When you’re on foot, it’s a little strange to be walking up an Interstate ramp. This was our first interstate crossing on the AT, under I-40. Many more to come.
A Sobering Reminder
After five weeks on the trail, Sandy and I still snuggled together in our enormous Big Agnes sleeping bag every night, recapping the events of the day and laughing out loud at our own mishaps and the antics of our fellow hikers. With worn muscles and sore knees, we are thankful for the miles behind …
Above the Clouds
After arriving cold and wet at Icewater Springs Shelter to watch it rain, rain, rain the rest of the day, we awoke to this amazing vista from the shelter: looking down on the clouds with mountaintops rising through them.
Artist’s Palette
As we left Tray Mountain, the skies settled into a permanent overcast that permeated the day. It felt like drizzle but didn’t, the skies heavy about leafless trees. Climbing the long ascent to Kelly Knob, a new perspective lay before us: the colors of the Blue Ridge. In that moment, I understood the artist’s palette …
Big Butt Mountain NC
I’d hiked here a half dozen years ago and wondered how it got its name. On the AT, you finally figure it out.
Big Stink
There’s no getting around it: thru-hikers stink. It still bugs me that I can smell it even after I shower. Daily strenuous activity + weekly laundry + no flush toilets + stinky clothing + no antiperspirant = yuck! Some smell worse than others, but we’re all so stinky, especially on hot days, we hardly even …
Hiker Crossing
Step lively at Fontana Dam as the traffic zips by!
Hinson Trails completed
Four trails, four miles, 900 volunteer hours: the efforts of the Panhandle Chapter of the Florida Trail Association, including coordination of F-Troop trail crews, have led to a new place to hike in Northwest Florida.
Hitching a Ride
Soaking wet at Winding Stair Gap, we cowered close to the roadcut as thunder boomed and lightning crashed across the mountains. How would we get to Franklin? Our friends weren’t able to pick us up and the last hiker shuttle of the day had already left. Gutsy sat in her tent, out of the rain. …
Hospitality
Warm meals, hot showers, and comfortable beds with pillows: such are the kindnesses extended by friends as we hike, and it makes all the difference when our spirits are sagging. At the Hostel at Laughing Heart Lodge, we’re cheered by the hospitality extended by hosts Chuck Norris and Tigger. Yes, we know them, but they …
Laid Up
(Just a reminder – these posts aren’t in “real time” but lagging 2-4 weeks. We’re well now, thanks!) We hadn’t planned to spend a week in Hot Springs, the first town where the AT ambles right through the center of everything, but there we were. The first few days were spent with a dear friend …
Rocky Top
Almost lost my hat on Rocky Top, up in the Tennessee Hills … winds were blowing strong on Rocky Top, guess they always will.
