Day #40-Back to an oxygenated environment once again. Miles hiked: 16.9

The storm had subsided this morning, but the temps were still bitter cold-well below 20 degrees. I was initiated into backpacking by a close family friend on a sub-freezing traverse of the Smokies, so I’m no stranger to frigid mornings. Nonetheless, trying to cram sore feet into shoes rock solid frozen isn’t exactly a fun time. But today there is town, so up the pass we went to the high point of the CT—just over 13,200 ft!

The ridge walk this morning was exposed, windy, and bitter cold. However, this is again the suffering we choose and what strips folks down to their essence in journeys like this. What a gift. 

By early afternoon, we’d made it to Spring Creek pass and Mushka and I thumbed down a pickup to whisk 6 cold, weary hikers down the hill to Lake City (after nearly an hour with no takers). 

Once in town, it was a feeding frenzy and a zero for tomorrow was declared to heal our bodies and minds. 

Goodnight from an adorable 1-room cabin in a cozy little RV park. 

PS-Happy Birthday to Gusha as he rings in his 33rd trip around the sun!