350 miles in! Days are getting longer and hotter. I have passed a number of beautiful balds. As I write this I am sitting on a bald named beauty spot. I have started to push for longer days in the hopes of finishing by Sept 7th, so that I can be home for my wife’s birthday. I took 4 zero days in Hot Springs NC to visit friends and family, but will probably not be taking any more anytime soon. The heat has been a pleasant change from the cold and wet. That being said finding good water sources has now become more necessary.
My first really hot day was the climb out of Fontana Dam NC into the smoky mountains, which has been my favorite section so far. We had good weather, beautiful views, and the terrain was mild. Charlie’s bunion was absolutely breath taking! People have said wonderful things about Big Bald and Max Patch, but I crossed both in horrendous weather. My only thoughts on Max Patch was to get off as soon as possible as it was pouring , 40 degrees and the wind was howling on the bald. I’m feeling optimistic for the rest of what NC has to offer and then Virginia here we come!
Beautiful photos!