Erwin, TN - Damascus, VA (125 miles)

Yet again, the weather has taken a screeching turn - this time for cooler wetter days.

Coming out of Erwin we climbed Unaka Mt in Tennessee which left us wandering through this dense patch of fur trees at the summit - thick red pine needle carpet, dark in all directions. Wild. This was shortly followed by a serious haul up Roan Mt - the last time we'll be over 6,000 ft. until Mt. Washington. The best part were all the pink ribbons on trees marking where the trail is supposed to be re-routed by next year (significantly less ridiculous than it is now).

Another highlight was a series of balds we hit the next day. You could see where the trail led for miles and watch other hikers like little blue and orange pack-cover dots moving over the hills through the rain. Passing through the horse pens was interesting... Hot Pants and I tried to go through one together and got stuck. Those gates are not intended for two people with giant packs on. Again - lookin' real smart.

Several days later I had a record hike (25) into Kincora run by famous hiker/trail maintainer/super sweet old man Bob Peoples. Stayed up on the porch playing cards, did some laundry, had a huge "family dinner," and plenty of sleep. Found the deck of cards Green Tea and I had been taking turns carrying back in March and reclaimed them! Next day I did what is called "slack packing." Bob dropped me off 9 miles north of the hostel and I hiked back with only a small day pack in a short time. On the way I saw a yearling a short way down the trail and stopped and sat down. After a few moments it moved in much closer - about 25 ft away and we had a stare down before it went on eating. Left me feeling a little like a Disney princess.

Here in Damascus we've been staying in a hostel called "the place" eating lots and I'm hunting for new trail runners.

Alright - the library here in Damscus is being a grouch and kicking us out, big wave of new hikers just came in. I've got the pictures all ready! Hopefully the next computer will be easier to work with...

Thank you for the comments and messages! It's exciting to get them in towns. xxxooo