The Wild Wild East

Yeah, the name doesn't have the same ring to it does it... 

But what a great part of the country!'

'

After our long hike on the AT we hung around Western North Carolina and did a bunch of boating in the WARM WATER!! Ran the Pigeon, French Broad, Ocoee, and Nolichuky. 

All were beautiful, but could have used a bit more water for some added excitement and opportunities to run some side drainages. Regardless, it was a great time. 

After the boating binge we met up with our friend Tyler for a long weekend hike from the Grayson Highlands to Damascus on the AT in Southern Virginia- and it was incredibly beautiful!

The Rhododendrons were blooming

There were ponies!

and baby ponies

and lots of Flame Azaleas

 We found and epic campsite near buzzard rock on whitetop mountian

and had a great evening

A long hike on day 2 landed us at a great campsite next to Whitetop Laurel Creek which allowed for a much needed bathing opportunity

After chowing some delicious cobbler with Tyler in Damascus we split, resupplied, and found a nice forest service site in Eastern Tennessee where we stayed for a few nights to rest our bones and regroup. 

and swim of course. 

Then a night in Asheville and up to DC to see our awesome cousin Rob and Kaite!

home of the water cows

and yes we are ready for the MOVEMENT! 

Go Hillary!

maybe

Yoga and Frizbee on the mall

Then off to upstate New York for some mountain stomping in the Adirondacks 

Which was awesome and muddy

and steep!

Annette wasn't super stoked on the steepness

until we got to our first summit (Mt. Marcy)

This is what 1000 ft per mile elevation gain looks like

But its usually worth it!

And the best part of the Adirondacks....

The Chairs!

Now off to Michigan for some Great Lakes fun!

In that cool mountain air on the Appalachian Trail... life is better there

Hey y'all! Greetings from North Carolina and Tennessee.

Got off the trail a few days ago after a 135 mile trek on the Appalachian Trail and are thoroughly enjoying some beer in town.

While we drink our beers, I'd like to share some of the experiences we've had the past couple weeks and hopefully motivate y'all to travel out this way for some adventure!

First of all, I would like to inspire a grits revolution in the western states. Now, I'm not talking about the instant grits you see as an option on the menus in the chain diners out west... I'm talking about the cheesy spicy amazing grits you get at the locally owned diners such as Aretha Frankensteins in Chatanooga, Tennessee.

 They will change your life, I promise.

Secondly, for the hikers or aspiring hikers in the crowd, the southern Appalachians are a very unique hiking experience that should not be missed. The beauty and views from the trail are irreplaceable, and if you are a hiker who loves meeting people and enjoying the company of outdoor enthusiasts, this is just the hike for you.

Lastly, at some point during your travels in this part of the country, be sure to make a visit to Hot Springs, North Carolina and stay at the Sunnybank Inn bed and breakfast. The Sunnybank is a beautiful historic mansion run by a lovely man named Elmer who will make you some of the most delicious vegetarian meals you have ever had.

So, hopefully I've sold you on a trip to the southern Appalachians for a hike. If I have, here are just a few last pieces of advice based on our experiences these past couple weeks...

1. Plan out good shelter from rain, it's a bit wet in this part of the country.
   
   
   
   
2. Watch for snails on the trail. Our sweet and slow moving friends deserve some consideration....
   
   
   
   toads too.....
   
   
3. Plan for down time. Chess has become our favorite past time on the trail, a set of dice for yatzee is also a good option.
   
   
   
   
4. If you pass through Max Patch in Cherokee National Forest, camp there.
   
   
   
   
   
   
5. Finally, when you get somewhere that looks like there might be a good sunset, stop and camp there too.  
   
   
   

Well, off for some more hiking with our friend Tyler after a few days of paddling on the Ocoee, Pigeon, and French Broad rivers. Hoping for some rain to bring in the creeks this coming week!!!



Love you all.




Annette and Jeff