Day 6

Day 6: 23 miles

All morning I was trudging through snow above my ankles. Good practice for the smokies I guess. Then a while later I came across some tracks from other people so at least there was a little less snow going directly into my shoes. Then I came across the first other thru hikers I’ve seen on trail! It’s good to see some fellow people dumb enough to be out this early in the cold.

It ended up warming up into the 40s and it was a fantastic day. I try to not let things outside my control affect my attitude or emotions but out here the weather can really alter my mood. Today was beautiful and it is a nice reminder of the reason I am out here. There was a good number of times today where I would look around and just feel true joy. On this journey, and specifically the AT, there’s going to be a lot of tough days full of strife but these are the days I need to cherish.

It also probably helped that this was one of my favorite sections of trail that I’ve done before-going over Wayah Bald, Wesser Bald, and the descent down into the NOC. Wesser bald is one of the best 360 views I’ve ever seen. And I love the descent cause you are walking on a narrow ridge with deep drop offs and both sides and you feel like you are waking on top of the world.

My only previous experience on the AT is the southern 500 miles so seeing these places does bring back memories. But after 500 miles it will be all new trail I have not been on before.

On a different note I give props to the deer out here based on their tracks. Rather than walking on the human trail they just always decide to walk on extremely steep sides of mountains. Good for them. Stick to your principles.

Song of the day: Bound for the Floor-Local H

Yesterday’s song of the day: Jealous-one of the Jonas brothers idk which one but probably not Kevin