So I’ve been calling this place Standing Bear Hostel when it’s correct name is Standing Bear Farm. I made it here at about 500pm last night. This post is being the following morning… This morning! See, I was up way past what we call “hiker midnight.” I was up until “real midnight.” When I went […]
Day 42: Pecks Corner Shelter to Cosby Shelter
Today was another excellent day. Good hiking, excellent views and beautiful weather. I made it 13 miles here to Cosby Shelter, which is now my 2nd highest mileage day. It is also the first day in the Smokies where no precipitation has fallen. Actually, the day still has 3 hours left so let’s not make […]
Day 41: Newfound Gap to Pecks Corner Shelter
Well, I didn’t make the 15 mile day I’d planned. I made it here at Pecks Corner Shelter at 400pm which was plenty of time to cover the extra 5 miles to Tri Corner Gap Shelter. So what happened? I made a bad call, that’s what! Just as I arrived here the weather looked like […]
Day 41: Newfound Gap to Pecks Corner Shelter
Well, I didn’t make the 15 mile day I’d planned. I made it here at Pecks Corner Shelter at 400pm which was plenty of time to cover the extra 5 miles to Tri Corner Gap Shelter. So what happened? I made a bad call, that’s what! Just as I arrived here the weather looked like […]
Day 40: Getting Back in the Game
So, this morning I wasn’t sure what I’d do. With the mental games this trail is playing, I’m still not willing to give up. So, my choices were to either head back to the trail this morning or to zero here and head out tomorrow morning. I chose the later which would give me time […]
Day 39: Clingman’s Dome to Newfound Gap
So this morning, I’ got a ride back to Clingman’s Dome from Nathan and Gloria on their way out of town. MotMot and Zeba also headed back today and had an hour-ish head start on me. We’d planned to arrive at the same location for the evening – Ice Water Shelter. I got off to […]
Day 37-38: Update – Photos and Videos
Ok everyone, just a short update to inform you that I’ve completed posting the photos and videos from Days 28 thru 38. Some of you rely on e-mail notifications only, and if you do, you won’t get the photos and videos. As such, I’m providing a direct link to the previous posting that I’ve updated. […]
Day 37-38: Zeros in Gatlinburg, TN and Photos and Videos
Nathan, Gloria and I have had an awesome time in Gatlinburg, TN.We’ve ridden the Ober Gatlinburg tram car to the top of a mountain. We’ve ridden down that same mountain on an Alpine Sled Ride, which is a bobsled type of ride. We’ve visited the Ripley’s Aquarium. We’ve eaten at several really good local restaurants. […]
Day 36: Silers Bald Shelter to Clingman’s Dome
I made it to Clingman’s Dome and to Gatlinburg, TN! Mother nature was relatively kind to me today, not dropping an single rain drop on me. For that, I was most happy. The skies sure looked like rain though, and so I was expecting it all the time. The view from the observation tower at […]
Day 35: Derrick Knob Shelter to Silers Bald Shelter
Well, today was not much better than yesterday. In fact, it was worse. I’ve only come 5.7 miles today. The rain was just as relentless as yesterday. I had the grand plan this morning of busting out 10.5 miles and finishing atop Clingmams Dome. Once there I was going to call for a shuttle or […]