Day 34 – May 6, 2022 – 0.0 Miles
Took a much needed rest in Johnson City. Only walked about one thousand steps – a far cry from the normal 50K steps a day. Spent the day eating and relaxing. Took Jake’s mom to a restaurant for a Mother’s Day dinner. Caught up with mom/dad. Went to a bar called Wild Wings for beer and an 80s cover band. Been awhile since I had good craft beer. All for free too. This whole AT experience is just getting better and Jake’s parents are just too good to me.
Day 35 – May 7, 2022 – 0.0 Miles
Another rest day in JC to escape rain. Rained most of the day. Got our resupply in. I like resupplying with town that have a grocery store, otherwise I have to get my food at the Dollar General. Found out that this part of the upcoming trail is super easy and flat. It is known as the Tennessee highway. was able to make it to church today. I hope it can continue to work out. Went to the Chinese buffet; I forgot how good Chinese food is. I pigged out for sure. I cut my hair today down to 1/2 inch. I think it will be easier to take care of, especially on the trail and in the summer.
Day 36 – May 8, 2022 – 16.1 Miles
Back on the trail! Went from Walnut Mountain road to Laurel Fork shelter. Found a Michelob Ultra on Walnut Mountain road. (The Glue found it too, but left it for someone else….ME!) Big trail Magic at Dennis Cove road. Beer and bologna & cheese sandwiches. Best damn bologna sandwich I have ever had. The group was called Rift Raft…turns out they might be a cult! Big beautiful waterfall near the shelter called Laurel Fork Gorge. It was a a magical place; I could have stayed there all day. We were the only ones there and the mist was hitting my face just right. The thunderous roar of the falling water drowned out all outside noise; I was encapsulated in a little bubble. Could have gone swimming if it was warmer. The official AT path goes on a small, thin, ledge around the waterfall. The path is only accessible during normal water levels. If the water levels are too high, then the path is flooded and a high water bypass route has to be used. I heard the rumbling all night at the shelter.
Day 37 – May 9, 2022 – 15.8 Miles
Long, tiring day of hiking. Went from Laurel Fork shelter to Vandeventer shelter. The day started off well, but I felt so tired in the afternoon. Our goal today was 23, but ended of doing 16. Rift Raft trail magic found again. I don’t think they are a cult anymore, but rather a frat party group. And the frat party group is a great relief for many people out here. I’ve discovered that a lot of people don’t like hiking or camping. Watauga dam was a very nice place. I’m still having a great time out here. Starting to think more and more about post AT plans. Great views from the shelter tonight.
Day 38, May 10, 2022 – 22.8 Miles
Another long hiking day! Terrain was smooth so we went from Vandeventer shelter to Abingdon Gap shelter. Last shelter in Tennessee! It was crazy – about 30 folks at the shelter. No idea where all these people came from! The trail was dead today. So many people, but nobody was sleeping in the shelter. So I’m sleeping in the shelter with Pib and it is super roomy. Along the way we passed McQueen’s Knob shelter; oldest shelter on the AT! Built in 1934. Met an old previous thru-hiker named Turtle at the shelter. He said he still hadn’t washed his sleeping bag from his 2019 thru-hike. I can’t even fathom how bad that must smell. He also the greatest quote of all time. We were talking about dehydration on the trail, and he said that once he was so dehydrated on the trail that “his piss looked like toothpaste coming out”. I haven’t laughed that hard in a long time. Met some great new folks tonight, including a kid from Ireland…..named Lucky Charms. I’m really enjoying the camaraderie out here.
Day 39 – May 11, 2022 – 10.2 Miles
Quick and easy day of hiking. Went from Abingdon Gap shelter to Damascus, VA! Crossed over the TN/VA state line! Will be in VA for about the next 600 miles. Staying in Damascus for the next four days for Trail Days! This is a festival for AT thru-hikers. It has a Woodstock vibe. We are staying at the Methodist church hostel – the oldest hostel on the trail. It is an old house, very clean, with no smoking/drinking. Went to a cookout at the town park for hotdogs and food. Had vegetables for the first time in awhile. The diner here has a dang good chicken sandwich!
