Year: 2023

• AT 32: Erwin, TN

  

  No bear activity at the shelter, but snake sighting. Keeps the mice in check, so thats perfectly fine. Just about six miles down to Erwin. Really good views of the Nolichucky River from up above. Everytime you come down into the valleys the change of weather, humidity comes as a slight shock. Hostel is right…

• AT 31: Big Bald, Big Miles

  

  Left the hostel early after another shower (may be one of our earliest starts at 8:30). Made our way out from Sam’s Gap. Had to make up the miles from yesterday, and we did. About 18 miles today. We are on a fixed schedule to Erwin, where we have to be at Sunday, which will…

• AT 30: Rain, Platinum Blazing

  

  Started late, went for a frozen pizza at a hostel three miles in. Was a rather Southern experience… After that, a steep climb up in the heat, followed by a change in weather for the worse. Light thunderstorm followed by strong rain. The umbrella I bought in Hot Springs really helped in the rain, but…

• AT 29: Big Firescald Knob, 300 Miles, Big Butt

  

  Another hot day. Took a detour to Blackstack Cliffs, which had been recommended by Cambio. Views were fantastic, even a snake enjoyed them and the warm rocks. Made our way over Big Firescald Knob, which was a quite exposed ridgeline walk over very rocky terrain. Passed the 300 mile marker just after the ridge. After…

• AT 28: Slackpacking, Trail Running, Cookie Ladies’

  

  Decided to slackpack the first few miles today, and started by going again through Hot Springs. Robin did buy short shorts at the outfitter as well, so all four of us are showing off the quads now. Got our first sight of French Broad River, which we followed for a short time before the trail…