Day 12: Pain, Screams, Howls and Puke
Last night in the Wayah Bald Shelter was not a five star experience. It was raining hard and the shelter was dry, I give it that. There were five of us there, six if you count Wayah the dog, which is what I Read More
Day 11: Wayah Bald
Just before the sun came up the rain started. I packed up without making breakfast so I could do a few miles and eat in a less exposed area. Before I left camp I told Julian I was going to push for Read More
Day 10: Albert
Another glorious weather day. It was cold enough to enjoy my bag last night. Perhaps in low 50s. Within a few miles this morning there were great views from Ridgepole Mtn. Later, the climb up Albert Mtn was tough. Steep, using hands Read More
Day 9: Standing Indian
Todays 12.5 miles were dominated by the climb up and over Standing Indian Mtn. Even though a big climb the trail was not as rocky as it has been and seemed easier. My knee has been a bit better, the brace and Read More
Day 8: Big Climb, Big Meal
Left the comfort of the Top Of Georgia hostel at 8 and hit the trail. Hiked about 12 miles, with a big climb up out of Dicks Creek Gap. Crossed into North Carolina this afternoon and ended at the Muskrat Creek Shelter. Julian, my hiking Read More
Day 7: Dicks Creek Gap, Hiawasse resupply
Made it to my first resupply point at Dicks Creek Gap. Hiawasse is 11 miles west but the Top Of Georgia Hostel is just a half mile from the trail. The hostel offers a bunk, shower and laundry service for $30. I had a Read More
Day 5: I Reek
Walked from Hogpen Gap to the Blue Mtn Shelter todayn about 11 miles. During the beautiful hike I realized that my odor had gone way way past smelling, beyond stinking….I reek. The water source this evening is a tiny trickle but I managed Read More
Day 4: Blood, No Water
Early this morning hiked up Blood Mtn. Towards the top some rock scrambles but well worth it. The valleys were still filled with clouds. A 4 mile descent to Neels Gap where cold drinks and snacks were had. Then on north. This part of Read More
Day 3, plodding along
Hiked about 10 miles today, just plodding along. The pain in my knee is a little better. My feet are in pretty good shape, only one popped blister so far. Pretty trail today. After passing through Woody Gap there were views from Big Cedar Read More
Day Two…I Hurt
I was hiking by 7:30 this morning, hoping to get some miles in before it got too hot. I am hiking with Julian, a 42 year old Scotsman who has lived in St Martin for 20 years. He’s a sailor, chef, and dive instructor. Read More
Starting at Springer
After arriving in Atlanta I stayed at the Hiker Hostel in Dahlonega Monday night. This morning they dropped me off within a mile of the start of the Appalachian Trail. I hiked 9 miles, arriving at the Hawk Mtn shelter around 3. I am Read More
515 Mile Warmup Hike On A.T.
In preparation for my 2017 PCT hike I’m setting out on 9/26 to hike 515 miles of the Appalachian Trail. This will be a test of my new gear, a chance to get in shape, and an opportunity to get some of the pain Read More
Hiking The Pacific Crest Trail In 2017
I am hiking the Pacific Crest Trail in 2017. Beginning at the Mexican border, the PCT travels 2,660 miles through CA, OR, and WA until reaching the Canadian border. From desert valleys, to the high Sierra Nevada and Cascade mountain ranges it passes through a variety of climate and terrain. This blog captures my experience preparing for and hiking the PCT.
