Day 32: Roan Mountain
Determined to make up for yesterday I once again got an early start. I was walking as soon as it was light enough to see, about 7:30. Most of the morning was a climb ending on Roan Mtn at 6200 feet. There were 5 Read More
Day 31: Chilly Wimp
I was determined to do big miles today. I was up at 6am, took down the tent and made coffee and oatmeal by flashlight. As soon as it was light enough to see I was on my way. The trail was pretty but unremarkable. Read More
Day 30: Late Start
I really wanted to leave early today but it just didn’t work. Clint, one of the hostel staff, told me that Johnny had called and said he would be doing the morning shuttle because he wanted to have breakfast with me. I couldn’t just Read More
Day 29: Dead Phone, Wonderful Hosts
Just after posting blogs last night my Samsung S4 bit the dust. It had been flaky for some time but reformatting the cache area seemed to fix things for a few weeks at a time. Not this time. Even a factory reset Read More
Day 28: Into Erwin
About 12 miles today brought me to the Nolichucky River, Erwin TN, and Uncle Johnnies Hostel. It is a funky spot, definitely for hikers and not the faint of heart. But John and Charlotte Shores are very friendly and offer a bunk, Read More
Day 27: A Glorious Hiking Day
It was a crisp morning that started with a mouse damage check. After dark I heard the mouse and got my light on him just as he lept from a clothes line that ran too close to my hanging pack. I leaned over Read More
Day 26: Cold, Very Pleasant Eve
Went down to about freezing last night. I was comfy in my bag in only shorts and a tee and did not have to add clothing. Frost and ice on my first peak this morning. No pics till afternoon after I put my phone Read More
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
