Day 25: Fall Arrived
Around 1am the temp dropped about 15 degrees, rain started to fall and the wind kicked up. Fall arrived. Yesterday was shorts and a tee, today is long pants, fleece pullover, rain jacket and gloves. Rain stopped by 10 but it was windy, cold Read More
Day 24: Cross The French Broad And Climb
I left Hot Springs this morning after one more breakfast at the diner. The trail runs right down main street, crosses the French Broad River and then starts to climb. Only 11 miles today, but uphill and with a full pack. I crossed many Read More
Day 23: R&R In Hot Springs
I left camp by flashlight. At 8:30 I was having bacon and eggs at the Smoky Mountain Diner. I am staying at Elmers, also known as the Sunnybank Inn. Earl Schaefer stayed here when he did the AT in 1948. Private room, shared Read More
Day 22: 20 Miles Over Max Patch
I did 20.1 miles today, the highest of this trip. My pack was light, the terrain was good, and having almost no food left is great motivation. The day included climbing over Max Patch. This mountain was cleared by early settlers and is Read More
Day 21: Alone, Finally
The nut cases at the shelter were up at 5am. Sleep was not possible. I left at first light but suffered from low energy all day. After leaving the park the trail crossed interstate 40 and the Pigeon River and then just beyond that Read More
Day 20: Down To The Persistent Snake
Much of today was descending from the Smokies. From about 6,000 feet in the morning I dropped to about 2,500 this evening and camped at Davenport Gap, about 2 miles before the northern boundary of the park. It was a 15 mile day for Read More
Day 19: Cruise The Misty Ridge
Today was a 12 mile cruise along the ridge of the Smokies. Awoke to a thick fog which broke up slowly over the morning. Long stretches of trail on a 5 to 6 foot wide ridge with steep drops and views to both sides. Read More
Day 18: Clingmans Dome
Hiked up and over Clingmans Dome today. It is the highest point on the A.T. There is a road to the top so after climbing it you suddenly pop out into a crowd of tourists. Was weird. I climbed the observation tower but Read More
Day 17: Over Rocky Top
A really nice hiking day, 15 miles, over Rocky Top and on to Silers Bald. Saw two flocks of turkeys today. Started me thinking, turkey….stuffing…mashed potatoes.
Day 16: Up Into The Smokies
I loaded up with 4 liters of water, crossed the dam and trudged all day up into the Smokies. I really felt the extra 8.8 lbs of water, along with a full 7 days food. Made it to Russell Field Shelter, about a 14.8 Read More
