Miles: 448.6 | A wet, fast, and intense slackpack day. I push hard through rain, thunder, and long ridgelines, clocking 21 miles at a pace that feels powerful and focused. The high fades fast when logistics fall apart back at the hostel — missed shuttles, soggy clothes, and deep hunger test my patience. Eventually, McDonald’s saves the night. Exhausted, fed, and spent, I crash hard after one of my biggest physical days yet.
We started out together and eventually split up. We passed Grandma Shorty and Plod Along on the way! Remember them from Hiawassee? They are so great.
I hiked quickly, 3-4 miles per hour through the rain. I listened to music all the way. I zoned out and just pushed myself to go as fast as I could. Thunder and lightning struck over Watuga lake while I ran the ridge around it. I talked on the phone with Chelsea for a bit, too.
We woke up to rain. I packed quickly and got ready to leave for my slackpack. I ate a breakfast of cereal and some fruit and mentally prepared myself for a 21 mile day. We got driven out to TN91 where we would walk south from.
When I got back to the hostel at 5:25pm I expected to be able to catch the 6:00pm scheduled shuttle into town for dinner.
When I arrived I found it had already left. Grumpy said he couldn’t give me a ride to town for food until all of the hikers got back. I was STARVING. I took a shower. I asked if I could dry my fully soaked clothes before morning. He said I could but I’d have to wait for the other slackpackers for that too. I bought another frozen pizza and ate most of it. I was annoyed. I fumed while I ate my pizza. I was probably mostly hangry.
The other hikers were all finally back at 8pm. We went to town and I got more McDonalds. I scarfed it down before our ride even came back to pick us up. I went to bed as soon as I got back.
1. 21 Miles
2. McDonalds
3. The Guilty Feminist Podcast