In complete contrast to the hypothermic temperatures of yesterday, today we came two miles down the mountain into the town of Hiawassee. We booked it down the mountain and were 45 minutes early for the shuttle. It was so cold waiting for that shuttle, I swear, I have never been so happy to see a crappy white van pull around the corner! We got to the Budget Inn and the sun came out and it was really quite a beautiful day. I'm still amazed that yesterday we were shivering in our sleeping bags and today we're clean and dry in a bed with linens. We even ate at a restaurant with a bunch of people we met so far. Between the 9 of us I'm surprised we didn't clear out the whole buffet! Before that we resupplied and got an absolute ton of food, we're not looking forward to carrying that weight tomorrow. Maybe all of the food from the all-you-can-eat buffet will give us the energy to pull through. Tomorrow we'll be looking at shoes that may be better for Max's feet, sandals called Chaco's that are good for hiking. Then we'll take the shuttle back to Unicoi Gap to continue hiking. Tomorrow is looking like a good day!
Signing off,
Sara
Wow Sara, looking at your pics and reading the story of bubba shows just how cold it was yesterday. But it looks like warm weather is heading your way, yeah... I just hope that it stays warm so that the snow melts by the time you get to the smoky mountains. Enjoy your night in the hotel and I hope the new shoes are good for Max, nothing like sore feet :( missing you like crazy but so happy to see you so happy... Stay hydrated lol, be careful and keep in touch my lovely girl love your momma
ReplyDeleteQuite the adventure guys!
ReplyDeleteProtect those fee,Max! You will need them for a long time!
A friend suggested that you think about restarting in Maine (and come back toward NY) when you come off the trail in NY. October can be worse than Spring in GA. They can even close the ME end of the trail in early October because it gets too icy. At least you will still have hiked the entire trail (and not frozen to the side of the mountain in ME).
Don't forget to give a shout Pam and Ed when you are in their neck of the woods!
Love, Mom