04-29-13 In Damascus Together

Today was our first zero day, the first day we did not take a single step along the Appalachian Trail. There are many reasons to take a zero, but the biggest is rest. Damascus is a prime zero spot because the trail goes through town and there is plenty to do.

 After waking up at The Place, Bamboo helped me out with a haircut (found one time used clippers) and a beard trim. Got a gas station breakfast and moved to The Hikers Inn (think B&B minus the B) we had reserved for the night. Plans formulated that we would use the inn's grill to cook steaks. Store run was first, followed by the outfitter, drug store, and post pffice. Along the way got sidetracked by a chocolate milkshake. All back by 1 pm where we prepared K's specialty, Frito burritos.

 Afternoon was spent hanging out with our friends, doing laundry followed by a game of find the missing glove, and preparing the evening's feast. The inn owner, Lee, was extraordinarily nice and let us help ourselves to the kitchen. K and I had a 4-star salad and pork chops followed by boxed wine (Bamboo sponsored the wine). Fun was had by all and we were in bed well before the 10 pm quiet time.

 Our zero day was made especially nice by Lee at The Hikers Inn where we were treated to top notch service and hospitality. Damascus is one of our top town recommendations.

Somewhere on the Appalachian Trail - Trail Names

Most thru-hikers find their names along the trail. K and I found ours late into the Smokies.

04-28-13 Saying "Good-bye" to Tennessee Together

It rained all day. Light rain. Heavy rain. Straight. Diagonal. My feet were soaked in 20 minutes. My spirits, in 30.

We had planned to camp 2 miles shy of Damascus, but as my wet and muddy clothes clung to my skin, we decided to hike all the way through.

For lunch, we stopped into a shelter and fixed macaroni and cheese. A warm meal and a spirit pleaser.

We passed over into Virginia today. Here's hoping Tennessee will keep all her rain. Doubtful.

Rolled into town with soar wet feet. Quickly found out everything was booked up--no hotels here, just private residences and hostels. We found some vacancy at The Place, a hostel run by the Methodist Church.

However, the only bunks left were in the "sick" room. Word-of-mouth had indicated it was DNA with the stomach bug, so we had no problem sharing the space with him. Black Hawk and Hangman also joined us for the night.

Went to the local watering hole--Blue Blaze Cafe--for food, beverage and fellowship. We were joined by a slew of our buddies, and we also met some new faces. Here's to finishing the "mental" first quarter of the Appalachian Trail.

04-27-13 A Shelter in the Rain Somewhere

Listened to the light patter of rain on our tent then loaded up and headed north. It sprinkled off and on all day, but the terrain was pleasant; we were on the ridge most of the day.

Close to Tennessee Highway 91, a church had dropped off sodas and snacks for us, which certainly hit the spot--thank you!

Across the highway we walked in open pastures, which reminded me of the Dirty Kanza. We even saw cows! (And cow patties).

We reached Double Springs Shelter in the afternoon and debated how to proceed. With rain in the forecast from that moment until Sunday night, we opted to stay and wait out the night, crowded but dry.

04-25-13 In Hampton Together

Felt 110% better this morning. Gobbled up my Pop Tarts and was on my way.

The terrain was easy until we got to Laurel Falls. Up and down the craggy rocks we went. At one point we had to hug the rock wall with a six inch ledge for our feet or else plummet into the flowing water.

Close to the approach trail into Hampton we ran into our buddies--Bamboo, Shaman, Morning Kid and Cyclops! Caught up with them for awhile, then headed into Hampton.

Got lunch at the laundromat; I mean computer repair; I mean pool hall; I mean, actually all of those and more. Ahh... Got to love small towns.

Tonight we're staying at Brown's Castle Hostel. It's a converted post office; I mean lumber headquarters; I mean ice house; the owner, Sutton Brown, is real nice and a former volunteer firefighter.

04-26-13 Somewhere near Watauga Lake

Got a late start out of Hampton and proceeded up Pond Flats Mountain. B calls it a "pud" because the trail took us way out of the way to go up it, then back to the road into Hampton we were at before.

At the Shook Branch Recreation Area, a family had trail magic--grilled chicken, potatoes and baked beans. A pleasant and welcome treat-- thank you!

At Watauga Dam we took a break and enjoyed the views. Walked across it, then up the road and before we knew it, we were back in the woods.

We stopped for the night near a spring at mile 432 with our friend, Couch.

04-24-13 Sick in the Woods Somewhere

Woke up with an upset stomach. We broke camp and headed north. I ate two Pop Tarts which settled my stomach slightly. B caught up to me as I started struggling up every climb.

We stopped at a waterfall; he enjoyed the views, I enjoyed laying down.

I stopped again near the Hardcore Cascades. I took a brief nap. I woke up and my upset stomach overpowered me. I had the sickness. I wouldn't say it was the Norovirus but rather some other unknown bug. Regardless, I had puked in the woods. I grabbed a pile of leaves and covered up my mess. We quickly left the scene.

Our plan was to make it to Hampton--another 9 miles. Rain was in the forecast. We called an audible and settled for the Moreland Gap Shelter, 3 miles away.

Dragged into camp, pulled out my sleeping pad and sleeping bag and had a quiet evening.

04-23-13 Saying "Bye" to North Carolina Together

Had beautiful views this morning--Hump Mountain and Doll Flats both proved to be gorgeous. We said our final "good-bye" to North Carolina today; no longer are we on the border, but rather, both feet in Tennessee now.

We stopped for a small resupply at Mountain Harbor Bed & Breakfast and also grabbed some hot dogs for lunch.

The weather warmed up and we stopped for additional water at a church off the trail. There's no easier way to get water than out of a faucet, although it doesn't taste as good as mountain spring water.

Continued on and stopped for a snack at Jones Falls. Beautiful and refreshing. We put our feet in briefly because the water was COLD!

Hit the 400 mark and set up the tent at a campsite past mile 401. We met Why Not and Stand Up and were joined by our buddy Cyclops. We're hoping he's all germ-free now because we finished off our dinner tonight with some of his Sour Patch Kids (sour gummies).

04-22-13 Somewhere near Round Bald

We had a money day today; a day chock full of beautiful views and smooth trail. Days like today keep us going during the bad weather and sections of tough trail.

K and I got on the trail sometime after 8 because of the cold. We were soon warmed by the most reliable source we know, a big climb. Today's was bigger than most, we were going up to 6,000 ft in the Roan Highlands. The climb wasn't as bad as a 2,000 ft, 4 mile should be and we took our morning snack at Toll House Gap where a prohibition-era hotel once stood.

At Round Bald we were treated to 360 degree views and we ate our succulent lunch (tortilla with summer sausage and cheese). The next few miles were gentle ups and downs with views abound. Miles melted under our feet and before we knew it, we were ready for our afternoon snack with another 360.

We ended up camping in the only wooded area we could find between two giant balds. An easy way to hike 15 miles.

04-21-13 Somewhere near Little Rock Knob

Today the miles didn't come so easily; I guess the cinnamon rolls can only hold you for so long. It was a cold (lows last night in the 30s) and sluggish start for us this morning.

Hiked through a dense spruce forest on Unaka Mountain and stopped for lunch on Little Bald Knob. At Iron Mountain Gap, a fellow by the last name of Bird had soda and PBR for us.

At Greasy Creek Gap we stopped for a snack and B tuned into the NASCAR race. We regrouped at Clyde Smith Shelter and decided to push on to the next water source.

Up and over Little Rock Knob we hiked, and boy! what a treat the views were. B filled up our bottles in the stream and we pushed on further to level ground. We met up with Backstreet and Double-take and set up our tent nearby. For dinner, we boiled water for our Lipton Sides and enjoyed the warmth of the campfire.

04-20-13 Somewhere near Beauty Spot Gap

Had a hearty breakfast at the Holiday Inn Express (thanks Mom and Dad) and headed back to the trail.

Reunited with friends at Uncle Johnny's Hostel, bought a few Snickers and topped off our de-natured fuel and began the slow ascent up.

We stopped for lunch at mile 348.8; we were surprised because it didn't feel like we had been hiking for 7 miles.

Further on north we hiked over a beautiful clearing--Beauty Spot Gap. The campsite was an additional half mile away. Either it was the easier terrain or our newfound trail legs, but it definitely did not feel like 13 miles today.

Low for the night was 36 degrees. Dusted off the winter clothes and held up in our tents taking to each other tent-to-tent

04-19-13 Together in Erwin, Tennessee

Once upon a time my family and I used to travel and stay in Holiday Inn Expresses a lot (yes, they have good cinnamon rolls). Well, they just so happen to have one in Erwin, Tennessee; and my parents just so happened to have enough points to get us a free stay--thank you!!

So at about 6:30 a.m. the thought of cinnamon rolls and a warm bed made throwing our gear together and bombing down the mountain to Erwin to beat the rain that much sweeter.

Thankfully, we did beat the rain (and the 9:30 cut off time for the cinnamon rolls), and we are safely tucked away in Erwin for the night.

Somewhere on the Appalachian Trail - Definitions

We have been learning a few new words specific to the AT and would like to share. They are not alphabetical.

Whiteblaze - a white usually rectangular mark distinguishing the Appalachian Trail.

Thru-hiking - term debated often but generally someone who travels from one end to the other either from south to north (NOBO), north to south (SOBO), or a combination of the two ( flip flopping).

Slack packing - hiking with a pack without overnight items such as a tent and sleeping bag. Really more like a series of day hikes.

Blueblazing - taking a trail other than the AT to get passed a certain place such as a steep mountain ascent.

Yellowblazing - taking a road either by walking or hitch hiking to bypass some of the trail.

Aqua blazing - taking a water route to bypass some of the trail, usually done for a section of the Shenandoahs.

Purist - someone who passes every white blaze (doesn't do any other blazing). May even be so crazy as to cross the road twice if they were picked up on the opposite side of where they were dropped off.

Trail names - eventual names given to every hiker often when they do something stupid or extra memorable. Done for various reasons.

Trail magic - unexpected good things found on the trail such as people with food, shuttle rides, offers to take trash (we hate hauling around trash), or even memorials.

Trail angel - someone conducting trail magic.

Privy - an outhouse would be an improvement.

Yogi - to talk someone into giving you something (typically food) without them knowing it. Favorite activity around picnicking day hikers.

Nero - walking only a few miles on a town day.

Zero - a day of no miles, all rest and relaxation. Too many zeros means no progress and gets expensive.

Bear hang - every night we are supposed to hang food at least 10 feet off the ground and away from the trunk of the tree to prevent a bear from stealing the food.

04-18-13 Together at High Rocks

Woke up to a camp full of sick people. We quickly and quietly skedaddled.

We got to the top of Big Bald and it was beyond windy. As it was explained to me later by a paraglider pilot (DNA) we were actually being passed through by the clouds.

We stopped for a tortilla, cheese and sausage lunch atop the High Rocks--an olde to my family. Bamboo, Morning Kid and DNA caught up to us and passed on the latest gossip (no new sick people).

Spent the night at Temple Hill Gap with DNA. Thankfully, it was protected and out of the wind.

04-17-13 Together in the April Showers

Scattered storms 20%. We woke up in the middle of the night to light rain. Then heavy. Flashes of light. Thunder.

Morning came and the rain stopped long enough for us to roll up the tent. Off and on it rained. We stopped for a snack. Fog. We stopped for lunch. Fog.

Not the worst rain we've experienced--I reserve that for the day into Fontana. At The trailhead to Hogback Ridge Shelter we saw a sign for trail magic. Only 3 miles down to eggs and hash browns. My pace quickened. Then the wind picked up. And the rain. My pace quickened more.

By the time we reached Sams Gap for eggs and hash browns from Silent Paul my shoes and socks were soaked. The food was a welcomed treat--thank you!

With the trail magic came the sun! It was a pleasant hike into the Low Gap campsite with our buddies. Unfortunately, one of our friends, Cyclops, came down with the virus.

04-16-13 Together on Firescald Bald

Woke up early, had a Poptart and proceeded up the rest of Camp Creek Bald. Skipped the Lookout Tower due to the fog, but stopped at Jones Meadow for water.

Took a short side trail for views off Whiterock Cliff. Continued on the Appalachian Trail section the guidebook noted as "rocky and strenuous." At first, I thought, gee this isn't bad, but then it got REALLY rocky and REALLY strenuous. The views off Big Firescald Bald were worth it though.

The trail flattened out and the scenery changed--we were out in the open, it was grassy, a gravel road--all very pleasant.

A quick stop atop Big Butt Mountain (yes, you read that correctly) and then a plummeting one mile of downhill.

We passed the Flint Mountain Shelter late in the day, which was a ghost town, and stopped to camp at a spring around mile 307 with enough room for one tent.

Fast forward 3 hours later--there are now four tents crammed into this area. We were so excited that our buddies, Bamboo, Morning Kid, Shaman and Bluebird, caught up to us for the night!

04-15-13 Hiding From the Norovirus Together

Broke camp a little past 8 o'clock and headed north. The lay of the land differed a bit this morning--a pond and gravel road walking. We had our mid-morning snack atop the Rich Mountain Lookout Tower.

Because of the norovirus we are avoiding all shelters and water sources at those shelters. This makes planning our hiking days trickier. We filled up our water bottles at a spring to hold us for rest of the day at mile 288.1. We hiked extra miles so tomorrow morning we are positioned to fill up at 295.6 and again in the evening at 306.5 (there's no springs in between).

We set up camp a couple miles shy of Little Laurel Shelter. Boiled water for dinner and had a peaceful evening.

04-14-13 A Cheeseburger Explosion Somewhere

Tried to sleep in but still woke up early--6:30 a.m.

Wandered around town for awhile then ran into Bamboo, Shaman, Morning Kid, Bluebird and...Wooden Spoon! We had a small breakfast with them at the local diner--we were saving room for the coup de gras later.

We enjoyed town with Wooden Spoon before she headed off the Asheville for a couple days. We restocked our food, updated the blog, then were ready for bigger plans.

The cheeseburger explosion--actually it was named "the Big Laurel"--a hamburger patty sandwiched between two grilled cheese sandwiches. Probably not the best food decision I've ever made before heading off into the woods without restrooms for the next five or so days, but I highly recommend.

We decided to "Nero" today and hiked four miles. There were some gorgeous views of Hot Springs from Lovers Leap Rock. We met up with Olive Oyl and Wet Bag and squeezed into their campsite. We are on red alert now as we've entered ground zero of the rumored norovirus. For the next 70 miles into Erwin, TN we are in the hot zone--Bubble B anyone?

04-13-13 Rolling Down to Hot Springs Together

Woke up to the wind assaulting our tent. Everything held up fine and we were up and going by 8:00. K got her typical head start (B packs later).

Plan was to hike 11.7 miles to Hot Springs by 3ish and split a cabin. Maybe motivated by food or maybe her new trail legs, but K wasn't caught until mile 11ish and both of us were in town by 1.

Of course there were no cabins left nor any rooms, so we went into town hoping for divine intervention. We quickly found a Christian ministry on Main Street provided free showers so that was stop 1.

Stop 2 was the laundromat for clean clothes and electrical outlets. Ultimately, we had to dry our clothes on a tree outside because we took them out of the dryer and by the time we went to put them back in all the dryers were filled. It was a funny sight to behold.

Stop 3 was the outfitter where B got some shoes and tent repair--we had a small hole in our rainfly.

We had dinner at a diner down the street followed by ice cream from the Dollar Store. We split a campsite at the nearby resort and enjoyed some premium beer (PBR) around the campfire with friends. Didn't have to set up a bear bag tonight.

04-12-13 Together at Max Patch

Survived the night! Although a thunderstorm passed through overnight, it was not too severe in the gap we were camped.

We got a late start due to the rain and left with it still drizzling. At Brown Gap we met Trail Angel Apple who offered us sodas and little bags of chips.

When we arrived at Max Patch--one of the best views of the Appalachian Trail--we were disappointed because it was so windy and misty, and the fog didn't allow any visibility.

We moved on quickly. The terrain flattened out and when we arrived at Lemon Gap the sun came out. There we met Trail Angel Goober, who offered us hamburgers and Gatorades.

The hamburgers topped off our tanks and were able to push on a few more miles to Catpen Gap. We set up camp with a couple of buddies, Cyclops and DNA. We also met a new friend, Mellow Johnny. DNA started a fire and we enjoyed talking about paragliders around the campfire while eating our Ramen and soup.

04-11-13 Together we meet the storm

Woke up with a new freedom, hike as far as we want and not have to stay at a shelter. So we eased out of camp and moseyed into Standing Bear Hostel to pick up a mail drop. The mail drop was necessary because I had already burned thru a pair of running socks and the extra thick sleeping socks were starting to cause blisters.

Several hikers milled about including those that we had been hiking with, and when I got the box, it occurred to me I may have commented about the prospect of cookies. Once it was discovered there were indeed cookies, a mad rush ensued and we repaid our debts. The clean socks felt amazing and the rest of the food was quickly stowed.

We elected to eat an early lunch at Standing Bear and sip some soda with Wooden Spoon and DNA.

Big news on the trail was an incoming storm of gargantuan proportions that was going to eat up and spit out any hiker that dared camp. Our Kansas storm experience tempered our fears, but some chose to stay at the hostel. The hike back out was extremely pleasant and we chose to camp at a low spot on the trail.

That low spot was a shelter (which we said we would avoid). The shelter happened to have the rest of the "rag tags" (as we have started calling our new buddies and us) also hoping to camp low.

I elected to use our bear rope and knot knowledge to fortify the tent before a pleasant evening hanging out with our friends. After a series of half hitches, clove hitches and bowlines our tent was storm-secure and slightly booby-trapped against K.

Did we make it through the night?????

04-10-13 Somewhere near Davenport Gap

Woke up early and began a long a hiking day (17 miles) the best way anyone can--with a cheese danish. Today was our last day in the Smokies and a decline of 4,000 ft in elevation.

Cruised into Cosby Knob Shelter with Wooden Spoon for lunch before noon--7.7 miles already under our belts.

Climbed an extra 0.6 miles up Mt. Cammerer for a 360 degree view, then stopped at a spring for more water. The more we declined in elevation, the warmer it got--we hit the 70s by the end of the day.

We stopped for dinner at Davenport Gap Shelter with our buddies Bamboo, Shaman, DNA and Wooden Spoon. There wasn't any tent space so B, Wooden Spoon and I hiked another mile or so out of the Smokies where we could camp anywhere and found a primitive spot just barely off the trail.

04-09-13 Somewhere with a view

Holy smokes! We woke up with a beautiful sunrise from our tent door. The tents looked like they had been rained upon, a real mountain dew. Never mind the moisture, today was a "lazy" morning with only 12.6 miles on the docket.

By time we beat feet, the temps only required a short sleeve shirt and the sun was magnificent. There was no shortage of views from the get go. We started with Charlies Bunion and moved on to repeated ridges with views on each side.

Somewhere along the way we met up with Wooden Spoon and passed the time between views learning about how to make wooden spoons. Lunchtime was spent on top of a 80 foot cliff overlooking another view (sense a theme?). In 45 minutes we were joined by DNA, Enoch, and Bulldog.

The rest of the afternoon went by in a blur. Arrived at Tri-Corner Knob Shelter to find it full and camping spots at a premium. Found a marginal spot near the bear cables where we are plotting our next move in shelter chess.

04-08-13 Together in Gatlinburg

When we started the Appalachian Trail, we were adamant we were NOT going into Gatlinburg. When we hit the Smokies, again, we were NOT going into Gatlinburg.

So that's why we woke up at 6:30 a.m. to catch a shuttle into Gatlinburg. We've been hanging out with Shaman and Bamboo who convinced us on stopping in for a buffet lunch. We had been running low on snacks, and B didn't appreciate that he was on rations, so it didn't take much convincing.

We got a free shower at the NOC Outfitters (although as I write this, neither one of us smell good), bought some snacks and breakfast foods at Old Dad's General Store then were off to the buffet.

The only buffet turned out to be Shoney's, which surprised me because the town is a mini version of Branson, minus Yakov. Nevertheless, we got our $8 worth and were happily, or painfully, on our way.

Rode a flat rate taxi back to the Appalachian Trail. Fit 7 people and 7 packs in a van. Not sure what the driver was thinking because he folded some of the seats down so three of us had to sit on the floor.

Hiked another three miles to camp and are set up for the night with full bellies and dreams of dancing hillbillies in our heads (Gatlinburg reference).

04-07-13 Together at Clingmans Dome

Woke up early for a long day of hiking--at least 15 miles.

The highlight of the day was reaching the highest point on the Appalachian Trail, Clingmans Dome (elev 6,655 ft).

We walked up the tower on top of Clingmans and down to the gift store. The guidebook said there would be sodas and snacks; it lied. In our plight to find the soda we met Joan, a Smoky Mountain volunteer. She wants to hike the Appalachian Trail next year and was happy to talk to us and gave us her lunch. After politely declining, Dan-o, Otto, B and I gobbled up her chicken salad, carrot sticks and cookies.

Back on the trail we proceeded the last 4 miles to the shelter for the night. They turned out to be the looooongest miles of the day. The trail turned to ice. The snow had compacted, melted, then froze and at that point had become a royal pain in my rear--literally, I fell multiple times.

Slid into camp, ate a Lipton side with old and new friends and was in bed by 8 p.m.

04-06-13 Together at Rocky Top

Woke up early but let the first wave of people shuffle out of camp.

It was midmorning when we were rounding a corner and saw a deer. Had a snack at the next shelter and continued on.

The terrain changed near Rocky Top (subject of the Tennessee anthem). It was exposed and grassy which made for sunny and un-obstructed views. A perfect lunch spot.

We thundered down Thunderhead Mountain, through Starkey and Sugar Tree Gaps. Reached Derrick Knob Shelter and put my heals up to cool. The last 6 miles were some of the roughest trail in the smokies.

Hit a huge milestone today--185 miles--we're in the less than 2,000 miles to go!

04-05-13 Somewhere in the Smokies

Woke up dry and clean. It was an uneventful night--unless the midnight dog hacking counts.

We proceeded across the dam; a breathtaking view. I took several pictures, but they hardly do it justice.

Got to the trailhead to the Smokies and were greeted by a ranger. He took our permits--to hike and camp in the backcountry of the Smokies you need to have a printed permit--and we proceeded up.

It is beautiful here. We arrived at Mollies Ridge Shelter late afternoon. Because we have to camp at the shelters it has created a huge bubble of people. In the mornings when we all hit the trail I like to joke about traffic on the AT corridor.

04-04-13 Somewhere near Fontana

Woke up to the sound of rain. Sat in the tent strategizing what to do. Or maybe just procrastinating. It was inevitable though. We were going to get wet.

We stood in the vestibule and packed up the tent while the rainfly was up--no problem. The rainfly and the footprint was a different story. They got soaked and we couldn't fold them with the wind tossing them around. We gave up trying to be neat, and resorted to the just-shove-it-in-the-backpack technique.

Hustled to the Cable Gap Shelter three miles up and took a break from the rain. Big mistake. Then we had to get back into the rain.

I was miserable. And then my shoes got wet too. And there was mud. And pudding mud. And milk mud. My feet couldn't get any wetter so I stopped caring what the trail looked like and just stepped in whatever it brought me.

Five miles to the road. My fingers were so cold I couldn't get them to function properly.

Another mile. The Fontana Hilton, the nicest on the AT--a trail shelter with bathrooms and showers! Also awaiting us was trail magic from Owf and Keeper (past AT thru-hikers). I needed help opening my little baggy of chips, but it warmed my heart.

Together with Keeper we walked 2.5 miles to Fontana. Picked up a mail drop from Mom and Dad--shout out to M&D for cramming as much dehydrated food as they could in a box--and washed and dried our drenched clothes.

Tomorrow we enter the Smokies...

Smokies

We have not updated the blog recently because were in the smokey national park until today and havent had service.  Everything has been wonderful and we will upload the posts as soon as we can.

B and K

04-03-13 Somewhere near Cody Gap

When we left the NOC we said goodbye to a few friends that were with a military benefit program called warrior hike where veterans hike as a therapy and at same time raise money for disabled veterans. Please check out their site: www.warriorhike.com

Did not quite make the 6 mile climb back up to elevation from the NOC but we did manage to find a spot just big enough for 2.5 tents (our tent was on quite a slope) on the ridge near Swim Bald where we were joined by our old friend--of 2 weeks--Jess (now Stretch), Siren and Paddy Man.

Broke camp late and headed toward Cheoah Bald. An awesome view; I could see us putting a cabin up here.

Descended into Stecoah Gap. A section hiker gave us bottled water and took our trash. Also, we hit the 150 mile mark. We crossed over a state highway and proceeded back up in elevation.

At Sweetwater Gap we came to the start of "Jacob's Ladder"--basically an uphill at a 45 degree angle. My heart rate went up, but it wasn't too bad--maybe because we'd been on the Baldwin hill a time or two (shout-out KU cycling team).

We could have stopped at a shelter, but had a few more miles left in our legs and pushed onto Cody Gap. A couple of other tenters are nearby--our buddy Violet, and some other couple that didn't come out of their tent.

04-02-13 Together at the NOC

Woke up to the sun again! Looked at the map--a solid six miles to the bottom. At this point in the hike, we would rather have an uphill than a downhill. Downhills are a bit hard on the joints.

Got close to the Nantahala Outdoor Center and were excited to hear the rushing water of the river and see the roadway.

Stopped in to the Rivers End for lunch. I had a chicken Philly, B a hamburger. We both had side salads--yes, Mom we are getting our veggies.

We were still hungry after lunch, so stopped in the General Store for extra snacks. I'm not sure the nutritional value of Cheetohs and powdered donuts but they were delish!

Now it's just a few miles uphill til we setup the tent for the night.

Hoping all our friends and family had a wonderful Easter. So sorry we couldn't be there in person, but think of you all everyday!

04-01-13 Somewhere near Wesser Bald

Woke up to sunshine--what a glorious sight! It was a warmer morning than usual so we had a leisurely breakfast with other campers in the shelter.

Pushed north, and several times throughout the day were able to get down to a t-shirt.

Had hiker pizza--tortillas, tomato sauce, cheese and pepperoni north of Rocky Bald. At Tellico Gap a lady gave us an apple.

Atop Wesser Bald is an observation tower, and atop the observation tower is an amazing view! We can see where we came from and what still lies ahead.

The wind is picking up, and the clouds look a tad dark. My K-Doppler says chance of showers--I'm hoping I'm wrong!

03-31-13 Together for Easter

Happy Easter!

We woke up early for pancakes and bacon at the Baptist Church. Thank you!

Ron Haven shuttled us back to Winding Stair Gap to catch the trail. Weather was great as we headed north, but started cooling and fogging over. As we descended into Wayah Gap we spotted an Easter egg. B opened it to discover a note saying that trail magic was up ahead.

At Wayah Gap, we met the "Sunshine Gang." They had hiked the Appalachian Trail the year before and had flown or driven in from all over the United States to repay the magic. They served us hot dogs and hamburgers and were cooking honey hams and mashed potatoes over the campfire for later. We didn't stay for the main course, but were thankful for their generosity and fellowship.

We pressed onward and were met by rain showers. Atop Wayah Bald is a stone tower, but the rained sealed in any views we may have seen. Another mile downhill and we were at Wayah Bald Shelter. We stayed in the shelter until there was a lull in the rain to setup the tent. We fell asleep to the peaceful sound of the rain and wind--hey, it's better than snoring!