Week 7 - 2021

Week Seven of HOBOS going SOBO in their OBOZ ... and we never looked back.  Our In-Tents Journey on the Appalachian Trail

The Great Smoky Mountains: Newfound Gap to Fontana Dam, NC - 42 miles, 5 days, averaging almost 9 miles a day.  Highlights this week: 200 miles to go, Clingman’s Dome, view on top of Rocky Top, and Fontana Dam.

Things learned on the trail this week:

• We were at the highest point on the AT, Clingman’s Dome at 6643 feet, which happens to be in the Smokies.  Unfortunately we hit it when it was pretty foggy so we didn’t get good views.   Our hardest challenge was climbing up Thunderhead Mountain (notice that wasn’t listed as a highlight) and once we got there - big disappointment !!   No view whatsoever!  But not far from there was Rocky Top ... AMAZING!!!  Those views were so worth the struggle. 

• Didn’t see any bears as we trekked the trail this week but we did see evidence of them.  Why is it that they decide that right in the middle of the trail is an okay place to poo?!

• Finally! No more screeching and hooting from the owls - but if it’s not one thing, it’s another ... now it’s the snorting and squealing of wild boar!  I know they aren’t close but it sure sounds like they’re right outside our tent! They are noisy!!

• Brad has had both hips replaced so doing this hike brings some struggles for him - he’s not very flexible so climbing and bending can be difficult.  He fell twice this week, once going up a steep incline and the other descending. Thankfully he wasn’t hurt.  He’s only upset that since he fell hard there could at least be a bruise or two to show for it, nothing.

• We continue to be rule breakers.  We were supposed to stay in the shelters during our time in the Smokies (due to bears) but all 3 nights we stayed in our tent.  Shhh...don’t tell.

• A big shout out to our trail angels from afar, Tracy and Walt Mason - thank you so much for the two boxes of goodies you sent, you totally spoiled us!  We will think of you as we enjoy them. You two rock!!

• Fontana Dam: The largest dam on the east coast.   Pictures don’t do it justice, but it was such a beautiful sight after leaving and completing the Smokies.

• True story. Everything I tell you is true but this is unbelievably true.  We are at the visitor center in Fontana Dam wondering how we are going to get to the marina so we can get the shuttle to town.  A man overhears that we need a ride, so he offers to give us a lift. Brad warns him that we just got off trail and we aren’t smelling too good and he says “that’s okay you can sit on the tailgate.”  We laugh thinking this guy is pretty funny.  He pulls his truck up, tells us to throw our packs and poles in and then points to the tailgate and says “you can sit here and hold the side.”  He had been completely serious!  A half mile isn’t a long ride until you’re sitting on a tailgate holding on for dear life!   Sorry, no pictures, neither one of us dared move.

• We stayed at the Fontana Inn for a night and while staying there a huge group of bikers arrived, The Blue Knights.   They are retired law enforcement, corrections officers, or anyone involved in law enforcement from all over country. The guys staying next to us were from ... upstate New York!  Was so neat to be able to talk and share about our home state.

• I have a love/hate relationship going on ... with my trekking poles!  I thought it would get better but here we are into week 7 and the same issues!  We get along fine when we’re walking together but once we stop and I need to stick them into the ground to get something, they always fall over! I am planning a break up in a few weeks but in the meantime, breaking up is hard to do!

• I asked Brad what he missed the most while we are out on trail...he says “a chair” - since he’s not flexible he just misses being able to sit up with some back support.  Know what I miss?!  Clothes and shoes!  I have had the same two choices for almost 2 months with the same shoes! I get up every morning and ask myself “Will I wear outfit 1 or 2 today?”  Not only am I planning a break up with my poles, I am planning to burn all my hiking clothes when this is all over!!