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...
- Plan out good shelter from rain, it's a bit wet in this part of
the country.
- Watch for snails on the trail. Our sweet and slow moving
friends deserve some consideration....
toads too.....
- 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.
- If you pass through Max Patch in Cherokee National Forest,
camp there.
- 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
You two are reminding me of beautiful Blue Ridge , Smokies, Appalachians-- spent a miner's vacation in Gatlinburg once. Two things I keep in my life from those days: a love of the mountains, and grits! Creamier if you cook em w/milk.
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