Well in October I got to visit the AT.
I got there a day early and hiked the approach trail from the top of the falls to the arch in regular street sandals.
That night at camp I couldnt find my hiking sandals. Couldnt find the next morning either. Had a shuttle to catch so hiked the next day in sandals too.
Sprained my ankle and hiked the next day anyway. From springer to high shoals road. Then that night shut foot in car door.
Hiked springer to forks still in sandals because ron was still shuttling us around.
Finally got sneakers. Finished approach trail.
The hikes got a lot better and easier.
I did seriously underestimate the roughness of the terrain. I also didnt rest enough because so much to do and see in so little time.
By neels gap i was never thru hiking the trail. :)
I did a few miles in every state to PA
I saw Max Patch
The ponies and
McAfee Knob along the way.
McAfee knob and back is now the longest hike I did in 1 day.
I wish I had spent more time in HF but I do plan to go back.
I met Lone Wolf and Farmer Chef.
My knees still hurt.
Cant wait to go back and am again hoping for a thru hike someday.
Starting out in proper shoes. LOL
The picture of my ankle is 3 days after i stopped hiking.