Hot Springs NC
Today was really great, warm sunny day, day off from hiking, and just hikers milling around everywhere. The food was the best I’ve ever had for thanksgiving honestly. So many good potluck dishes really made it tasty. So amazing people do this for hikers, almost surreal. I think we all appreciate it, but get lost in the moment of generally not knowing what’s going on.
We exist in a world of our own more now than ever it seems. All that you’re trained to do, all that matters, is always right in front of you. A long climb up, a slippery stream to get water, darkness of the day quickly dimming your vision. The world continues and in the woods you need to quickly act. There’s not much time for planning more than how to get thru the day. So I think the hardest part is for us to show the appreciation while we’re in this moment. When it’s all said and done, we can slowly process all the work that goes into it, but for now, so thankful that our awkwardness goes appreciated.
Back to the woods tommorow. It feels like I’ve been cheating, having so few days before getting a warm place to stay. But def not complaining on that. The Smokies loom ahead like the Whites did so long ago. Hoping this weather holds. Knowing Indy is with my dad is a great relief, and also scary as I know the critters can have at my stuff now more than ever. But overall excited to get back out there and get more footage before back to civilization.
