Friday, April 11, 2008
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Heading to Fontana Dam
Hiked 18.2 miles during this period ending in Fontana Village with a total of 162.6 miles
April 3, 2008
NOC, NC to Locust Cove Gap, NC
Left the NOC at about 9:00 a.m. today after finding that the USPS Express Mail pouch with my 2nd long sleeve under armor t-shirt did not arrive L. Oh well, hopefully can buy one at Fontana Dam.
Had a tough 10.5 mile hike today with 3,500 feet of elevation gain climbing out of the NOC at Nantahala River to the top of Cheoah Bald. As usual, it was foggy, cold (40’s) and raining all day again today.
In an attempt to get to the Post Office at Fontana Dam on Saturday by 12 noon closing, I pushed 4 miles past the first shelter and camped out with my trail buddy Fire Sox at Locust Cove Gap. Because of the rain, I had to bring my pack into my tent. I also had to site quite hastily due to losing daylight resulting in selecting a slightly unlevel sight.
April 4, 2008
Locust Cove Gap to Brown Fork Gap Shelter, NC
Only went 6 miles today. Got a really poor nights sleet last night camped out in the rain and cold. Had another really steep 750 foot climb over a ¾ mile stretch this morning that really kicked my butt after the tough day yesterday and the poor nights sleep. Also felt a migraine coming on – took my medicine and it went away (whew!). The kicker – it was rainy, foggy, windy, and cold again today.
Upshot of it all – I packed it in early and staked out a warm corner in the first shelter I hit today.
I’ll likely still get to Fontana Dam on Saturday April 5 – on schedule, BUT not till late in the afternoon. This means I will not be able to get my mail drop re-supply until Monday morning.
The upsot – I’ll be forced to take a ZERO day on Sunday in Fontana. Probably just as well. I think my body could use the extra rest before taking on the Smokey’s.
April 5-6, 2008
Brown Fork Gap Shelter to Fontana Dam
Left Brown Fork Gap at 7:30 a.m. and finished a 12-mile day at Fontana Dam (NC Hwy 28) at approx. 3:30 p.m. Once again, it was foggy, rainy, dreary day but not quite as bad as the previous 2 days. I was starting to road walk the 2 miles to Fontana Village where I would spend Saturday night and all day Sunday, and Sunday night. I’d gone less than ¼ mile when a very nice young man gave me a ride right up to the registration desk at the village.
I had many aches and pains on Saturday night – especially my right knee and my back. I’m now really glad I’ll be taking a full day off on Sunday (a ZERO in hiker talk meaning 0 miles for the day). My 51-year-old, out-of-trail-shape body can definitely use the rest.
It’s now Sunday evening as I update my journal. I had a very quiet, restful day here in Fontana Village. The village is an interesting place. It was originally built in the 1940’s to house the 5,000 workers and their families that built the Fontana Dam. It is now a seasonal resort somewhat similar to Callaway Gardens (outside Atlanta, GA). Also of historical note, Fontana Village is the birthplace of clogging in America. The original community center has a stage and a large dance floor where the TVA Dam workers would square dance and clog on Saturday nights.
I took pictures of the “Clogging Hall of Fame”.
Also of note is that country music legend and hall of famer Ronnie Milsap got his start playing with the house band at Fontana Village back in the late 1950’s, early 1960’s
April 3, 2008
NOC, NC to Locust Cove Gap, NC
Left the NOC at about 9:00 a.m. today after finding that the USPS Express Mail pouch with my 2nd long sleeve under armor t-shirt did not arrive L. Oh well, hopefully can buy one at Fontana Dam.
Had a tough 10.5 mile hike today with 3,500 feet of elevation gain climbing out of the NOC at Nantahala River to the top of Cheoah Bald. As usual, it was foggy, cold (40’s) and raining all day again today.
In an attempt to get to the Post Office at Fontana Dam on Saturday by 12 noon closing, I pushed 4 miles past the first shelter and camped out with my trail buddy Fire Sox at Locust Cove Gap. Because of the rain, I had to bring my pack into my tent. I also had to site quite hastily due to losing daylight resulting in selecting a slightly unlevel sight.
April 4, 2008
Locust Cove Gap to Brown Fork Gap Shelter, NC
Only went 6 miles today. Got a really poor nights sleet last night camped out in the rain and cold. Had another really steep 750 foot climb over a ¾ mile stretch this morning that really kicked my butt after the tough day yesterday and the poor nights sleep. Also felt a migraine coming on – took my medicine and it went away (whew!). The kicker – it was rainy, foggy, windy, and cold again today.
Upshot of it all – I packed it in early and staked out a warm corner in the first shelter I hit today.
I’ll likely still get to Fontana Dam on Saturday April 5 – on schedule, BUT not till late in the afternoon. This means I will not be able to get my mail drop re-supply until Monday morning.
The upsot – I’ll be forced to take a ZERO day on Sunday in Fontana. Probably just as well. I think my body could use the extra rest before taking on the Smokey’s.
April 5-6, 2008
Brown Fork Gap Shelter to Fontana Dam
Left Brown Fork Gap at 7:30 a.m. and finished a 12-mile day at Fontana Dam (NC Hwy 28) at approx. 3:30 p.m. Once again, it was foggy, rainy, dreary day but not quite as bad as the previous 2 days. I was starting to road walk the 2 miles to Fontana Village where I would spend Saturday night and all day Sunday, and Sunday night. I’d gone less than ¼ mile when a very nice young man gave me a ride right up to the registration desk at the village.
I had many aches and pains on Saturday night – especially my right knee and my back. I’m now really glad I’ll be taking a full day off on Sunday (a ZERO in hiker talk meaning 0 miles for the day). My 51-year-old, out-of-trail-shape body can definitely use the rest.
It’s now Sunday evening as I update my journal. I had a very quiet, restful day here in Fontana Village. The village is an interesting place. It was originally built in the 1940’s to house the 5,000 workers and their families that built the Fontana Dam. It is now a seasonal resort somewhat similar to Callaway Gardens (outside Atlanta, GA). Also of historical note, Fontana Village is the birthplace of clogging in America. The original community center has a stage and a large dance floor where the TVA Dam workers would square dance and clog on Saturday nights.
I took pictures of the “Clogging Hall of Fame”.
Also of note is that country music legend and hall of famer Ronnie Milsap got his start playing with the house band at Fontana Village back in the late 1950’s, early 1960’s
Living Outdoors
Franklin to Nantahala
31 March –2 April (3 Days)
Franklin, NC to Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC)
Weather Conditions: Cool, Wet
Miles Hiked: 26.7
Total Miles: 133.3
The first day out of Franklin was 11 soggy, wet rough miles. Spent the night at Wayah Gap Shelter. The high point of the day was seeing my first “bald” (an open mountain-top meadow, aka Sound of Music); Silers Bald
The next day was a 10 plus miler to Wesser Bald Shelter. The weather was unexpectedly good – beautiful in fact. Took pictures of some really spectacular views from the fire tower on top of Wesser Bald looking down into the Nantahala River below. Ran into my friends Greenwood and Orangedust again at the Shelter.
On day three, had just a 6 mile, mostly down hill, hike into the NOC. Got into the NOC about 1:00 p.m. It’s a really neat place for kayaking, river rafting, biking, hiking, even getting on the railroad that goes into and through the Great Smokey Mountains. It has three restaurants, an outfitter, a 7-11, and a hostel. I spent the afternoon and evening getting clean, picking up a mail drop, eating, etc.
Franklin, NC to Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC)
Weather Conditions: Cool, Wet
Miles Hiked: 26.7
Total Miles: 133.3
The first day out of Franklin was 11 soggy, wet rough miles. Spent the night at Wayah Gap Shelter. The high point of the day was seeing my first “bald” (an open mountain-top meadow, aka Sound of Music); Silers BaldThe next day was a 10 plus miler to Wesser Bald Shelter. The weather was unexpectedly good – beautiful in fact. Took pictures of some really spectacular views from the fire tower on top of Wesser Bald looking down into the Nantahala River below. Ran into my friends Greenwood and Orangedust again at the Shelter.
On day three, had just a 6 mile, mostly down hill, hike into the NOC. Got into the NOC about 1:00 p.m. It’s a really neat place for kayaking, river rafting, biking, hiking, even getting on the railroad that goes into and through the Great Smokey Mountains. It has three restaurants, an outfitter, a 7-11, and a hostel. I spent the afternoon and evening getting clean, picking up a mail drop, eating, etc.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Heading to N.O.C.
26-27 March (2 Days)
Standing Indian Shelter, NC
Weather Conditions: Cool
Miles Hiked: 16.5
Total Miles: 83.1
Crossed into NC at 12 noon yesterday. Weather was great approx. 65 degrees. And partly sunny. Made over 12 miles.
Slept GREAT last night!!
Got into camp late. Still trying to get my trail legs under me, but still so far so good.
Running with a group of about 6 great folks that I met up with each night.
Standing Indian Shelter, NC
Weather Conditions: Cool
Miles Hiked: 16.5
Total Miles: 83.1
Crossed into NC at 12 noon yesterday. Weather was great approx. 65 degrees. And partly sunny. Made over 12 miles.
Slept GREAT last night!!
Got into camp late. Still trying to get my trail legs under me, but still so far so good.
Running with a group of about 6 great folks that I met up with each night.
28 March
Carter Gap Shelter, NC
Weather Conditions: Wet
Miles Hiked: 7.6
Total Miles: 90.7
Mustang Sally, Guns (Retired First Sergeant) New Song, Ghost (already a 2,000 miler) Polly Wog, shared the shelter with me.
Did 8.5 miles today vs. 11.5 miles planned because it rained today. It was my 1st day walking in the rain. I decided to stop at the shelter rather than go on to the 11.5 mile point because I knew that I could eat dry and keep my pack dry at the shelter.
I plan to do 12 miles tomorrow and get to Rock Gap Shelter rain or shine. From there it is only less than 4 miles to the US 64 road crossing which goes into Franklin, N.C.
It stopped raining just about 4:00 p.m. today, soon after I walked into camp, which was very nice. I got my boots and socks wet crossing a stream today – my pack cover got wet too. Everything else seems to have stayed dry. Hopefully my socks will air dry over night. My pack cover is already dry. We have a fire going so I think I’ll go toast my socks right now.
I’ve really loved this adventure so far. It’s been very challenging physically – more so than I expected. And it’s presented many camping challenges too – but nothing I could not handle.
Already I’ve met many, many wonderful people!!
More soon!!
29 March
Rock Gap Shelter, NC
Outside Franklin, NC
Weather Conditions: Wet, Thunder-Storm
Miles Hiked: 12.1
Total Miles: 102.8
Got an early start today – walked out of camp at 8:05 a.m.
Was rewarded for my early start by getting caught in a thunder storm at about 9:00 a.m. including pea-size hail, lots of thunder and lightning. It was scary. I was counting the seconds between the flash and the thunder and walking as fast as I could. Fortunately, the thunder storm blew over in about 20 or 30 minutes.
Otherwise, it was another gloomy, rainy day, all day, but not cold at least. The literal high point was scrambling over 5,300 foot tall Albert Mountain; a tough steep climb with a great view at the top.
Made 12.2 miles today and got into camp at 3:00 p.m. By far my best time/distance day so far. I think I’m starting to get my trail legs just a little bit.
I’m in camp tonight with Ghost (2002 thru-hiker) Roberto, Paul, Strider Tracer and their two dogs (they took the picture of me at the NC/GA state line).
We’re all heading into Franklin, NC tomorrow. I’m really looking forward to a hot shower, clean clothes, and a hot meal.
30 March
Winding Stair Gap/ US 64, Franklin, NC
Weather Conditions: 45 degrees, Cloudy, Rainy
Miles Hiked: 3.8
Total Miles: 106.6
Short day today. Broke camp early and on the trail before 8:00 a.m. for the 4 miles to Winding Stair Gap where the AT meets US Hwy 64. From there it is about 10 miles into Franklin, NC. But, it’s known that the Haven’s Budget Motel drops off and picks up AT hikers every day at 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. I just missed the 9:30 a.m. pick up; but, as luck would have it, a nice lady dropping off her husband and son for a section hike just arrived at the parking lot as I stumbled out of the woods – so, no waiting in the rain and cold for me – instant free shuttle to Franklin!
The high point of my day were long phone calls with my three loves: my wife Squeaky, my daughter Jennifer, and my granddaughter Evelyn.
The motel I’m staying at in Franklin (MicroTel) has a walk-up PC, so I was able to go online and visit The Colonel’s Journal. Squeaky has done a great job. The pictures of Evelyn and me on the AT at Neel’s Gap brought tears to my eyes.
Today was a good town stop. I got to the Laundromat, bought a light re-supply at the grocery store, and even got to an outfitter and got a silk liner for my sleeping bag. This critical piece of gear weighs only 4.5 ounces, yet it takes my bag from a 30 degree bag to a 20 degree bag. I really could have used that last week when it was so cold in North Georgia. But, I think I’ll need it yet when I hit the 6,000 foot elevations in the Smokey’s coming up next week.
Piggin’ out at Huddle House for dinner tonight – right across from my motel!!
Carter Gap Shelter, NC
Weather Conditions: Wet
Miles Hiked: 7.6
Total Miles: 90.7
Mustang Sally, Guns (Retired First Sergeant) New Song, Ghost (already a 2,000 miler) Polly Wog, shared the shelter with me.
Did 8.5 miles today vs. 11.5 miles planned because it rained today. It was my 1st day walking in the rain. I decided to stop at the shelter rather than go on to the 11.5 mile point because I knew that I could eat dry and keep my pack dry at the shelter.
I plan to do 12 miles tomorrow and get to Rock Gap Shelter rain or shine. From there it is only less than 4 miles to the US 64 road crossing which goes into Franklin, N.C.
It stopped raining just about 4:00 p.m. today, soon after I walked into camp, which was very nice. I got my boots and socks wet crossing a stream today – my pack cover got wet too. Everything else seems to have stayed dry. Hopefully my socks will air dry over night. My pack cover is already dry. We have a fire going so I think I’ll go toast my socks right now.
I’ve really loved this adventure so far. It’s been very challenging physically – more so than I expected. And it’s presented many camping challenges too – but nothing I could not handle.
Already I’ve met many, many wonderful people!!
More soon!!
29 March
Rock Gap Shelter, NC
Outside Franklin, NC
Weather Conditions: Wet, Thunder-Storm
Miles Hiked: 12.1
Total Miles: 102.8
Got an early start today – walked out of camp at 8:05 a.m.
Was rewarded for my early start by getting caught in a thunder storm at about 9:00 a.m. including pea-size hail, lots of thunder and lightning. It was scary. I was counting the seconds between the flash and the thunder and walking as fast as I could. Fortunately, the thunder storm blew over in about 20 or 30 minutes.
Otherwise, it was another gloomy, rainy day, all day, but not cold at least. The literal high point was scrambling over 5,300 foot tall Albert Mountain; a tough steep climb with a great view at the top.
Made 12.2 miles today and got into camp at 3:00 p.m. By far my best time/distance day so far. I think I’m starting to get my trail legs just a little bit.
I’m in camp tonight with Ghost (2002 thru-hiker) Roberto, Paul, Strider Tracer and their two dogs (they took the picture of me at the NC/GA state line).
We’re all heading into Franklin, NC tomorrow. I’m really looking forward to a hot shower, clean clothes, and a hot meal.
30 MarchWinding Stair Gap/ US 64, Franklin, NC
Weather Conditions: 45 degrees, Cloudy, Rainy
Miles Hiked: 3.8
Total Miles: 106.6
Short day today. Broke camp early and on the trail before 8:00 a.m. for the 4 miles to Winding Stair Gap where the AT meets US Hwy 64. From there it is about 10 miles into Franklin, NC. But, it’s known that the Haven’s Budget Motel drops off and picks up AT hikers every day at 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. I just missed the 9:30 a.m. pick up; but, as luck would have it, a nice lady dropping off her husband and son for a section hike just arrived at the parking lot as I stumbled out of the woods – so, no waiting in the rain and cold for me – instant free shuttle to Franklin!
The high point of my day were long phone calls with my three loves: my wife Squeaky, my daughter Jennifer, and my granddaughter Evelyn.
The motel I’m staying at in Franklin (MicroTel) has a walk-up PC, so I was able to go online and visit The Colonel’s Journal. Squeaky has done a great job. The pictures of Evelyn and me on the AT at Neel’s Gap brought tears to my eyes.
Today was a good town stop. I got to the Laundromat, bought a light re-supply at the grocery store, and even got to an outfitter and got a silk liner for my sleeping bag. This critical piece of gear weighs only 4.5 ounces, yet it takes my bag from a 30 degree bag to a 20 degree bag. I really could have used that last week when it was so cold in North Georgia. But, I think I’ll need it yet when I hit the 6,000 foot elevations in the Smokey’s coming up next week.
Piggin’ out at Huddle House for dinner tonight – right across from my motel!!
First Few Days
Actual Journal Entries
23-25 March (3 Days)
Neel’s Gap, GA to Dicks Gap, GA
Weather Conditions: COLD !!
Miles Hiked: 36.1
Total Miles: 66.6
1st three days. Tough going getting my trail legs, acclimating to being outside again, and fight the cold weather. Low temps of about 21 or 22 degrees both first two nights.
Met two great young men, I’ll call the “Marshall Men”, ROTC cadets from Marshall University in West Virginia at my 1st stop at Low Gap Shelter on night one. Hiked with them for the next two days. They were section hiking from Neel’s Gap to Bly Gap (GA/NC border) on their spring break from college. Very fortunately, they had their truck parked at the Hwy 76 crossig at Dicks Gap – 11 miles outside Hiawassee. So, in return for buying them dinner at Huddle House, they gave me a ride into town to spend the night. They returned to the trail to pitch tent and continue on.
First 3 days were physically very challenging just making my milage points and staying warm, so I took very few pictures and did very little journaling. I expect I’ll do much better with this as my fitness level and the weather both get better down the trail.
But, very much loving the adventure so far!!
26-27 March (2 Days)
Standing Indian Shelter, NC
Weather Conditions: WET!!
Miles Hiked: 16.5
Total Miles: 83.1
Crossed into NC at 12 noon yesterday. Weather was great approx. 65 degrees. And partly sunny. Made over 12 miles.
Slept GREAT last night!!
Got into camp late. Still trying to get my trail legs under me, but still so far so good.Running with a group of about 6 great folks that I met up with each night.
23-25 March (3 Days)
Neel’s Gap, GA to Dicks Gap, GA
Weather Conditions: COLD !!
Miles Hiked: 36.1
Total Miles: 66.6
1st three days. Tough going getting my trail legs, acclimating to being outside again, and fight the cold weather. Low temps of about 21 or 22 degrees both first two nights.
Met two great young men, I’ll call the “Marshall Men”, ROTC cadets from Marshall University in West Virginia at my 1st stop at Low Gap Shelter on night one. Hiked with them for the next two days. They were section hiking from Neel’s Gap to Bly Gap (GA/NC border) on their spring break from college. Very fortunately, they had their truck parked at the Hwy 76 crossig at Dicks Gap – 11 miles outside Hiawassee. So, in return for buying them dinner at Huddle House, they gave me a ride into town to spend the night. They returned to the trail to pitch tent and continue on.
First 3 days were physically very challenging just making my milage points and staying warm, so I took very few pictures and did very little journaling. I expect I’ll do much better with this as my fitness level and the weather both get better down the trail.
But, very much loving the adventure so far!!
26-27 March (2 Days)Standing Indian Shelter, NC
Weather Conditions: WET!!
Miles Hiked: 16.5
Total Miles: 83.1
Crossed into NC at 12 noon yesterday. Weather was great approx. 65 degrees. And partly sunny. Made over 12 miles.
Slept GREAT last night!!
Got into camp late. Still trying to get my trail legs under me, but still so far so good.Running with a group of about 6 great folks that I met up with each night.
More Eggs - More Jerky
The G-Town Colonel sent home some more stuff. This time, his tennis shoes, gloves, map and water bottles. Also, coffee, fuel bottle and MORE EGGS!! But wait, what's that right there in the very middle? It's his journals and a disk of some pictures. Wow folks, we are in luck. Why don't you all come on over for some eggs and jerky while I type up his journal entries of the past several days. Maybe someone can feed me while I'm typing. And, I wonder where in the world he is keeping his water since those are the only two water containers he took with him. Perhaps the answer lies in his journal. We will have to wait and see.........
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