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