Nov 5 and 6, 2026. Am close to finishing Tennessee. I booked more time here than I needed, so I’ll probably go work on some of the southern Kentucky portion of the Sheltowee Trace until it’s time for me to leave the region.

Did the originally designated portion of the Wolf River Greenway National Recreation Trail near Memphis yesterday. That’s a lovely and popular paved path through woods along the river, and it goes in and out of neighborhoods and green spaces. The trail will eventually expand to over 20 miles. Had lunch afterward with Barry G. Smith, a kind fellow I met on my AT thruhike last year, and two of his hiking friends. Barry’s a good guy, and I was glad to see him again. Wish I had gotten a selfie during lunch – I am terrible about remembering to get selfies.

Drove toward southern/central TN today and hiked the Big Hill Pond NRT, which is actually called Dry Ridge Trail and is within Big Hill Pond State Rec Area. That was a lovely, proper dirt trail in the woods with plenty of ups, downs, rocks, and roots. Constant views of Big Hill Pond, though the water is extremely low due to drought and intentional draining. The pond’s water is being switched out/replenished so the area is healthier for the resident fish. Something to that effect. A ranger explained the process to me, but I do not remember the details. Formed a loop out of Dry Ridge with some connector trails and a forest road for 6.5 total miles.

I’m starting to get excited about my almost-five-month-long international trip, which I will begin after Thanksgiving. Gotta get back to working on my TCC goals. When I return to the States next spring, I’ll do Wisconsin. Then I have another TCC stretch in fall 2027.