Day 18 – Tri-Corner Shelter to Spanish Oak Gap

OK last night was definitely the coldest night. Sleeping in the Smokies in damp pine forests at 6000+ feet elevation is quite chilly. Our food bags, which are hung on cables outside near the shelters, were frosted over this morning. I slept in shorts again. What is wrong with me?
We spent most of the day descending out of the park. This was a long 7+ mile descent from 6000+ down to around 1000 feet, but it wasn’t too steep at any one point thankfully. We had a few nice views on the way down, but nothing like the last couple days.

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Tennessee

Still, there are a lot of subtle cool things out here besides the ridiculous views.

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Water that is falling

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Funky rocks


More importantly, we scored insanely awesome trail magic from some 2007 thru-hikers from Asheville. I love these trail angels. It’s like waking up on Christmas morning as a kid when you hike down into a gap after 8 hours of tough hiking and someone is standing there with a grill giving you free hot dogs, hamburgers, soda, oreos, doritos, etc. I was day dreaming about hot dogs the last few days and they appeared like an oasis in the desert thanks to these folks.

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It's a good thing I am exercising 10 hours a day

Anyway, it was a nice day and we pushed on despite their protests to have all the hikers including us hang out and drink beer with them all night. That was tough to pass up, but we want to get to Hot Springs, NC early on Monday. We ended up hiking around 21.4 miles today, so we’re definitely getting more comfortable pushing consecutive big mileage days. I think all the training hikes we did in the crappy weather in Rocksylvania must have helped. Tomorrow we’re planning another 20+ mileage day and then a nice nearo / resupply day is planned for Monday in Hot Springs.

Vital stats :
Mood – chilling
Physical state – same…sore feet/legs but feeling stronger by the day
Smell – rancid dog food mixed with cheese and sweet and sour sauce
Song stuck in my head – Close Enough by Ghost Beach

PS – thanks for all the comments on the posts, we read them all and greatly appreciate them and your support!

7 thoughts on “Day 18 – Tri-Corner Shelter to Spanish Oak Gap

  1. AL

    So amazing to have those trail angels. Sounds like you guys are having an amazing time. So jealous! So happy to live vicariously thru you two! Love ya!

    Reply
  2. Peggy Rickard

    Katie,
    Norm and I are following you and Joel hike by hike and we are most impressed. Don’t forget to call us when
    you reach VT. which I know is a while
    away. Warm showers and a home cooked meal!
    Peggy Rickard

    Reply
  3. Dad

    What an awesome experience! ….and Trail Angels rule…and you two rule for sharing with us! Btw, I think I passed up beer…..once!!

    Reply
  4. Always-proud Mom Hn

    Yay for trail angels!! Dad and I are now inspired to be trail angels. Your photos and blog updates are wonderful. Thank you for letting us “trail” along with you. 🙂 Package 4.5 (which includes wings for your shoes!) will be shipped tomorrow morning. Let us know if you need anything. Take care, be safe, stay healthy. Still sending positive thoughts, prayers and lots of love.

    Reply
  5. Momma Bear Heiser

    Too glad to see the little brook and sample of rocks this is really a close up view of those fabulous mountain majesties-love it. Trail angels too cool, such a blessing. I admire those crazy, wonderfully hospitable Southerners. Answer to prayer, agree with the other Mom H have a desire to give back or pay forward to those thru hikers who may not have such back up. We saw some of them even before they started their hike in Amicoholola Falls. Why not plan something? Stay warm and keep your powder dry. You guys are doing marvelous things. Enjoy every moment. Receive big virtual hugs and “atta boy/girl” from here.

    Reply
  6. Debbie

    Really enjoying the photos and daily updates. It’s so awesome to have all these wonderful people treating you guys to good food!! Be super safe…enjoy!!! Miss ya Katie!!

    Reply
  7. Roshni

    Really enjoying hearing and imagining your experience virtually – like the pictures and details. Keep up the great spirits, your experience has been a great inspiration for me and Akshay.

    Reply

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