Forgive the delayed posts… We have been busy hiking, connecting to our surroundings and getting in the grove😊 (Thank you to those of you who have checked in and motivated me to keep up)
I will send you some quick updates to get up to speed. You can always check our Instagram (malonefamilyat) which is updated by Papa Bear who is much quicker and efficient with technology. We have hiked on into our 4th state and crossed the 500 mile mark!!! Days are busy and full and towns are catch ups that end unfinished (so true to life on and off the trail)
Journal entry… “what a beautiful morning and day… We slept in a beautiful meadow and the girls were running down the hill and rolling in the grass and climbing trees. They’re having so much fun!”
“Left town in the rain again. We continue to sleep in one tent to stay warm. I left a water bottle outside and it froze … shows how cold it is”
The walk out of Nolichucky was beautiful along the creek with a few small waterfalls, Sabina says “that’s my favorite and I am going to draw it.”
Rain continues, some long days, and working as a family fulfill us as we hike on…
“Beauty spot” with amazing views and rime ice on all the trees and brush. The girls have really enjoyed learning about rime ice. The clouds are freezing as they pass the branches and the water particles instantly freeze on the branches. The ice continues to build on the branch on the side of the branch from which the cloud was traveling! Amazing and beautiful!
Walking in the snow showed us how to carefully follow the blazes!
The girls have taken to finding dragons in the woods to play on! They conquered this one as they sit on its head!!
On Roan Mountain the trail was frozen solid and the girls skated across the ice. “The Sparkle Machine” attempted some of her spins and tricks (she is an ice skater) but was missing her skates.
Up and over Roan mountain and all the balds proved to have amazing views and some open lands. We saw deer and the birds and wildlife are starting to come out.
After traveling back and forth between North Carolina and Tennessee we have left North Carolina for our time on the trail. Heading northward…!
Just monkeys or birds (“Wild Jay”) swinging from the vines!
400 miles!!!
The girls continue to do their schoolwork along the trail. This is “Horse Power’s” Joan of Arc costume and presentation. She carried the parts and pieces for over a week so it was nice to drop the weight.
A number of trail side waterfalls have been among the girls favorite! We try to spend lunch at them so they can soak their tired feet.
Papa Bear said one of his favorite days and parts of the trail was walking down to Laurel Falls and along the river. We ate lunch with our feet in the river.
Thank you Jim and Boots off Hostel. The girls loved the bunkhouse!
Yes we carry the extra weight of the bunny puppet. Baby bunny teaches it all her school lessons and shows it some exciting time on the trail!😊🐰
Northward bound!
Awaking Dreams 
Loved the update and new pictures. Looks like everyone is having a great time and learning so much. We will see you on your next trip out in the Shanandoah Mountains.
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