TECMH trip report

“I have had so much trouble with our web site that I thought that some of you might be interested in keeping up with us here instead.
We setout last week in the Great Smoky Mountain National park at Fontans Dam.
We left here instead of Ga because of a time factor in reaching Canada in the fall. We will have to finish the southern part of the AT in the fall.
Anyway,We finished the Smokies today at Davenport Gap on a glorious sunny afternoon. We had a great time getting to know some of the other thru hikers, and getting back into the swing of long distance hiking.
Tomarrow we set out for Max Patch and then on to Hot Springs NC, and a soaking in the natural hot springs there.
I will try to come back to this thread as often as I can to keep you updated on our whereabouts. We really hope to get the chance to meet many TTers along the way. so Happy trails to all ! Half-pint-mom”

“Sounds like a killer trip, look forward to hearing more!”

“Whut gives MOM, I thought ya were gonna blow the Cadada gig and just do an AT thru-hike?? I hope all's grand nonetheless!!”

“Jill let me know your mail drops, so i can start sending you and Bill jerk ect. I e-mailed Cindy just waiting on an answer.
Love to you both.
Amy”

“Sounds like a great trip I hope you will have lots of cool pictures to look at.

8)”

“So far this hike is turning out to be the greatest thing we haveever done. The weather has been so perfect, low 60s during the day and high 30s at night in the mountains . Hot Springs was great we stayed in the campground because Elmers was full. Eat at the dinner in town,,,, oh the hamburgers!!!!!! anyway, We spent some time playing around in the outfitters there. It really does haveanything that your heart could ever want but its deffinatly pricey. so on up the hill we went. by the time we got to Lovers leap,, 3/4 of a mile we felt like jumping off! not a fun hike out of hot springs. steep isnt the word for it. anyway we camped about 5 miles out of town in the coolest campsite. there is a small pond with a dam. and right above is a flat cliff that makes the perfect place for5 or 6 tents and a nice size campfire.We have met back up with a hiker we met at Fontana named slowpoke(he is far from slow) and set up camp for the night. My knee is still bothing me some and I was sorry to have to leave such a wonderful campsite but , you know how it goes we must go on.
We have been hiking an average of 12 miles a day now and the flowers are starting to bloom out here. at least some of the early ones. The trees are mostly bare yet but the flowers have made my hike more interesting.(im into herbs)
anyway, We cant get over how many hikers there are out here. Every night we have slept in our tent because the shelters are always full of thru hikers. But we really like our tent so thats not a problem for us.
We arrived Sunday evening at hwy 23 and got a ride into Erwin with Miss Janet the owner of a new hostle in town. She has a huge victorian house right in town in front of a sonic! Hamburgers again!And Milkshakes. I think I really like the town of Erwin. Ill have to keep this place in mind for after the hike.
We talked with our kids on the phone and decided to go home untill Fri. we need to take care of some banking. anyway, Fri we will go back to Hot Springs for the Hiker festival and catch the shuttle bus back to Erwin. well,, more next time. our next mail drop will be in Hampton Tenn Then Damascus Va the next week. Any Jerkey or treats are greatly appreciated since I have found this new hobby of eatting everything in sight. Teeth are a great thing you know! Dont forget trail days in Damascus VA the third weekend in May! See ya there”

“Let us know where to send the jerky ect. Do you have a list for your mail drops? Wish I was hiking with you lol......... Lots of love to both you and Bill.”

“Jill, I am going to meet you and Bill on Thursday. My boss is letting me off all 4 days. lol....... Did't think I could pull that off.
Amy”

“PS I have a cooler with lots of ice for you and Bill.”

“where are they now? i wouldn't mind meeting up with them for a few days when they get between roanoke and waynesboro.”

“I am meeting them in Damacus for Trail Days on Thursday. May 16th. They will be in Damacus for Trail Days the 16-19th. We are meeting early afternoon the 16th at the outfitters. I cant wait to see them. I am a newbie so this is exciting for me........lol...
Amy”