AT Happiness: The Best So Far

So as I head back out onto the trail tomorrow I want to address some of my favorite things so far.

The first thing to address is the people, they have definitely been the highlight. Most of the hikers I have met have been fantastic. My favorite hiking group though has been the AARP gang.  Awesome, Backtrack and Kingfisher along with our youngsters and later adittions including Shaggy Hobo, Second Star, Jedi and Ice Cream.

Lovely Tie at Laughing Heart Hostel

Laughing Heart Hostel in Hot Springs was great, Tie who is the manager is fantastic. One of the other things I loved in Hot Springs was the food, especially the wings at the Tavern.

I also really loved my rooms at the Old Mill and the Mountain Harbour B&B, both at higher rates than typical hikers budget.

My favorite mountain was Mt. Unaka the top of that climb landed us smack dab into middle earth.

Best trail magic was definitely the trail magic camp near Hurricane Shelter in VA. A hot grilled cheese with bacon sandwich and a coke, absolute heaven.

Best trail name and one I considered using, pictured with me, Yukon Cornelius.

The best breakfast by far on the trail or damn near anyonewhere else. The breakfast at Mountain Harbour B&B.  Mary pictured above runs the place with her family.

A few other things to mention:

Best pizza – BennyDeluca’s in Charlottesville, VA.

Best trail meals – the meals our group made at Standing Bear and Laughing Heart.

Best shelter – Overmountain Shelter which was amazing.

Overmountain Shelter

Best guide – The AT Guide by David “AWOL” Miller

Best Outfitters – Outdoor 76 in Franklin and Mt. Rogers in Damascus.

Rev Kane