Saddling Up for Kuwohi

May 2, 2025

I said goodbye to “A-Team” today over oatmeal. There were lots of great views, mushrooms, and of course…climbing. There were more people on the trail as well. Saw many day hikers who aren’t nearly as friendly as thru-hikers. Whenever I would try to chat with them, they would just stare at me or completely ignore me.

There were lots of gnats today. They got up under my hat, were in my eyes, and ears. As I walked along the trail, a bunch of little grasshoppers pitter-patgered in the leaves alongside me, cheering me on with each step I took.

Around noon, I braked for lunch on a tree root. I stopped at Derrick Knob Shelter for a break and to once again elevate my feet on a log. At the shelter, I ran into Bri and her mom, whom I previously met at Stanimals hostel in Hiawassee. After the break, I walked up to Silers Bald Shelter, where Bri, her mom, “G squared,” and I had a sleepover in the shelter for the night. I met another couple from Boston at the shelter, whose names escape me, but they plan to go into Gaitlynburg tomorrow along with everyone else.

After collecting water and enjoying an icy foot soak, I walked back to the hill to make dinner. I had mac and cheese, a fruit snack, hot chocolate, and a rice crispy, followed by spoonfuls of peanutbutter and Nutella. The best part about hiking insane miles every day is being able to eat anything I want and still lose weight.

Bri’s mom looked at my feet since I’ve been struggling with pain in my arches for the last week and am worried I may be developing plantar fasciitis. She worked as an athletic trainer and determined that my arch pain is referred to pain, stemming from a tight muscle in my medial calf. Basically, I need to slow down and stretch more, and it should get better.

Tomorrow, everyone is planning to take the Clingman’s Dome trail down to the parking lot, where a shuttle will take us into Gaitlynburg for free.