Day +1 - Normals in the Mist

Today I begin a long study of Normals in their natural habitat‎. To prepare, I have tried to disguise myself as one of them by putting on "jeans" and "a shirt" (see attached Figure). Thus attired, I walked among them for a few hours. It's a grey and misty day, which seemed to help my cause. They were preoccupied with finding shelter and warmth, making it easier for me to pass mostly unnoticed. I did notice some minor alarm whenever a Normal did take note of my strange face, but they generally preferred to scurry indoors than worry about this hairy stranger.

All in all, they're a trusting species and allowed me to interact without incident. I was even welcomed to enjoy a meal at one of their "restaurants." If they were surprised by the amounts that I need to eat, they gave no sign of it. I am hopeful that, in time, I will be treated as just another Normal.

Day 155 - Nero (3/12/2016)

‎This morning the five of us (Flatlander, Blueberry Crisp, Lancelot, and Equinox) headed out for the last 8 miles of our journeys. Our final nero.  I'm deeply grateful to have shared my last 700 miles with them.

Tonight, I'm in a King size bed at the Amicalola Falls Lodge. Tomorrow, I start the drive home with Papa Wallaby.‎ I wonder what the next chapter will bring.

‎Wallaby out.

End: ‎Springer Mountain 

Total: 2,121.4 miles, (67.7 on fire)

Day 154 - One More Sleep (2/12/2016)

Hard to believe that 154 ‎days ago I used the same title before the start of this crazy journey. Today it's a propos. Flatlander has been campaigning for mid-day nap time since we started hiking together 700+ miles ago. She finally got her wish. She, Equinox, and I all slept cold (read, poorly) last night, so weren't moving well. After lunch we curled up in the sun and took a nap. It meant an hour or so of night-hiking, but it was worth it.

Tomorrow we summit. Amazing. I also get to see Papa Wallaby again. It promises to be a good day.

Start: Blood Mountain 

End: Hawk Mountain 

Distance: 21.2 miles

Remaining: 8.4 miles

Day 153 - So Close (1/12/2016)

Just 2 more sleeps now.

Not much happened other than walking. We stopped in at an outfitter in Neels Gap, where we got free ice cream and coffee. It turns out we're only a day behind Legs, Foggy, and Littlefoot!

Start: Blue Mountain

End: Blood Mountain

Distance: 21.2 miles

Total: 2,159.8‎ (30 to go!)

Day 152 - Just Section Hikers (30/11/2016)

I‎ realized this morning that we have 70 miles to do, no more resupplies, and when we finish, we go home. We're just short section hikers now.

It rained most of the day, including over an hour of serious downpours. It wasn't fun, but with only three days to go, I feel a bit like nothing can ruin the hiking now. Besides, with any luck the rain will improve the fire situation, and the forecast is for cool, but dry and sunny weather from now until Springer. We really can't complain.

Just 3 more sleeps until I'm bedding down in a king size bed at the Amicalola Falls Lodge.

Start: Dick's Gap / Top of Georgia Hostel 

End: Blue Mountain Shelter 

Distance: 19.1 miles

Total: 2,138.6