Latest Posts

  • Laurel

    Hope. July 1864: David Shelton Jr., William Shelton, and Millard Haire were killed by Confederate soldiers during the Civil war.War. They were three Unionists trying to return to their families. They were hiding out on a cabin on Bald Mountain… Continue reading

    Laurel

  • Howard’s Rock

    Disaster. I left the campsite early that morning. I was packed up, fed, and hit the trail around 6:30. I caught up to Creek and Critter right before we found some trail magic. The “Cookie Lady” has a cabin right… Continue reading

    Howard’s Rock

  • Hot Springs

    Putt Putt. Day 23 was half an in-town day and half an on-trail day. I started my day by packing up and checking out of Laughing Heart. I headed straight into town as the Appalachian Trail literally goes right down… Continue reading

    Hot Springs

  • Max Patch

    Splendor. I left The Lunchbox a bit later the next day, having planned a short mileage day as Snowbird Mountain was going to be a big half-day climb. It was only about a half-mile stroll to the end of the… Continue reading

    Max Patch

  • Tricorner

    Tenth. The day out of Gatlinburg started early. Creek, Critter, and I were looking for a hitch out of town. We couldn’t have had our thumbs out for more than 10 minutes when a woman from the nearby general store… Continue reading

    Tricorner

  • Gatlinburg

    Recreation. The first night in Gatlinburg was a “stuff my face” night. My body was craving calories, and that is what I provided it. I found the closest pizza place, Luigi’s Pizza, and ate a large pizza with pepperoni, pineapple,… Continue reading

    Gatlinburg

  • The Smokies

    Frigid. Day 15, the start of my third week on the AT, was phenomenal. I started with a beautiful morning at Fontana Dam, which I crossed into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Clear skies and cool temperatures greeted me… Continue reading

    The Smokies

  • Fontana

    Perseverance. Day 13 was a bitch. I ended up starting the day a bit late because the general store didn’t open until 9 a.m., and I wanted to have a full five-day resupply as I pushed to Gatlinburg. Also, any… Continue reading

    Fontana

  • Nantahala

    Cold. I got back on the trail the day after taking a zero in Franklin. I had a hot breakfast while I waited out some morning showers. I was able to get a ride from Gale, who volunteers to take… Continue reading

    Nantahala

  • Franklin

    Zero Day. Old School and I rolled into Franklin and split a room at the Hillside Inn, just walking distance from town. After showering, we decided to grab dinner at a restaurant called Gracious Plates on Main. It was a… Continue reading

    Franklin