Start: Walnut Mountain Road (AT mi 405.8). Stop: Mountain Harbour B&B (AT mi 395.3). Today’s miles: 10.5 miles. Total AT mileage: 1797.8 miles.
I slept so good! It was just after 8 when I got up and hopped in the shower.. mom had just started stirring. By the time I was out, she was almost ready and had her coffee made. Minutes later we were walking over to Uncle Keith and Aunt Kathy’s cabin. They were already up, ready, and watching the mist evaporate off of the water on the lake. It really was gorgeous out there.
We went back to the restaurant from yesterday and changed up our orders. Man, it was just as good as it was the day before, if not better. I got bacon, egg, and cheese biscuit, plus 3 pancakes. I ate all but just a few bites. So so yummy. After eating, we headed back to the cabins so we could all pack up. Mom brought me my warmer sleeping bag, and it absolutely sucks that it takes up so much space in the bottom of my pack. I end up having to cram everything else in where it’s supposed to fit easily.. now it bulges at the top. I also sent some stuff home with mom that I haven’t needed and random things I’ve collected over the last month that I want to keep but don’t want to tote.
Once the SUV was loaded down with all of our things, Uncle Keith started the 30 minute drive to the gravel road in the mountains to drop me off, Aunt Kathy riding shotgun and mom sitting beside me. I caught myself getting increasingly sad as we drove. Then, they joked that they could just drive home with me in the car, since I had all my belongings with me-but as nice as it sounded, I knew I’d never forgive myself if I bailed this close to finishing this accomplishment. The idea of it did sound way too enticing!
When we pulled up to the AT crossing on Walnut Mountain Road, Finch was sitting there eating a snack. It worked perfectly to ease moms eeriness of me walking off into the woods alone, never mind the fact that I’ve been doing it for more than 5 months now. I introduced him to everyone and then set to telling them each bye with hugs all around. The one thing making me smile was knowing the next time I’d see them, I should be crossing under the arch at Amicalola State Park. For now, that will have to do, and it’ll motivate me to get my butt there.. sooner rather than later.
I waved bye again, then I followed after Finch, letting him stay ahead since he’d already been hiking a few hours by now. He was all warmed up, I was most definitely not. I ended up turning on an audiobook and cruised along. Around 3pm, I stopped at a road crossing and ate my lunch.. more out of not wanting to carry the weight of it any longer than hunger.
I passed a waterfall and some pretty creeks, then
I eventually made it to Mountain Harbour B&B. I checked in, got a beer and a Mountain Dew, then went to set up my tent along the creek that runs through the property. Once unpacked, I headed back to the main building, got another beer and ordered dinner: Philly cheesesteak sandwich with parmesan fries. Lizard and Finch ended up camping, too. The creek makes for a pretty backdrop to camp next to. While we all ate dinner, along with Roundhouse, a hiker we’ve previously split a shuttle with out of Damascus to slack pack.. the 4 of us decided to slack pack tomorrow, after the huge breakfast they serve here..
I’m looking forward to that breakfast in the morning. It’s apparently AT award worthy, the best breakfast on the trail. I’m ready to test that for myself! I’m worried I won’t fall asleep easy tonight, since I drank that Mountain Dew so late. I’m going to give it my best effort anyway.. so, goodnight, y’all!
