First, a promised shout out to Troop 99 from North Carolina - hope you finished your 50 miler with flying colors!
We are now in Erwin, TN, somewhere around 350 miles into our hike. April 10th was our one-month anniversary and yesterday was Lightning's birthday, so we splurged on a Holiday Inn Express reservation in town. It is now 8:30 am the next morning, and I just finished round one of the glorious continental breakfast including bacon and orange juice. Yum!
Five of us shared the room last night: the three of us, Yianni, and Prophet. Our smell is pretty unbelievable. When you open the door, a thick wall of must, sweat, and dirt hits you in the face. We know we smell and we try to stay clean. Honestly, though, perpetual stink is a thru-hiker fact. After my 20 minute scrubbing in the shower, I still smelled. I do not know where it was coming from but it was there! I carried a stick of deodorent the first week, but dropped it as soon as I could. There is nothing strong enough to prevent what we deal with.
Laundry is always fun. I have one set of hiking clothes, one set of sleeping clothes, an extra pair of socks, a down jacket, and my rain pants and jacket. When it's laundry time, that means it's rain clothing time - no matter the heat or need to walk through town. At first, I did not mind. However, after one month of continual wear with little washing, even my plastic-y rain jacket is taking on an unpleasant funk. There is no escaping it.
Plus, I am one month in. I have four months left, and it will only get warmer. If you run into me, make sure to stand clear!
It's been a couple weeks since I checked in on you guys, so I just caught up on everything I've missed. Sounds like you're having quite the adventure. This blog entry is probably my favorite so that's why I'm commenting here. I can't imagine the "stank" but I'm sure it's potent. Showers must feel like such a luxury.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your one-month anniversary!
You are too funny! Wouldn't you and Sunny (our 4-legged pal)make a great team in the woods...him with the smell from rolling in something dead or dying...and you from just living the good life! Keep it up! LUM
ReplyDeleteDear Bimpy,
ReplyDeleteI love this photo of you. It is even more attractive than all the amazing ones from college. I love your writing, but it still boggles my mind to think about what you're doing. And I don't care if you stink, I would still play numbers with you.
xoxo
k-raus