Magic in the Mountains

April 28, 2021 (17.2 miles)

Uncle Johnny’s Hostel – Cherry Gap Shelter

Today was a good day! I am super proud of myself and exhausted writing this. The morning started weird – our tramily broke up. Bug Bite woke up with a bad blister and decided to go to urgent care. She had to stay in town to do that, and Dumb Horse, Creature, and Party Dave didn’t have a set plan so I set off on my own without a destination. It was weird not knowing anyone on trail today, all my friends are either a day or several miles behind me. I think it was time I take the training wheels off and set out on my own.

The beginning of the day was steep uphill, but thankfully I met Cedar and Cajan to help motivate me up the climbs. I ate lunch by the road to the Beauty Spot and felt all sentimental, I love being somewhere I know. The climb to the Beauty Spot felt good, I was so excited when I got to the top quicker than I expected!

I spent almost an hour on top with crazy Chimes and his brother Zazu before pushing on. I wasn’t sure I could make it to the shelter and was scared to stealth camp alone, but I kept going. The climb up Unaka was no joke, but the forest on top was gorgeous!

I descended and continued to the shelter and met Show Pony, Bathtub, Manners, Anchor Man, and Front Seat. They are funny and dinner was entertaining. I did more than I thought possible today!