I had a fabulous time with my daughter in law, Carla, who picked me up in Damascus and took me to her friend’s house who lived near the trail. (I wish I could show you the pictures- please see my fb page!) The house was a Sears and Robuck home built by her grandparents. The property was deeded to her family during the homestead act, before this nation was a country- back in the 1600s. Carla’s friend is a very talented quilter. We had a lovely evening with great food and conversation. I slept in a bed that was like sleeping on clouds. It was wonderful.
Friday, May 1, Carla, dropped me off just before noon at Dickey’s Gap, about 6 miles from her friend’s house. On her property one can see the ridge that the AT is on. As I hiked up higher, I could look down in the valley and see the pastures and farmlands.
I was only hiking 4 miles for the day, but I got off trail. I missed the turn and went probably a quarter of a mile down the mountain. I caught my mistake after the path began to narrow. I had to climb back up the mountain. I did see my first pink rhododendron flowers blooming though. Once back on trail, I got to Trimpi shelter about 3:45pm.
This is Virginia! My first shelter experience in this state. It was a nice shelter with several flat places for tents. It had a bear box for our food. There was a bear box, a close spring and a privy! Best camping arrangements yet on this trip.
I talked to several hikers coming in that I had met at lady Di’s – Rabbit, Iris and Rerun. I also met Legend, Twinkletoes, and Duck. The place is full now. 6 in the shelter and probably 12 tents.
I’m in my tent. It’s supposed to get cool tonight but not as cold as they predicted. 44 degrees is cool enough! I went over my plan for tomorrow. I’ve got myself going over 12 miles tomorrow. What was I thinking? I’m going to shoot for Partnership shelter. It’s 10 miles away. We will see how it goes!
Ps. Shaggy is here! My hiker buddy that was at the Abington shelter that had the big storm. He’s staying at the Partnership shelter too. Always nice to know someone. The AT adventure continues!
This my journal. My thoughts. What we are planning. What I’ve done.
Monday April 13:
Here we go! Ready or not, AT, here I come. Grandma Moses is about to set foot on you!
I’m both excited and hesitant. I feel exhilarated and yet tempted with feelings of fear- those unknowns out there. This happens every time I do this.
🤔What am I doing? I’m leaving the comforts of home. I’m leaving my loved ones. My husband! My church family. Why? There’s a calling. There’s His plan to fulfill and somehow, this AT adventure is part of it.
I’m going to practice what I preach! 😊I’ve learned not to succumb to those feelings of fear and doubt. Those are from my head- 🧠
I choose to think on what God has placed in my heart. ❤️ It’s this AT trip. He has a plan and a purpose. Somehow in some way, I can make a difference out there. I choose to overcome fear and let my light shine before men, that they may see His good works through me, and glorify My Father, which is in Heaven. Let’s go, God! Lead the way! You lead by your Peace. There’s peace in me and it stills the fear. It has to leave. I’m led by Your Peace.
The Book 📕 Psalms23, Psalms 37, Psalms 91, Psalms 121, Proverbs 3, Isaiah 26:3-4 are my constant verses to meditate.
📅 Monday: We ( my husband and I) drive from Paris, Illinois to Lebanon, TN. It’s a beautiful day for a drive. We stay at Avid hotel- a very nice modern accommodation. Not a lot of frills but all you need and it’s very clean. The bed was super comfortable! I didn’t sleep that well the night before because my mind was on the trip.
We enjoyed the Outback for supper and had the best New York Cheesecake for dessert in our room.
📅 Tuesday, April 15
I woke up early as usual, and got my coffee from downstairs, then began my time of devotion. Isaiah 26:3-4 were the first scriptures that came to mind this morning.
“📕You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal.” Isaiah 26:3-4 NIV https://bible.com/bible/111/isa.26.3-4.NIV
I am reminded since I am His child, He is in me. His Word I think about- what He says.
I am who He says I am. I can do what He says I can do. I follow His leading- His voice, and the voice of a stranger, the devil, I choose not to follow.
🚗Today, we finish our travel to the Roan Mountain area. This is where I got off trail in September, 2024 during Helene. ⛈️ On that rainy day in 2024, we spent some time in this little town, not knowing that 24 hours later, there would be so much devastation that it would take us 4 more days until we could make it back to Kris and Carla’s, my son and daughter in law’s home. (More about that later- when I write about my 2024 trip.)
Today, will meet up with our son and grandson, who plan to hike with me the next 4 days! This is a first for 9 year old Kenaniah. He is following in his Dad’s, Grandad’s and grandmother’s footsteps. 🥾🥾🙌👏❤️
View from our chalet at Fair Havens, Roan Mountain, TN
“📕You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16 NIV https://bible.com/bible/111/mat.5.14-16.NIV
View from Roan mountain
Wednesday Kris and I slack packed from Hughes Gap, where I got off in 2024 for Helene to Carver’s Gap, a 6.5 mile hike over a beautiful area. We climbed over 2000 feet in 2 miles. The wildflowers were really popping. Some sides of the mountain one couldn’t tell there’d been a hurricane. Then you’d go around a corner and see devastation. They have done a tremendous job with opening up the trails.
Roan Mountain shelter- the highest on the AT. It is being repaired but an iconic place to check out.
Thursday, April 16
Kenaniah joins us for his very first backpacking trip! Kenneth dropped us off at Carver’s Gap. We begin a 5.3 mile day through Jane and Round Bald and other beautiful areas. Kenaniah was a real trooper! He carried a 20 lb pack, his own sleeping bag, clothes and snacks. We took several breaks but it didn’t take him long to recover. The last mile he got pretty tired. Once we reached Overmountain Shelter site, he was done! Kris set up the tent while I filtered water. We had 11 others tenting around us. It was a beautiful night, until it stormed in the middle of it. Then the stars came out in all its brilliance. Oh and the privy was special.
Our first bald. Spectacular!Last big break at Stan Murray ShelterMy tent with a view at Overmountain Iconic pit toilet. 3 sides with a spectacular view! And sparkles on the lid!This was RockStar’s first food bag hang- picture is over mountain shelter site.
Friday, April 17
We woke up to a beautiful sunrise. No one was awake at 6am when I was ready to get up so I went back to my tent. Once the camp was awake, the hikers moved quickly and were gone. We were first up and almost the last to leave. One person. Some in at 2 am after the storm. They were still there.
Good morning Kenaniah! Trail name Rockstar!I can’t get enough of this view!
Had a good hike of 6.1 miles. Actually seems a little easier. Tremendous view on Little Hump and Big Hump Mountains. Wow! One could see 360 degrees for miles. We could see Roan, Mt. Mitchell, Table Rock, and what’s ahead- Mount Roger’s. Beautiful!
Mount Roger’sMy strong hiking buddies!Rock Star loves those rocks!Big Hump Mountain 5587 ft!Camp at Doll flats. He found his rock for the night.
Saturday, April 18
We got around early and hiked 3 miles down to Hwy 19 E. This is Kris and Rock Star’s last day with me. There was trail magic waiting us at the bottom! Traveler and Sunflower had coolers of beverages and a load of snacks to bless hikers as they come by. They are thru-hikers this year, but had an injury. Instead of waiting around in a hotel room and heal, they decided to do trail magic. Much appreciated!
We hiked on to Mountain Harbour Hostel where Kris’ truck was parked. We were ready for lunch so went to the Highlander’s BBQ restaurant. I had BBQ pork, Kenaniah had a cheeseburger and Kris had the Fried balogna sandwich. It was delicious! Went back to the hostel and found out the shower and laundry was not available for me, so we went to The Refuge Hostel a couple of miles away. Nice place but busy. I am tenting in the back. Probably 20 hikers or more here. The place is full with one bathroom and shower. I’ll leave from here in the morning for the AT- the trail connects here. Kris and Kenaniah headed home and I started my chores. Nice place to rest and get everything clean!
Rockstar at the BBQ place.
My spot for tonight at The Refuge
View from The Refuge Hostel Porch of entryway
Ready for a new chapter! I’m hiking by myself but there are many hikers on the trail. I’ve gotten to know several already! Looking forward to my hiking buddies from Indiana and Missouri joining me!
