Trail Updates: 5/2

While we're having plentiful amounts of fun off the trail, life thus far ON the trail has been just as eventful and enjoyable.

The latest: Smokey Mountains National Park was a week long, slower-paced, and colder section. Days consisted of one awesome view after another, and 10-mile spaced out camps that allowed us to take more leisurely hiking days. Higher altitudes brought the temps down to 20-30 degrees at night, just cold enough to make you re-evaluate a 30-degree sleeping bag. BUT the unique trails and great company made for yet another successful week.

Leaving the Smokies consisted of two days of torrential downpouring...Or for us, one extremely wet day and one morning of being shuttled into the nearest town where our group of (now) 8 slept on the floor of a chapel, ate ridiculous amounts of food, and where were able to leave our packs to hike the 20-mile section we left to get out of the rain (Note: this is called "slack-packing", where hikers are able to hike without packs...Amazing when you're used to carrying 30 pounds.)

More trail observations:
-It now takes 4 times the amount of food to feel full, on an hourly basis.
-10 miles feel easy.
-Living in woods 24/7 inspire endless group challenges for enjoyment that are primarily based on eating.
-It is possible to consume half a jar of peanut butter in one day.
-Feeling clean can be achieved with a pack of wet wipes or the nearest source of obviously clean water.
-The majority of people hiking the AT are awesome.
-Exercising for 10 hours a day is the catalyst for endless amounts of unpredictable side-effects.
-Days are broken up by milestones: Meals, climbs, meals, shelters, meals, camp.
-This life is great.

We're currently on our third rest day of the week due to visiting various friends and resting up in towns. We've spent the last two days on a friend's awesome organic farm, check out http://www.rootbottomfarm.com to see what they're all about.

Also, props to our our friend Rambo for the unreal home-cooked meal tonight. You rock.

Thinking about all of the friends and family at home, we appreciate the love and support so far!

Back on trail in North Carolina tomorrow.

Sara (Saga)