Well, Abby has been on me to write a post about my recent hiking trip. My friend Terry and I went to NC around the Franklin and Wesser area to hike part of the Appalachian Trail. We had planned the trip to end at the Nanahala Outdoor Center and we had to walk about 42 miles in three and half days to get there. We started out by walking a mile in the rain Tuesday afternoon where we spent the night in a shelter, and woke up to no rain and a long day of walking. I know it is weird to want to hike that much, but there is something about the challenge and being outdoors that draws me in.
It is very rewarding to me to have the physical challenge of hiking to the top of a mountain, but the privilege of having a mountain view to yourself is worth it. We planned the trip so that we could camp on the balds where we could enjoy the sunrises and sunsets. Our diet consisted of what we could carry in and cook in one pot and our water was purified mountain water. Before the trip, I packed and repacked to lighten my load and as it turns out I still took too much. Yet back at home, it seems we need so much stuff to make it through the day.
Along the way we met lots of “through hikers” who were hiking the trail from Maine to Georgia – a total of over 2,200 miles. Needless to say, we could smell them before we saw them! They begin in late summer to early fall in Maine and try to make it to Georgia before the cold sets in. And here I was proud to be hiking 42 miles! They can cover that in two days.
Our God truly is amazing. I didn’t even see some of His most spectacular works. I was only exposed to a pin point of this amazing planet, but even for that I was in awe.
It is very rewarding to me to have the physical challenge of hiking to the top of a mountain, but the privilege of having a mountain view to yourself is worth it. We planned the trip so that we could camp on the balds where we could enjoy the sunrises and sunsets. Our diet consisted of what we could carry in and cook in one pot and our water was purified mountain water. Before the trip, I packed and repacked to lighten my load and as it turns out I still took too much. Yet back at home, it seems we need so much stuff to make it through the day.
Along the way we met lots of “through hikers” who were hiking the trail from Maine to Georgia – a total of over 2,200 miles. Needless to say, we could smell them before we saw them! They begin in late summer to early fall in Maine and try to make it to Georgia before the cold sets in. And here I was proud to be hiking 42 miles! They can cover that in two days.
Our God truly is amazing. I didn’t even see some of His most spectacular works. I was only exposed to a pin point of this amazing planet, but even for that I was in awe.
An example of our water sources.
Camp at Wesser Bald with a beautiful sunset in the background.
We don't recommend the shelters on the trail!
This was one night's hunt in the shelter (but not by us).
Some scenery:
Breakfast view.
A great lunch of Ramen Noodles at Silver Bald.
The trail to the bald...we were too tired to take it.
The end of the trail for us. 
5 comments:
Yay, thanks for posting!! I have secretly always wanted to be a "through" hiker, but not sure that will ever happen, love the idea of the challenge though! That's awesome that you covered 42 miles in a few days, looks like a lot of fun. I was totally ready to sign Chad and I up for the next one until the picture of all the rats/mice.. yuck!! Thanks for sharing :)
awesome... truly amazing! I can only imagine how beautiful these views were in person!!!
hi Jacob! These pics are amazing, I'm jealous (in a good way) of your trip, what an incredible way to spend a vacation. Thanks for posting your story and pics! See you Sunday! Ang and Ty
where did you charge you cell phones and check your emails????? - John
WOW! I am VERY impressed, I can't imagine doing that. I think it sounds fun and like something I should try one day... now don't think I could get on board with the "through" hikers though.. icky!!
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