Category Archives: Hiking

When I arrived at Fontana Lodge, I thought I'd arrived in heaven. A classy place where two guys from Georgia dropped me at the front door. My first night off the trail and my first chance to wash my filthy clothes plus shower, eat, and charge electronics. I checked in then walked to the laundromat…

Up early with almonds and Nutella for breakfast. I headed out on the ridge more or less level at first then descending steeply. The trail featured steep drops, lots of rocks and plenty of root snares. The four-mile trip to the Nantahala River and the Nantahala Outdoor Center wore me out. But by the time…

I got a slow start today with only 17 miles planned to Wesser Bald shelter. I said good bye to 'Topher who gave a pint of water yesterday evening and who camped near me. The AT headed downhill toward Wayah Gap. Near Wayah Road I heard nearly constant rifle fire as if a shooting range…

Up at 6:45 am and on the trail quickly after oatmeal for breakfast. I gained elevation moderately thru thickets of rhododendron and mountain laurel (no flowers). I got water from a stream and met another hiker, Wally, with whom I had dinner yesterday. We walked and chatted for 2 miles to Betty Creek Gap. Wally…

Up early and on the trail at 7:15 am. After a short climb the trail offered no major climbs or descents for 11 miles. The birds sang loudly making up for silence in yesterday's rain. At mile 78.5, I left Georgia and entered North Carolina.  At mile 81.5, I passed the vacant Muskrat Creek shelter.…