Onward & Upward

5/2 Climbing Out of Erwin

• Miles: 15
  
• Shelter: stealth spot at mile 357

We prepared to leave Erwin. Packed up our stuff at the Super 8 and headed towards the post office one more time. We had one more thing to mail and then it was back to the trail. We caught a hitch back to the trail from a handy man that had been restoring the local theatre in Erwin. He has been giving hikers rides for years.

Over the river and through the woods... Just like Hot Springs.

The hike out of Erwin was the best yet! I am not sure if it was the weather or the terrain but the miles just flew by. We crossed the railroad tracks and headed up. 

It seemed like the forest grew greener overnight. Of course as soon as we entered the woods there was a stream Ziploc had to fish with the rod he was now carrying. 

We passed three different trail magic offerings today but only arrived at one in time to benefit. Brother Tom from a local church offered us sweet tea and banana bread before we headed further up the mountain.

We climbed up to a place appropriately named Beauty Spot at mile 354. It was as described, absolutely beautiful. We had to have spent over an hour here. As soon as I hiked up there I said "if we ever get married again, this is where I want to do it." Then Pretty Place will have a sequel called Beauty Spot. Perfect. 🙂

Once again, the photos do not do this place justice. The depth, the horizon, and the view goes on forever. 

The BBQ chicken was on the grill when we arrived at the next magic so we hung out but headed on to Unaka mountain before the food was served. 

At the top of Unaka mountain was another spruce forest. It reminded us of the Smokies, but without the rain. It was nice. 

We found a stealth spot a mile or so from the top of the mountain and settled in. By the end of the day we were singing Zip-a-dee do da, Zip-a-dee a, my oh my what a wonderful day.