“The Family” hiked together (for the most part) from Hot Springs, NC to Erwin, TN. We completed the 70 mile stretch together in about 5 days. On April 30th, we dominated mile 300!
Rebel Yell, Rigga, Me (Dixie), Chance, Right On – Mile 300
It was rainy on and off that day, but beautiful overall. Fog has a way of adding a mystic touch to the day.
On May 2nd, I hiked over Big Bald which offered stunning views and blue skies.
That night, I witnessed a beautiful sunset at Big Bald Shelter. I must say, even the view from the privy is nice!
From Big Bald Shelter, we hiked into Erwin, TN completing a 16.8 mile day.
View from above Erwin, TN
Upon arriving, we stopped by Uncle Johnny’s Hostel, took a load off and ate some ice cream. The hostel seems to be an okay place, but one worker there in particular is not a nice man. He was rude to Rebel Yell and I and at one point we heard him blatantly yelling at the owner. Chance, Mountain Goat, Rebel Yell, Rigga, Bodyglide and I decided to pitch in together and stay in a room at the Mountain Inn. It was pretty nice and they offered continental breakfast and a hot tub. Hot tub for sore thru-hikers? SOLD!
“The Fam” outside of the Mountain Inn – Erwin, TN
After checking in we did laundry and bathed. Next on the list was food. We hitched to Los Jalapenos and shoveled in a table full. A shout goes out to the staff for the great service despite our showing up ten minutes before closing time. Also, a big thanks for the ride back to our hotel!
The first injury to the group occurred in Erwin when Rebel Yell decided to stomp a can with his bare foot and cut off a part of his heel. Luckily, it’s been healing up pretty nicely and hasn’t cost him any days off. Below is a picture of him holding a melon..something he clearly wasn’t using when he chose to stomp a can barefooted (ba-dum tssss!)..
Following checkout from the hotel, we were able to meet the infamous Miss Janet! She’s a well known trail angel that comes to the aid of thru hikers and functions solely off of donations. She drove us to town to resupply and was extremely helpful all around.
Miss Janet’s van at the Mountain Inn
Camel in Miss Janet’s van
Me, Miss Janet, Rigga
Bandit, a fellow hikers dog, in Miss Janet’s van
Once our resupplying chores were complete, we all headed back to the trail. We decided to hike in about 2 miles to the first creek side campsite so we could have a family dinner. There were enough brats, hotdogs and veggies for an army.
The next morning, Chance cooked brats for everyone on a flat river rock. I had never seen that done, but it worked like a charm and I plan to do it again.
Because we enjoyed breakfast and coffee so leisurely, our motivation to get moving was slowly diminished. I really wanted to get moving, but I could tell the group wanted to stay another night in the same spot.
Although I was somewhat hesitant at first, I decided another day of rest wouldn’t hurt anyone. Plus, Rebel Yell’s injured foot could use a day off. Finally, at about noon, “The family” came to a consensus and decided to take a zero day at the campsite. Mountain Goat, Chance and I emptied our packs and went back into town to get more food. A couple hours later we returned with more veggies, chips, s’mores ingredients, hotdogs, etc.
Additional hikers had even joined in and had set up camp. We threw frisbee, listened to music, played cards, played in the creek, made s’mores, roasted weenies and Perks caught some crawfish and cooked them. It was the most special zero day yet.
I think my biggest struggle on the trail is just letting go. It’s like in my mind hiking is now my day job and miles must be made or I’m somehow a horrible person and a slacker. Then, I realize this opportunity should be fully enjoyed and the fact that I can make my schedule is priceless. If I want to be lazy all day at a campsite–I should. If I want to hike 20 miles at night–I should. That’s the freedom of this adventure. It’s kind of like each day I have nowhere to be and all the time in the world to get there. I just need to remember to let go and embrace that.
On another note, something I learned from our zero day outside of Erwin is that strawberry slices on s’mores are phenomenal. As a hiker you become so much more creative with food! But seriously, if you have never tried a strawberry s’more, I highly recommend you do.
Well, it’s time to say goodbye for now. But before I go, here are some additional pics I captured:
Stay tuned for another update. Until next time–
Happy Trails 🙂
Hello Ms. Dixie!
My name is Chris and I’m a fellow AT enthusiast. I sectioned from Springer to Max Patch in 2011 and caught the AT bug. Since then I’ve been watching Youtube seasonally to catch interesting hikers follow their dreams. There is always a plethora of individuals posting their experiences with very few making a truly interesting video/series.
I must compliment you on your amazing attitude and ability to let us all see the real you. I find that most folks feel the need to become a character in their own story. Expressing your feelings and letting the world share is a pretty hard thing to do. I watched an incredible retired couple on their journey https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKFwKF9ywmc Dreamer(Tom) made awesome videos and I was just hooked. He gave a true sense of the feelings one experiences on the trail. I’m honestly pretty excited to see your progress and see the trail through your eyes as you go.
You have a very infectious personality and when you made mention of your dog, I pretty much lost it with you. Please don’t lose the ability to be yourself. Too many folks live their lives on a stage and no one ever really sees the true person backstage. Your style is refreshingly different.
I have a few of my friends interested in the AT and I plan on adding a few of your videos to my shared list. I believe you will be inspirational to many of my friends.
I have a thru-hike on my bucket list but it will have to wait until either my bachelors or grad school is finished. Again, keep up the good work—never quit on a bad day—never quit on an empty stomach—and hike your own hike 🙂 God Bless
Thank you so much for the compliment–all I know how to be is me! That’s awesome that you are planning a thru hike–I hope my experience helps you prepare for yours. If you have any questions let me know!
It was fun meeting the Family on Hump Mountain. I hope the red stake came in handy. It’s been fun following along. Stay safe.
It was nice meeting you, also! I STILL have the red stake, thank you again VERY much. Thanks for looking me up and following along!