When I decided to hike the AT, I thought it would be freeing to opt out of societal beauty standards for a bit. Maybe at some point it will be, but a month in, it’s still jarring. I haven’t had a mustache like this since the 7th grade. I do a double take every time I see myself in a mirror. It’s funny because this is the fittest I’ve ever been and also the worst I’ve ever looked. I no longer believe in the concept of getting snatched.

Anyhoo, here’s our regularly scheduled programming:

Sunday 4/16

Walked uphill all day. 6 miles!

Monday 4/17

We’re trying to catch up to the rest of the tramily, who are a day ahead of us. And now my feet hurt.

Tuesday 4/18

I had a great day at Fontana Dam. I thought it was a town because everyone kept talking about the marina and general store. Nope! It’s all part of a resort. We met back up with the rest of the tramily + a lot of other friends I’ve made on the way. It’s fun running into people you haven’t seen in a while. There’s usually cheering involved.

Ate a great brisket sandwich.

Sara Kaki sent me some snacks (thank you!) that I hiked a mile holding in my arms because I didn’t have space in my pack. I looked very silly.

We stayed at the Fontana Hilton, which is a shelter overlooking the lake with showers and charging stations. We jumped into the lake. It was so cold. That night by the fire there was a thru-hiker talent show. Real summer camp energy – lots of call and response. We did some kind of enchantment song to ward off rain in the Smokys? We’ll see about that.

Wednesday 4/19

Today was a tough day at first because of my left knee. I pulled an upper-calf muscle and it was really bothering me. I was truly worried about an injury derailing me because at this point I’m all in. In Georgia, when people asked me if I’m going all the way to Maine, I would say “that’s the plan!” Now I just say “yeah.” I don’t want to get hurt. I borrowed a knee brace from a friend and felt better in the afternoon.

Thursday 4/20

It’s so pretty here! I took a two hour long nap in a field.

Friday 4/21

I hit 200 miles today! The 200 mile marker is at Clingman’s Dome, which is a popular tourist destination. A child walking by gave me a long stare, I assume because I smelled like a farm animal.

Saturday & Sunday 4/22-23

We’re zero-ing in Gatlinburg. Thank God. We haven’t zero-ed since Hiawassee. It’s cool to drive down the mountains into town because it gives a lot of…