It was a big week for Trek Against Trash! We not only made it through Georgia to North Carolina, but we also hit mile 100 at Glassmine Gap! What a feeling! It wasn't an easy few days, as we hit lots of steep uphills and rocky downhills, but we made it.
We knew that our hike yesterday toward Franklin, North Carolina wouldn't be easy. From our map, we could tell that we had one serious mountain to conquer; they call him Albert and he has an elevation of 5,250 feet! As we approached the base we saw a wooden sign with the inscription "Trail Magic". (Trail Magic is the phrase used when hiker-loving-people haul in or leave out sugary, gooey, fabulous food and drinks for the undoubtedly exhausted hikers on their way to Maine. It could be a table full of sandwich stuff, or a bag of drinks left on the trail with an inspiring note. Sometimes a little Trail Magic is all that keeps you from calling it a day...at way less miles than you wanted to cover! So back to our very own Trail Magic...)
We hurried forward toward a clearing in anticipation of the goodies that we hoped were coming. Sure enough, there were some hiking-devotees set up with a fire, extra chairs for tired legs, and a table of treats and sodas! Just what a tired, grungy Thru-Hiker needs: orange soda and honey buns! They had definitely placed themselves and their Trail Magic strategically before Albert knowing we would need all that extra energy to make it to the top!
We were expecting mild fatigue, but the altitude and elevation really hit us hard; not even our magical Leki trekking poles could propel us onward and upward! It was all man (and woman!) power as we heaved not only our body weight but our 40 pound packs hand over hand up the mountain. The view from the top was well worth the sweat, and as added endurance training for our already wobbly legs, there was a fire tower that we climbed up for some even more incredible views!
It was all downhill from there, and we came upon our shelter at Rock Gap way sooner than expected. Not willing to let our proposed destination get in the way of covering more ground, we kept on keepin' on. After a total of 17 miles and some really sore feet, we found ourselves in the back of a local hotel-owner's pick-up truck on our way into Franklin.
1 comment:
Congrats Jordan and Carlie for 100 miles! I loved meeting you in Hiawassee and am inspired (little jealous) of your adventure! Trail magic is my new favorite story and reminder of the goodness in people. Keep Georgia Beautiful is cheering for you both back in ATL!
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