tina-and-elli-hike-the-at

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Photos from the last day. The mist made everything look ethereal.

[tina-and-elli-hike-the-at]

Day 8, Monday

(Tina post)

Well friends, today marks the end of our journey 😔 Woke up to a gorgeous, cold and misty morning that made the hot oatmeal taste that much better.

(Sorry about the finger in the picture)

When we began our hike it started to rain. Hiking in the rain was a fun experience and we were looking forward to figuring out how to camp in it. In another day we would have met up with our trail friends, Britta and Jim, and hiked along side them. About 4 miles outside camp, on our 4th incline, I began to realize somewhere along the hike I had made my leg worse. Each step forward was meet with a sharp stabbing pain. If my toe met a rock, it made that pain ten times worse. To keep going forward would take 11.4 miles before we'd get to a road. If we turned around we could make it to Hogpen Gap in 2.8.

It wasn't an easy decision to make. Near the top of Sheep Rock Mountain I had to mourn the loss of our adventure and accept that the best decision was to turn back and start care for my leg.

We got a shuttle to Helen, GA and grabbed burgers and a beer. Doesn't quite defeat the sadness I feel from leaving the trail. But I'm icing my leg, taking some pain killers, and I'll wrap it up in an ace bandage here soon. Thanks for your support and attention on this blog 😊 It was nice to log this journey with all of you ❤️

[tina-and-elli-hike-the-at]

Day 7

We made it 6.9 miles on the map (9 miles all together with unsuccessful water stops and the trek to our friggin shelter.) The shelter is a mile off the trail which is obnoxious, but worth it because there’s an actual water source and a privy. Never thought we’d be happy to see a privy 😂

Tina thoughts: one thing I’ve learned being out here in the gorgeous, tranquil wilderness with nothing but blue skies and mountains surrounding us… is how much I HATE motorcycles. There are so many motorcycles on the roads! There are 7am motorcycles! Camping even within a few miles of a road SUCKS.

Elli thoughts: Fuck mountains. I love it out here, especially in the areas all filled with wildflowers and gorgeous mountain views, but those steep inclines are torturous.

[tina-and-elli-hike-the-at]

Day 6

We made it to our first resupply stop. The very helpful people at Mountain Crossings helped us get rid of a lot of extra weight we were carrying around. Even full of food our packs have never felt so light!

Another mile to go tonight to get to a campsite. 6 more days on the trail. We're excited to see what's ahead!

[tina-and-elli-hike-the-at]

Day 5

A day of rest, ice, and painkillers seems to have done the trick! We’re getting back on the trail at Woody Gap, going to take our time and fully enjoy ourselves.

Well post again when we get to Mountain Crossings!

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The view from our "cabin" (a refurbished shipping container) at Barefoot Hills Hotel

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Day 5

A day of rest, ice, and painkillers seems to have done the trick! We're getting back on the trail at Woody Gap, going to take our time and fully enjoy ourselves.

Well post again when we get to Mountain Crossings!

[tina-and-elli-hike-the-at]

Day 4, Thursday

We pushed ourselves to get to Woody Gap last night. Hiked over two obnoxious mountains that I've deemed "The Devil's Horns". Unfortunately, I (Tina) woke up today barely able to move my right leg. Instead of pushing it, we packed up and got a ride into Dahlonega. Staying at Barefoot Hills Hotel. It's very cute and has a washer and dryer in unit.

So we're recharging, washing clothes, and I'm icing my sore muscles. Hoping to set right back out at Woody Gap to try again tomorrow morning. Looking like we might not make it to North Carolina but our goal is to get to Dick's Creek Gap. Gotta take things slow ❤️

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[tina-and-elli-hike-the-at]

Day 3, Wednesday

We're alive! It's been a struggle. 10 miles on Monday, and only 6 yesterday. Gonna try to make 8.4 today! We've had grumpy moments, but overall have had some good experiences! Singing and cursing along the way 😂 I think once our bodies get adjusted we'll start feeling more confident!

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Day one. Up with the sun, ready to go. Wish us luck! See you in 80 miles

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Packed!! Thank you, Eric from REI!!

Total weights:

Eli's pack: 36lbs (without water)😭

Tina's pack: 40lbs (without water)😭😭

The food alone weighed 18lbs. Pray for us.

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Our mess of a study before we have anything organized XD