Day 29, Roan mountain shelter

Day 29, Thursday, April 23, 2015

"Today was the most beautiful day on the trail yet," from Seth. He had a gorgeous day with beautiful sites. "I can't wait until dad can hike this section around Erwin". Yeah Bruce is feeling a little jealous that he isn't out there for the beautiful weather and unbelievable views.  I know he will be back out soon to have this same experience. He is also really missing the special time with his son.

Seth and Crafty hiked 16 miles and camped at the intersection at 19E. They got a ride into town to eat at Bob's Dairyland, which is burgers, BBQ and ice cream.  Sounds good to replace all of those used up calories.

He had a good story. He met a couple of 70 and 73 years old who are doing a thru hike for their 50th wedding Anniversay. On the woman's 70th birthday, she tripped and feel over a tree root and hit her face.  Onward she goes with two black eyes. Best trail names I have heard yet. They are "Will" and "Way". Taken from if there is a will, there is a way. Just hope my kids don't get any bright ideas. I am not doing that when I am 72 years old on my 50th.

This is what makes this experience so great. I love hearing all of the stories. The people that I got to meet were so interesting and unique. Great group of people and I admire very one of them. So proud of you son.
Thanks to the students who wrote letters. I am taking pictures of one a day and sending it to Seth.

Day 28,

Day 28, Wednesday, April 22, 2015
Seth had a great day today, walking 22.3 miles ending up at Roan Mountain shelter. This is the highest shelter on the AT. He said it was a beautiful day but the wind was terrible. He was expecting a very cold night on top of the mountain. There could even be snow so he was very happy to be in a shelter for the night, hoping it would be a lot warmer and shielded from the wind. Had limited cell service so not a lot to report. 

The long walk is over for Bruce- for now

Tuesday, April 21
Bruce finally arrived at home this afternoon with Rylee. He was glad to be home, but sad to be off of the trail and had a great time with his oldest son, Seth. I mean twinkle toes. He had a wonderful experience and met some interesting people.
He hung up his back for a few weeks but hopes to get back out there soon and meet up with Seth for a few more weeks. Rylee is glad to be home and hanging up her pack for a few weeks too.
Below is a before and after picture. He lost 10 pounds after three weeks on the trail, but I think about 5 of it was hair. So glad he is home but very proud of him.

Rylee hanging up her pack

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Additional pictures from the past four weeks.

Day 27, Erwin, TN

Day 27, Tuesday,  April 21
After a good nights sleep in a cozy bed, Bruce took Rylee, Seth, and Crafty back to the trailhead at Uncle Johnny's Hostel in Erwin, TN. Rylee had a slow start to the day and was going to have to carry 8-10 days worth of food. So she decided she needed a longer break. Seth was sad to leave her behind but realized she had put on some long hard days and might not be fully recovered from her illness.

So Seth and Crafty set out without Bruce for the first time in three weeks. He said it was tough watching them go on without him. They hiked twelve miles today and set up camp in their tents at camping area by forest service road.  The weather was cool and hiking easy so have plans for a long hike tomorrow.

Life or Rylee- from Rylee's perspective.  Don't know why my people are calling this the life of Rylee. All I know is we walk and walk and walk and I have this thing on my back that weighs a lot. Then I have to suffer by smelling my food all day and can't reach it on my back. Then it rains and the windy blows and what do we do, walk and walk and walk. I get really cold and wet. And my people just walk. I don't know if they understand the responsibility I have on this walk. I have to lead the way then I have to stop and make sure everyone is still coming up the trail. By then someone has passed me and I have to run to be able to show them where to go. Its a good thing they have me.

Then my people call each other strange names which just confuse me. Papa, Twinkle toes, Crafty, what does all this mean. We sleep in these really smelly little hut things where other dogs growl at me when I'm not even doing anything. I like the nights where we sleep in tent thing and I get to snuggle between my people. It is so cozy.

But today I just couldn't do it again. That thing on my back was really heavy. I told Seth I wasn't rested enough so he let me go home with papa. Grandma was waiting on me with hugs. But what does she do, she doesn't think I have enough rain and water so she puts me in a tub and gives me a bath. I'm finally dry, had my dinner and curled up on my mat. But I sure do miss Twindle toes!

Day 26

Day 26, Monday, April 20, 2015

Awoke to a nice morning, looking as though there would be a break in the clouds. Just as they packed up the skies opened again. Thankfully after about an hour, the day seemed to be off to a better start than the last two and the rain stopped. Sixteen miles took them to the Nolichucky River and into Erwin, TN. Bruce's long walk, for the time being, was over. After a soft drink and ice cream, mamaw and Poppy pulled up to take them to a nice warm, clean resting place. Cramming Rylee and three packs in the back of Poppy's car they start off to Bristol. Crafty got to experience mamaw's home cooking of ribs, potatoes, cabbage, green beans, and more. Drying sleeping bags and tents, washing clothes, showering, and repacking was among the activities for the evening. I forgot to ask if Rylee got a bath. I know she was muddy. I do know she got a nice long nap on the grass in the sun on her back. A clean warm comfortable bed at mamaw and Poppy's, for everyone,  home sweet home.
They are really living the life of Rylee!

Thank you mom and dad for taking care of my boys. You will never know how much and I and they appreciate you picking them up, feeding, and cleaning them up. Me especially, I know Bruce will smell a lot better when he gets home tomorrow.

Day 25, Hog Back shelter

Day 25, Sunday April 19, 2015

They called mid day and had already gone 10 miles and were taking a break. They plan another nine for a total of 19 for the day. Sounds like the same ole, same ole, still raining off and on, Rylee is doing great, Bruce's knees and still holding out, Seth's legs are still attached but aching, and Crafty is still with them. I guess she feels like she can't leave the old man and the crippled. Btw, Seth has skin splits really bad but just keeps on hiking. I would be out for a long rest. I really admire the determination.
Bruce only has one more day. I know he has really enjoyed this time with Seth on this adventure. Every time I see him he is all smiles and know he hates to see this journey come to an end. But back to reality and life. I know he is planning to get back out there this summer and fall to continue working on his section hike. I will be very happy to have him home again.

Heard from them later in the evening and they were miserable. Terrible weather with gusty winds and downpours. Then to beat it all, once they arrived at the shelter it was over capacity.  So had to wait in the crowded shelter for a little break in the rain so they could set up the tents and try to dry off a little. Bruce said Rylee sat in the shelter like a little princess while another dog growled at her. She was soaking wet and shivering but still minded her manners. She is such a good girl.
The wind chilled them to the bone and and the rain was relentless.  Great last night for Bruce.

Day 24,

Day 24, Saturday, April 18, 2015

Did not hear from them on Saturday but did get a call on Sunday. They had a long day with 20 miles and made it to Hog Back shelter. Gotta love these names. I think they have been in and out of rain. They have some long days to make it to Erwin by Monday.

Day 23, Hot Springs NC

Day 23, Friday, April 17, 2015

The day started with sunshine and no rain. Bruce and I had a great nights sleep in the Inn. Seth was in a private room at the hostel with Rylee and said it was a lot quieter.  We went to the Hot Springs diner with Crafty and Breakless so the hikers could get a hearty breakfast before their long walk. 
After saying our goodbyes, giving kisses, and hugs to Rylee they loaded up their packs, put on their boots and started down the street with a plan to see them on Monday. Over the mountain they went. 
I heard from them in late afternoon, through a bad phone connection. They hike 13 miles and were camping away from a shelter. 

Day 22, Hot Springs NC Zero Day

Day 22, Thursday, April 16, 
After a four hour curvy drive, I finally arrived in Hot Springs NC with no cell phone service. Ok, now how to find the guys. Just as I pull into the small town, I see a hiker with full pack walking down the street. Yes Bruce was out for an early stroll with his backpack. Really, can't get enough. His story was he had been to the outfitter to get the straps adjusted. I pick him up and we go to the hostel to reunite Seth and Rylee.  She was so excited to see him. 

After a spaghetti lunch, provided by Molly, we decided to go in to town. Of course we had to go to the outfitters again and stop off at the post office. Then we went to the hot spring baths were they relaxed in a private natural hot bath to try to ease their aches, pains, sore muscles, and blisters. 

I really enjoyed our dinner at a local restaurant on the deck listening to Herb and Hanson,a duet who will be playing trail day festivals thru the season. It was really nice being able to meet the other hikers, introduced only by their trail names and then hear the story on how they were named. Seth still doesn't really have one, but Crafty calls him twinkle toes as she says he dances when he goes now a steep grade. Most are calling Bruce Papa because Seth is calling him Pops.  
The hikers are in a very unique community in that they all know each other and help each other out, by sharing rooms, resources, information, and expenses. There are no age, sex, or nationality barriers. I am amazed at the number of females and hikers  from other countries, especially Germany. 
They come from all backgrounds; communication students, retired realtors, students with masters in chemistry, retired engineers, environmentalist, married couples, but on this journey they are all thru hikers. I love meeting up with them and talking to the hikers and hearing their stories. I was able to spend some time with Breakless and Crafty, who they have been hike with the last week or so.  Breakless is a Germany student who hopes  to get this Doctorate in Sweden when he returns in the fall to start his job there. He told us that there is an Appalachian trail documentary that is being seen in Germany that has caused the huge influx on German hikers. I also met an older German couple. Crafty got her name from the items she makes and sews for her equipment. Seth says she is crafty in silently passing them on the trail. She is a small quiet student who lives in New Mexico and goes to school in NY. I really enjoyed meeting and talking to her. I hope they all stay together for a while. 
I hope they enjoyed their zero day as much as I did. 

Day 21,

Day 21, Wednesday, April 15
The hikers had another long wet day. They had planned to stay at the hostel three miles from Hot Springs but decided after being soaked for two days with no dry clothes to go into town. They arrived at the hostel and were able to get bunks in the larger room at the hostel. They did get a hot shower and hot meal, but not much sleep as the bunk room was rather noisy. 

Day 20,

Day 20, Tuesday, April 14,  2015

Day 19, Peck's Gap

Day 19, Monday, April 13, 2015
The long long walk started at 8am at Peck's Gap with a heavy fog. At times it felt like a light rain with the breeze and drops falling from the trees. This made it a pleasant day for hiking so they decided to go further than expected and hiked over 20 miles today, the longest day yet. Way to go guys.  They reached Newfoundland Gap around 4:30 and started settling in. Bruce was planning an early night and Seth was settling in to check out the handbook and make a plan to get to Hot springs where I hope to meet them and restock their supplies.

One of the shelters in the Smoky Mountains

View from Charles Bunion, one of many from the high (6000ft) ridges they walked all day.

Pigeon river