Since being on the trail, it has never felt better to be warm, dry and in my bag than right now. I was sopping wet all day long from the weather and trail conditions. Today may well be the most miserable I’ve been since my hike started. Let’s start with the weather. The Smokies are […]
Day 33: Birch Spring Gap to Russell Field Shelter
Guess what everyone?!? I’ve broken with my tent only policy and am camping in a shelter tonight! M’mot, Zeeba and I left camp this morning at about 8am. We decided to stop at Mollies Ridge Shelter to have a hot brunch. To facilitate getting out of camp quickly, I even delayed my coffee until brunch! […]
Day 32: Fontana Dam Shelter to Birch Spring Gap
I am back in my home away from home. My tent and portable sleep system. It’s so nice and cozy and the sound of the rain on the tent is soothing. I was originally planning on leaving really early and covering the 10 miles to the first shelter. However, M’mot and Zeeba were not leaving […]
Day 31: Fontana Road Crossing to Fontana Dam Shelter
Wait a minute… wasn’t this supposed to be a zero day in Fontana Village? Why is there a from/to designation in the post title??? For the answer, read on… This morning started with breakfast at the Mountainview Restaurant here at the Fontana Lodge. M’mot, Zeeba and I had arranged this the previous night at dinner. […]
Day 30: Stecoah Gap to Fontana Road Crossing
Shuttle Steve dropped me off at Stecoah Gap at 8am on schedule. I was physically and mentally ready to conquer my first 15 mile day. In fact, I committed to it. Steve advised if I were to stay in the Fontana Lodge as planned, I should play it safe and make a reservation. So that’s […]
Day 30: Good Morning!!!
Can you believe it? I’m thirty days into this thing! Fast hikers who started when i did are already in VA at this point. Slow hikers are just approaching the Smoky Mountains. I’m in the later group. I have 15 miles to cover today to keep my schedule. If I come up short, all is […]
Day 29: Sassafras Gap Shelter to Stecoah Gap
This is funny, I almost forgot to write this post! I’m currently laying down and was almost asleep. Then I had that gnawing feeling that I was forgetting something. All of a sudden it hit me… BLOG POST! Perhaps the reason I so easily forgot is because I’m so comfortable. Why so comfortable? Because I’m […]
Day 28: Nantahala Outdoor Center to Sassafras Gap Shelter
Everyone, I hate to be brief, but I’m tired. Today kicked my tail! 3000 foot climb. The biggest yet. Started at 1230pm, finished about 730pm. Total distance of 7 miles. Passed a great view of the Nantahala River Gorge. Some of this was seriously steep stuff. May be my hardest day yet. But I’m still […]
Day 26-27: Zeros in Bryson City and Photos and Videos
It’s taken forever to put this post together. I think I need to take less pictures and video. I won’t even bother trying to summarize the town days. In short, Woodstock, Giggles and I have all had a great couple days here in Bryson City, NC walking around town and eating lots of food. Tomorrow, we […]
Day 25: Cold Spring Shelter to Nantahala Outdoor Center
So, guess what? My alarm went off at 6:00 am and I actually got up! I knew I had a near 12 mile day to the Nantahala Outdoor Center and I needed to arrive there in mid-afternoon at the latest, to secure a room. I made it out of camp at 9:00am – my earliest […]