Maddoxsjohnston
10-14-2012, 21:49
Just wanted to share a quick story about how awesome the trail can be.
This July I was doing a little 3 night section hike around the Damascus area, and on the end of day 2, when I was pulling into the shelter, I met a really cool fellow hiker. His name was James. I got to talking with him, and we shared a lot of common interests. We even lived near each other (myself in South Carolina, him in North Carolina). We chilled by the fire (it got down into the low 50's!) and goofed around for a while, and eventually said our goodbyes since he was planning on leaving much earlier than me (I enjoy a hot breakfast).
Fast forward a bit. After a tough, long day (18 miles) of hiking the next day, I was glad to see the next shelter which spelled some rest and a meal. And much to my surprise, there was James! As it turns out we were both heading SOBO, though he was planning on hiking two more days whereas I was going to get to my truck the following day. We talked even more, an he told me how proud of himself he was since 18 miles was one of his most impressive days. He had about 22 miles to go to his truck, and he told me how bad he wanted to get there soon and get some real food (y'all know how old GORP gets :D). I convinced him to get up early the following day and try to crank out the 22 since he would be happy he had done it afterwards. He agreed. We exchanged contact information, and after a while, went to bed.
I made it to my truck the following day at about noon since it was only 7 miles away from the shelter. Driving back to South Carolina, munching on a cheeseburger, I was glad to be finished, though I realized my buddy still had a ways to go. 8 hours later,as I was pulling into my driveway, I got a text from James saying that he made it and he was so glad I suggested for him to push for the 22 miler. He sent me a Facebook request and I accepted.
Now, 4 months later, James and I are getting ready to go do the Smokies together next week.
Not only has the trail given me good memories, it has given me a good friend :)
This July I was doing a little 3 night section hike around the Damascus area, and on the end of day 2, when I was pulling into the shelter, I met a really cool fellow hiker. His name was James. I got to talking with him, and we shared a lot of common interests. We even lived near each other (myself in South Carolina, him in North Carolina). We chilled by the fire (it got down into the low 50's!) and goofed around for a while, and eventually said our goodbyes since he was planning on leaving much earlier than me (I enjoy a hot breakfast).
Fast forward a bit. After a tough, long day (18 miles) of hiking the next day, I was glad to see the next shelter which spelled some rest and a meal. And much to my surprise, there was James! As it turns out we were both heading SOBO, though he was planning on hiking two more days whereas I was going to get to my truck the following day. We talked even more, an he told me how proud of himself he was since 18 miles was one of his most impressive days. He had about 22 miles to go to his truck, and he told me how bad he wanted to get there soon and get some real food (y'all know how old GORP gets :D). I convinced him to get up early the following day and try to crank out the 22 since he would be happy he had done it afterwards. He agreed. We exchanged contact information, and after a while, went to bed.
I made it to my truck the following day at about noon since it was only 7 miles away from the shelter. Driving back to South Carolina, munching on a cheeseburger, I was glad to be finished, though I realized my buddy still had a ways to go. 8 hours later,as I was pulling into my driveway, I got a text from James saying that he made it and he was so glad I suggested for him to push for the 22 miler. He sent me a Facebook request and I accepted.
Now, 4 months later, James and I are getting ready to go do the Smokies together next week.
Not only has the trail given me good memories, it has given me a good friend :)