Wow…those storms last night were wicked. Lightning show and pounding rain. After the first storm line passed, I got out of the tent and checked the stakes and tautness. Good thing…the second line was worse. Ever heard of “flash to crash”? Count after the lightning flash until you here the thunder. Every 5 seconds is […]
Day 6 / Low Gap / 43.2
Up early. Packed up and shuttled back to the trail about 8:45. Did a small food resupply at the outfitter and headed out. You guessed it…9:15. Fairly difficult climb right out of the box. The trail never gives you anything for free. Pushed hard for 5.5 miles and arrived at Tesnatee Gap. My pace was […]
Day 5 / Neel Gap / 31.7
My plan was to get up early and get a head start on the crowd. You know what they say about the best laid plans. I was awake on time. The cold kept me in my sleeping quilt. Finally hit the trail at the normal 9:15. Approximately 4.5 miles uphill right out of camp. Gradual […]
Day 4 / Lance Creek / 24.3
Had the opportunity to meet Miss Janet last night. She is a legendary AT Trail Angel and shuttle driver. Truly a nice lady who will go to great lengths to help hikers. Today was my earliest start yet. Not real early. On the trail at 9:15. Covered the first 3.5 miles in two hours. Ramrock […]
Day 3 / Gooch Gap / 17.1
As anticipated, it rained last night. Something comforting in the sound of the drops hitting the tent. Still awake a few times in the night, but sleeping better. I think the warmer nights are helping. Couldn’t be that I’m tired from a great day hiking in the Appalachians. Awoke about 8:30. On the trail by […]
Day 2 / Hawk Mountain Shelter / Trail Miles – 8.1
Tossed & turned quite a bit last night. Slept in shifts. It was still quite cold. Awake at 4:45 just hoping to sleep a few more hours. Woke up at 9:30. Hit the Trail by 10:30. Made good time despite ever changing footing. Frozen mud to start, changing to thawing mud, followed by plain old […]
Day 1 – Trail mileage .2
Living the dream! Today I’m on the AT. After ~7.5 miles to the summit of Springer Mountain, I hiked a whooping .2 miles to the Springer shelter. Feel good. Feel strong. Could have gone further, but I’m in for the slow start. Beautiful sunny day…but boy is it cold. Some warmer weather supposed to be […]
T-Minus One Day
The cold weather stretch continues. So much for hoping for warm weather. Guess the bright side is that we missed winter storm Stella. We had a great day hiking around the State Park and enjoying the sunshine. Found some great barbecue in Dahlonega. What a quaint little town. Finished my last few chores. Ready to […]
T-Minus Two Days
Checked into the Lodge at Amicalola Falls. Wow…what a view. Registered at the visit center…hiker #810. Just wish it were a bit warmer. Only 30* and blowing winds. Tomorrow…check, double check, and breath deep. Springer is less than eight miles away!
T-Minus Three Days
Finished my last few errands and commitments prior to launch. Then struck with a stomach bug. Lots of laying around hoping the crud passes quickly!