Charlie’s Bunion: Days 21-22

Our zero consisted of what every town day does. Laundry, resupply, and then we tried to consume as many electrolytes and calories as possible. Gatlingburg had all the charm that a tourist trap can, but it held a special place in our hearts because this was where we had met our first ever thru hiker. For spring break last year, Danny and I visited the Great Smokey Mountains to hike. We didn’t know it at the time, but we were in the Smokey’s about the same time that thru hikers were passing through. This was the seed that began our Appalachian Trail thru hike plans. The next morning we got a shuttle back to Newfound Gap. This day was going to be a mere 10 miles because we were getting a late start. The trailhead for Charlie’s Bunion was swarming with people. It truly was surreal to be standing here again. We set off and immediately my calves seized up. It was as if they were protesting hiking. All I wanted to do was sit and stretch, but even stretching was painful. My range of motion was cut in half as I climbed the rock steps. Why? I literally stretched and rested for so long. Why are my calves screaming in pain? Eventually the calves released their grip and stretched out but it was a rough first day. A positive of this day was that we got to talk to many day hikers and some backpackers who were out for the weekend. When we arrived at Charlie’s Bunion it was even more spectacular of a view than I remembered. I couldn’t tear my eyes away as I looked out at the pine covered mountains. Unfortunately we could t stare at the view all day and we pushed on to our camp. Another pleasant shrpWe finally had company at the shelter