Day 135 (November 5)

We had a good, 23-mile hike today in overcast conditions. It was supposed to rain in the afternoon, but thankfully it held off. We walked in quite a bit of snow again. I bought gaiters in Hot Springs and was glad I did. My feet stayed dry. Charlie set the pace again. We have a nice stealth spot to camp tonight. Got some terrific pictures from Max's Bald: 360 degree vistas with the gigantic Smokies in the distance. Take care.

Day 134 (November 4)

Made 16 miles today in relative ease. At lower elevations, the snow was not a problem. Charlie and I are in Hot Springs, NC at Laughing Springs Hostel tonight. The trail still had a lot of blown down trees and bushes to get around today, but not bad. The sun was shining. We will see about tomorrow. We're hoping to get 20+ miles in.

Day 133 (November 3)

Charlie and I headed out this morning from Laurel Trading Post Hostel for an 18 mile hike. One half mile into it, we realized the challenge presented by 12-18" of snow fall. Tough! Our feet were soaked and cold all day. The upside was sunshine and mild temperature. And we made it to another hostel where a wood stove has us warm and drying out. Chainsaw, the guy running the place, made us dinner and will take us to the trail head after breakfast in the morning. Only 16 miles to Hot Springs tomorrow. We are at lower elevation now and the snow should be less of a problem. At times today, we were on hands and knees crawling under trees downed by the snow. Quite a day. Take care.

Day 132 (November 2)

No hiking today. I'm still at Laurel Trading Post hostel. Third night. The snow is melting, however, and Charlie and Grahm are arriving at about 6:00 p.m. Chuck will hike with me for the week and Grahm will head back to Atlanta.

Happy to have shelter here out of the weather. Take care.

Day 131 (November 1)

It was a good decision to stay in a hostel last night. The area received 8-10 inches of snow. I had the hostel to myself. Three more hikers fell out of the mountains today as it continues to snow. Charlie and Grahm will connect with me tomorrow. Chuck and I will hike for a week beginning Monday morning. Twenty-five is the predicted low for Sunday night. Then it warms. It is two days to the Smokies, so hopefully Chuck and I can make some miles. Looks like three weeks to the end. Take care.

Day 130 (October 31)

I had a comfortable night in the shelter. It got pretty cold outside, but I had all my clothes on and my tent rain fly over my sleeping bag, so I stayed warm. I headed up the mountain just after sunrise. Beautiful bald in the first mile. Stopped for pictures. It was supposed to be rainy, but the weather didn't start until late afternoon. Four to eight inches of snow are predicted for tonight. I found a hostel to stay in for the night, and probably tomorrow with the snow. I only hiked 16 miles today. 

This place is scary backwoods North Carolina/Tennessee. Appropriate for Halloween. The hostel proprietor has a gun strapped to his belt at all times. He's a nice guy and a good cook. He says bear meat tastes like steak. Here are todays photos. Take care.

Day 129 (October 30)

I planned to zero in Erwin, but the weather forecast was for a sunny day today, rain on Friday, and snow on Saturday, so I hiked. I'm staying in a shelter tonight with four other hikers getting ready to take on a 30 degree night. I enjoyed the dry bed and warm stay at Uncle Johnny's hostel. The Nolichucky river runs right beside it. Nice to hear the water. 

I hope to be in another hostel tomorrow night where I will zero and wait to hook up with Charlie. Take care.