Year: 2023

• AT 25: Max Patch, Thunderstorms

  

  The big thing today was Max Patch, which is a quite exposed bald with excellent views all around. Made it there by noon and way before the weather finally turned bad. Very windy on top. Has a slight Black Forest vibe. Shame they closed it down for camping. The shelter we’d liked to stay at…

• AT 24: Smokies In The Rear View Mirror

  

  Got homemade breakfast, another shower for good measure and took our time before leaving Standing Bear. Fresh clothes and resupply should last to Hot Springs easily. Due to the closure of Max Patch the mileages will be a little wonky the next few days. Cambio/Darth left their electronics bag behind at the cabin, so we’ll…

• AT 23: Exit The Smokies

  

  Did a short day to Standing Bear Farm. Almost just descent today, coming down from the smokies. Did a short side trail to Mt Cammerer Lookout Tower for the views, which were well worth the extra miles. Heat in the afternoon after getting down below 2000 ft. Lush greens and humidity again. Met Mississippi Guy…

• AT 22: Big Trees, Big Days

  

  Cold night, woke up to frost on the ground. The sun was out though and made getting up easy. Due to rain forecasted for tomorrow afternoon we decided to make a big push to Cosby Knob Shelter twenty miles ahead. That could get us out of the Smokies by then. Started early, put in the…

• AT 21: It’s all downhill from here, boys and girls

  

  Cold night. Some folks had their water bladders frozen in the morning. Put on mittens for the first time. Made our way to Clingmans Dome, with an elevation of over 6600 ft the highest point on the AT. Lot’s of dayhikers there. The Dome also acts as the 200 mile marker. Less than 2000 miles…