Day 49 to Day 61 - Riff Raff and the BIG 5-0-0!

Saturday May 12th
Sam's AT Mileage Tracker: Day 49 - Zero day on Roan Mountain
Look at me!  So tan!!                                         Lone woods chimney
               

Trail leading to a barn that was turned into a shelter...
               

The view from inside!                                                            Finally, officially leaving North Carolina!


Sunday May 13th
Sam's AT Mileage Tracker: Day 50 - Mile Marker 394.8 to 404.4 to reach a campsite
Sunrise this morning from Roan Mtn Shelter

Did I just step onto the set of the Lord of the Rings??

I came from the dark one on the right

And finally, Mile Marker 400 as well!
Monday May 14th
Sam's AT Mileage Tracker: Day 51 - Mile Marker 404.4 to 421.6 to reach Laurel Falls Campsite

Great rain spot!!                                                                     Day one of swimming!
               

A snake tried to join me for my swim, it was NOT invited and I noticed it while I was getting out- definitely time to be done with the water for now!  (see what I mean, not "swimming buddy" material)


A 360 degree view from the "mountain bumps" after Roan


Tuesday May 15th
Sam's AT Mileage Tracker: Day 52 - Mile marker 421.6 to 428.1 to the Dividing Ride and Riff Raff

Day two of swimming (lucky!!)  This is also where I got "kidnapped" by Riff Raff

A brief interlude of several "Is that the trail?" moments on the hike :)
               


Wednesday May 16th
Sam's AT Mileage Tracker: Day 53 - Zero day with Riff Raff

So, to fill in from yesterday, Riff Raff is a group of people who thru-hiked the AT before and come back around Trail Days (a reunion event for thru-hikers in Damascus) to help out hikers they come across (give them food and drink, help with gear, etc).  The only 'catch' is that you have to agree to be "kidnapped", which really only means you stop hiking for the day and have fun, that's how they do it.

Group shot at Riff Raff!

Thursday May 17th
Sam's AT Mileage Tracker: Day 54 - Mile Marker 428.1 to 470.9 to Trail Days and Tent City

Damascus for Trail Days!!                                 It's not beer if it's in a Nalgene (that's how this works, right?)
                    

Friday May 18 - Saturday May 20th
Sam's AT Mileage Tracker: Days 55-57 - Zero day at Harvey Spot

Last zero day in Tennessee, look who came!  A slightly belated but enjoyable Mother's Day  :)
                

A nice picture of all of us

And off she goes!
               

Sunday May 21st
Sam's AT Mileage Tracker: Day 58 - Mile Marker 470.9 to 484 to Creeper Trail

Creeper Blaze out of Damascus

Here's another glimpse at what Trail Angels look like!!  It's amazing how much kindness you can find while on the Trail

I was told by Big Un' not to forget the ice cream on the Creeper Trail!  Was a nice treat since I was SOAKED, had to drain my boots twice on that section.  Also, I was the last customer of the day!


Monday May 22nd
Sam's AT Mileage Tracker: Day 59 - Mile Marker 484 to 491.9 to Whitetop Mountain Road

Here's what it it looks like to be in the hammock "burrito"

Rainbow Sunset!


Tuesday May 23rd
Sam's AT Mileage Tracker: Day 60 - Mile Marker 491.9 to 503.6 to Wise Shelter
Wild ponies in the Grayson Highlands!
               


Trail Days followed by ice cream, rainbow sunsets, rock caves, AND wild ponies!  I feel like I'm in a children's book.  Life doesn't get any sweeter.
Mile "marker" 500 (right at the rock tunnel called "Fatman Squeeze")!!

Wednesday May 24th
Sam's AT Mileage Tracker: Day 61 - Mile Marker 503.6 to 512 to Fox Creek
Peter Pan just having a "quick" lunch

Me camping by the river

Comments

  1. UnknownJune 16, 2018 at 10:26 AM

    You are getting tan. And as always Sam you posted great pictures. You're the first person I know that had fun being kidnapped. And also watch out for those snakes. Have fun and be safe.

    PS. We wouldn't make one night in the mountains.

    ReplyDelete
  2. wood couterAugust 12, 2018 at 10:30 AM

    I think you really enjoy this days.

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    ReplyDelete

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