It’s not hard, it’s just walking. One foot in front of the other.
October 15, 2022
AT miles: 11.3
Ascent: 1492’
Descent: 2958’
Weather: sunny, low 70’s, and breezy — perfect!
High points: sitting around a campfire after a glorious hike
Today we thought we were leaving Uncle Johnny’s, so we packed up the car and then shuttled to Spivey Gap.
The hike today was just wonderful, with brilliant foliage and an azure sky.
The trail in this area is remarkably well-maintained, but we did find one huge windfall that completely blocked the trail. After contemplating all our options — over or under — we decided that under was the safest route. The tree was close enough to the ground that we even had to take off our backpacks to wiggle under!
We had lunch at a strangely-named shelter — No Business Shelter. How did it get that name?
The bright sun and the brilliant foliage made the trail look stunning.
We had a steep but surprisingly easy descent down to the Nolichucky River, with some gorgeous views along the way.
There were surprising numbers of families with small children on the trail at this point.
Uncle Johnny’s Hostel is only a few feet off the trail, so we made a quick stop there before we headed to our next hostel, about 20 minutes south. When we arrived, we found a brand-new, super-cheap, and very uncomfortable place. The ”cottage” where we were supposed to stay didn’t have any windows! After a quick consultation, I called Uncle Johnny’s and discovered that we could stay there another two nights. Staying there will involve a bit more driving, but UJ’s is a much more pleasant place.
Uncle Johnny’s, with its laid-back hang-out attitude and perpetually burning fire pit, seems to serve as a magnet for young people who are in search of a home and a direction. Four years ago the young man who manages the hostel started a thruhike, but when he reached Uncle Johnny’s he stayed on, doing some odd jobs and eventually becoming an employee. He joked that in returning today we succumbed to the UJ magnet and that this may mark the beginning of our LONG stay here!
We have now spent three evenings at Uncle Johnny’s. We have met about a dozen section hikers from all over the U.S., and I’ve had extended conversations with a jeweler from New Orleans and a botanist from Nevada. I do love the variety of people you meet along the trail!
Today is a great day for a long walk in the woods!