Day 18

​Day 18

Starting location: Rutherford Shelter

Ending location: Sola Hostel

Mileage today: 12 miles

Total Mileage: 201.3 miles

Today’s Photo

The story behind this photo ... 

We woke up at 5 am and we got on trail at 6 am since it was going to be another scorching day. We had about 8.5 miles to hike to get to Amee and resupply. I love the morning sun up on the mountains. 

We got to a state park building just as they were about to open at 8 am. It has flushable toilets and water fountain. Ah. So nice! Legolas got an orange soda to go and we trekked on. 

We found this mini Washington monument on the trail. It was some monument but we didn’t get close enough to know why. lol. 

Since it felt like mid 90’s we always take time to play in the streams safe enough to play in. It was very refreshing. 

Since it was so brutal the last 4 days with heat, we made a detour to another Christian hostel. Pastor Doug runs the Sola Hostel. They were gracious enough to allow Amee and Froning to stay with us as well! PTL. He even knew who Froning was named after. Lol. 

So what does one do while in the hostel? Play the official AT hike board game! It was actually pretty fun. Bombadil won on a shortened game. 

We did attend Pastor Doug’s prayer meeting tonight and had a great time of prayer and fellowship with a few of their congregation. Doug and his wife have 3 kids and they also homeschool! Yeah! 

Also he took me up in the bell tower of the church and showed me how they have to wind up the clock every 2 weeks I believe. It was pretty cool. Same clock from like 1909. 

Finally, it seems I finally got to see what the mountain laurel bloom looks like (pinkish red). So beautiful. Also my favorite flower is now in bloom, which is the amazing elderflower! 

Well. Pancakes in the morning and then a long 17 mile hike tomorrow (with colder temps!). 

Good night. 

Gandalf, Legolas & Bombadil.