Well, I’m not actually at Wallace Gap, I’m back in Franklin at the Sapphire Inn. I’m so glad I came here because I finally got to meet the trio from Australia that are hiking the A.T. I’ve been following their blog here: https://aussielegs.wordpress.com/
I had dinner with them and several others including M’mot and Zeba, whom I’ve been hiking with the past couple days. M’mot and Zeba are the ones who also camped near the stream last night. Everyone had a great time at Mulligans, a local sports bar in Franklin.
The day started early at 650am today. I tried a new procedure of packing everything first, and THEN having coffee and breakfast. The verdict? It didn’t make a damn bit of difference! If anything, I was slower.
Anyway, finally on the trail, the first major stop was Albert Mountain. It was a long climb with most of it being gradual. However, the last half mile involved the first rock scramble of my hike! It was actually more fun than exhausting. Once at the top, the view was amazing! Good visibility meant that I could see for millions and millions of miles in all directions.
Two items of interest at the top: first, the fire tower! Standing maybe 50 feet tall, from the top the view was even more amazing. The view was totally unbroken by the trees. Second, the top of the mountain marked the completion of MY FIRST 100 MILES!!! Woohoo!!!
For the rest of the day, the trail came down Albert Mountain and was pretty gentle for the remainder of the day. I played leapfrog with Gentleman during the rest of the day. I never caught up with Pippy, Wayward, M’mot or Zeba as they’d all left well before I did this morning. I did catch up with M’mot and Zeba for dinner though.
By the time I reached Wallace Gap, I was pretty apent. I’d covered about 10 miles and felt good about the day. It was 3 more miles to Winding Stair Gap. I probably could’ve made it, but there was the option of shuttling from here. So I took it!
Tomorrow morning I return to Wallace Gap to continue towards the Nantahala Outdoor Center which is my next planned stop. There’s an all you can eat breakfast buffet in the morning at 715am, followed by shuttle at 900am. So I have to get up early and get moving!
Good night all.
Wandering on…
Kelly
Congrats on the first hundred miles!!! I look forward to your blog every day. Where is Kelly now? How far did he get today? What new hikers did he meet? Did he catch up to ___? Dude I am HOOKED!!!
Yay!!! I’ve met a few folks from Texas out here too. Dallas area and Houston. Thanks for the congrats! I’ve completed 1/22 of the trail now… I ain’t ‘fraid of no fractions! Haha!
Yes, this is fun. You’re mentally strong to get through the nasty stretches of weather.
Hey there Kelly…I am still following along, actually Stacy and Kellie are too. Every day I am so excited to read about your adventures. I am so proud of you and what an accomplishment…congrats on your first 100 hundred miles. Also I was wondering if I could send you a care package along the trail somewhere. Let me know (when, where and what) Oh and I like the name you picked…Mojo! Take care my friend and c0-worker! Stay inspired and motivated..I miss your smile in the kitchen…Gail
Thanks Gail! Say hi to Stacey and Kellie for me. A care package is most thoughtful of you, I really appreciate it. My meals are totally planned out, so food isn’t really needed. Also keep in mind whatever you would send has to be light if I’m to carry it, or quickly consumable!
ok just let me know what you would like for me to send and where…my wandering ADVENTURER!!! Have an safe and awesome day! Gail