Week 2 NC border to Fontana Dam

Nights I've spent:

-Stealth spot near mile 96

-Hostel in Franklin off Winding Stair Gap (110)

-Same hostel again

-camped near cold spring Shelter for a cold night of 15°f (125)

-Nantahala Outdoor Center

-Brown fork gap shelter

-Fontana Hilton

Smokies Here I come!

First week

This week I went to the North Carolina border from Springer (78 miles) 

The first day I went to Justus Creek, 

Day 2: Jarrard Gap

Day 3: past Neel gap for re-supply to Baggs Creek Gap

Day 4: Blue Mountain Shelter

Day 5: Addis Gap

Day 6: Sunrise hike to Dicks Creek Gap, and into Hiawasse

Day 7: back on the trail to Bly Gap just past the border

sunrise view from the tent

The trail goes through the Mountain Crossing Hostel at Neel Gap

saw an owl

The Blue Ridge

Sunrise on Kelly knob before town

Crowded site!

Foggy Wonderful Start

I stayed at the Amicalola falls lodge last night with my mom. We picked up a few last minute snacks from a store, and went to the start of the approach trail. I weighed my pack in at 26.9 Lbs with 2 L of water and 4 days of food. After taking pictures at the arch, and saying goodbyes I was off!

I got a few miles in before I walked into the clouds. The rest of the trip today was spent surrounded by the fog and rain. I reached the real start of the AT at Springer Mountain, and went to stay at the Springer mountain shelter (8.5 + 0.2 miles). 

The shelter fit 10 people, and had a loft with additional space. After unpacking, the sun did come out for a bit, and I was able to hang some clothes up to dry. Met around 15 people at the shelter and surrounding campgrounds.

It felt like an amazing start. So happy to finally be out here hiking!

Starting on Saturday

I'm flying out to Atlanta tomorrow, and I'll start at the Amicalola Falls approach trail Saturday morning. I've been getting more excited as I get closer to the start date. I can't wait to meet other hikers, get my trail legs, and start the adventure. 

 This is my first attempt blogging from the app, so apologies for formatting issues. I also had to republish my last one, as I accidentally deleted it. Still not sure what type of blog this will be, and I guess I'll figure that out as I go.

It looks like I'll be starting in the rain, which will be a good way to keep my expectations from getting ahead of me.

Gear picture before leaving (w/o my phone):

3rd Time's the Charm

 I'm at it again.

Planning to start at April 1st 2021 +/- a few days.

To recap, my first attempt in 2019 was called off for a broken knee and I delayed a 2020 attempt due to covid-19. I was able to get a BioNTech-Pfizer vaccine in January, and there's nothing in my way now but about 2200 miles of trail. I'm planning for a full NoBo hike, and still plan to start out on my own. I'm in Colorado now. In a few weeks I'll put my stuff into storage, drive my car to Maryland, and hop on a plane to Georgia. 

I've had enough time to get ready over the past 3 years, but I'm still making last month decisions about my gear. Most of it has stayed the same; here's what's changed and changing.

Gear Updates

• Decided to bring a small knife instead of a small multi-tool. Easier to use with cold hands.
• Updated 1st aid kit (still need to get accurate weights).
• The water sack popped a leak, so I replaced it.
• Added my CSS cap, and pulled the sunglasses, although I might only need that in the summer. 
• Decided to keep the ursack for now. I don't know about this one. My family already had the regular size, but I might need to get the larger one to fit all my grub. (15 L, 8.8 oz vs 10.6 L, 7.6 oz). Some people are recommending a liner bag to keep the smells inside.
• My buff will double as a mask. I'll be bringing a buff, pack towel, and a bandanna to start. considering skipping the bandanna if the hat flap takes over for it. Maybe I'll go the other way and get a lighter cap and bandanna for the summer?
• Took away sleep mask, going to use the buff for that.
• Decided to start without shorts, maybe for the summer.
• Added a bottle for cooking oil.