Well as of yesterday Patty and I are 340 miles down the trail in our first 30 days from Springer Mtn Georgia. I am limited to time I can use this computer so I am not going to post any pictures today.
We had a great day off in Hot Springs on the 15th. We even enjoyed some time in a hot tub along the river, and when we were done we drained the tub directly into the river.
We enjoyed Elmers and had a great Vegetarian meal.
We left Hot Springs on the 16th after a good breakfast at the Smokey Mtn Diner. We had a 13 mile day and then set up the tent near a shelter. We found out the next day that the shelter just 5 miles down the trail had a bear visit that nite, but, all the food was hung and mother and cub were scared away. No bear visits for us yet.
We have had weather between 45 and 70 and some great views again. We had some great "trail magic" on the 17th . A sign along the trail said thru hikers should go 300 yards up the hill to the log home for breakfast. We followed instructions and were treated by Jodie and John Nelson of 8985 Hwy 208, Marshall NC 28753. They thru hiked in 1999 and treated us to a feast that consisted of a huge belgian waffle, stew, and a choice of three deserts the biggest being a banana split. This was at 9am, but we did what we could. They are ministering to thru hikers and shareing their belief in the Lord by feeding and taking care of them. Send them a note and tell them we really appreciated their hospitality if you see fit.
We saw the remenants of the 5" of snow that we missed out on while in Hot Springs when we got back above 4000 feet. Temps stayed between 50 and 80.
We did a 15 mile day on the 18th and were treated to more trail magic by a legand of the trail, Miss Janet served us hot dogs and soda just as we reached deep gap about 11:30. It was interesting to talk to her. She has had a hostel in Erwin up until this year and is now looking for a place that will handle her growing business.
We woke on the 19th to lite rain and took the tent down quickly. We hiked all day under the threat of rain, but it held off until we had our 16 miles in and the tent up and then it started. We crawled into the tent, cooked supper and made some phone calls.
We are staying at Uncle Johnny's hostel today, check out www.unclejohnnys.net
We are starting to look at changing some eqipment, but it may have to wait until Damascus VA.
We are going to get lighter one way or another and the first things that are going to go will be the packs we have. They are great packs, but just a little heavy at around 8 pounds.
I will try to post again from Hampton TN if I am able to next weekend. We are still having fun and looking ahead on the maps the climbs are going to get shorter in about 100 miles.
We are still having fun and meeting a lot of great people.
Our best to all.
Red Dog and Lucky Dog
4 comments:
Patty and Jeff - A.K.A. "Lucky Dog" and "Red Dog"; great inspiring site! Jeff - keep posting for all to read. Patty - you are even smiling in one picture where you look like you are freezing. I'll be sure your "running buddies" get your blog info. P.S. - Wanda did awesome at the Boston Marathon... take care - Bryan
Hi guys,
Sounds like all is going well. Garry thought the packs would be changed out eventually. You are making great progress though and if it gets less steep, that will make it better. We had another SNOW storm last night! We are so sick of it. We are heading to Montivideo for a family gathering today. Martina is digging out the snow boots once again. The Swan was running nice and full last weekend when I walked your way. Doris Radgzi's husband passed away. The LF High School did Godspell. Not much else for news around here. Take care!
WE MISS YOU,
JoAnn & Garry
Hi kids - glad to hear all is still going well and the weather is good. I was hoping to see some more pics. I will just have to wait until next time.
All is good in MT. We've had an unusally cold spring, go figure. It can be 50 degrees and it snows here, not sure what thats all about. Very strange. Anyway, I will check in soon. Kat
Jeff and Patty,
This was so much fun to read. It's better than any classroom! I learned so much just reading from the few entries you have at this point. I was thinking you wouldn't see real beds, food, or bathrooms for months!! I was concerned. I can't wait to tune in for more.
And just to update you on the freezer - yes, it's still in our garage. We promise it will get to Duluth before you get back!
Speaking of that, Chase ended up with an RA position in one of the apartments right next to Swenson Hall. The other RA that will join him also works at a golf course during the summer - what a match. He will certainly miss living at the house however. It's a great group of guys.
Please know that you are in our prayers.
Jeanyne and Kent Gomez
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