Things don't always go as planned...

So it's supposed to rain every day this week. But Mary didn't you know it was going to rain? Yes guys I knew it was going to rain. I planned for it to rain. I was ready to beat the rain. But there is a difference between warm summer rain where it is a free bath and cold spring rain when you are flirting with hypothermia.

Each night is supposed to be in the 30's and 40's, and if you didn't know, you can catch hypothermia in 50 degree weather and die. So we are dealing with some serious business here.

Our best option, our only option really, was to come off the trail and let this weather pass. Although this wasn't what I wanted to happen and I was a bit upset, you can't control the weather. And it's better to take a week off than be dead.

It does make things run a bit smoother. We needed to drop Luke off and pick Will up anyway, so instead of forcing Mom to make two different two-day trips, when we leave town next week for the trail that will all be done.

So I'll see y'all in Franklin this week. Bonus I get to celebrate my 18th birthday with my family. Who wants to go get a tattoo and a lotto ticket?

April 26 - Cold Spring Shelter to NOC

When we awoke it was not as cold as the night before, thank goodness! At about 11 in the morning we made it to another observation tower where we were given an absolutely BEAUTIFUL 360 view. Literally all I could say was "Ooooo" and "Wow".

It went all down hill from there.... literally.  Haha We had a 5 or 6 mile descent with rock scrambling and walking on the knife edge of the mountain. I expected this stuff up north, not down here at the beginning! A pleasant surprise!

By the time we had reached the Nantahala Outdoor Center, Dad could barely walk. Something was wrong with his ankle. Julie (trail name Yoga Bear) suggested he speak with one of the workers in the boot section of the outfitter. Turns out the way he was tieing his boots was putting pressure on the tendons. Easy fix. Phew!

It was supposed to rain tonight and weather for the upcoming week looked pretty crappy ('less than favorable' if you are reading this Mom) so there were some decisions to be made. We got a motel room to sit in while we figured things out and while we waited for the ride we watched a kayaking competition. They were doing flips and tricks in the kayak. It was insane. 

April 25 - Franklin, NC to Cold Springs Shelter

So, the motel's shuttle for hikers dropped a bunch of us off at the trail head and everyone hit the road, but dad and I stopped to put on bug spray. Then this dude pulled off onto the side of the road and randomly starts chatting us up and then takes our picture and drives away. It was creepy. And shouldn't have happened, you know? It rained the night before and it seemed like he was looking for backpackers that were rained on to prey on. You've got to watch out for the crazies!

About midday we experienced our first trail magic! Trail magic is many different things such as a cooler of free water just when you run out, a hitch in the rain, folding tables full of food for thru hikers at the top of a tough climb. It is basically anything nice, usually just when you need it. It's often set up by former hikers, family and friends, or retired folks from the nearby towns. Our trail magic was a table of food and first aid. Pb&J, fruit, hardboiled eggs, candy, water, and the likes. And comfy chairs to sit in!

After that was a quick jaunt up to the lookout tower, where we could (supposedly) see four diffrent states. Beautiful.

We reached the shelter we were planning on hammocking near at 5 o'clock but decided to push on to the next one, making it a 16 mile day. When we finally reached the 6 man shelter, it was already full and there were tents everywhere. We rushed to find three good hammock trees before it was dark. We filtered water and quickly ate some food before jumping into our sleeping bags because we were freezing our butts off! So cold! But I was okay cause of my little personal heater (Luke). :)

April 24 - Franklin, NC - First Zero Day

I slept like a rock. In the good kind of way.

We watched tv. Ate breakfast. Dad shopped while I attempted to catch up on my blog and Facebook. We unpacked our backpacks and reorganized. Ate lunch on the patio of this awesome dog friendly restaurant called Motor Co. Grill. The food really was great. I had a BBQ burger and Mac n Cheese. The best part being that they, without being asked, brought out some water for Luke and also told us that they do sell food for the dog to eat. Which may sound stupid, but is actually great if you have been cooped up in hotel room because restaurants don't like dogs.

Dad also bought me a peanut butter milkshake! :D It was soo good.

Because we came in a night earlier than our friends, we ended up at a different hotel. There are a bunch of hikers that we have never seen before here. And they are partying and drinking in the room above us. Earlier I was asked if I wanted any wine.

Lets hope they opt out for the 11 o'clock shuttle back to the trail instead of the 9 so that we can get waaaaay ahead of them.

April 23 - Carter Gap Shelter to Franklin, NC

Before I start this post, might I say that showers are the best thing ever invented!

We got up and hiking before 8. Hiked literally on the side of a cliff! It was scary... and AWESOME!  After that we rock scrambled up this steep mountain and reached our 100 th mile on a tower! :D Absolutely beautiful view that was worth the sweaty climb.

It is supposed to rain on Wednesday, which works out great because we had already planned on going into town for a resupply anyway. 

We got to the shelter at four, ate our dinner, and decided instead of waking up early to hike the four miles to the shuttle, we were going to hike it right now and just set up camp near the pick up point. So what was a 12 mile day turned into a 16 mile day. It wasn't too bad though.

It was about seven o'clock when we got there and Dad was like 'We're here, might as well see if they will pick us up'.

They did. And now I'm clean.

April 22 - Muskrat Creek Shelter to Carter Gap Shelter

Luke attempted to nip at two people today. He randomly picks some people to love and some people to growl at. But in Luke's defence, when a dog gives you a warning growl, you don't continue to try to pet the dog. Idiot.

I do believe that he is only trying to protect me. He was such a sweet dog on every other hike we have taken him on, so this has come as such a surprise. He behaves well in town, but when we are backpacking I think he puts on his SuperDog suit and becomes my "hero".

We also have been having a hard time getting him to eat and he seems to be losing weight.

I cried all morning, but I decided it would be best for him and others if Luke stayed home after the Smokies.

Other than the morning upset, it was a pretty good day. Nice weather, pretty views. Better trees to hang our hammocks from tonight!  Haha

Apparently bears here in North Carolina are pretty religious... They have their own sanctuaries!

April 21 - Hiawassee to Muskrat Creek Shelter

Today we crossed the Georgia/North Carolina state line! Yay! Bonus - No rain! :D

Great day, only one "tough" climb. Supposed to get below freezing tonight. Good thing our boots aren't wet. Lol

There is another dog at this shelter. Luckily this time the owner is smart enough to keep her on a leash. Every once and a while they catch a glance of each other and start barking.

We are not actually stay in the shelter, we just like hammocking with these people. Everyone is so unique and hilarious!

There are some good trees for hammocks, but none that you can put two hammocks together. This means I am hanging from this really skinny tree that is bending and my butt is less than a foot from the ground... good thing it isnt supposed to rain tonight!