OmPi's Adventures

The morning was a slow start as is to be expected after a night like that. We got up and the room looked like a delivery truck for an outfitter had crashed and spilled gear everywhere. Freefall still needed to shop for his resupply so we headed to the grocer. Note to self get all town chores done before enjoying the down time. I still had to organize and pack my food away.

We decided on the 11am shuttle back to the trail head and I had one more shower in my future before leaving town. As the dust settled and gear was packed we realized there was still some beer left over so nothing like drinking your calories for breakfast. It probably goes without saying but that was not the smartest idea when getting ready to walk a dozen miles up, down and across some mountains.

My pace fluctuated a lot during the day but I arrived at the planned stopping point within about 90 minutes and wasn't ready to stop hiking so I carried on. Just a bit past the shelter there was a no blaze trail that led to to top of Siler Bald. Well worth the work to get to the top, plus I had the benefit of leaving my pack at the bottom.

Up there I met 13 Rays of Sunshine, a guy from Ft. Lauderdale hiking with his dog. He was enjoying the moment and taking advantage of the scenery meditating 5216 feet up a mountian. He was a neat guy and we leapfrogged a few times, always having a nice exchange. He is apparently doing many mail drops as well, as quality food for him is a priority. I hope to run into him again.

After sitting in a little meddow taking a break I felt the winds changing and knew the sky was going to open. That kicked me into high gear and I busted out the next 3 mikes to the shelter. On the way the trail crossed an old fire tower which provided some exceptional views. The blazes and signage in the area were a bit confusing though I managed to find my way.

After getting into the shelter camping area I set up camp, got some water and settled in. Less than an hour later the rain began. This is the first rain I have really experience on the trail but I know the saying is "No Pain, No Rain, NO Maine." The rain continued through the night and let up for about an hour in the morning but looking at the radar it is going to rain all day and night again before becoming beautiful.  I think I'm gonna take the #FairWeatherHiker method to heart and cozy in, waiting for things to stop before moving on.

Until next update. Much Love to All.

OmPi ( ॐ π )

There are certain days you just know are going to be great. When your day begins with Trail magic in the form of sausage and spanish rice burritos and a beer for Freefall from a guy named Chuck Wagon you know this is going to be one of those days. We lingered a little too long but who can pass up delicious Trail Magic?

The hike was thought to be a fairly easy 4 mile slight uphill and then descent. I don't know if it was the weight of the burrito or the anticipating an easy day but that hike was harder than I ever expected. We arrived late to the Gap and missed the shuttle, no big deal we will hitch. There must be an art of hitching, namely having a lady do it, to ensure a quick pickup. Freefall and I struggled for a bit before a trail angel Peggy picked us up. She was kind and brought us to the Budget Inn.

There we connected with the hikers who were right ahead of us so it was good to see people you started with are not near as far away as you expect. They shipped out and we settled in before heading to Outdoor 76 to get my resupply and grab a beer at their tap room.

Huge thanks to Auto Precision of Naples for sponsoring my resupply box. Carlo the owner is an incredible guy, anytime I have had an issue with my vehicle I know I can count on the guys at auto precision to take good honest care of me and my vehicle. Your support means the world!

We made our way over to the Lazy Hiker Brewing Co for some lunch and beers. This place just opened a little less than a year ago and they put out some amazing beer for being so new. Alex the beer tender took incredible care of us and the guys at Fork in the Road Food Truck put out some banging good food. This stop alone made the trip into Franklin a worthwhile visit.

We ended up spending a little too much time at the brewery since all of our hiking bubble showed up at different times. The pinnacle of the time there was the Giant Jenga game that half way through someone mentioned whoever topped the tower had to buy the next round. Sure enough you can count on the Birthday Boy, Freefall, to topple it. The time at the brewery ended with some passionate slightly intoxicated political discussions that a few of the locals KC and Aaron joined in on. We were finally asked to leave an hour after closing. We were "those people."

KC and Aaron asked the group if they could give us a ride back to the Budget Inn where the night continued in the parking lot or Car Park if you are the Royal Couple. Hiker midnight came and went and actual midnight hit so those staying (Sarah & Isla, and the Brits) at the hostel down the road headed out and we started to settle down. It wasn't 15 minutes later that they were back because they couldn't find their way home. I looked up their hostel and walked them back. When I got back I crashed hard.

The night was fun for a celebration but I was already antsy to get back on the trail. I find I never sleep as good in town so was ready to head out get some miles in and sleep the night through. Much love to all.

OmPi ( ॐ π )

I really hate to do this but I'm way behind on my blog so to help catch up here is the Naples Daily News publishing covering Week 3 & 4 on the Appalachian Trail.

Days and milage are getting longer providing less time to hike but I'm going to work to keep up a steady blog. My posts may begin to combine a few days together. Be sure to follow all my social media pages to get the fullest experience of all that is happening as it happens.