by Melanie McManus | Apr 22, 2021 | Alabama, Mississippi, Natchez Trace (Hiking) 2021, Tennessee, Trail Journals
Today we were aiming to reach the Tennessee-Alabama state line. And we did! Here’s how it went. Well, first I must recap the previous night. The overnight low was about freezing (32 F. / 0 C.), so it was chilly. But we were warm in our tents. However, we...
by Melanie McManus | Apr 23, 2021 | Natchez Trace (Hiking) 2021, Tennessee, Trail Journals
Today’s hike to Collinwood should have been great. After all, it was our shortest day, at 13.2 miles (21.2 km). Also, we had booked a night’s stay at Miss Monetta’s Country Cottage, a lovely spot run by lovely people whom Ed and I met eight years ago. But the day did...
by Melanie McManus | Apr 24, 2021 | Natchez Trace (Hiking) 2021, Tennessee, Trail Journals
Oh, what a day reaching Dogwood Mudhole! Actually, that wasn’t the main problem. So, Amy and I are both suffering from tendinitis. She decided to take the day off. I was going to do the same, then dive back into 20-mile (32.2-km) days. But the more I thought about...
by Melanie McManus | Apr 25, 2021 | Natchez Trace (Hiking) 2021, Tennessee, Trail Journals
Today’s goal was Metal Ford, just 15.5 miles (25 km) north. We are punting with our schedule every day, trying to make it these final miles despite our painful tendinitis. Since Amy has plans to hike in the Grand Canyon with her husband shortly after this trip, she is...
by Melanie McManus | Apr 26, 2021 | Natchez Trace (Hiking) 2021, Tennessee, Trail Journals
Today’s goal was a section of the Old Trace 14.6 miles (23.5 km) north. As I said yesterday, we’re punting with our schedule, trying to get the miles in without inflaming our tendinitis. First, a quick note on thru-hiking rules and what’s being honest....
by Melanie McManus | Apr 27, 2021 | Natchez Trace (Hiking) 2021, Tennessee, Trail Journals
Amy and I were excited about today’s trek, which would end with us hiking from Highway 7 south on the Highland Rim section of the Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail. But, as always, a recap of last night. Ed and I stayed at Fall Hollow eight years ago during...