Today I failed 20 times. 

I set daily goals on the AT. How far I intend to hike, where to stop for lunch, basic stuff.

I have a personal goal to try to climb every hill and mountain WITHOUT STOPPING.  Sometimes I can.  Some days are better than others.

Today started with a lofty goal: hike 20 miles.  The trail had a long 5 mile climb, as well as several smaller climbs.

I failed.  I was tired this morning, and my energy was low.  I stopped on a climb.  Then again.  A drink of water.  Failure after failure…

Did I quit? No! At the end of the day, I completed my first goal.  I hiked 20 miles.  I can do better.  I will do better.  But… Today was a SUCCESS!

Don’t get concerned with small failures.  Stay focused and do your best.  Persist, keep your eyes on the goal, and you too can succeed!

Day 28 Total miles: 280.

The past few days have been busy!

We were lucky. On Day 22, we worked hard to get to Gatlinburg, for resupply, a half day off, and a good night’s sleep at the Grand Prize Prix Motel.

The weather turned, and rain became snow.  2 wet and cold hikers were found and saved on Clingman’s Dome.  We stayed there an extra night as all who could came down from the mountain and temps about 10 degrees… 6 inches of snow fell that afternoon.

The next 4 days were awesome.  My wife was meeting me in Hot Springs if I could make it by Saturday, 4 days away.  That meant hiking 16, 18, 20, and 13 miles to make up the lost day for snow. 

Three of us went for it.  The weather was perfect, hiking in snow the first day. Then it started to melt, so we hiked in snow, ice, and mud for much of 2 days.  But… We made it!

Hot Springs is a wonderful small town that caters to hikers.  Walking into town, I was greeted by several hiker friends.  Very cool!

I met my wife at our hotel and had a grand reunion.  She was immersed in MY environment, meeting many friends and enjoying our reunion.  One highlight of our weekend was the hot springs; yes, they exist! 15 private hot tubs right on a river… Just what my poor body needed!

Back on the trail today, another 10 miles.  Perfect!

CG

Day 22 Gatlinburg.  Zero day.  Total miles: 206.8.

Words of the day: snow, cold, luck. 

We were lucky.  Yesterday, we worked hard to get to Gatlinburg, for resupply, a half day off, and a good night’s sleep at the Grand Prize Prix Motel. 

The weather turned, and rain became snow.  2 wet and cold hikers were found and saved on Clingman’s Dome.  We stayed here an extra night as all who could came down from the mountain and temperature about 10 degrees… 6 inches of snow fell this afternoon. 

Tomorrow: 60 and clear, but we don’t know if the park road will be closed…

Clingman's Dome

Let’s add Flexible to the word list!

Day 17 and taking a zero, so time to finally add some pictures.

4/10/2014. Miles 150.7.

At the beginning. Springer Mountain.

Shoe tree in Neal Gap.

Rainy day path…

Cold! Frost on the sign…

Trail magic and Miss Janet

German friends, German restaurant in Helen, GA

Curious George at the border

Hmmm… are we dinner?

Smokies from a fire tower

Friends Hawk’s Bill, Bear Bag, Cake, and Isn’t Black

Great fun! After the day is done, it’s all about the people we meet and the good times together.

CG

Day 12: Carter Gap Shelter to Rock Gap Shelter

Today’s miles: 12.1. Total miles: 106.

32 degrees waking up this morning.  Think about getting out of bed and getting dressed! You move fast!

Today’s highlights were the 500 foot, very vertical climb up Albert Mountain, and to reach the 100 mile point at the fire tower on top.  It was strenuous for me, but I felt great to have done it, and the afternoon flew by from there.

The evenings are special on the trail.  I arrived at the shelter at 4pm. I like to take care of business first, which for me is to set up my hammock, tarp, change into my sleep clothing, get water for dinner, and make sure that my clothes are ready for the morning.

Then up to the shelter with my food bag, cook set, and water. We usually eat together at a picnic table or sitting on logs around a fire pit.  While eating until dark, we tell stories about the day, and get to know each other.

I’m sure that most of my memories of the AT will come from these fireside sessions, and the interesting people I meet.  Tonight was Cloud Dancer, who did the Pacific Coast Trail (PCT) last year, and wants to do the AT in 90 days!

Tomorrow is a “Nero” or Near Zero day.  We will hike 3 miles and catch a ride into Franklin, NC to buy food for the next 4 days, do laundry, have a couple of good meals, and a night in a bed.

CG

Day 11, Muskrat Creek Shelter to Carter Gap Shelter

Today’s miles: 12.5. Total miles: 93.9.

Highlight of the day was the climb to 5500′,
Standing Indian Mountain.  The climb was less rigorous, and a pretty easy day.  There was a threat of rain and thunderstorms; just showers today, but windy as I write this…

Tomorrow is expected to be more demanding, so hang on!

CG

Day 10 Dick’s Creek Gap to Muskrat Creek Shelter

Today’s miles: 11.8. Total miles: 81.4.

Back on the AT after a zero day, I was recharged. The day off was relaxing. I ate healthy meals and just enjoyed reading and being lazy.  But I was ready to go. 

The day was near perfect, 80 degrees and sunny, with no wind. The hiking was not bad until crossing into NC.  YES! I made it to NC around 2 pm today.  One down, and thirteen to go…

Then a crazy hard climb up Courthouse Bald of 800′ at the end of the day was the hardest to date.  I am still hiking in slow motion on these tough climbs; my goal is to just keep moving, one baby step at a time. 

Nice chatting around the campfire.  A couple is hiking the AT for their 30th anniversary.  Also some stories about Miss Janet, who follows the hiking group to support them.

Tonight I decided to sleep under the stars.  Normally, I hang my hammock, and then cover it with a tarp, to keep out the wind and rain.  Tonight is calm and clear, so the view is unobstructed and beautiful. 

Tomorrow afternoon, rain and possible thunderstorms are predicted.  Rain is fine and expected.  The storms are not any fun, and I hope they miss us.

CG

Today’s miles: 6.3. Total miles: 69.6.

Beautiful night, no clouds, and a beautiful day forecast ahead.  6am, we woke to a 30 minute rain shower! An hour later, clear skies…

One steep climb first thing in the morning, then on to Dick’s Creek Gap, and hitchhiking into Hiawassee.  Only had to wait 5 minutes, and got a ride in a Mercedes! Rabbit and I got left at our motels,  for well deserved zero days. 

Many thru hikers recommend taking a day off every 7-10 days,  so I will plan on that.  We are supposed to listen to our bodies, especially if they start hurting. 

I had a good time doing nothing, reading, and catching up with phone calls.  Great to recharge the mind and soul, as well as the body. 

Tomorrow, it’s back to the trail, and 8.9 miles to the NC border! This is usually seen as the first big milestone. 

Off to a second night in bed.  Ahhhhhhh…