Posts
Aqua Blazing Watauga Lake
White Blaze, Blue Blaze, Yellow Blaze, Aqua Blaze What are all these different blazes? The Appalachian Trail is identified by its white, rectangular
The Roan Highlands: My Favorite Section To Date
Heading Out Of Erwin There was a rainstorm the night I spent at USA Raft in Erwin, but the hikers on the trail all reported that it had not been as
Rain, Rain, Go Away
April Showers Bring May Flowers Like the beautiful fringed polygala above. But it’s already May! Why is it so rainy? It has rained three of the
Max Patch, Hot Springs, and More Updates On Bear Activity
Max Patch Max Patch is a magnificent bald mountaintop, offering expansive 360 degree views. Previously a homestead, it was purchased by the
Change In Footwear, Leaving the Smokies, and Update on Bear Activity
Change in Footwear i was terribly disappointed when I discovered at Locust Cove Gap Campsite, mile 147.4, that a lug on the sole of my new Keen
Deer, Wild Hogs, and Bears, Oh My
Animals In The Smokies There is a wide variety of wildlife along the AT. On two separate days, I saw deer. One day, I saw four wild hogs, who ran
Hiking In The Rain
Why Hike In The Rain? When I am home, I never choose to hike in the rain. I certainly don’t start a hike in the rain. I have turned back before
Eight Lessons (Re)Learned After Ten Days On The Trail
Lesson 1 -Know How To Use Your Gear Before Leaving Home This lesson seems obvious, but it is well worth repeating. I have used a Garcia bear
Trail Magic at Woody Gap, Tesnaste Gap, and Deep Gap
Getting to Woody Gap After leaving Gooch Gap, I stopped to admire a view. Fatman, a local day hiker who retired to the area from Atlanta 7 years
The First Steps
The First Step I just took the first step on a journey that I hope will last 5 to 6 months. It feels momentous. I am exhilarated and perhaps a bit