Jerry Cabin Shelter to Hogback Ridge Shelter - 15.5 miles Didn’t mention it yesterday, but I reached the 300-mile point! Started off with cold rain this morning. I had service as I started climbing so I tried calling Laura about my tendon. No answer. Ended up sending her a text later and at the shelter … Continue reading 4/4/2018 – Day 26 →

Spring Mountain Shelter to Jerry Cabin Shelter - 15.9 miles Woke up a bit later than I wanted to (6:40am) and within 10 minutes, everyone else in the shelter was up and moving. That’s usually how it goes in shelters. Not a very long day, but a tendon in my leg started hurting on the … Continue reading 4/3/2018 – Day 25 →

Hot Springs, NC to Spring Mountain Shelter - 11 miles I planned on sleeping in this morning but ended up waking up before 6:30. By the time my tent was packed up, only one other person tenting was awake. Went to the diner in town and sat down with Pilgrim. Ate some eggs, bacon, and … Continue reading 4/2/2018 – Day 24 →

Deer Park Mountain Shelter to Hot Springs, NC - 3.2 miles Nero day. A short hike into Hot Springs early in the morning. Tented at the Laughing Heart Lodge. The owner, Jeff, told me if I played my p-bone I wouldn’t have to pay to stay, so that’s exactly what I did. Got lunch/drinks with … Continue reading 4/1/2018 – Day 23 →

Groundhog Creek Shelter to Deer Park Mountain Shelter - 23 miles No rain today! Sunny with a high of 67°F. The gap before climbing to Max Patch there were 2 women who thru hiked in the past that had trail magic. They cooked sausage, egg, and cheese biscuits. There was also coffee, chocolate milk, juice, … Continue reading 3/31/2018 – Day 22 →

Cosby Knob Shelter to Groundhog Creek Shelter - 17.6 miles Made it out of the Smokies! Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t as nice as the day before. It rained most of the day and even hailed at one point. Shelter was full when I got there so I had to set my tent up in the … Continue reading 3/30/2018 – Day 21 →

Icewater Spring Shelter to Cosby Knob Shelter - 20.3 miles Got started hiking by 7:20 this morning – earliest start time yet. It was foggy in the morning, but once I started hiking the sun came out and stayed out all day. I finished hiking in short sleeves and wanting to take my pants off … Continue reading 3/29/2018 – Day 20 →

Double Spring Gap Shelter to Icewater Spring Shelter - 13.6 miles Tented last night and it was not so bad. It wasn’t raining in the morning. Another foggy/cloudy/windy day. No view up at Clingman’s Dome, except white clouds. Still went up and recorded myself playing p-bone. Got a section hiker to drive me to town … Continue reading 3/28/2018 – Day 19 →

Spence Field Shelter to Double Spring Gap Shelter - 13.5 miles It was cloudy and drizzling all day, so I decided not to push the 19 miles to Mt. Collins today. Set up my tent for the first time since before Blood Mountain. Didn’t end up needing to, but if my weather app is right, … Continue reading 3/27/2018 – Day 18 →

Fontana Dam Visitor Center to Spence Field Shelter - 17.4 miles A bit cold and chilly, but overall not a bad hiking day. First day in the Smokies! Said goodbye to Grant and Graham this morning and got the 8:30am shuttle with Digs. Once we got to the climb at the beginning of the Smokies, … Continue reading 3/26/2018 – Day 17 →