Day 8 Dick’s Creek Gap to Deep Gap. 15.8 miles. Mile marker 84.8

Today started with a GREAT breakfast at the hotel right before being shuttled back off to the trail. The comforts of town life were nice, but I was ready to get back on trail and head north. After all, we had less than 9 miles until we crossed in to North Carolina!!!

Of course, we started the day going up, up, up. But, I’m beginning to find my pace with those ups and I’m moving quicker. The plan was either Standing Indian Shelter at the top right or Standing Indian Mountain-the top! So, a 17-19 mile day.

BUT, I got to make a phone call right at 10am and talk to my rockstar crew at the gym AND the senior bootcamp class. It was so great to hear everyone. I miss and love you all.

Then I ran into Matt and Matt! They had made it to the border and were headed back down to there vehicle! They had accomplished their mission! We chatted a bit and then I pushed on.

I arrived at the GA/NC border around 12:30pm. I was super excited to have one state down! Of course, it was still up a bit and then I stopped to have lunch. I was running a little behind the rest of the crew today – Tracks had caught up with AZ and Fuego, after he passed me- still not as fast as them, but faster than most. We all sat for a while, but then the rest of the crew headed out while I finished. I knew where we were going, so I’d just catch up like always. I usually do on the downhills and flats.

I love the company of the other hikers, but I am there to hike my own hike, as they say, and I need to pace myself at what I know is best for me and be able to take the pics and videos to share this amazing journey.

I met a couple of section hikers before heading out, one who was struggling a lot with his pack weight and the ups, I understand. A little further up the trail his buddy had to go back for him. I hope that they work it all out.

This is where things took a turn for me. Just short of 6 miles from camp for the night, I had a bit of an accident. The trail had been looking like this. Long story short, my right foot slipped, wedged between a rock as I stepped forward with the left foot and I re-pulled my calf as well as a few other muscles up the leg. Fortunately, my trekking poles saved me from completely falling.

I sat down for a few moments to assess my situation and I knew it wasn’t good. I knew What I had to do. Get off trail and rest. I had cell service and I was able to call for a shuttle, but I had to get 4 miles down the mountain. It was not a fun trip. Why? Well, because it couldn’t have been all down. Nope, I had to have one more big up.

I was able to talk to Leanna for a little while before I lost service coming down and I am so grateful for her strength and encouragement.

I was going to head back in to Hiawassee, but the shuttle driver was kind enough to bring me back close to Sue and Pete, and here I am now. I can’t thank them enough for being so amazing!

This is now the second hardest thing I’ve had to do on this trip. As much as it pains me to do so, and after a lot of evaluating, I am going to come home to recover. I know this is going to take me a week, maybe two, so there is no point to stay up here. I have to listen to my body and I will just have to see how things go and move forward from there.

I’ll post the pics and video for today once I get home. Thanks for following along so far. And don’t worry, the journey is never over!