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I started off the day by crossing the Nolichucky River in a raft. It is awesome that the ATC is providing that option instead of a road walk detour. About halfway into the day Henry’s girlfriend and friend surprised us on the trail. He was in such shock and had no clue they were coming out. After that I got some trail magic and it was amazing. Then I climbed Unaka Mountain and the enchanted forest at the top was so cool. After that it was downhill until we found a space to camp. It’s insane how bad this area was affected by the hurricane, but the trail is passable. I’m so grateful for all the trail crews who cleared the trail.
Day 26 Cherry Gap Shelter to Stan Murray Shelter (22.8)
Today was the first day I hiked without Henry in a long time. He decided to stay back with his girlfriend. He’ll catch me before Damascus. It was an incredible day of hiking. It was a tough climb up Roan Mountain but totally worth the effort. Once I got close to the top it changed to an evergreen forest and it was beautiful. There was even some ice near the top. After coming down Roan Mountain I went back up to Round Bald and Jane Bald. The sky was a bit hazy from wildfire smoke but the views were still incredible. This is one of my favorite sections of trail yet. I have some pain on my right shin right above my ankle. It is pretty painful but I’m not too worried about it. I’ll have a few easy days into Damascus and a lot of rest there.
Day 27 Stan Murray Shelter to Refuge Hostel (13.4)
Today was one of my favorite days on trail. The day started out in the fog at Stan Murryay Shelter. I climbed up Little Hump Mountain and I couldn’t see 10 feet in front of me. It was so cool seeing the fog roll over the hills. Then on the descent it cleared up a bit and I had a great view. After the view more fog rolled in plus huge gusts of wind. When I reached the summit the wind was blowing 40-50 mph. It was my most intense moment on trail and I loved it. After I got off Hump Mountain the sky completely cleared up and it was clear the rest of the day. When I arrived at the Refuge Hostel I could immediately tell that it was special. It was only $20 and it was the best $20 I spent on my hike so far. Do not skip the Refuge, it is a must stay.
Day 28 Refuge Hostel to Mountaineer Falls Shelter (7.7)
It was a super easy day leaving the Refuge Hostel. It was raining a bit in the morning but I got to the shelter before it started coming down hard. The highlight of the day was the two waterfalls. I got to the shelter super early and just hung out for the day. My right shin is still bothering me so it was good to get some rest. I have a longer day into Boots Off tomorrow and then Damascus three days after that. I’m super excited because my parents are meeting me in Damascus and it will be my birthday.
Day 29 Mountaineer Falls Shelter to Boots Off Hostel (24.2)
What an incredible day. I left camp early around 6:45 because I knew it was going to be a long day. It was super cold and foggy all morning. The fog in the forest has such a cool vibe. The sun finally came out in the afternoon as I was entering the Pond Mountain Wilderness. This was one of my favorite sections on trail yet. There were so many cool rock formations and the river Laurel Fork River was beautiful. The river had so many rapids and even a good sized waterfall. After leaving the river I had a steep climb and then a descent down to Boots Off.
Day 30 Boots Off Hostel to Vandeventer Shelter (9.5)
Today started by going around Lake Watauga. The lake was beautiful and it was nice so I decided to swim. The water was freezing but it felt great. After leaving the lake the trail went up hill for the rest of the day giving me great views of the lake. Once I hit the top of the ridge line it was smooth sailing to the shelter. The shelter had an amazing view of the lake and mountains behind it.
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