Walking In Circles

13.1 Miles to the Piney River

It is about 80 degrees at the river today.  A cool walk along a river would be a wonderful thing indeed.

6.5 Miles to Lost Mountain Shelter

In the 80s even though the normal for these days in the 70s.  It isn't even cooling off at night.  But the honeysuckle are in mounds of blossoms with the scent drifting across the trail.  And sometimes walking down into a hollow it suddenly cools and dries.  Still, I'll be happy when this hot spell has passed.

6.5 Miles to Shady Valley, TN

Better known as a motorcycle town than an AT town.  Temperatures have warmed up again. A high of 58 degrees F today.  Hoping we're finally done with cold weather!

6.5 Miles over High Stuff

"Roan High Bluff" and "Roan High Knob" and 6,200 ft. plus!  Walked through Carver's Gap, TN (Doesn't seem to be much to this town- nothing on the internet and the guidebook comment for the town is actually about the trail.), but left it a couple of miles behind by the end of the day.

The weather is pleasant- low 60s, overcast, possibility of rain.

17.2 Miles to Greasy Creek Gap

I had thought this was going to be a day of walking very tiny circles while tending to Brewster the rabbit, but he passed away at 5:30AM so by 6AM I was on the trail for a long loop.

Ms. PJ showed up at a forestry road and walked through Beauty Spot to the next road at Beauty Spot Gap.  Despite heavy clouds all day and a few sprinkles, it was a wonderful day for a walk.  The trail continued over Unaka Mountain at 5,180 feet and finally to Greasy Creek Gap.

6.5 Miles to Curley Maple Gap Shelter

I don't care how charming it is, it is raining cats and dogs and I do not like my orange poncho.  Actually, in the morning it was super-creepy foggy, and I didn't walk because I wanted to sleep and then I thought I was lucky I didn't walk because of how intense the creepy factor was, so in exchange for being wimpy I got to walk in the pouring rain instead.

13.1 Miles Over Bald Mountain

Bald Mountain is truly beautiful, overlooking several lakes.  The weather has been nice, if slightly cool, but tomorrow the rain is supposed to roll in.  Again.  For several days.  Again.

Appalachian Trail experts suggest not starting too early in the season, because the rain can be disheartening and lead thru hikers to quit.  I can see why.

Sister joined me for three miles, carrying her new baby- woot!

And, while we were walking, elsewhere in Raleigh a pedestrian was hit and killed by a car.

6.5 Miles to Log Cabin Drive

As I was headed out, some kind of bookworm came rushing by in a v-neck sweater and glasses.  He was making a bee-line for shelter, and he looked at me incredulously: "Don't you see what's coming?!"

Looking north before my walk, I only saw blue skies.  I checked the weather report, noted the thunderstorms moving in, and packed up my neon orange poncho on the outer straps of my hip bag.  Now clouds were flying across the sky and flying leaves were hitting my face.  A few isolated rain drops landed on me.

"Um..."  "I'm prepared," I called after him.

6.5 Miles to Springs Mountain Shelter

It has stopped raining.  Instead there extremely high humidity that makes everything foggy and spooky.  And the clothes get sticky and uncomfortable, despite the cool air.  I came across my neighbor walking her three huge dogs and she commented on the spookiness of this street.  I think she's probably safe, running with the pack! ;-)

Here's some beautiful pictures of this section of the trail.

13.1 Miles to Hot Springs, NC

Oh, what a drag- the fourth day in a row of rain and it is expected to continue for several more days.  Seriously approaching torture; I can barely haul myself through the day.  I think a lot on these walks- I have several entire blog posts for Cactus Juice written in my head, but by the time I'm done with dinner and writing this post there is nothing else possible but sleep.  Maybe when I see sunshine again.

Hot Springs embraces their role as an Appalachian Trail town.  It might cheer up a rain-weary hiker.