It’s weird how you can hike with a person for just a week or two and you feel like you’ve known them forever.
My week started with hotdogs over a campfire, shared between friends and the next day my hiking buddy, Bison, had to leave the trail because of bad knees. I threw myself a great pity party and hiked along all lonely and limpy until I finally stopped at a shelter and made new friends. Friends du jour because they all disappeared after a day. Now I’m in search of the perfect hiking partner. Not too many old ladies out here!
So these are the friends I’ve found along the way…..
The week actually got better with my foot almost healed and a stop at the Nantahala Outdoor Center. It’s on the trail and has a cheap hostel even though it’s a pricey tourist place. Restaurants, outfitter, general store and lots of activities.
Two nights ago I stopped on top of a mountain to set up tent before rain came in. Luckily another person came along, because at midnight I heard the bear bags being rattled. We had hung them pretty well and I guess it pissed him off. He knocked over a stump and dug under it for a minute, then circled around us at about 30 feet. You could hear his huffing and sniffing. I felt like a snickers bar in my tent! He got bored and wandered off.
You can tell I’m a little ragged right now. This post is all over the place. I’ll try again tomorrow when I have more energy!
For now..
Digdeep
justcheech 
Reblogged this on lkyleroberts and commented:
You have passed my house! Good going. Glad your ankle is healing and I love your new friends. Miss you tons but cheering you on daily. xo
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those are great friends. you’ll leave them before they have a chance to leave you! so glad you’re healing. please be careful and keep your resolve to go slow and sure. what you missed here was a day of jazz fest that was so wet, they shut it down early. keep on trekking and digging deep. xo
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Look at you strong lady! Be safe from da’ bears!
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It seems the friends you meet along the way are like the beautiful flowers you took pictures of….Their beauty is profound but short-lived which makes them so special. I wish for you to meet a bouquet of friends on this journey.
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Beautiful friends…….I feel sorry for any bear that messes with you fierce woman!! Think of you often
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Give them Crunchie sponge tire toffee bar, will stick on their theet. Soooo proud of you my friend xx
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None of the new friends snore!
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I’m glad you weren’t devoured like your chocolatey delicious snicker bar self!!! Loving the journey! Happy trails!!
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