2015 Appalachian Trail
Walk to Remember

19. March 2015

Mar 18/19 - Day 10+1 - Franklin, NC

Well deserved couple of days off after 9 days straight on the trail in less than perfect weather. We wait patiently for the shuttle bus into Franklin after a very short walk from the shelter. It is cold and we now can't wait for the shower.

The people of Franklin NC are amazing. Ron Haven is the bus driver and owns several establishments in town. We are enjoying a great room at a very reasonable price .He provides shuttles for walker several times a day all around town all for no cost. Three Eagles Outfitters offers walkers a free beer or coffee, like that is a tough decision! Walmart is the hikers choice for resupply.

We are doing serious surgery to our packs, Arlene is doing that literally by cutting pieces off her pack. I on the other hand have purged a further 3 pounds of stuff I thought I needed. The fear is gone! We know what we need and what we don't need.

It is 7 am and a shuttle arrives provided by the Baptist Church whose volunteers make pancake and bacon breakfast for hikers all of this month for free every morning. What incredibly generous and kind people here in Franklin. A true AT thru-walkers support town.

Write a comment

Comments: 5

#1
Liz (Thursday, 19 March 2015 17:43)

You are two tough ladies! Your blog and photos are awesome. What an incredible journey - congratulations on making it this far and hike on...!
#2
Liesha (Tuesday, 24 March 2015 18:09)

Looks great ladies!!! I like the beer shot, and the pic of you and all the boys from the bus :) Looks like you're in good company! Keep at it!
#3
JellyBean (Tuesday, 24 March 2015 21:24)

It was great meeting you guys! Best of luck on your journey!!! I shared your story in our article. Happy Trails http://www.brysoncityoutdoors.com/returning-some-trail-magic-on-the-appalachian-trail/
#4
Karel (Wednesday, 25 March 2015 05:15)

What a great trip you two are making! Love the photo's!
Thumbs up!

Karel
#5
DGW (Friday, 27 March 2015 12:39)

Awesome adventure Ladies!!!! I love following your blog, wish I had the stamina to do this. Praying that your journey is safe and that you have better weather from here on out.

$218,920

Help us reach our goal! The walk is completed but our fundraising efforts continue.

Appalachian Trail

Comments: 63

#63
Dorothy Hayley (Friday, 16 October 2015 12:17)

Attended your presentation last night and was moved and thrilled by it. Your photos are magnificent and many would make great framed art and/or greeting cards. Thanks for being so inspiring.
#62
Evelyn (Saturday, 15 August 2015 20:15)

Well hats off to you both! What an amazing journey. I must admit that I will sadly miss your beautiful, inspirational blog. But I am so thrilled that you made it to the end. Of course, I always knew you would :)
#61
Sharen (Saturday, 08 August 2015 10:17)

What a feat, Anda! A never-to-be-forgotten memory. Congratulations to you and Arlene. The Alzheimer's Society will be very grateful for this tremendous boost, as we all are.
#60
Liz (Saturday, 08 August 2015 06:53)

Congratulations! An amazing feat - DONE! I'm in awe. See you soon.
#59
Susan (Friday, 07 August 2015 11:05)

Can't believe that this is the day that you think you'll be summiting!!! What an amazing adventure you guys must have had! So impressed with your commitment, strength and courage . . . . I am so proud to know you!!
#58
Terry (Thursday, 06 August 2015 10:33)

Anda and Arlene,
What a feat! And finishing early to boot! Congratulations and many thanks to you both for supporting the Alzheimer Society as you've travelled this epic journey! Thank you also to all your supporters who have made donations. You are all "trail angels" in your own way to those who are living their own journey with dementia. Enjoy this final "leg" of your travels.
#57
Tanya (Tuesday, 04 August 2015 10:24)

Mama I am so so so so sooooooooo proud of you guys! Can't believe you are just days away from the finish. What an amazing accomplishment! Can't wait to celebrate with you!!!
#56
Barry Turner (Sunday, 26 July 2015 16:49)

Spoke to Anda this PM (26 July). She was at mile 1996 and would cross the 2000 mile mark today. They are cold, wet, sore and tired. Katahdin finish perhaps about 7 August. One day at a time. Some very difficult stretches to go.
#55
Liz (Saturday, 25 July 2015 05:37)

Maine! Unbelievable. This last stretch looks tough, but you're on the verge of fulfilling your dream. It seems like just yesterday the AT was just a twinkle in your eyes. Now you're completing the journey. Hike on and see you soon.
#54
Eva (Saturday, 18 July 2015 21:00)

A Kilimanjaro climber once said" Life begins at the end of our comfort zone. The real rewards come with going beyond it."
#53
J. Marc Gregoire (Sunday, 12 July 2015 18:38)

Anda and Arlene the double A team.
Hae contributed my two bits worth for every mile walked. (2189 MILES X 0.25). Know you will make it. Looking forward to seeing you soon
#52
Barry (Sunday, 12 July 2015 10:17)

When you finish you will have walked the equivalent distance of to having started in London and walked across all of Europe, into Asia and finishing in Ankara Turkey. 2190 miles.
#51
Debbie (Sunday, 05 July 2015 10:52)

Ladies I am so inspired by your blogs and appreciative of your commitment to battling this disease. What an incredible journey you are on. From someone who lost a parent afflicted by this horrible debilitating disease I thank you.
#50
Barry Turner (Saturday, 04 July 2015 10:11)

Anda and Arlene are currently at 1700 miles. within the next week they will cross 1786 miles. Why that Milage... it is road distance equivalent to starting in London, walking through the channel tunnel to Calais, on through Brussels, Berlin, Warsaw, Minsk and on to Moscow. I cannot tell you how proud I am of them.
#49
Liz (Wednesday, 01 July 2015 08:35)

Happy Canada Day!
#48
Tanya (Sunday, 21 June 2015 16:32)

Almost 1500 MILES!!!!! WAY TO GO!!!!!! :D
#47
Rob Grool (Friday, 19 June 2015 14:32)

Stolly & Bolly are in sight - you've passed the halfway mark. Chapeau, much respect.
#46
Judy (Saturday, 13 June 2015 21:12)

Great checklist! Well done.
Keep on trekkin'.
#45
Liz (Saturday, 13 June 2015 06:03)

I can't believe you're already in New Jersey - that's almost "next door"! Having fun following your adventures and glad you are both well. Love the pix which bring everything to life!!
#44
Stacey (Tuesday, 09 June 2015 14:16)

Hi Anda, this is a wonderful thing you are doing, and a great adventure. You are a warrior and I'm glad to know you (from all those years ago).
#43
Harris/GPS (Saturday, 30 May 2015 18:17)

My friend Patsy ("Patsy Climb") and I really enjoyed meeting you both today and talking to you about your hike (I'm the one who was handing out Oreo's and Nutter Butter cookies). I wanted to wish you much luck on the rest of your thru hike. I look forward to reading your blog.
#42
Barry (Saturday, 30 May 2015)

The second half will go faster. It is hard to believe how far you have come. Your mental strength to keep pushing on is amazing.
#41
Liz (Friday, 29 May 2015 17:17)

Wow! Half way there in distance, but more than half way in terms of the learning curve/ experience. I feel for you in the heat - worse than some of those frigid days in the humble Gats at the opposite end of the spectrum.
#40
Barry (Sunday, 24 May 2015 14:18)

Tremendous accomplishment. I am impressed by your drive and steadfast commitment. Walk on!
#39
John (Sunday, 24 May 2015 09:26)

Enjoyed speaking with you on the roller coaster a couple of days ago. I'll be following your hike. Good luck.
#38
Liz (Sunday, 24 May 2015 06:31)

Congratulations on reaching the 1000 mile milestone. Quite a feat. Love seeing the changing (and greening) landscapes. Hike on!
#37
Hilary Hampson (Monday, 18 May 2015 21:14)

So proud of you and all you have achieved. Don't stop believing!
#36
Tanya (Monday, 18 May 2015 15:28)

You are both so amazing!!!
#35
Furlough (Sunday, 17 May 2015 07:02)

Unhinged and Ever Ready,
Enjoyed our conversation yesterday at the Loft Mountain Wayside. Hope the rest of the day/night stayed somewhat dry for you. I have book marked your site and will follow along with you. Furlough
#34
Faye Warhol (Monday, 11 May 2015 19:36)

Think about you guys every day! Can you post,and let us,know where you are now? My niece started a few weeks after you,she's alone but meeting many trail angels!!!
#33
Liz (Sunday, 10 May 2015 06:44)

Happy Mother's Day to you both.
#32
Yvon (Saturday, 09 May 2015 19:21)

Happy Mother's Day. A lot of people are following your blog!
#31
Debbie (Tuesday, 05 May 2015 13:42)

Thoroughly enjoying your adventure thru your blogs. I love that people join the trail at various points supplying food and drink to the hikers. Truly amazing people! Keep forging ahead ladies, God bless.
#30
Kaden (Thursday, 30 April 2015 10:28)

Anda: you are amazing! My Daddy made me read the whole blog. From Kaden
#29
Hilary (Wednesday, 29 April 2015 09:43)

You girls rock! Lookin' good and love the posts. Keep on trekkin'!
#28
Susan (Wednesday, 29 April 2015 08:40)

Man, you guys, your progress is incredible!! You are bookin'!!
#27
Susan (Tuesday, 28 April 2015 23:18)

Wow! A thousand km, that is so amazing!! You guys are an inspiration to all that are following you! Can't wait to see you. Walk well and be safe.
#26
Tanya (Monday, 27 April 2015 03:50)

OVER 600 MILES!!!!!! CONGRATULATIONS on this HUGE-MEGA-MAJOR milestone!!!!!
#25
Gary Babstock (Thursday, 23 April 2015 13:12)

Sore feet, sore everything,
smiles to carry the day,
onward we go.
#24
Liz (Thursday, 23 April 2015 05:19)

Barry - the suspense is killing me!
Anda, Arlene - can really see the changing seasons in your photos. The scenery is amazing, and I'm glad you're leaving the snow and rain behind. Can really see your progress on the map!
#23
Barry (Wednesday, 22 April 2015 17:39)

Someday i will have to explain how my inability to navigate the back roads of south west Virginia nearly killed Anda. long story, my fault. Barry
#22
Susan (Monday, 20 April 2015 08:28)

Great to talk to you last night! We're really looking forward to seeing you guys in a few weeks and being able to facilitate a "zero day" or two, including a real bed, showers and non-trail food!!
#21
Liz (Saturday, 18 April 2015 07:04)

Looks like Barry has found his next calling - Trail Angel! Nice to hear the weather has improved and to see spring colour in your pix. What an amazing people experience you are having on top of the thru-hiking challenge. There is good in the world.
#20
Evelyn (Saturday, 18 April 2015 07:03)

OMG! Can't imagine what it was like slogging through all that rain, but then what a beautiful way to see spring come alive. Love the pics of the flowers peeping up from the forest floor along with the image that it was "trail fairies" that put them there:)
#19
Tanya (Thursday, 16 April 2015 08:54)

Awesome blog updates! Keep it up!!! :) xo
#18
Tanya (Saturday, 11 April 2015 13:23)

Mama, you are awesome!!! Just thinking about you :)
#17
Sharen (Friday, 10 April 2015 11:20)

So excited to follow this wonderful adventure and tribute to your mother, Anda. The trail may be a long one, however your hearts will be light! Bravo!
#16
Liz (Wednesday, 08 April 2015 15:07)

Happy birthday, Anda!
#15
Judy (Wednesday, 08 April 2015 07:21)

Happy Birthday Anda! I hope it is a day to remember.
Arlene, did you squirrel away any b-day candles?
Enjoy and stay safe.
#14
Yvon (Wednesday, 08 April 2015 07:10)

Happy Birthday to you Anda. Hang in there this is a very long trail.
#13
Faye Warhol (Tuesday, 07 April 2015 13:45)

Wondering how you 2 are doing?How often can you post? I I imagine only at a town or outfitter?
#12
Bobbie (Monday, 06 April 2015 08:08)

Just catching up with your journey.
AMAZING!
#11
Liz (Sunday, 05 April 2015 08:28)

Happy Easter, Arlene and Anda. Hopping trails to you both!
#10
Mary (Saturday, 04 April 2015 15:28)

Wow! It sure is interesting to read your blog and see your pictures. Wish I could come and provide some trail magic for you. XO
#9
Roger (Saturday, 04 April 2015 10:05)

Love reading your blogs. Just returned from 5 days hiking in Moab, Utah canyons N.E. of the Grand Canyon with my son from Winnipeg. Some 10 mile hike days - and back to the motel! A small sample of your EVERY DAY achievements. AWSOME what you are doing! I can appreciate your sentiments, highs and lows. Good luck. Thinking of you. Go girls!!
#8
Barry (Friday, 03 April 2015 17:10)

Glad it is getting better. I was worried. Great writing.
B
#7
Tanya (Thursday, 02 April 2015 01:10)

You guys are amazing! I am so impressed with your progress, and your continued positive spirit! KEEP IT UP!
#6
Euan (Tuesday, 24 March 2015 18:04)

An inspiration to us all! We are enjoying the blogs and we are missing you here in Cumberland!!
#5
barry (Thursday, 19 March 2015 14:49)

Wow. Great writing Anda. Didn't know it was so misriable. You are amazing.
Barry
#4
Evelyn (Thursday, 19 March 2015 06:56)

Can't wait for the next dispatch. I trust the rain has now stopped and you are better able to see the beauty of the trail.
#3
Barry (Friday, 13 March 2015 17:32)

Great description. Keep going, it will get better
#2
Jake (Thursday, 12 March 2015 21:22)

You are working on a worthy cause but you might consider using the money raised, not for a cure for Alzheimer's disease, but to determine its cause and the means to prevent it. There's not much effort going in that area. I am afraid that the 'cure' will only be more of the type of drugs that mask the symptoms.
#1
Susan Paul (Friday, 27 February 2015 14:43)

Anda and Arlene:

Have a wonderful hike. Thank you for supporting Alzheimer's. Go girls!
Susan

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