Starting location: Stan Murray Shelter
Ending location: Sugar Mountain, NC
Miles today: 10.9
Miles total: 388.4
This morning was cold, cold, cold when we woke up. It was so chilly that I decided to just wear my pajamas as I knew that I could wash them when we got to Sharon's for the night. Months ago, when we announced that we were planning to hike the AT, and old friend, Sharon Lough who resides on Sugar Mountain, NC, reached out and offered us a place to stay when we pass through town. We certainly wanted to take her up on the offer.
We only had 11 miles from where her boyfriend Richard was to pick us, but it poured pretty much all morning. At one point it was raining cats and dogs and all I could think of was tacos, tacos, tacos--thats what we told Sharon to make when she asked us for our food preference.
We met Richard at about 1:30 and he was kind enough to take us to the grocery so we could resupply on the important things--including the new People magazine and a box of Oreo's. When we got to their home Richard pointed us in the direction of our very our suite. Their home is a labor of love to them, Richard built it with his very own hands and I have to say it was lovely. Its filled with peices of antique family furniture and the entire home is downright comfortable. We could have stayed for weeks.
Sharon got home from work in the late afternoon and I gave her a big hug. Its been years since we have seen each other and it was so nice catching up on the past few years. I learned that last fall Sharon was diagnosed with Breast Cancer but has been cancer free for the last 6 months. She is one strong woman and I admire her for her strength and courage.
After our wonderful and filling taco dinner, Jason mentioned the fact that we hadn't had moonshine yet on the trail. All of the sudden Richard pulled out a mason jar of clear liquid. Sure enough it was the real stuff--white lightning! He poured us each a glass and I think we were both amazed at how smooth it went down--that is a dangerous thing! Jason asked him where he got it from and he simply replied, "Don't you worry about that". It made us all chuckle.
We spent the rest of the night talking and relaxing by the fire. Sharon and Richard share our love of sailing as they are the proud owners of a 50' Beneteau. It was great hearing stories of their travels and time on the boat.
To Sharon and Richard-we can't thank you enough for your hospitality. You made us feel so welcome and it was lovely to have a night where we could really relax and unwind. Anytime you need a crew on your boat, don't hesitate to call us! Thank you for everything, it meant so much to us!
Me drinking moonshine by the fire!
No comments:
Post a Comment