Appalachian Trail (day 13) - Cosby Knob Shelter to Roaring Fork Shelter / mile 257

"I keep on telling myself: snails, stay on trail" Snail

Today was quite a mouthful.

Day started with a huge ten mile descent from Great Smoky Mountains National Park and that was the end of it! I've handed the second part of my permit to the park ranger on the way out and carried on. People I've met along the way we're relieved and in various physical shape. First woman I've met called Crazy Legs was blazing to the parking lot where she was being picked up, she gave me a good chase! Second woman I've met was called Donna (no trail name) I've spotted her trying to top up her water bottle by the stream with her backpack still on, when I've approached I've noticed she wasn't quite ok. She asked me to help her get back on her feet and she put all her body weight on me in order to do so. Her knees were gone, she was also being picked up by someone and probably was not going back on trail anytime soon. Luckily the carpark wasn't far away at this point so she could slowly descent to it.

I've also met Snail, young guy I stumbled upon before, he was hiking at a good pace and told me that it was his day 16 on the trail, and that he didn't spend a night in town yet. It was his way of hiking and I respected that, mine wasn't too different as I've spend one night in town so far.

Just before midday the descent was over and I've arrived at located slightly off trail Standing Bear Farm, with a very cool, country vibe to it. You could spend a night here in a bunk bed for 25$, do your laundry, have a shower and resupply. They've been also cooking breakfast, lunch and dinner for the guests. The rooster was crowing (?), country music was playing form a speaker and a firepit was smoking. I've came here only to resupply and have something to eat but I wouldn't mind staying for the night too.

I've bought food for the way for 11$ (cash only) and a huge frozen pepperoni and sausage pizza for 10$ which I cooked myself in the communal kitchen and barely managed to finish eating it. After an hour I've hiked out leaving this nice hiker haven behind.

The 3000 feet ascent from here to Snowbird Peak was absolutely ruthless, no switchbacks, very steep, the weather was warm and the water sources scarce. AT did not wanted us to have a minute break! I decided to push quite far away to get in a reasonable distance to the next town called Hot Springs at which I've booked two nights stay at a hostel. So I've been accounting for a long day of hiking.

A nice surprise awaited just before the last big climb of the day to Max Patch, a self catering trail magic, with a grill, you could cook yourself a burger or sausage or egg (or all of the above) beers and snacks and fruit included! I've initially rejected the offer as I was still full of pizza form Standing Bear Farm (it was huge!) I've just packed some fruit and snacks for the way and had a sip of coke. But then few other hikers arrived and convinced me to have a burger, with egg and all the trimmings. I've also had a an Ultra beer which was some kind of very popular, American lager (like Pabst Blue Ribbon) I never heard of. I must tell you now that it did not end up very well.

I've stayed at the trail magic for half an hour and decided to carry on another three miles to the campsite (others were staying at the trail magic for the night). I've climbed to the  Max Patch quite quickly and what a treat it was up here, the top was completely treeless so you had a clear view of the entire area! The views that was sorely missing from all the ascents so far, it was beautiful up there and I was feeling great!

Until about a mile before campsite when my stomach decided to punish me for overindulging myself in treats. I've had to go to the toilet (aka run to the bushes) three times before I've even reached the campsite. Very embarrassing but I kind of deserved it to be honest.

I've arrived at the campsite at 7 pm, did not have any dinner. Pitched the tent, hid the food in bear box, and went to bed.

Despite that digestive misadventure, I still count today as one of the best days I had on trail so far.

Also stretching my leg really helped! I only have to remember to do it several times a day and I should have no problems hiking for the time being.