04/28

Last one’s out of camp this morning, but I’ll be damned if I hike 9.5 miles without a morning coffee. My feet, still achy from the day before, were in no rush to get moving. Thankfully they warmed up just in time for our first climb “Rocky Top”.

We’ve been blessed with sunshine in the Smokies, and after hearing the horror stories about rain and snow, I’m hesitant to complain. But today the sun was blistering. The trail up Rocky Top was mostly exposed, the trees bare and offering little relief from the heat. From the 5,440ft summit, you could see Fontana Dam, where we started just a couple days ago. One summit down, two more stood between us and camp. “Thunderhead Mountain” 5,572ft and “Derrick Knob” 4,480ft.

We were drenched in sweat in no time. At one of the balds, we collapsed into the grass staring at the sky watching the cotton white clouds saunter overhead. The problem with breaks is once you stop, it’s hard to get going again. Heat like this zaps every last bit of energy out of you. Doesn’t matter how many peanuts or electrolyte packets you throw at it.

Pressing on, cursing under my breath and occasionally at the wind. Up and down three mountains. A rough day. Physically exhausting to the point where even your thoughts start to lag behind. But the birds still chirp at the summit, whether you’re there to hear them or not. So you keep moving.

The last mile to camp felt like five. I’m starting to think my map is playing tricks on me. Every time I checked it, the shelter still just out of reach. When we finally arrived, I found the nearest flat patch of dirt, chucked my bag against a tree, and plopped down like an overheated kid on a playground. Wiping the sweat from my brow, I looked up just in time to see a slender doe tiptoe past.

I scrambled for my camera and followed her silently into the trees. Click. Click. Click. A small triumph after a long day.

One month out here. I’m impressed with myself, but I’m tired. The trail takes its toll. There’s no avoiding that. Pushing my body to its limits every day, makes it difficult to keep a positive disposition. But I knew what I was signing up for. A willingness to commit to some level of suffering. A catalyst for change.