and one half hours of hiking you are walking beside this same lake
The lake is the result of an earthen Dam which the trail goes across
The view from behind our shelter. We’re back up high again with the lake in the distance. There is a hundred foot drop off, but these youthful hikers are just relaxing and enjoying the sights

400 miles

Hike
On Little Hump Mountain high about the clouds early in the morning.
Rarely do you get to see where the trail is going to go. I’m on Little Hump looking towards Hump Mountain which i’ll be climbing soon. Can you see the trail?
Yay! I’ve left North Carolina and I think I’m now in Tennessee. The sign only said I left NC, but nothing about what state I entered
Finally found a mileage on the trail. I’ve missed all the earlier ones

Each day I move on

Hike
Heading down into Erwin TN for a resupply
But it was a special day and across the river in a park they had an all-you-can-eat for hikers – major trail magic! I had a double hamburger, a hot dog, some potato salad, and cheese cake. Oh and don’t forget the coke!

About 350 miles at this point. After the lunch I got back on trail by climbing out of town and back into the mountains and rain.

Keep moving

Hike
The easy and safe way to cross a river near Interstate 40
Follow the white blazes or the AT symbols to find your way across the bridge
The toes get sadder and sadder. Now the right foot big toe needed some loving, because I wore the skin off the tip. Also this is more realistic because of the dirt too. PS nothing actually hurts.
Small stream requires small bridge, all handcrafted from local lumber.
Local volunteer organization maintain the trail
In Hot Springs NC the trail goes right through town so they’ve marked it with embedded emblems in the sidewalk
Passed mile 300 today and had a difficult rocky climb but the view was great
Another picture from the summit, but didn’t stay long. I’ve got miles to hike so on I go.