Written by: Brandon “Monkey” Imp
You turn a corner and see it – the end. Your body automatically winds down and you have to run to the end point before you collapse in a mixture of happiness and exhaustion. That’s what you feel at the end of a day of hiking, right? That’s what I felt like on the AT. Other hikers often thought we, The Traveling Circus, ran the entire day because we would charge into campground and collapse. Truth is, I was just tired and happy for another successful day of hiking.
As of this year, thru-hikers get to set a new end-goal for their time in the pre-Smokies region. Well, there are three options with a similar outcome. Steve “Wiggy” Bennett shuttles hikers from Wayah Gap, Burningtown Gap, and Telico Gap to the growing oasis called Aquone Hiker Hostel. Built, owned, and operated by Steve and his wife Maggie, Aquone caters to thru-hikers’ desires. Steve knows what they are, having thru-hiked the AT quite close to the Traveling Circus in 2010. 2010 hikers – remember the Syke brothers? He’s one of them!
The property was bought over a decade ago, covered in trees and natural shrubbery you would expect in the area. Steve had a bigger vision though – a new home. Over the years, which included sleeping in a tent month after month on the property, Steve looked online at how to build a cabin and did so. He did not stop at just one either. The complex now consists of two smaller cabins and a giant third cabin. A large lodge is down the road. There are hot tubs (plural), electricity and internet, a road (fittingly named Brittania), fire pits, grills, porches, and views in every direction. Steve and Maggie built it all, even the tables and bunk beds. Steve’s will-power is strong (see: thru-hiker); the dream became a reality.
The most important aspect of the hostel is the quality of the complex. Neville at Woods Hole Hostel reminded me to refrain from using words like “best” when talking about hostel set-ups on the AT; there are more accurate adjectives. Refreshing is the adjective of choice for Aquone Hiker Hostel. I apply this adjective to Woods Hole Hostel as well. At Woods Hole, the aura of the hostel gives a sense of refreshment. At Aquone, the cleanliness and impressiveness of the hostel gives a sense of refreshment. They both discard the American concept of hostel (see: cheap, a roof) and incorporate the European concept of hostel (see: experience, retreat.) Also, just like Woods Hole, Aquone has separate grounds for non-hikers (or wealthier hikers); the two smaller cabins are primarily used by vacationers. They also have a large lodge to rent down the road for bigger parties. Aquone hostel will be listed in the AT books next year and, once the word gets out, will be overrun with hikers. This will become a new mandatory stop on the AT.
I met Wiggy on my thru-hike in 2010. We have kept tabs on each other here and there; when the idea for the tour grew beyond the conversation between Ringleader and me, we notified hostels. Aquone Hiker Hostel was the first to jump on board. Later when booking venues, other towns requested the Tuesday reserved for Aquone, but I refused to budge. I am so glad I did not reschedule or remove Aquone from the G2M Tour. Steve and Maggie welcomed me with open arms, and their daughter Debbie and close friends arrived shortly after emoting equally positive energy. There was a delicious, never-ending barbecue, stimulating conversation, a boisterous viewing of Beauty Beneath the Dirt, more stimulating conversation, and a long night of drinking next to the fire. The movie spoke to every guest differently. Wiggy had a rocky hike with his brother Sticks – the film really helped visualize their hike to Maggie and Debbie. Steve regards his 2010 thru-hike a very pivotal moment in his life, yet he could only talk about it so much. Beauty Beneath the Dirt helped fill in the gaps that cannot be explained with only words.
Refreshing – that’s what Aquone Hiker Hostel is for guests. For the hikers, a rejuvenation. For myself, an excellent source of fuel to push forward on the G2M Tour towards Maine.
