...And miles to go before I sleep...

Catnip's Daily Schedule:

7:00am:Wake up.
7:15am: Pack up sleeping bag.
7:30am: Take down the tent.
7:45am: Collect and boil water for breakfast.
8:00am: Eat.
8:15am: Clean and pack up mess kit.
8:20am: Put on backpack.
8:21am: Grab trekking poles.
8:25am: Walk.
12:00pm: Walk more.
3:00pm: Keep walking.
4:15pm: Take off backpack.
4:30pm: Set up tent.
5:00pm Collect water to filter and boil.
5:30pm: Wait for Wheels to cook dinner.
6:00pm Eat.
7:00pm Sleep

Before the AT, the longest backpacking trip I'd ever been on was three days. I couldn't imagine what it would feel like to spend one week camping, but here we are on day 13. This schedule feels natural to me now. We reached the 100 mile marker on the AT Sunday morning before heading into Franklin, NC for a resupply. I thought I would enjoy sleeping in a little bit this morning but, like clockwork, I woke up at 7:04am, ready to hit the trail. I am constantly amazed at how my body and mind are adapting to this new way of life. Just one afternoon in town is enough to rejuvenate me and then suddenly, I'm itching to hike again.

Earlier this week, we stopped in Hiawassee, GA and stayed at the Top of Georgia Hostel. It wasn't in any of the AT guides, the owner, Bob (aka Sir Packs-A-Lot) goes fishing for hikers at Dicks Creek Gap with a big sign on his van that says "1/2 miles to TOG Hostel". A free ride was all it took to convince us to stop there instead of hitching to Blueberry Patch Hostel, which was the original plan. The hostel was a brand new home, converted to a hiker haven, sitting on top of a hill that's back porch overlooked the most beautiful Georgia sunset. The front porch was fit with rocking chairs and Bob provided hikers with scrubs to wear while he and his staff did loads of stinky hiker laundry. Wheels and I enjoyed a handful of Skittles on the front porch while listening to the sweet bluegrass melodies that emanated from the tiny outfitter attached to the bunk rooms.

When we walked into the hostel, Bob pointed out a red "Easy" button to the left of the front door, "You just finished Georgia, go ahead and hit the 'Easy' button." Wheels and I exchanged exasperated glances. Easy? That was anything but easy.... According to Bob, the mountains leading up to Smokies are like a ramp, when you get to the Smokies, it's a vertical.

It has almost been 2 full weeks out here. We've encountered countless trail angels and trail magic. On a scale map of the AT we've only moved about an inch, but already we have met the most interesting people and learned so much about ourselves- I can only imagine what the next 2,076 will bring.