Year: 2023

• AT 46: Rain, Pizza

  

  Hiked 19 miles in the rain. Takes amazingly short time if you’re not taking breaks during the day. The umbrella works really well, was able to not use the rain jacket all day. Which is really big, cause you sweat a lot using rain clothes. Realized that the rain pants are not very useful out…

• AT 45: Grayson Highlands

  

  Woke up to a clear crisp morning, which turned into an overcast, windy day. Passed the 500 mile marker in the morning. No ponies around, but great views from the sparser vegetated highland landscape. Looks almost Scandinavian. Made our way to the Hurricane Shelter, which is packed full because the forecast calls for a lot…

• AT 44: Uphill Walking

  

  Got up early and was on my way along the Virginia Creeper Trail. Nice bridges and wide path. Soon the AT got away from the Creeper Trail again, and the big climb up to the highlands started. Got to Buzzard Rock at noon, rested for half an hour, then had an easier trail for the…

• AT 43: Walking Out Of Damascus

  

  Woke up at Warren’s place, made pancakes, walked to the gas station at the Divide Road junction and hitched a ride (technically two) into Damascus. The outfitter told us to contact Osprey directly via phone, called them, they told me to email them. Hmmm. Got out of Damascus shortly after noon. Trail goes up to…

• AT 42: Walking into Damascus

  

  Plan for today: Easy miles into Damascus. Should be all ridge walking in a generally downward direction. Walked through a section where a bear seems to have taken up residency at a shelter. Made for a little bit of tension. We had to get water there, so Turmeric and Torch guarded our packs while Buckeye…