Category: The Hike

Day 10 Long Branch Shelter to Winding Stair Gap (7.2 miles) A bit less cold last night (low 30's?). Didn't have to sleep in jacket, etc. so that's good. I've been pitching my tent in area near shelters (usually 3 walked building with platform on floor to sleep on). The areas have cleared pads for... Continue reading →

Day 11 Winding Stair Gap to Cold Spring Shelter (15.8 miles) Caught shuttle back to trail and hiking by 9:30. Beautiful day. Sunny and about 60. Every once in awhile you cross Forest Service roads like below. Strange thing about this one is that was uphill to get to road and those stairs you see... Continue reading →

Day 12 Cold Spring Shelter to Nantahala Outdoor Center (11.7 miles) Sunrise from my front porch this AM. Night was chilly but tolerable. This camping spot was up along ridge (4926 elev) as compared to most which are in valley. Nice views. This section has the worst fire damage I've been through yet. Lots of... Continue reading →

Day 13 NOC to Hogback Gap (17.9 miles) That's enough hosteling for a while. Quite the cacophony of noise in my 8 bunk room. I heard sounds I didn't realize a human could make...and does everyone snore these days. Great quintet going most of night. Worst sleep since frozen night! Big climb out of the... Continue reading →

Day 14 Hogback Gap to Fontana Dam (9.5 miles) 164.4 total miles After 3.5 miles this AM came across Trail Magic provided by "Yard Dart." Cokes, tangerines, candy, and even dog treats! He started hiking trail mid-March with wife but hurt his leg and unable to continue. Wife is still going for it and he's... Continue reading →

Day 15 Fontana, NC to Spence Field Shelter (18.5 miles) 182.9 total miles Had to get permit to hike through Great Smoky Mtn National Park printed at Lodge. Hassle but completed. Got a ride to trail from Sally and Mr. Sally (Bill). They were providing trail magic at end of my hike yesterday. I didn't... Continue reading →

Day 16 Spence Field Shelter to Double Spring Gap Shelter (11.5 miles) 196.4 total miles. Cool, crisp AM. Steep climb up out of shelter area to start day. The AT runs along NC/TN border for most of Great Smoky Mtn National Park.   I believe peak below is TN because it's name is Rocky Top.... Continue reading →

Day 17 Double Spring Gap Shelter to Pecks Corner Shelter (20.7 miles) 217.1 total miles Double Spring Shelter has 2 springs. One in NC and other in TN. The trail follows the border for a long way. Steep hike in fog and wind to Clingman's Dome this AM. At elevation of 6667 feet, this is... Continue reading →

Day 18 Pecks Corner Shelter to Pigeon River (21.7 miles) 238.7 total miles Tented last night next to "Butter". Hiked SOBO (ME to GA) couple of years ago. Now going NOBO! He's about mid 60's. Told him I definitely wouldn't be doing the both ways thing! Hike today was mostly downhill leaving the Smokies. Rained... Continue reading →

Day 19 Pigeon River to Two Streams (19 miles) 257.7 miles total Light rain on and off through night. Stayed dry inside tent. Yea! Warmest night camping so far. Guessing because of low elevation (1698 ft). Little stream I camped by last night turns into real river down the hill a piece! Walked right under... Continue reading →