April 29 Saturday
Miles today 15.1
Total miles
4 miles south of hogpen shelter to 0.3 north past big bald Shelter
Today we got started around 9 and had some rolling to large climbs and decents. We got to walk through some lovely sound of music fields and had some great views today. We stopped at hogpen gap for a break/lunch snack and ran into an older man who was talking with us and he said that his grandparents house and truck were used in the movie deliverance! He said they had brought In the gas station that was used as props and the front porch they play dueling banjos on was his grandmothers porch, all in the area around franklin nc. There was a lovely vista a little off the trail after hogpen shelter we stopped at. Pictures never do the views and scenery justice. We had then planned to stop at a little cafe we thought was close to the trail but turns out it was about 1-2 miles off it down the road. But! We did get some trail magic when we hit the road! There were a couple Powerades and some chips left by people and a handful of hikers waiting for a ride that was coming. They also had a trashbag so we were able to dump our trash which is always a nice surprise. 'Miss Janet' a trail angel that follows the hiker bubble, came to pick up folks and take them to Erwin for the hiker event that was happening today. We should have said yes and gone along, but it would have thrown off our plans of staying in town Monday and making it back to do this section so we stuck with the plan and hiked on. It was great to finally meet Miss Janet though, we've been hearing about her for a while. We crossed the road a saw a road sign saying 'welcome to Tennessee'; we've been on the border going in and out of nc and Tennessee since we got past GA.
We stopped at around 4 for a longer break, Xavier had his dinner at this time and it seemed like it might be a good idea to eat before we get to camp bc then we don't have to do anything once we get here except set up the tents and get in since he was able to do that once we got here.
Around 6 we came up on 'big bald' which had 360 degree views of everything for miles. It was super windy on top while we were there and these super ants with wings were all over. We took lots of pictures and went live on facebook for a minute before following the trail and winding down and around and across the smaller 'little bald' on the way to the campsite.
We spent the last bit of the day talking about how we would be getting into town so soon and how we would do a big day tomorrow so we would only have to hike one or two miles to get to town so we could eat and eat and eat and eat. We've heard and seen the map of the town and it's a hikers dream: bojangles, Pizza Hut, McDonald's, Taco Bell, subway, little ceasers, all you can eat mom and pop pizza, a barber shop, Mexican food, Asian buffet, huddle house and more. We just go on and on about all the things we want and the order we can eat them in. I decided to get my hair cut super short at the barbers since it's getting hot out and this longer hair is in the way. I've always wanted to buzz it and now is the chance for it. I'm worried to commit to such a big change but it will grow out. I'll probably have to cover it for family pictures until I get home though haha and I'm a little worried about scalp sunburn in the beginning lol.
We came up quicker than we thought on the campsite tonight (just 0.3 past big bald shelter) and are super close with our tents or usual due to limited flat space at the camp area but it's not too cold tonight and we're all looking forward to getting a lot of miles done tomorrow and an early town day and overnight starting Monday! Until then, happy trails.
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