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
Day 15: Fontana Dam
Started before sunrise because I had 15 miles to get to Fontana, then a 2 mile road walk to get to the resort where my resupply package waits, then 2 miles back to the trail and the shelter near the dam. Made good time Read More
Day 14: Cheoah Bald
I left NOC early this morning after saying goodbye to Julian, who ends his trip here. From an elevation of 1700 feet at the river I climbed all morning to the top of Cheoah Bald at over 5000 feet. Gorgeous mountain, tough trail. Read More
Day 13: Cheeseburger Express
Last night we were camped only 3.5 miles away from the Nantahala Outdoor Center on the Nantahala River. Whitewater rafting center, outfitter, restaurant, and hostel. Even up where we were the sound of the train that runs up and down the gorge Read More
