BrewHiker

Today was the longest climb yet. It was a total of 8.2 miles to the summit of Cheoah Bald. A gain of over 3,000′ of altitude. Many parts were quite steep!  I made it just over 4.5 hours.  I pushed down the other side for a few more miles. Camped in small area that is […]

What a night…I’m glad I had a spot in the shelter. As predicted, the thunderstorms rolled through. It rained most of the night. From the look of the tents this morning, it was a rough night. So glad to awake dry and rested.  After yesterday’s terrain, the Trail gave me a break today. The conditions […]

Another tough day on the trail. Even coming off a nero day, my legs were tired. The terrain was difficult and uphill. I covered eleven well earned miles. Made the shelter by 3:30.  Got in early enough that I got a spot in the shelter. Thunderstorms are forecast overnight. It will be nice to stay […]

Sunrise from my campsite!  Up early and on the Trail by 8:00. My plan?  A nero day. Only had to cover 1.7 miles to meet a 9:15 shuttle into Franklin. It’s that time again to resupply and cleanup.  Okay…the truth is there are two breweries in Franklin. It’s a must stop for the BrewHiker. Both […]

That’s right…hit the 100 mile mark today! Boy did I have to work for it. The ascent up to Mt. Albert was a moderate hike. The last half mile was straight up. Rock scrambling at its best. Stopped for lunch and enjoyed the view.  My target today was Rock Gap Shelter. Only 12.1 miles. I […]

It rained most of the night. With 100% humidity it’s hard to keep anything dry. A lot of wet gear, but all still working great. I wouldn’t want to be out here with cheap gear.  Today the trail entered some of the areas hit by last seasons wild fires. Coupled with the fog, mist, and […]

Rest days are great!  Strangely enough I was eager to get back to hiking. A somewhat decent nights sleep. Too much tossing and turning. After breakfast, it was back to the trail.  Wow…did it turn into a grueling day. It seemed to be entirely uphill. Climb after climb, after climb. I just kept my head […]

Nice zero mileage day. Shower, laundry, food, bed, and most important…family. Many thanks to Boca Grande for coming to visit. What a big spiritual lift.  We had a fun day brewery hopping. Shall I say I had a great time while she drove. Such a good sport…putting up with me.  The BrewHiker hit Fannin Brewing […]

Cold, hard ground is not your friend. My doomed sleeping mat was useless. It was a long, cold night. Let’s say I was a little slow getting going this morning.  It was only 5.4 miles to the Gap. As usual, straight up and straight down. The descent into the Gap was grueling. My body is […]

Helen, GA is a quaint little place. One of those German themed, year round Christmas kind of places. The Chattahoochee River runs right through downtown. Two beers, some food, and lights out.  Getting a bed for the night was the right call. Slept 10 hours and awoke refreshed. Quick bagel and cream cheese for breakfast. […]