April 1 - Terri Completes Entire Trail in Just Six Days!

Sorry.. couldn't resist a lame April Fools Day title.

Terri, Grace and "GramCracker" head out for 11 miles to US76-Dicks Creek Gap, Georgia, where they will be picked up by the owner of the Blueberry Patch Hostel, a trail hostel whose owner and son both have completed a thru hike. Yes, breakfast at the hostel includes blueberries.

69.6 miles complete/2,114.8 miles to go.

April 2 - Goodbye Georgia

After breakfast, Terri, Grace and "GramCracker" continue their hike heading for North Carolina.

Reportedly, about 1 in 5 who attempt a thru hike do not last a week and 1 in 4 leave the trail before getting out of Georgia. At approximately 3:00p, the hikers pass into North Carolina having put the 78.5 miles of the Georgia AT behind them.

Terri, Grace and "GramCracker" camp at Muskrat Creek Shelter, North Carolina, after 11.8 miles.

81.4 miles complete/2,103 miles to go.

April 3 - Hail, Hail

You know the song, so sing along . . .

Hail! Hail! The Gangs All Here! . . .

Not sure a jubilee occurs when you are hiking the AT and it begins hailing which is what happened today. The turn in the weather shortened their day after 12.5 miles.

The hikers bunkered in and tried to get warm at Carter Gap Shelter after being hailed on for awhile.

93.9 miles complete/2090.5 miles to go.

April 4 - Winding Stair Gap, North Carolina

The hikers did 15.9 miles today and walked down the stairway at Winding Stair Gap on US64. A good hike today and picked up by a hostel owner and a night at the Budget Hostel in Franklin, North Carolina, the parting point for GramCracker from Terri and Grace (trail name: "Austin"... she is from Austin, Texas).

109.8 miles complete/2074.6 miles to go.

April 5 - Wayah Shelter, North Carolina

Saying farewell to "GramCracker", "Austin" and Terri head north.

Hearing/seeing storms approaching, after about 11 miles they take refuge at a location near Wayah Shelter and set up camp expecting a storm. The storm passes them by without a drop of rain.

About 120 miles complete\2064.4 miles to go.

April 6-7 - Rufus Morgan Shelter and NOC, North Carolina

The hikers are approaching Nantahala and put in 15.5 miles with the decision to take a "nero day" (limited hiking vs. a "zero day" where there is no hiking to let the body heal) as they will be within 1 mile of Nantahala where they can resupply their food. They stay near the A. Rufus Morgan Shelter for the night and head to Nantahala the next morning.

In Nantahala, a festival is underway with outfitters showing their wares and "Austin" and Terri restock and relax at NOC (Nantahala Outdoor Center) with Fontana Dam being their next destination.

137.1 miles complete/2047.3 miles to go.

April 8 - Brown Fork Gap Shelter, North Carolina

Terri and "Austin" hike 16 miles from Nantahala and camp at Brown Fork Gap Shelter as they approach Fontana, North Carolina.

153.1 miles complete\2031.3 miles to go.

April 9 - Fontana Dam, North Carolina

Approximately 13 miles away from Fontana, Terri and "Austin" make their way to Post Office in Fontana to pick up their drop boxes. Terri arrives in Fontana in good spirits, her gear in good shape and her feet holding up. In her drop box, she found the essentials of freeze-dried food, toilet paper, camera card, and Peanut M&Ms.

Camp setup at Fontana Dam Shelter and ready themselves for the Smoky Mountains.

165.8 miles complete/2,018.6 miles to go.

April 10 - The Great Smoky Mountains

Terri and "Austin" walked across the top of the Fontana Dam and began their assault on the vertical challenges of the Smoky Mountains. The cumulative elevation gain from Fontana Dam to Davenport Gap is about 18,000 feet over 72 miles (see chart below).

They enter the Smokies and complete 13.8 miles and endure a chilly night at Russell Field Shelter, Tennessee.

179.6 miles complete\2,004.8 miles to go.

April 11 - "It's Freezing"

Having made good progress on their first day in the Smokies, Terri and "Austin" head off to position themselves to arrive at Clingman's Dome, the highest point on the Appalachian Trail, on Thursday (April 12).

Multiple elevation changes and 16.4 miles later, they arrive at Double Spring Gap Shelter in Tennessee just three miles from Clingman's Dome and inside 2000 miles to Mount Katahdin.

Camp is at 5500 feet elevation and temperatures have dropped to below freezing and will drop to 25°F not taking into account wind chill as it is very windy at this elevation. Investment in good gear pays dividends in conditions like this.

In addressing the weather, two words from Terri described it amply "It's freezing."

196.0 miles complete\1,988.4 miles to go.

April 12 - Clingman's Dome and Another Chilly Night

Chilly morning hike but by 11:00am the hikers were looking at the views atop the highest point in the Smoky Mountains.

Continuing on and after completing 13.8 miles, camp was set up at Icewater Spring Shelter, North Carolina, and they settled in for another windy, cold night. Temps fell into the mid-20s tonight with winds gusty to 30mpg. The weather is supposedly getting warmer tomorrow.

209.8 miles complete/1974.6 miles to go.

April 13 - Tri-Corner Knob and "What about us?"

The "hikers," better defined below, traversed 12.6 miles of the Smokies today arriving at the shelter at Tri-Corner Knob just below the 6,000 ft elevation. The weather improved from the past two nights and while still breezy and cold (mid 30s), it wasn't as cold. Tomorrow the hikers, after approaching the summit of Mt Guyot, the 4th highest summit in the eastern US, will travel down over the next 17.6 miles as they ready to put the Great Smoky Mountains behind them when the cross Interstate 40.

To correct/update the references to "hikers" ... Terri and "Austin" are hiking in a group of five which also includes "Spiderman", "Boots" and "Bucket." More to follow on the mystery hikers.

222.4 miles complete/1962.0 miles to go.

April 14 - Big Day and "What's in a Name?"

Big Day

The hikers, less "Bucket" who took a zero day and went into Gatlinburg and has not yet caught up, with the warmth of the day back and temperatures rising, made their way up and down, up and down, then down out of the mountains toward the northeast border of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

As the hikers came down out of the mountains they walked out of the Smokies, crossed over I-40 and onward as the day drew to a close. The hikers passed the 18 mile mark for the day and found their way off the trail to the Standing Bear Farm Hostel for the night. The rustic hostel boasts a pizza oven as well as an old fashioned washtub and scrub board for cleaning clothes. The hikers along with others from the AT settled in for the night and prepared for their hike tomorrow into the Cherokee National Forest.

"What's in a Name?"

"What's in a name? That which we call a rose. By any other name would smell as sweet."

For nineteen days the question has remained. Several have asked. And while the recipient initially attempted to avoid the attachment of the moniker, it has been embraced by hikers with a smile when they hear the story of its origin and now, acceptance has occurred. At last, we have an answer.

"Five Pair" is Terri's trail name. The genesis of the name comes from her hiking companions when they realized via a clothes washing event that Terri was carrying five pairs of each: socks, undergarments, shirts and skirts/pants.

So, the hikers, "Spiderman." "Boots," "Austin," and "Five Pair" will set off in the morning and continue their journey.

240.7 miles complete/1943.7 miles to go

April 15 - Somethings Gone Missing and Max Patch

The hikers, "Austin", "Spiderman", "Boots" and "Five Pair" left Standing Bear Farm Hostel with "Five Pair" believing she was traveling lighter than the day before as her "wallet" had gone missing. A call to Ground Control to assess the situation occurred as there are several upcoming events contingent upon "Five Pair" having access to her wallet (necessary photo ID for drop box pick up at the Hot Springs, NC, post office and air travel out of Damascus for daughter's graduation being two, not to mention simply having access to funds). Ground Control managed what it could on its end but much like the Show, the journey must go on... and it did.

Around the 14 mile mark for the day, the hikers had climbed to the top of Max Patch, a meadow covered bald noted for its particularly beautiful views. Here is a satellite view of Max Patch:

As they crossed the meadow with "Five Pair" undoubtedly stopping for a photo or two and after approximately 15.5 miles for the day, the hikers approached their camp site destination, Roaring Fork Shelter. Trail town Hot Springs, North Caroline, is 18 miles away and the destination for tomorrow.

In response to a couple inquiries, the standard thru-hiker carries two sets of clothing... not five.

255.9 miles completed/1,928.5 miles to go

April 16 - Something Found and Zero Day at Elmer’s

Just as quickly as something has been lost, it can be found and such was the case with the wallet of "Five Pair" so a happy beginning of the day.

The hikers had 18 miles as the plan and Hot Springs as the destination having called ahead to make reservations at Sunnybank Inn (a/k/a Elmer’s), a well known hiker friendly stop along the AT. A fairly pleasant hike as it did not face the elevation increases the hikers had faced the previous week.

The hikers arrived in Hot Springs mid afternoon and made their way to Elmer’s and plan to take a zero day tomorrow, pick up mail drops and do some wash (yes, some will do up to five sets of clothing).

To back up slightly… yesterday, as “Five Pair” traveled along the trail she came across a bit of Trail Magic and there along side water, soda and candy bars was a walking stick stuck in the ground with “AT 2012 – Take Me to Maine” along with several hikers names engraved in the walking stick. “Five Pair” pulled it out of the ground and carried it on as the hikers ascended to the top of Max Patch. "Five Pair” described Max Patch as a mountain meadow straight out of the movie “Heidi.” Discussion ensued and it was agreed for the hikers to carry it along with them. “Spiderman” carried the stick up the inclines and “Austin” carried it down as they made their way towards Hot Springs. As the hikers continued they began to realize there was a problem with the walking stick… it was HEAVY. Thru hikers are quite conscious about the weight of the objects they carry and make qualitative assessments of an item based upon weight (in ounces) versus need/utility. With that in mind, as “Five Pair” readied to leave Rooaring Fork Shelter, she noticed the walking stick outside of the shelter and realized that the hikers had carried the walking stick as far as they were going to, so she extracted her knife and carved her name into the stick for the next hiker to carry it along.

273.9 miles complete/1,910.5 miles to go

April 17 - Positive Zero

The four hikers, “Austin”, “Bucket”, “Spiderman”, and “Five Pair” (“Boots” resurfaced in Hot Springs but is burning his own trail now), took a zero day today. A bit of wash (more for some than others), mail drop pickup, food, and rest was the agenda and all points were covered. The hostel, Elmer's Sunnybank Inn, is a 1840s home with gracious hosts and staff and a perfect respite for the weary hiker.

The additional positive in the day at Hot Springs was solid cell phone service which allowed for updates to the hikers’ respective Ground Controls which was a very welcome change to the “climb to the top of a hill, dial, don’t move if you get a signal and hope the wind doesn’t shift” routine.

The hikers are all doing well and are looking forward to moving on after this well deserved rest following the Smokies but a rather large storm has found its way to the area and there are hopes that the stronger part of the weather system passes south of them. Time will tell.

273.9 miles complete/1,910.5 miles to go

April 18 - Rain and "Spotting" the Hemlock Hollow Inn

The day started later and slower than the hikers had hoped as a storm front pushed its way through Hot Springs and the hikers delayed their start to avoid the worst part of the storm. After a short delay, the hikers made their way out of Hot Springs and back onto the AT rested and ready to go.

The beauty of zero days in a trail town is it allows those at Ground Control to have "normal" cell phone access to their respective hiker without the frustrations of no signal, weak signal and dropped calls. It takes very little time to settle back into the comfort of having such access only for that comfort to be snatched away when the hikers head back onto the AT.

At 7:30pm and with nightfall rapidly approaching, Ground Control received several of such weak, breaking up, losing the signal type of calls from "Five Pair" and through several choppy calls without much continuity, Ground Control learned that "Five Pair" was on a dirt road by herself looking for a hostel the hikers had agreed earlier to head for but the road had no signs to be found. Enter the “Spot.”

Ground Control was able to request "Five Pair" to send a signal from the Spot (see Gear page) so as to locate "Five Pair" and help guide her to her destination. Message received and upon entering the coordinates in Google Maps it showed "Five Pair"’s destination about ¼ mile further up the road :

After another poor reception call and a short hike later, "Five Pair" was checking into the Hemlock Hollow Inn and meeting up with "Bucket" and "Spiderman" after approximately 16.2 miles of AT hiked. "Austin" had decided to push further on and stop at the next AT shelter 4.9 miles ahead. The three at Hemlock will look to catch up with "Austin" tomorrow.

Thanks to "GramCracker" for recommending the Spot. The Spot is a fantastic device which allows for contact from remote areas and is a provider of comfort when cell service is not.

Tomorrow will see the hikers pass the 300 mile mark.

290.1 miles compete/1894.3 miles to go

April 19 – 17, 300 and 4

“Bucket”, “Spiderman” and “Five Pair” got off to an early start and by noon they had made it to the highest point their hike would take them today at 4400 feet. From there they would hike with a gentle downward inclination until after a bit over 17 miles they would pitch their respective tents and call it a day at Flint Mountain Shelter.

The hikers passed the 300 mile point today.

At Flint Mountain Shelter the three hikers were once again four as “Austin” was again with the hikers.

They also bumped into Jerry, a hiker who is yet to obtain a trail name that the four hikers have bumped into several times along the AT.

The hikers look to do 18.9 miles tomorrow so as to be within striking distance of Erwin, Tennessee, for a late Saturday arrival.

Tomorrow sees Ground Control come into possession of photos from Five Pair for days through April 16 so a new slide show is soon to be posted.

306.2 miles complete/1878.2 mile to go

April 20 - "PUDS"

A 19 mile day lies ahead of the hikers so an early start occurs as they head out from Flint Mountain. The hike today featured a 1,500 foot ascent to the top of Hogback Ridge down again followed up by 1,700 foot ascent which was highlighted by a 500 foot ascent over the last half a mile to the 5,500 foot summit of Bald Mountain. The Bald Mountain Shelter was one mile after the hikers reached the summit with an elevation of 5,100 feet so it was cool last night at camp.

“Five Pair” indicated that the hikers encountered some “PUDS” today. “PUDS” are “pointless up and downs” with a series of “PUDS” being referred to as “MUDS”, “mindless up and downs.”

At camp, the hikers met “Zig Zag” and “Wingling”, husband and wife from the White Mountains area of New Hampshire who live very close to the AT. While “Wingling” indicated she was not likely to thru-hike, “Zig Zag” was less definitive but did not commit to a thru-hike. That said, “Zig Zag” and “Wingling” offered the hikers a warm meal when they arrive in the area of their home.

With the day done, the hikers called it a day at the shelter 17 miles from Erwin, Tennessee, and their next stopping point, Uncle Johnny’s Nolichucky Hostel.

325.1 miles complete\1859.3 miles to go

April 21 - Downhill to Erwin

Mostly downhill terrain today for the hikers as they work their way down about 3,000 feet in elevation with a few inclines over the 16.9 miles they hiked today.

Their stopping point was Uncle Johnny's Nolichucky Hostel in Erwin, Tennessee, where they received drop boxes, resupplied and did laundry. A shuttle took the boisterous hikers into town where they enjoyed a Mexican dinner with the return trip back to the hostel being much more subdued as the full bellied hikers were coming up on “Hiker Midnight” (a/k/a 9:00pm) and fatigue had set in.

The plan for the hikers tomorrow is yet to be decided as a severe storm system may be moving through the area with heavy snowfall potential.

342.0 miles complete/1842.4 miles to go

April 22 – 350 Miles and 1 Inch

The hikers had a later than normal start this morning after breakfast and found themselves with two less than desirable options for shelters, one too close and one too far. As they hiked in the rain, they determined to go at least 8 miles, hit the total of 350 miles hiked so far and set up camp. Having received a weather report from Ground Control the hikers wisely chose to get camp set up before the weather turned worse.

It rained the entire hike and when the hikers reached Indian Grave Gap having passed the 350 mile mark, they called it a day and "Five Pair" used the skill passed on by "GramCracker" on how to set up the tent in the rain to maintain the footprint and tent dry. "Five Pair" is carrying an ultra-light two person tent and as currently "Austin" has but a hammock, when Ground Control heard from "Five Pair", she and "Austin" were in the tent, awaiting the weather and enjoying "Austin"’s pralines. Weather cannot keep these hikers down when there are sweets available.

Weather Outlook:

Tonight: Rain and snow showers likely. Cloudy, with a low around 31. Blustery, with a north wind between 20 and 25 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Total nighttime snow accumulation of one inch possible.

Monday: Rain showers, snow showers, and freezing rain likely before 11am, then a slight chance of rain and snow showers between 11am and 2pm, then a slight chance of rain showers after 2pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 41. Breezy, with a northwest wind around 25 mph, with gusts as high as 40 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Little or no ice accumulation expected. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.

Again, thanks to "KrispyKritter", "GramCracker" and the Travel County folks for helping get "Five Pair" properly outfitted.

350.2 miles complete\1834.2 miles to go

April 23 - Snow Shoes

The morning started early with the hikers scraping ice off their tents as they packed up their gear while snow continued to fall. The hike today would take them 16.1 miles to Greasy Creek Gap and from there, off the AT to the Greasy Creek Friendly hostel.

As the day wore on the snow increased in its intensity to the point that when “Austin” and “Five Pair” reached the summit of a bald, they could not see the trail as snow had accumulated and visibility was significantly impaired as falling snow and wind blown snow made navigation a challenge.

Nonetheless, they trudged through the snowy, blustery conditions with frequent wind gusts up to 35 mph to Greasy Creek Gap.

The hostel owner had marked the AT well in advance with a directional sign and warning to ignore any postings thereafter for as friendly as “Five Pair” has found the hiking community generally, apparently a neighbor of the Greasy Creek Friendly is not as welcoming and has historically posted signs indicating the hostel not being open due to a death in the family. So with those well placed and in advance instructions, the hikers made their way down the mountain for ½ mile to the hostel. Upon arrival, their hostel host, trail name CeCe, joked with “Austin” and “Five Pair” that she had 25 family members die last hiking season according to her neighbor.

The hikers brought in burgers from a local restaurant and as time approached Hiker Midnight, “Austin” and “Five Pair” took joy from the fact that as the somewhat breezy hostel building was full with hikers they would be relegated for the night to the warmth of the main house.

Tomorrow the hikers head for Overmountain Shelter, a converted barn nestled in the Roan Highlands, and where their 17 mile hike will feature a 2,200 foot ascent in 3½ miles and past the highest shelter on the AT at Roan High Knob (6,285 feet).

366.2 miles complete/1,818.2 miles to go

April 24 - Slip and Slide

The description of the hike today from "Five Pair"? "Cold, windy, snowy, wet, rocky and muddy... slip and slide."

The hikers trudged 18 miles in those conditions with the first 10 miles being an uphill climb to the summit of Roan High Knob with the added pleasure of continuing snow and gusty winds. The hikers are now within 80 miles of the Virginia state line.

The hikers settled for the night into the breezy Overmountain Shelter, a converted tobacco barn, and will rise tomorrow with 18 miles as the plan, will hit the 400 miles hiked mark, and the camp site being Mountaineer Falls Shelter in Carter County, Tennessee.

382.7 miles complete/1801.7 miles to go

April 25 – 400 in 30

Snow greeted the hikers when they awoke this morning as the weather in the elevations remained cold and wet. Setting off early to accomplish the 18 miles planned, the hikers tackled two rises followed by a downward hike through the first 9 miles but at the half way point of the day, the hike returned to steep ascents and descents over the next 9 miles. Weary legs arrived at the Mountaineer Falls Shelter having accomplished the goal for the day.

The day saw the hikers pass the 400 miles hiked point and marked the 30th day on the AT for “Five Pair”.

Tomorrow the hikers have 16 miles planned and a stop at Kincora Hiking Hostel at Hampton, Tennessee.

400.7 miles complete/1,783.7 miles to go

April 26 – Kincora Hiking Hostel

Another day and more PUDs. The hikers set off and encountered challenging ascents saddled within a series of rolling hills while they worked their way to 4250 feet (from 3200 ft). From the high point they hiked their way down 5 miles and then off the trail to the Kincora Hiking Hostel near Hampton, Tennessee.

Kincora Hiking Hostel is run by one of the well known, knowledgeable personalities along the trail, Bob Peoples, a former thru-hiker. Upon arrival, Bob transported the hikers to town so that they could resupply and acquire groceries for dinner as Bob makes his kitchen available to hikers. Being a gracious host, accomplished hiker and AT advocate, Bob shared his stories with the hikers which passed the time as they traveled to and from town.

Cell service difficulties arose and no further information was available from Five Pair.

416.3 miles complete/1,768.1 miles to go

April 27 – Virginia Approach

Having heard from other hikers, "Austin" asked their host at the Kincora about the Treehouse and "Five Pair" and "Austin" settled in for the night at that separate accomodation rather than the bunkhouse. As described, the Treehouse, as one might expect, is a cabin built in the trees.

Irish detour... "Kincora" comes from Celtic phrase "kindness of the heart" which is appropriate given the host and Kincora was the birthplace and seat of power of Brian Boru, High King of Ireland in the 11th century and progenitor of the Clan O'Brien. Detour complete.

The previous night's feast and the restful slumber at the Kincora Hostel resulted in the hikers getting somewhat of a late start in the morning. As they progressed down the AT, more trail magic appeared and notwithstanding the prior nights feast and a hearty breakfast, the hikers enjoyed the food offerings of two thru-hikers and two thru-hikers in planning (daughter and son-in-law of one of the thru-hikers).

After enjoying this version of trail magic, the hikers moved on but realizing the time found themselves looking at a relatively light day (compared with their prior days) and set up camp after 10½ miles at Watuga Lake Shelter along the shore line of Watuga Lake with impressive views of the lake from the AT.

The hikers find themselves 36 miles from the Virginia state line and 40 miles from the renown trail city, Damascus, Virginia, and may attempt to arrive in Damascus by Sunday night.

426.8 miles complete/1,757.6 miles to go

April 28 – 21

The hikers took off this morning earlier than yesterday with the intention of positioning themselves for the following day crossing into Virginia and getting to the famed trail town, Damascus.

At around 11am, the hikers approached another Trail Magic moment. This one was particularly magical for "Five Pair" as low and behold the thoughtfulness of those bestowing the magic resulted in a delicious injection of sugary sweet known as Little Debbie Snack Cakes.

Shortly after leaving the trail magic stop, the hikers encountered an unlikely animal on the AT… cows. The hikers passed through the cows and continued on.

Within ½ mile of the Double Springs Shelter, the hikers, "Five Pair", "Bucket", "Spiderman", "Kindle Ninja" (formerly referred to as Jerry… origin or trail name being his frequent use at camp of the Kindle he brought along), "Dace" (who has been hiking with the group for the past couple days… trail name origin unknown at this time) and “<forgotten>” (female hiker whose name escapes us currently but will be corrected tomorrow) set up camp for the night.

The hikers are 14.8 miles from the Virginia state line and 18½ miles from Damascus with most of the hikers looking forward to at least one zero day and "Spiderman" looking to take in the Rangers/Caps game on Sunday night.

Total mileage today? A very impressive "Five Pair" high mileage day of 21.1 miles given the elevations involved.

447.9 miles complete/1,736.5 miles to go

April 29 - Damascus

The hikers took off early as they had 18 miles ahead of them on their way to Damascus.

Ground Control was provided the opportunity to find lodging in Damascus for "Five Pair" and after just a few minutes it became clear what would be an ideal AT experience in Damascus, the Lazy Fox Inn. After taking a couple day hiatus to be on her own, "Austin" rejoined "Five Pair" at the Inn.

After checking in and cleaning up, "Five Pair" and "Austin" headed to downtown Damascus and met up with "Spiderman", "Kindle Ninja", "Dace", "Bucket", "Duke's Keeper", "Parmesan" and "Opie" for dinner and called it a day after a hearty meal.

Zero day tomorrow for "Five Pair" and "Austin" while some of the other hikers will move on.

466.9 miles complete/1,717.5 miles to go.

April 30 - Zero in Damascus

While the hikers fanned out at various locales in and around Damascus, "Austin" and "Five Pair" awoke today at the Lazy Fox Inn and that meant one thing... a huge breakfast compliments of Miss Ginny and thereafter, laundry and relaxation followed by meeting up with the hikers for dinner.

Tomorrow will see an early start to the day for "Austin" and "Five Pair" and after Miss Ginny Breakfast Part Deux, their hiking day will begin with an aggressive mileage goal.

466.9 miles complete/1,717.5 miles to go.

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