19ish miles today. We took a late morning today, getting out at about 8:15. The start was fine, an easy downhill and then one 500ft climb and descent to a 2 mile flat section. Then came “the climb”, a 1800 foot climb in about 3 miles with the first 750 in the first 3/4...
Day 32 April 2 – Knot Maul Shelter -37.00073, -81.140437 –
24 miles today. We got a good 7 o’clock start from Hurricane Shelter today. It didn’t pay off though. We hit the Atkins interstate crossing and “resupply” at 11:30, not our intended 10:00. The truck stop there had only basic stuff and it was hard to find enough for three more days. I ended...
Day 31 April 1 – Partnership Shelter – 36.81133, -81.42122 –
20 miles today. FedEx and I got a semi-early start today and hauled into Dicky Gap so he could get into Troutdale for Sunday services. After spending a few hours in town we got back to the trail by a ride from the pastor. We made good time into Partnership with a one hour...
Day 30 March 31 – Hurricane Shelter – 36.71540, -81.50947 –
20ish miles today. THANK GOD for my new pack. It has been a godsend. I feel like there’s nothing on my back so I was CRUISING today. I feel so much more energized and my back and shoulders don’t hurt, not to mention it looks cool. I’m going into Troutdale with FedEx tomorrow to...
Day 29 March 30 – Damascus, VA –
24 miles today. After a VERY early start today we hit the trail on our slack pack. It was really quite nice. I ended up doing a trail run the during the last 15 miles, about a mile of running and half a mile walk repetatively. I got back into town about 2 and...
Day 28 March 29 – Damascus VA – ZERO DAY –
0 miles today. After a late morning of getting up I visited the outfitter’s to pay for my two nights at the hostel and to get a NEW PACK. I ended up buying a 1 pound 5 ounce ULA pack and a headband with crystals in it that absorb water to keep you cool....
Day 27 March 28 – Mt. Rogers Hostel, Damascus VA – 36.63532, -81.78889 –
41.3 miles today. A VERY long day. The day started great, a huge breakfast and an 8:00 start. The terrain was pretty easy. There was a somewhat strenuous 1000 foot climb to the “Tennessee Turnpike” plateau. Then it all “flattened” out. The trail did small 50ish foot ups and downs with a couple of...
Day 26 March 27 – Kincora Hostel –
8.7 miles today. A very easy day today. Everybody but FedEx and Zero slack packed Pond Flats, the only monstrosity between us and Damascus. This way we have an easy small climb and a plateau all the way into Damascus. When we got back, Cough Drop, Jen, and I went to Johnson City for...
Day 25 March 26 – Kincora Hostel – 36.26262, -82.12755 –
15 miles today. I got up at 3:20 this morning and on the trail at 3:40 with Mouse Trap. My headlamp is getting replaced in Damascus. It was a really nice “night” hike as it was almost 50 degrees until 8:30 and the stars were all out and bright. We made great time and...
Day 24 March 25 – Mountaineer Shelter – 36.22011, -81.98578 –
17.5 miles today. It was a good day, but it was HOT. I measured 85 degrees at one point. The terrain wasn’t too bad, but there were some pretty steep spots. The shelter here is AWESOME. It was only built a year ago and is really well designed. Getting into Kincora tomorrow is gonna...