Dicks Creek Gap to Bly Gap

Today we hiked 9 miles! It was a beautiful and exciting day! We were walking down the mountainside singing when all of a sudden I heard a rustle in the leaves. I stopped in my track and looked to see what it was. To my delight and surprise I saw a Gardner snake laying in some leaves! It was awesome to see some wildlife other than squirrels and mice. After that we came across a bunch a fallen trees that revealed a huge root system! Today we also got to see a trail legend, the twisted oak tree! The most exciting thing about today was WE MADE IT TO NORTH CAROLINA! Another unforgettable day on the trail!
With Love,
Max and Sara

The Blueberry Patch

It seemed a little soon to take a night off the trail again, but we were told that The Blueberry Patch is not something to miss out on. So here we are, at the most wonderful little hostel. It's located on a small farm, with goats, two burros, and, well, blueberry bushes! With the mountains in the background, this place is picturesque. They only have 10 bunks so we weren't sure they'd have room for us, but luckily we got here a little early after a 6 mile hike. The Blueberry Patch is a Christian ministry and runs on donations, but they take care of you so greatly. They even do your laundry and bring it back folded, and they cook an amazing breakfast in the morning. This place isn't fancy, but it just adds to the fact that the simple things in life are sometimes the greatest. It reminds me that the people that are apart of this trail community are some of the kindest and most generous people I have ever met. They will come out to bring food to hungry hikers, give them cheap rides to and from town, or set up a lovely place for them to stay right on their land.
A little more than a week in and this has been and amazing journey so far. I have no regrets or doubts. This is definitely the place for me. And if you're ever hiking near Hiawassee, GA, visit the Blueberry Patch, it's more than worthwhile.
Love,
Sara

P.S. Thank you to everyone who is taking the time to read our posts and go show their support. It makes us really happy to know that people are actually reading what we have to say! Thanks you so much!

Unicoi Gap to Sassafras Gap

Back on the trail and it feels good! We started off really strong and made great time up the first mountain of today. We even got to see some of the first bloom of wildflowers! Once we came down that first mountain we had a surprise waiting for us. It was trail magic! A man by the name of Omega and his wife Nikki were cooking up delicious hot dogs and handing out melt-in-your-mouth Krispy Kreme doughnuts! The best part to me was the handfuls of Reese's peanut butter cups and Twix that I got to take with me along the trail. Nothing beats a good sugar rush before heading up a mountainside! We zipped up the second mountain like a bunch rabbits racing up to the top of a hill and boy were we tired when we got there! I was doing a little better than Sara at that point. When we reached the bottom of the second mountain we were surprised yet again by a crowd of people and another group of trail angels. They all had thruhiked and went by the names of Carefree, Freedom, and the Roman Noodles! They had burgers, chips, soda, and most importantly a cold bottle of Guinness waiting for me! Sara felt great from all that food and about 4 cokes. She practically flew up Tray Mountain! I was struggling because my body just wanted to unwind at that point. Soon we made it to Tray Mountain shelter. I was a little tired and was struggling with some foot cramps but Sara was ready to go! We pushed on an extra 5 miles to my discontent. It was well worth it when we arrived to see some familiar faces! The campsite that were staying at is packed! Why Not taught us a neat new way to hang our bear bags, our food is completely unreachable! All in all it was a great and beautiful day on the trail. We are getting stronger and have more energy. Also the Chaco's are working great! No blisters, no pain, no worries!
With Love,
Max and Sara

Hiawassee, GA pt. 2

This morning was beautiful! Waking up with heat and a bathroom 5 feet away. Also we went to the outfitter across the street from the budget inn and got Chacos. Chacos are hiking sandals! Anyone who knows me, knows that I'm a sandals kind of guy. We also invested in waterproof sealskin socks. Taking the shuttle back to the trail at 11! I'm so excited to test these bad boys!
With love,
Max

Hiawassee, GA

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

Low Gap to Blue Mountain Shelter

IT'S FREEZING! Today was the coldest day so far! It's been rainy and windy all day. Thankfully, it was an easy 8 mile day of flat land! We are at a shelter and warming up with some hot cocoa. It's going to be a cold night but we have plenty of hot chocolate and plenty of body heat to be shared. The rest of the week looks like its gonna get gradually warmer. Tomorrow were staying in hiawassee which will be an amazing relief!

Laurel to Low Gap shelter

Today we had an average 8 mile day. We're taking it a little easy so my blisters will heal. They're getting better so tomorrow we're heading 8 miles. We went over poor mountain and sheep rock top mountain and found some great views! Heading into hiawassee on Friday for a shower and a resupply.

Wolf Laurel Campsite

Today we took a well deserved rest and travelled around 4 miles to this campsite. It's in the most beautiful spot, on top of a mountain with a view. We are hoping that our bodies will heal from yesterday, that Max's blisters will get better soon. I had a really great campfire going which I set up all by myself! I guess i still have the skills I learned at Girl Scouts. It has been a really great day, can't wait for tomorrow.
Much love,
Sara

April 1st, Blood Mountain

Toughest day so far was yesterday! We hiked from Gooch Gap Shelter to Neels Gap. That's a 15 mile hike! 7 miles of slightly uphill, then 5 miles of very intense uphill and finishing with a 3 miles of even steeper downhill. Definitely gonna be treating my blisters for the next few days. It was all worth it when we arrived at Neels Gap. Not only is there a full outfitter at Neels but there is a hostel with a shower and an actual toilet! The best part was meeting Pirate the guy who runs the hostel. He had a very southern hospitality kind of way and cooked us a delicious dinner! Acorn was also staying at that hostel so it was cool to meet another blogger. It was a great morale boost after a long day!
With love,
Max and Sara

Trek to Gooch Mountain Shelter!

Today Sara and I hiked 8 miles from Hawk Mountain Shelter to Gooch Mountain Shelter. Had to cross over some creeks and mountains but it wasn't bad at all. We got to the shelter early enough to pick a spot but didn't really like the crowd staying there so we decided to camp out instead. It's going to be a long rainy night but tomorrow is looking like a beautiful day to hike! I've never slept on the side of a mountain or at such an incline but I guess we'll see how it goes.
With Love,
Max and Sara

Trail Magic!

Today we had our first trail magic experience! On two separate occasions! Someone was passing out juice and doughnuts in the morning at the base of springer and there was a huge setup right before hawk mountain with a pavilion and 3 tables of food. I had a peanut butter honey and banana sandwich, some 7 layer dip, and a handful of peanut butter cups. It was an awesome lunch thanks to the Georgia Adventurers Club!
With Love,
Max

Today was a really awesome first day actually on the AT. The weather was amazing until about an hour ago, but we got a spot in a shelter so we're dry for tonight. It's been so great meeting people and hearing everyone's stories. A few have even thru- hiked in the past! Hopefully tomorrow will be another great day!

Much love,
Sara

Springer Mountain Shelter!

Today we hiked a vigorous 9 mile approach to Springer Mountain which is the official start of the Appalachian Trail!
We met some pretty awesome thru-hikers today. We even got to sit by a fire and share stories with some of them! I'm so tired after today's hike but other than that today has been an amazing trek through some beautiful mountain ranges. Can't wait to see what tomorrow brings!
With Love,
Max

The Start of the Trail