2021 Hoots Hike
2021 Hoots Hike
Embedded Files
Current status: Mileage summitted Mt. Kahtahdin on October 10, 2021
Top entry latest. Scroll down to bottom for 1st entry of the calendar month.
Click link to see past entries: Pre-Hike March April May June TBD
You can message the Hoots here: fivepair@cfl.rr.com. Message page added here: Messages
February 7, 2022 - Thats rights.... Its 2022 and I am finally beginning to "update"
But first I have to create the new entries for the "Swamp Creatures Hike"
July 1 - No News is... well, No News, so Lets Catch Up!
Mileage in Pennsylvania with "Letterman"
Mileage under cover of "no entries" continued pushing forward and the last time an entry was provided we found out intrepid hiker just shy of 400 miles.
In the time that has passed, Mileage passed the 400 mile mark, as well as 500, 600, 700, 800, 900 and 1000 miles hiked.
Her efforts now have her past the 1,100 miles hiked and north of Boiling Springs, Pennsylvania and enjoying what hikers who have endured this section of the AT refer to as "Rocksylvania". The trail is simply a bed of rocks ranging in size over the flat, elevation and descents.
Also during the "no news" period, Five Pair's MRI returned a fractured tibia and two torn ligaments. Healing has gone well and increasing enthusiasm for return is present.
Editor Note: Will begin backfilling a couple days per entry and get back on schedule with Mileage and her journey.
Total miles: 1124.0 miles
1,069.1 miles to Baxter Peak, Mount Katahdin, Maine
May - June - What the heck?!? Where are the entries?
Life... getting in the way but fear not, catchup entries will come.
April 28 - 1800, 400 and 0
Mileage was up and out of camp at 8:00a knowing that at the end of her hike today awaited a much anticipated shower, laundry and actual bed.
The norm was immediately experienced as the hike was upward toward Yellow Mountain. During the early part of the hike, Mileage spotted a barn that housed AT hikers for many years (Five Pair in 2012) until it was declared unsafe. Thereafter, Mileage hiked upon a historical marker highlighting the "Over Mountain Men", 1000 mountain men from Virginia, NC and Tennessee who in 1780 road from the marker point 170 miles to the "Battle at Kings Mountain" and won an important battle which helped pave the way for the British surrender at Yorktown.
After a quick descent to Yellow Mountain Gap at 4700', back up again towards the ridgeline of Big Yellow Mountain and then onward and upward with a significant elevation gain to Little Hump Mountain and then Big Hump Mountain where at 5587' she experienced very windy conditions and quite chilly.
Hiker, Vista, was there and Mileage and Vista took some quick pictures and move along given the conditions.
The descent that followed was the usual rocks which is quite stressful on a hiker's knees and feet as well as tiring as additional concentration and care is needed to avoid a fall or ankle/foot injury. At around 7 miles hiked for the day Mileage encountered a "Leaving NC" as the last several weeks has seen Mileage crossing back and forth between Tennessee and North Carolina as the AT follows the border between the two states.
A quick lunch was had and onward Mileage hiked as she move towards her stopping point for the day, Highway 19E. The final stretch was lots of rocks and a steep descent once again providing knee and feet stress but emerged unscathed and ready to get to the B&B.
Upon arrival, Mileage met a couple tourists to the area who decided to help out the weary hikers and transported them to their destinations and in Mileage's case, the Mountain Harbour Bed & Breakfast.
Upon check-in, the goals were shower, laundry, food and beer.
The Houston section hikers, Tio, Two Pack, Data, Brad and Quill are all at the B&B which made the easy access to a delicious burger and amber nectar that much more enjoyable as the hikers chatted and enjoyed each other's company without the stress of bear bags, tent set up and water concerns.
Mileage hiked inside 1,800 miles to Katahdin, is a next hike away from 400 miles hiked and has a zero planned tomorrow and settled in for a well earned day of relaxation.
11.1 miles completed today
Total miles: 395.3 miles
1,797.8 miles to Baxter Peak, Mount Katahdin, Maine
April 27 - Trail Luxury
Mileage was out of camp at 8:00a as the day started crisp and sunny.
The first mile was a 280' assent followed by a close to 900' descent over the next 2.5 miles down to an elevation of 4040' at Hughes Gap with the hike being through a beautiful forest which provided a cool, shaded hike with a very strong pine sent.
Mileage reports she stopped at Hughes Gap to "fortify" herself as she knew was looming upon leaving Hughes Gap. Before she left, the four Houston section hikers arrived and one of them, John, decided to take his leave from the AT which Mileage thought a wise decision knowing the upcoming terrain.
Met hiker "Turtle" who hikes the trail with an RV and motorcycle that he uses to shuttle himself between points on his hike.
Early Morning Trail
Turtle
Out of Hughes Gap the trail turned upward and for the next five miles Mileage encountered upward hiking as from 4040' she hiked up to Roan High Knob at approximately 6200'. While not the steepest of ascents she has encountered, it was a long consistently up five miles of hiking.
Once past Roan High Knob, the trail headed down 700' past the remnants of a chimney and after 1.6 miles down into Carvers Gap where "Grey Dog", a hiker who had 200 miles hiked before leaving the trail with a leg injury, provided a van full of Trail Magic of all sorts of food, drinks and even toilet paper.
Yep, a fireplace and chimney
Self Explanatory
Gray Dog and Trail Magic
After leaving Carvers Gap, yep, up Mileage hiked to the 5800' high Round Bald then past Jane Bald with the lack of trees resulting in very windy conditions, and quite hot with the added bonus of the trail being quite rocky. Thereafter, the trail took a downward trend over the next two miles until arrival at Stan Murray Shelter at 4:30p. There were several hikers present at this shelter including Corner, Stick, Slow Pack Fanny, Two Pack and Vista arriving later.
Mileage enjoyed dinner at a picnic table although she lamented that the water source at this shelter was quite a distance and wondered about the thought process of the US Forest Service locating streams so far away from hiker shelters. :)
Trail of Little Rocks
Trail of Big Rock
End of the Day
As night fell, it was a relaxing, quiet night and while chilly, still comfortable compared to the not so distance past freezing evenings.
Today's Item of Note: At Carvers Gap there was an actual functioning toilet at the parking area. For thru-hikers, it's the little luxuries on the trail that make it all worth while and heartfelt apologies on behalf of Mileage for her lack of foresight to document with a photo such a momentous encounter on the trail.
13.7 miles completed today
Total miles: 384.2 miles
1,808.9 miles to Baxter Peak, Mount Katahdin, Maine
April 26 - Blocks of Ice to a Great Day
Very cold start to the day with Mileage beginning the day hiking with her feet feeling like "blocks of ice".
Notwithstanding the early cold, the sun rose, was shining brightly and the hike headed down Unaka Mountain and into a pine forest which with the sun shining through was a beautiful part of the hike. The first three miles were downward from the 5185' at camp to just under 4000' to Cherry Gap Shelter where Mileage stopped for for water and continued on.
During this stretch Mileage met four section hikers from Houston with a recently retired ExxonMobil exec and his son along with two friends which were having a good time with their hike.
Mileage continued until arrival at Iron Mountain Gap where Trail Magic consisting of Gatorade, fruit, Cheetos, and other hiker favorites were available. Given the Trail Magic stop, Mileage took in lunch there with the four section hikers, Tejas and Vey. Mileage relayed that while she doesn't always feel hungry, when she stops and begins eating "I can't stop shoveling it in!" and believes the caloric burn experienced hiking the AT is to blame. :)
After lunch, Mileage hiked out of the gap and up 800 feet in elevation in the next two mile and onward for another 4 miles at elevations between 4200 and 4400' until arriving at Clyde Smith Shelter and while still pretty early in the day, Mileage was tired and the next shelter was 8 miles away, so she called it a day.
Lots of hikers were at this shelter so Mileage enjoyed her dinner chatting with other hikers. Met two more hikers who were kind enough to assist Mileage with getting her bear bag hung where was really appreciated with one of the gents hailing from New Bedford, Massachusetts and sporting a "classic" New England accent.
Dinner was a treat as the weather was very pleasant so there was no rush to get into tents away from the cold.
As the sun ended its time, the moon arrived and Mileage reports that the moonlight was so bright it was like daylight in her tent.
Four Section Hikers from Houston
Bear Bag Helpers. True Gentlemen! Thank you very much!
Mileage advised that although the hiking was tiring, no rain fell, the hiking weather was warm, it was the first night that the weather was not freezing. Mileage so it was a "great day!"
12.5 miles completed today
Total miles: 370.5 miles
1,822.6 miles to Baxter Peak, Mount Katahdin, Maine
April 25 - Solo Again
Having hiked the last few days with Fidget and Gourmet, Fidget and Gourmet decided to take a zero so Mileage bid them farewell and shuttled off to Uncle Johnnys at 9 am to start solo hiking again.
While the day was once again chilly, gray and gloomy, the hike across the bridge over the Nolichucky River was beautiful and into the woods she hiked. The first three miles was relatively flat, easy miles with the added delight of hiking along the stream with water crossings, small waterfalls and sound of gurgling water. Mileage reports the morning provided "lovely hiking" and did not see another soul for three miles.
After that, other hikers began to appear and at the four mile mark Mileage hiked into the Curley Maple Gap Shelter meeting up with "Pikachu" and met "No Rush," a hiker from Quincy Massachusetts who is carrying his friend's ashes along the trail. Mileage took the opportunity to eat and provide her own version of "shelter magic" bestowing upon No Rush some Pop Tarts and a rice dinner package.
After eating the hike continued and the lovely hiking sadly came to an end as Mileage reported that the once flat trail resumed its "up, up, up with a vengeance."
A few bright spots in the day appeared as Trail Magic with the Indian Grave Gap version including Girl Scout cookies and beer with another version to follow one mile later provided by "The Ice Cream Guy" providing ice cream sandwiches as well as bananas and beer.
Random sites along the trail today:
Thereafter the hike continued with more uphill terrain and Mileage was advised that a couple hiker friends were camping at a nice spot near the top of 5185' Unaka Mountain, so Mileage undertook a one mile uphill rock climb to arrive at the campsite. Happily, upon arrival, Iris had a fire going and Mileage found a nice flat spot to set up camp. Being at elevation, the evening was very, very cold so it was quick to dinner and then into the warmth of the sleeping bag to call an end to the day.
13.2 miles completed today
Total miles: 357.5 miles
1,853.8 miles to Baxter Peak, Mount Katahdin, Maine
April 24 - Erwin and a Seinfeld Bit
Mileage, Gourmet and Fidget were up and on the trail by 7:00am as they wished to hike the 10 miles in front of them to get to Erwin and dry, reserved accommodations before the predicted rain descended. Thirty minutes into the hike, the rain started and was their constant companion for the duration of the hike.
Beyond the discomfort of being wet and cold, the rain increases significantly the risk of injury of slipping on wet rocks.
After about 2 hours, they hiked up to the No Business Knob Shelter and decided to eat “lunch” at 9 am since the hikers wanted to get out of the rain as soon as possible and another stop was not on the schedule. After a quick snack, the three headed out for 6 more miles in the rain.
The hikers moved a bit slower than normal as Fidget picked up an injury a couple days ago and is moving slower as a result.
Mileage observed they encountered "the usual AT ups and downs which were even less entertaining in the steady precipitation." At noon, they arrived at the bluff above the Nolichucky River which provided a great view even on such a dreary day.
No Business Shelter
Rain Gear Mileage
Nolichucky River
A 2000' descent over the next two miles and the hikers saw their way to one of the classic locations on the AT, "Uncle Johnny's Nolichucky Hostel & Outfitter" in Erwin, Tennessee. Mileage and Gourmet both had packages to pick up there.
Sadly, John M. Shores, “Uncle Johnny”, the founder of this well known hiker stop, passed away in February, 2018.
Johnny's Shuttle took Fidget to the local Urgent Care to have an assessment of her injury.
Mileage received a disturbing call from the previously reserved hotel room in Erwin for the night...
Wet, cold, tired hikers are likely to be a little tense when receiving a call from their previously reserved accommodations that no room was available for them. Rather than speculate on the nature and substance of the call to the hotel, we visit the concept of reservation from Jerry Seinfeld:
Jerry: I don't understand. Do you have my reservation?
Rental Car Agent: We have your reservation, we just ran out of cars.
Jerry: But the reservation keeps the car here. That's why you have the reservation.
Rental Car Agent: I think I know why we have reservations.
Jerry: I don't think you do. You see, you know how to "take" the reservation, you just don't know how to "hold" the reservation. And that's really the most important part of the reservation: the holding. Anybody can just take them.
After the call with Mileage, the location provided the hikers a suite which boasted a king, a queen and twin beds. Ample accommodations for the three. Fidget rejoined with medication in hand with hopes of continued hiking.
Laundry, showers, drying out shoes and warming up ensued followed by a walk to the grocery store and a pickup from "Pals," a take out burger joint. The three had a dry, quiet night spent rearranging packs and food bags not for the first or last time.
10.4 miles completed today
Total miles: 344.3 miles
1,867.0 miles to Baxter Peak, Mount Katahdin, Maine
April 23 - Uneventful but Productive
An early shuttle to I-26, Sams Gap, by the owner of Nature's Inn hostel who had a heart stent inserted just two days ago.
The morning was cold, crisp and sunny which quickly changed after the hike began to what Mileage has been experience the last several days, windy, grey and very cold. While a change in the weather occurred, such was not the case in hiking out of a gap. A very health ascent occurred as they hiked from 3700' to 4443' in the first 1.5 miles followed by a hike along the ride of Divide Mountain (presumably names as it divided North Carolina from Tennessee).
As Mileage hiked along, she met up with two ladies that Five Pair and Mileage had met at the Happy Gnomads hostel and a chat revealed that one was born in same town Mileage was in Massachusetts.
As Mileage hiked along Divide Mountain she encountered a small descent on to 4300' and then for the next 2.5 miles it was upward hiking as to the 5505' summit of Big Bald.
While the views on the Big Bald were nice, the weather was not as the cold, cloudy and windy conditions moved the hikers along and onto Bald Mtn Shelter where a quick, chilly lunch was had.
Unfortunately, Fidget had lost her gloves earlier in the day and while they were lunching, two young men who came into shelter had found them and picked them up. Very fortunate occurance as the Bald Mtn Shelter is 0.2 miles off the trail so it is not a given they would stop in. A moment of good fortune for Fidget.
The good fortune did not extend to the weather, as with lunch ended and the hike renewed, snow flurries were experienced for the next 5 miles.
Upon arrival at Spivey Gap and water resupply, the hikers all concurred that it had been a long, hard day and they would seek out the next possible camp site.
Within a mile, a flat area was found and camp set up and the day ended. Unfortunately, a dog in the area did not honor the quiet time after Hiker Midnight and was heard barking after midnight. Mileage characterized the day as "uneventful but productive day mileage wise".
14.2 miles completed today
Total miles: 333.9 miles
1,877.4 miles to Baxter Peak, Mount Katahdin, Maine
April 22 - Up, Windy and Cold
The day started with Doug, a great shuttle driver, picking up Mileage, Fidget and Gourmet from Super 8 and dropping them at Devils Gap at 10:30 am with the sun shining but cold and windy.
Yes, you read "gap" so presumably, you know what that means for the hikers. Up, up and more up. This version was particularly challenging as the ascent was 1500' over three miles and Mileage relayed that it took "forever" to get to the ridgeline they were to hike. Up to 4574' and around Lick Rock they hiked. No indications that any hikers stopped and considered re-enacting the name.
As the day wore on, the temperature dropped and the wind picked up. As the sun began to sink, the hikers were all quite cold even with their layered wear, hats and gloves. The temperature was predicted to be windy and below 20°F on the mountain so the hikers choose an alternative location for sleeping. They moved forward without many stops and as tempting as it was to stop and take a quick look at what was on TV, it was just too cold.
The last 1 1/2 miles of the hike today was a 750' descent into Sam's Gap to find Amy from Nature's Inn hostel awaiting their arrival. Given previous experiences of no shows and long, cold waits, it was a welcome relief to see an awaiting shuttle as the cold hikers came off the mountain.
The three hikers, Mileage, Fidget and Gourmet, loaded into the shuttle and off they went to the hostel. This version was "tiny house" accommodations with a common room which the hikers took full advantage of as present was an wood burning stove which provided great joy to the cold hikers.
8.5 miles completed today
Total miles: 319.7 miles
1,883.1 miles to Baxter Peak, Mount Katahdin, Maine
April 21 - Oh, What a Difference a Day Makes
The Joys of Sunshine and Warmth
The Joys of Cold and Snow
As the hike started today in cold and damp conditions, Mileage sensed weather was coming and five minutes out of camp, it arrived in the form of sleet and snow.
The weather incentivized increased pace to provide the additional warmth sought by the hikers but unlike prior days, this day did not warm as the day went on rather, temperatures dropped. Mileage assessed that that "sleeping outside would be highly unpleasant at best, hypothermic at worst" so off-trail accommodations became a focal point.
Six miles into the day, a stop at Flint Mountain Shelter to assess options yielded no phone service so she moved on.
A couple miles later and standing in the middle of the trail, cell service was achieved and accommodations acquired and a hiker sprint started to get to Devils Gap for pickup.
After a long, very cold wait, a shuttle arrived to take Mileage and hiking companions Fidget and Gourmet to the Super 8.
A Fork in the Trail
The Long, Cold Wait
Upon arrival at the accommodations for the night, the heat was cranked up, laundry done, hot showers and a walk to the grocery store.
Mileage's assessments of the day:
"The miles flew by in a blur as I just wanted OUT."
"Highlight of trail was the Big Butt Bypass! Which I didn’t take - stayed on AT. This bypass takes you around a short rocky section which was really no big deal after yesterday’s rock scramble."
Editor's Note: Truly appreciate the framing and setup for the Big Butt Bypass photo and the willing volunteer that donated his/her derriere to add a finishing touch to the photo.
Inquiring minds... will seek addition info on those Mileage is currently hiking with, Fidget and Gadget and post.
9.4 miles completed today
Total miles: 311.2 miles
1,891.6 miles to Baxter Peak, Mount Katahdin, Maine
April 20 - A Spot, a Rock and 300
After the parting of the Hoots, Five Pair realized that she should have handed off the Spot device to Mileage for emergencies so calls exchanged, a road crossover was identified, and Sunshine of Happy Gnomad Hostel (comes through again!) took Five Pair to the Allan Gap. Instructions on use and the Spot was provided Mileage. Farewells exchanged with Five Pair expressing hopes of return and Five Pair headed to the airport and Mileage had her own elevations to manage.
Before setting off from the gap, Mileage received Trail Magic from trail angel, Andrew (no trail name) in the form of a battery charge and in an exceptionally wonderful event, a portable battery charger.
The hike out of Allan Gap was a 500' ascent in about 1/2 mile, leveled off for about a mile and then another 700' foot ascent in the following mile. The next mile again was generally level at 3000' and then turned up again over the next 3 miles to 4650' and around Camp Creek Bald. At the 12 mile mark for the day, Mileage arrived at Big Firescald Knob describing it as "incredibly rocky and steep" and "rock scramble with hands".
Upon arrival at the top of the Knob, the views were described as "beautiful" . . .
. . . and a marker with a story about Master Trail Builder, Howard McDonald. Howard passed away in September, 2015, but not without leaving a legacy that he passed on to others described: HERE.
The Story of Howard's Rock
(copy of story attached to Howard's Rock)
Howard McDonald is a legend in the Western North Carolina trail building and maintaining community. He moved to Hendersonville, NC, in 1981 and joined the Carolina Mountain Club in 1992, soon after he retired. Soon thereafter he got involved with their trail maintenance crew and worked on building and maintaining trails in these mountains for the next 22 years, volunteering over 9,000 hours in total. Howard used his engineering skills to design the bridges, privies, bear cables, and shelters the club's trail crews built during those years. He also helped lay out many new and relocated trails, including the relocation of the trail where you are now standing from the side of the mountain (the blue blazed "bad weather" trail to the crest of this beautiful ridge.
It took the CMC trail crews over 5 years to construct this 1.4 mile section of trail, and as the work progressed past this point, Howard become interested in a very large rock. It was on the edge of the trail, sitting on the ground, and tilted at a sharp angle, but every time he hiked past it, Howard would say "if we could only get that rock moved up to the ledge and make it flat, it would be a great place to have lunch or just enjoy this spectacular view." He said it so often over the next several years, as we passed here to work further along the trail, that the crew started calling it HOWARD'S ROCK.
On the last day the trail crew work on this relocation, a group of 6 maintainers let Howard pass by and then set to work to move the rock into its present location. It took all the skill and muscle of these highly experienced trail builders to get the rock moved, positioned, and made stable, but when he hiked out that afternoon, Howard saw the rock exactly as he envisioned it.
Over the next several years, Howard brought a number o folks to see "his" rock, including all of his family when they were in town to celebrate his 80th birthday. In 2014, health problems forced Howard to retire from the trail crew, and at his retirement celebration a plaque was presented to him in honor of his many years of service. That plaque is now attached, as you see, to HOWARD'S ROCK.
Now you know the story, so please sit awhile, have lunch, or just enjoy the view, and maybe think a little about Howard and the many others like him who make the trail you enjoy possible.
Just two miles after leaving Big Firescald Knob and Howard's Rock, Mileage passed the 300 AT miles hiked mark which was evidenced on the ground in hiker's handwriting and oddly enough also via a Post-It Note replete with a smiley face.
The rest of the day stayed with the 4200' to 4500' range until arrival of Mileage at Jerry Cabin Shelter.
The upward effort experienced today as characterized as "a long day", "very difficult" and "one of the hardest in many days" and "very quiet without Five Pair along".
Mileage settled in to the chilly evening with the usual nighttime routine: cooked Ramen, got water, hung food bag, and rolled down a 30 degree slope all night (Mileage abhors tenting on anything other than flat ground).
Note of the Today: As Ground Control will no longer have primary responsibility for managing logistical urgencies for the remaining hiking Hoot, he felt compelled to find his counterpart on behalf of Mileage a proper name. Given his time spent in a particular city, the Hoots are from Florida's Space Coast, and logistical requests typically come when problems arise, what came to mind was the phrase, "Houston, we have a problem." "Houston" is the designated moniker for this purveyor of Platinum Blaze accommodations.
15.9 miles completed today
Total miles: 301.8 miles
1,901.0 miles to Baxter Peak, Mount Katahdin, Maine
April 19 - And Then There Was One...
“But Mouse, you are not alone.
In proving foresight may be vain,
The best laid schemes of mice and men
Go often askew,
And leaves us nothing but grief and pain,
…”
- "To a Mouse" published July 31, 1786, Robert Burns (1759-1796)
__________________________________________
The Hoots exited Hot Springs by hiking a mile across the bridge over the French Broad River and back into the Blue Ridge Mountains and immediately into a 1000’ ascent over the first 3 miles. The following 2 miles were ups and downs between 2200’ and 2600’.
Following six painful miles, arrival at Tanyard Gap and discussion between Mileage and Five Pair, the call was made by Five Pair to Ground Control:
“We’ve taken all day to do just 6 miles. It’s not fair to Mileage. My ankle is worse and you know what it’s like out here. I have already fallen this morning. I am going to hurt myself. I just can’t hike with my ankle. I’m coming home.”
And with that, an unremarkable turn of an ankle brought the joy of Five Pair’s second AT adventure to a wholly unsatisfying halt (albeit with a glimmer of hope that she may be able rejoin Mileage later with a healthy ankle).
Five Pair and Mileage said their good-byes to each other and after having spent 29 days hiking 275 miles of the AT together, Five Pair watched Mileage hike away. With a final turn back to Five Pair, Mileage moved on with her hike.
As Five Pair waited for Sunshine from Happy Gnomad Hostel to pick her up, Mileage hiked out of the gap where Five Pair stood and continued her hike.
As Mileage entered the forest, you guessed it, she immediately began hiking up and in this instance, from 2200’ to 3000’ in elevation in the first 1.5 miles with another 600’ elevation over the next mile up and around the summit of Rich Mountain.
She then hiked down to Hurricane Gap followed immediately by another 600+’ elevation gain in the next 1.5 miles to Spring Mountain and the Spring Mountain Shelter where Mileage would call it a day.
11.0 miles completed today
Total miles: 285.9 miles
1,916.9 miles to Baxter Peak, Mount Katahdin, Maine
April 18 - Hot Springs Zero
The Hoots set out from their accommodations and undertook resupply before the rain settled in for the day.
What makes for a great Trail Town? Friendly, welcoming folks to the hikers who make there way through, hiker friendly accommodations and eateries, reliable shuttles and resupply venues. Throw in a couple quirky things of interest...
Hot Springs is the only town in North Carolina where the Appalachian Trail runs through the town, "blazes" are a bit different and not necessarily found on trees.
The grocer at the resupply store has a trained chicken (whose name currently escapes the Hoots) which manages its "business" outside and lets itself in and out,
and you have a great Trail Town.
Five Pair undertook her RICE protocol and the day was spent staying dry, relaxing and managing their backpacks.
Some random pictures taken along Trail to date....
The "Hilton" of Shelters, Fontana Dam Shelter still experiences unwanted visitors.
A Quiet Moment
Why you ask do the Hoots not like the rain?
Look at those outfits!!
0.0 miles completed today
Total miles: 274.9 miles
1,927.9 miles to Baxter Peak, Mount Katahdin, Maine
April 17 - NWB and a Solo 6
With six miles ahead of the Hoots for them to arrive at Hot Springs, the morning presented a dilemma that was in the making over the last couple days. Five Pair awoke with an ankle that was "Non-Weight Bearing" let alone capable of the addition of a backpack.
The decision was made for Five Pair to visit an urgent care facility in Asheville and Mileage would hike solo the six miles to Hot Springs and Five Pair would meet her there after the consultation. A zero was planned for tomorrow as rain was coming.
Sunshine from the Gnomads Hostel agreed to drop Mileage and transport Five Pair to the Asheville urgent care. Mileage was dropped first and before hiking one step, was greeted by an extraordinary Trail Magic event: waffles, strawberries, and crème as well as Cadbury eggs for "dessert". Mileage reported that it was an extremely difficult first step of hiking away after such Trail Magic as the ingestion was deliciously significant so the pace was slowed somewhat.
Five Pair's results were somewhat predictable as the medical guidance provided advised six weeks off the trail to allow the soft tissues in her ankle to heal. The medical personnel also quickly diagnosed Five Pair's likelihood of accepting that result and indicated that she didn't seem likely to take that advice and as such, he would provide wrap that she could use when she returned hiking.
Reuniting in Hot Springs, the Hoots went about resupplying and dining in one of the well known by hikers eateries, the Iron Horse Station. The Hoots enjoyed the meal together and while eating saw a hiker known to them and her husband enter to enjoy a meal. The hiker, "Reboot", is attempting to thru hike the AT twice in one year and she is supported by her husband, Dave, who with the COVID work environment, is providing logistical support along the way with his traveling office (read: his computer). Dave is a known purveyor of "legit" Trail Magic as Reboot works her way down the trail. Five Pair advises that he has produced McDonalds, Taco Bell, various chips, snacks and the Trail Magic golden item, sodas.
Having been the recipient of such generous Trail Magic, Five Pair and Mileage bestowed their own bit of restaurant magic on Dave and Reboot which when they were advised that their meal had been paid, Reboot thanked the Hoots somewhat emotionally indicating it was the first Trail Magic that had been bestowed on Dave, was unexpected, very much appreciated and will be a wonderful memory they take with them.
The day ended with the Hoots satisfied and looking forward to resupply and RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) for Five Pair.
6.6 miles completed today by Mileage; 0.0 for Five Pair
Total miles: 274.9 miles
1,927.9 miles to Baxter Peak, Mount Katahdin, Maine
April 16 - Happy Gnomads and the Approach to Hot Springs
As always, with an eye on the weather and Saturday looking like rain will be prevalent, the Hoots determined that they would split up the distance between Max Patch and Hot Springs. So after a ride back to Max Patch, they walk through the idyllic grass covered mountain top and moved on down the trail.
Criss-crossing back and forth between Tennessee and North Carolina, the Hoots hiked up and down and around Rich Mountain, down into Lemon Gap and then up continuing through the Bald Mountains where the high elevation of the day was hiked up to 4686' and then down 1000' to their stopping point of the day, a relatively new hiker hostel that is getting wonderful reviews from hikers, the Happy Gnomad Hiker Hostel (Review), just six miles from Hot Springs.
Thee Hoots were welcomed by Jumanji and Sunshine the owners of the hostel and could not have been friendly or more accommodating and they settled in quickly and enjoyed food and the company of the other hikers that were also at the hostel.
For those following along familiar with Five Pair's cinematic preferences, there is something slightly pleasing about a hostel run by "Jumanji".
Sunshine and Jumanji
The day ended well for the Hoots with a great welcome and very clean accommodations which took their minds off at least for a while the continuing pain suffered by Five Pair due to the ankle that isn't cooperating. Tomorrow they head for Hot Springs.
14.0 miles completed today
Total miles: 268.3 miles
1,924.8 miles to Baxter Peak, Mount Katahdin, Maine
April 15 - Slacking Max Patch and the No Show Shuttle
After assessing the weather forecast (rain on Saturday) and considering their current location, desire to avoid the coming rain, and their proximity to trail town, Hot Springs, NC, the decision was made and they arranged a shuttle pickup by "John Tupper" from Max Patch, a bald that Five Pair had described from her last encounter as a field on a mountain top straight out of the movie "Heidi" and they would "Slack Pack" (only gear, water and food required for the day as they would return to their accommodations via vehicle).
Before they left, messages received from Five Pair indicated that she was happy for the opportunity to slack pack as her right ankle, although not not visibly swollen, was acting up and giving her some difficulty walking so a lightened weight hike was welcomed.
The day began at 1400' and climbed 600+' each mile thereafter for the first 4 miles to 4000' and then undulated within a 300' range until a 500' descent into Brown Gap for the trail to simply rise back up to 4000+' over the next 3/4 of a mile. Thereafter, they hiked up to 4300 and stayed in that range for next two miles followed by a short descent to 4200' and ended the day with a climb to 4617' to the summit of Max Patch Mountain. The 13 miles hiked was rewarded with these views and a pack of Huskies enjoying the day.
The Hoots hiked to the Max Patch access road where their pre-arranged shuttle was to pick them up. As the sun set, the chill began to arrive and numerous calls to the John Tupper shuttle were made but none were answered or returned. Time passed and as the dark and cold of night arrived, it became apparent that John Tupper, the shuttle driver, was not going to meet his commitment or return their call.
The temperature below freezing and without any cold weather clothing, the Hoots were considering options as hiking out at this point was not an option.
And then, another episode of "the Trail provides"... three visitors to Max Patch for the afternoon had decided to take their leave and after hearing of their plight, agreed to deliver the Hoots to the lodging in Newport.
The hiking community is a kind and generous lot for the most part and looks after those facing difficulty or in need (save one irresponsible shuttle driver).
Prologue: Multiple calls were made the next morning to Mr. Tupper and again, he didn't provide the courtesy of a return call. Hikers reading this can make their own decisions about the advisability of relying on Mr. Tupper for his service.
13.3 miles completed today
Total miles: 254.3 miles
1,938.8 miles to Baxter Peak, Mount Katahdin, Maine
The Heroes of Max Patch
April 14 - "SOS"
The hike started early this morning and as it rained last night, the day began, cold, moist and with the expectation of a long hiking day for the Hoots to exit the Smokies and get to the crossover point at I-40.
Five Pair headed out first followed by Mileage and they were greeted by a 400' ascent in the first 1.5 miles hiked as they hiked at 6300' around Mount Guyout, the fourth-highest summit in the eastern U.S., and the second-highest in the Great Smoky Mountains. As Mileage hiked by Five Pair, she uttered "S O S" as she hiked by.
Having given time and thought to the possible message that Mileage was trying to impart, finally, Five Pair gave up and screamed at her forward hiking companion for an explanation.
Mileage screamed back "Sick Of Smokies".
Laughter ensued.
The hike involved several gaps so there was upward hiking but over the course of the day the general trend was downward and as the sun rose and the day wore on, the hiking day was described as beautiful.
Along the AT, there are all sorts of information signs and learning experiences. This one involved that damage to flora of a particular area of the Smokies cause by feral hogs and the contraptions created to prohibit those hungry, invasive critters from accessing particularly sensitive areas.
The hogs can't do these walkways.
So downward they hiked and over the last 6.5 miles of the day, the Hoots descended 3500' in elevation. The total elevation changes for the day were ascent being 2140' and the descents totaling 6600'.
They hiked out of the Great Smoky Mountains and found their shuttle to whisk them to Newport, Tennessee, after 17.6 miles, a new high for them. Tonight, "Platinum Blaze" accommodations await where they will resupply and get ready for the next tranche of AT miles with the trail town, Hot Springs, NC, in their sights.
After a long day of hiking, cool hydration hits the spot.
17.6 miles completed today
Total miles: 241.0 miles
1,952.1 miles to Baxter Peak, Mount Katahdin, Maine
April 13 - "I'm sick of views!"
As morning came, the hikers began their preparation of their expected next to last day in the Great Smoky Mountains. Some have asked so, below is a picture of the accommodations and typical set up of tenting and camp site at shelters.
This day was pretty much settled before the hike began as the loss of the possibility of Cosby Knob Shelter due to bear activity and the following shelter being outside the range of the Hoots, Tri-Corner Knob Shelter was the target, just over twelve and half miles away.
Another day tracing the NC/Tenn border saw the hikers have the constant companion of steady, very strong and loud wind as they traversed Porters Mountain (5600') then hike up to Laurel Top (5889') followed by a descent to 5200'.
The rest of the day was up, up and up to Mount Sequoyah and hiking at 6200' around Mount Chapman and then onto their destination shelter.
Hiking past a hiker during the day, the hiker advised "You'll see some wonderful views today!"
Shortly thereafter and away from the enthusiastic hiker, Five Pair commented to Mileage: "Great, more cold, wind and up.", to which Mileage responded "I'm sick of views." Laughter ensued.
Today's Item of Note:
The estimated ascents and descents of the day were 3,360 each.
12.6 miles completed today
Total miles: 223.4 miles
1,969.7 miles to Baxter Peak, Mount Katahdin, Maine
April 12 - Stupid....just Stupid
Editor's Note: Apologies for the delayed entries. Will increase entries today/tomorrow to catch up and get more current.
The hikers had 4.5 miles from Silers Bald Shelter to arrive at the highest point on the Appalachian Trail and the Great Smoky Mountains, Clingmans Dome, at 6,643 feet, and achieve 200 miles hiked on the AT.
The trail traces the North Carolina/Tennessee border and as they were headed to the highest peak in the Smoky Mountains, the trail was, not surprisingly, uphill.
The day was clear and the views were nice along this seciton of the AT as they climbed 1800'.
The Hoots arrived around 11:20a and sent a Spot. The weather was good and lots of people had taken the trip up via car to see the views so the Hoots decided they would take the walk up to the observation area and enjoy the view which was really nice. After the views and the obligatory pictures, the pushed on.
The goal was Icewater Spring Shelter which is 10.8 miles from Clingmans Dome and would, logistically with regard to shelters, set up nicely their exit from the Smokies.
The hike away from Clingmans Dome evidenced the saying "What goes up, must come down.", and the hike indeed turned down for the next 8 miles as they hiked into Newfound Gap and Highway 441. As they crossed Highway 441, 2.5 miles away from their shelter goal, once again the presence of a "gap" foretold an ascent was forthcoming. This ascent saw them enjoy approximately 1,000 feet of elevation increase and the hikers arrived at Icewater Spring Shelter after 15.3 miles, their highest mileage day to date.
The title of this entry you ask? Hikers on the AT are all about avoiding "bonus miles" as best they can whether they come in the form of moments of finding their way off the trail, side trails or hiking to destinations off the AT as its just more wear and tear.
In summarizing the day, Five Pair relayed the steep walk up she and Mileage undertook to see the views available at Clingmans Dome viewing deck. While the views were quite nice, Five Pair shifted her thoughts to the fact that she and Mileage took the climb up to the viewing area with their backpacks as opposed to storing them and walking up without the burden of the 30+ lb backpack. Five Pair's assessment of that oversight... "Stupid, just stupid!"
15.3 miles completed today
Total miles: 210.8 miles
1982.3 miles to Baxter Peak, Mount Katahdin, Maine
April 11 - Spotty Day
As good as Verizon cell service is on the Appalachian Trail, the service in large areas of the Great Smoky Mountains is spotty and requires hiker patience, elevation, lines of site and favorable wind conditions. Therein lies the beauty of the "Spot", the GPS device being carried by Five Pair, which provides GPS locations with limited pre-established messaging, sent as emails and text messaging. The messaging provides comfort when cell calls are not available and in conjunction with cell connection, can provide directional assistance as with Google maps you can zoom down to 20 feet from GPS location. However, as useful as the device is, it is not, in the mode Five Pair is using, self-activating. It requires the user to press a button, which for this day, didn't occur until they were under way for awhile with their hike.
The hike this day saw the Hoots experiencing a series of up and downs with elevation change being challenging and the day ending at Silers Bald Shelter and now the Hoots are less than 2,000 miles from the summit of Baxter Peak.
At the end of the day, the spotty service gave way and allowed for a brief call recounting the day, a day that Mileage described as "grueling".
11.8 miles completed today
Total miles: 195.5 miles
1997.6 miles to Baxter Peak, Mount Katahdin, Maine
April 10 - Rain Sprint and Picture Taking
Once again the dislike of hiking in the rain came to the forefront as the weather turned as the Hoots ventured out from Mollies Ridge Shelter.
This portion of the trail essentials follows along the North Carolina/Tennessee border and as hikers cross back and forth between the states numerous times every day, no one seems to have tried to distinguish between the miles in North Carolina vs. Tennessee. So, they are just lumped together in AT trail statistics.
Today was hiking along the mountainous border between the two states with a series of ups and downs as they ascend to the 5000' level and into Spence Field Shelter six miles from their starting point. Weather reared its ugly head and the hikers decided to ride it out and were glad they did as the wind was fierce and the rain came.
Some logistical planning will be involved for the next couple days as the Hoots position themselves properly via shelters as one of the most popular shelter sites leading up to exiting the Smokies due to its location relative to the exit, Cosby Knob Shelter, has been closed because of bear activity. For a quick read regarding one of the encounters that lead to the closing of Cosby Knob Shelter, read another hiker's entry at Trail Journals: Bear Fun
The picture to the right is not from today, rather its from a few days ago but allows a detour to "Five Pair Hiking Philosophy"...
Five Pair is a huge proponent of hikers taking the time to embrace all that the Appalachian Trail has to offer and each hiker needs to "hike their own hike". As she hikes, her fondness of documenting everything with pictures is in fully engaged mode. In the next day or so, the first set of pictures chosen by the editorial staff will be uploaded here but will not be all that she has "documented". Her 2012 thru hike saw her take approximately 10,000 pictures and videos which including detailed glimpses into the sites, animals, flowers and hikers met along the way. To see some of those, click: 2012 Videos and 2012 Pictures
So the rain shortened day sees them only accomplish 6 miles but they were happy to avoid the rain and are in good spirits.
6.0 miles completed today
Total miles: 183.7 miles
2009.4 miles to Baxter Peak, Mount Katahdin, Maine
April 9 - The Great Smoky Mountains and 1 Mile
The hike started at NC28 and in two miles the hikers found themselves crossing the Fontana Dam. At the end of the dam, the trail then at 1700' turns north and decidedly upward. For four miles they hiked up and at attaining 4000' in elevation and around "Shuckstack", they encountered another Sassafras, this Sassafras Gap dropped them 350' in elevation so they could hike back up again.
The following six miles was a series of hikes into gaps and back out again until the last 1.6 miles which featured a 750' elevation gain to the 4600' Lawson Gant Lot, and the Mollies Ridge Shelter where they would call it a day after approximately 1 Mile of elevation gain over the hike.
Cell service in the Smokies is not great, so no pictures yet for this day.
While the Smokies do not pose the per mile average elevation gain that hikers suffer through in Georgia, the elevations at which they hike over the next several days are not matched again until hikers arrive at the White Mountains in New Hampshire. Here's a look:
13.0 miles completed today
Estimated ascent in section is 5,240'
Estimated descent in section is 2,440
Total miles: 177.7 miles
2015.4 miles to Baxter Peak, Mount Katahdin, Maine
April 8 - Hikers, History and Bucket
The rain in fact descended upon the area and the Hoots stayed indoors relaxing.
With not much of anything to report, we use this day to update on a couple peripheral matters...
Hikers (and others):
Ron of Baltimore Jack's Hostel
"Fourth Quarter" as he asserts at 60, he is in his last quarter of life.
"Serendipity" or "Dipity" for short, as she thinks everything happens for a reason.
"Hoagie"
"Red Beard", with name origin fairly easy to understand, settling in for a snack.
"Cactus"
Front hiker: "Deja Vu" - named first day by a hiker that kept running into her all day; Back Hiker: "Flaming Hot" - was buying those type of chips and advising someone on phone what he was buying and the cashier said "Yes you are!"
Unknown Trail Name
"Two Pack" - he travels with two backpacks.
"Skittles" - the brand of weed he smokes. Cannabis Detour: Skittles is a rare cannabis strain, known for its burst of flavors, which remind smokers of "tasting the rainbow."
Left hiker: "Gourmet" at first resupply she bought a whole chicken and veggies and took a zero to eat it; Right hiker: "Fidget" as she is constantly fidgeting with her pack.
History:
In six months, 100 years ago the Journal of the American Institute of Architects published a five page paper entitled "An Appalachian Trail: A Project in Regional Planning" by Benton MacKaye. In 1922, his idea was publicized in the New York Evening Post under a full-page banner headline reading "A Great Trail from Maine to Georgia!"
On October 7, 1923, the first section of the trail opened it being from Bear Mountain west through Harriman State Park to Arden, New York. MacKaye then called for a two-day Appalachian Trail conference to be held in March 1925 in Washington, D.C. This meeting inspired the formation of the Appalachian Trail Conference (now called the Appalachian Trail Conservancy ("ATC")). Fourteen years later, in August 1937, the trail was completed at Sugarloaf Mountain in Maine
Today, the Appalachian Trail is very different than that in 1937 as the original trail often climbed straight up and down mountain as the ATC's trail crews and the 31 volunteer trail-maintaining clubs continue to this day to rehabilitated and relocate miles of trail. Five Pair's 2012 AT hike was 2184.2 miles and the AT in 2021 is 2193.1 miles.
While the entirety of Mr. MacKaye's plan was not pursued, his idea of an Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine served as the catalyst for the creation of the Appalachian Trail, the first National Scenic Trail, a unit of the U.S. National Park System and the other National Scenic Trails.
Bucket:
Speaking of National Scenic Trails other than the Appalachian Trail...
In 2012 when Five Pair set off on her thru hike, early on a group of hikers she was hiking with worked they way through Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. One of those hikers, "Bucket", was joined during his hike by a couple different people including his daughter and completed his through hike.
As Five Pair revisits the AT, Bucket and his daughter will on April 18 begin a thru hike of the Pacific Crest Trail and will be documenting their efforts so others can follow along. Bucket Blog
I am currently out of ideas to attempt to inform in a moderately interesting fashion so, the Hoots did absolutely no hiking today but tomorrow will enter the Great Smoky Mountains.
Tomorrow will be the first day of the four miles of elevation they will hike in the next 75 miles.
0.0 miles completed today
Total miles: 164.7 miles
2039.2 miles to Baxter Peak, Mount Katahdin, Maine
April 7 - It Takes a Village
As always, the Hoots' eyes were on the weather and the desire to avoid hiking in the rain and certainly not enter the Smoky Mountains during rain so the hike for this day was to get to NC28/Fontana Road and find a ride to their accommodations for the evening and tomorrow and allow the rain to pass by.
The first 2.5 miles stayed within 200' of 3600' of elevation and then down just below 2900' at Yellow Creek Gap followed by 1.5 miles of upward climb back to 3600' followed by a quick drop of 200' to followed by a 350' ascent over the next mile to their highest summit of the day at 3729'. It was generally down hill from there over the next three miles . . .
But as they approached their destination, one hazard lay in their way . . .
Billy Goat Gruff Memorial Bridge...
Please note that Five Pair apparently undertook the dangerous crossing three times as she crossed to deposit her backpack, crossed back to take picture, and then crossed again. What bravery :)
Having successfully passed the danger of the day, the Fontana Lake and Fontana Dam could be seen as they hiked down having beat the rain and happy to find their way to dry accommodations at Fontana Village.
Fontana Lake and Dam Through the Trees
Hydration
9.6 miles completed today
Total miles: 164.7 miles
2039.2 miles to Baxter Peak, Mount Katahdin, Maine
April 6 - Sun, Stress and Song
The plan for the day was to get enough miles behind them to be within striking distance of Fontana Dam as weather was once again descending and the Hoots had a plan to ride out the coming storm at Fontana Village.
The hike today started with a 600' climb in the first mile followed by a series of ups and downs with sunny, warm temperatures.
Throughout the Appalachian Trail, hikers come across various markers and monuments commemorating people and events and the marker seen today reminds the hikers and the rest of us of the commitment made and danger faced by many, the names of which are unknown to most, that protect the natural resources of our country.
At the six mile point, they hiked down 1000' to Stecoah Gap where they were greeted by Trail Magic, described as "tons of stuff".. "legit" Trail Magic.
Hiking up out of the gap was 1000' foot ascent over the first two miles followed by ups and downs as they hiked a ridgeline through the Cheoah Mountains with their day ending at Cody Gap where other hikers were tenting.
The Appalachian Trail is by all accounts a daunting physical and mental undertaking. While the other two long distance American trails are much longer, the AT is the acknowledged toughest hike due to the elevations encountered with a lack of graded trails and the abundance of rocks and roots found hiking on the AT. The average time to completion provides some insight with the 2,190 miles of the AT taking an average of 5-7 months to complete, the Pacific Crest Trail's 2,650 miles average completion time is 4-6 months. The AT can be emotionally challenging for hikers and such was the case found at this campsite, with Five Pair and Mileage finding a female hiker sobbing as the elevations and hiking were wearing her down. As Five Pair try to console her by sharing that it gets easier to manage as your "trail legs" are found and the trail continues, the teary response was "I'm from New Hampshire... I know it doesn't get easier...".
Soon thereafter, Trail entertainment arrived, which hopefully helped put a smile on hikers' faces and the day ended with some music and singing.
Todays Item's of note and questions answered:
Five Pair avoids shelters if at all possible (exception the Smoky Mountains and the White Mountains (NH)) as they are the preferred habitat for the dreaded "Shelter Mice". For furry inhabitants, shelters are much safer than scurrying around outside with predators and provide a food resource as careless or inexperienced hikers don't secure their food and the little varmints will chew through anything they can get to for a few morsels.
Yes, there is an expected level of "hiker courtesy" at the shelter/camp sites. Two times are expected to be honored. When Hiker Midnight (9pm) arrives, all are expected to be settled in and quiet as long hiking days require sleep. The quiet is expected to be observed until 7am. When a hiker(s) fails to observe these courtesies, it can be expected that the other hikers at the site will provide a gentle reminder as was done recently to a hiker engaged in a cell phone call, with the reminder coming in the form of "Shut the $%#@# up!!!"
12.3 miles completed today
Total miles: 155.1 miles
2048.8 miles to Baxter Peak, Mount Katahdin, Maine
April 5 - A Skinny Ridge and Another Sassafras
Leaving Wesser Bald the hikers were treated to beautiful hiking weather and the trail led them along a narrow ridgeline with beautiful views and they enjoyed the 5.7 miles that they had to get to NOC (Nantahala Outdoor Center) and the prospect of burgers and ice cream.
Upon their arrival, the joy of NOC was tarnished as the desired burgers were unavailable as the location was closed for the day as they readied for the season opening.... tomorrow. Just as in life, timing is everything.
NOC
Hiker Foot Massage
On their way...
Faced with the reality of a cold sandwich, the hikers still enjoyed their time and the ice cream they acquired. Food, photos and adjustments complete, the Hoots pushed on as they wanted to position themselves relative to Fontana Dam, the entry to the Smokies, as rain is coming and dry gear is a driver as they moved on.
Coming out of NOC, the hike was 6 miles and for the most part, uphill and grueling.
Upon their arrival at their destination later than they wished, it became quickly evident that this particular shelter area was not tent friendly as the surrounding area was sloped and no flat areas were available for tenting. So the Hoots determined and agreed, and for one of the VERY few times in Five Pair's hiking experience, they would be in the shelter for the evening and settled in on the upper level
To top that off the locale provided one of the few current hike (to date) no Verizon cell service locations.
The name of this cell adverse, unfriendly tent, shelter only option stop? Sassafras Gap Shelter. So now "Sassafras" has another memorable attribute... for all the wrong reasons.
Sassafras Gap Shelter
12.8 miles completed today
Total miles: 143.8 miles
2061.1 miles to Baxter Peak, Mount Katahdin, Maine
April 4 - The Shire
The day started later than normal as the shuttle pickup did not occur until 9:00a. Ron of Baltimore Jack's Hostel in Franklin picked up the Hoots and along the way to Wayah Bald provided lots of local stories including the capture of serial bomber Eric Rudolph who had been hiding in local caves, Burt Reynolds and Lonnie Anderson lived in the area, and a local arsonist was turned in by his girlfriend as she wanted her car fixed and he turned her down. Ron's stories made the trip seem quicker to the drop off point and the hikers were ready to go at around 10:00a.
Today started with a visit to the Wayah Bald tower which sits atop the 5342' summit and provides a nice view of the surrounding area.
Wayah Bold Tower
The view from the tower
After the tower the hike generally was downward for the first couple miles until they arrived at Licklog Gap (don't even want to speculate on the origin of that name).
Spot the Blaze
Hiking view
Consistent with our other "gap" experience, the hike then turned upward for the next two miles with a quick descent into another gap to around 4100'. What followed was 1000' ascent past Burningtown Bald and up to Copper Ridge Bald at 5200'. Thereafter the trail leveled out a bit with the elevations being between 5000' and 5200' as they hiked around, over and by Tellico Bald, Black Bald and Rocky Bald.
Sometimes Trail Magic arrives bringing a smile to the face of the observant hiker via an act other than food and/or drink... in this instance, a hobbit-like surprise near a water source.
After passing the last bald of the day, Rocky Bald, the trail descended over the next mile and half to 3800' to Tellico Gap.
Upon arrival, the Hoots ran across a more traditional example of Trail Magic present at this crossover including Easter Eggs, bananas and citrus. These stops provide a very welcomed respite and such acts of kindness are universally enjoyed by hikers.
After enjoying yet another gracious gift from those who support the AT hiking community, the Hoots magical respite at the gap was followed by a less than magical 800' ascent over the next mile and then onto their destination, Wesser Bald Shelter, where they called it a day and set up their tents and the hikers looked forward as they are approaching the Great Smoky Mountains.
11.5 miles completed today
Total miles: 131.0 miles
2073.9 miles to Baxter Peak, Mount Katahdin, Maine
April 3 - Balds and Brew
The day started with breakfast at the Chica and Sunset Hostel with two with shuttle dropping them at Winding Stair Gap and yes, you guessed it... up they hiked. This time it was 900' of elevation in the first two miles and then leveled off for the next two miles only to return to the upward march of another 600' of elevation in the next mile. The next four miles stayed, up and down, within a couple hundred feet of 4800' and around Wine Spring Bald with the last mile of the day having a climb up to 5300' to Wayah Bald.
The day started with breakfast at the Chica and Sunset Hostel with two other hikers and their hosts. After that deliciousness, the hostel shuttle took them off to their starting point for the day, Winding Stair Gap.
How was the start of the hiking day you ask? Yes, drop off at a "gap", so for those following along, you guessed it... they hiked upward.
This time it was 900' of elevation in the first two miles and then leveled off for the next two miles only to return to another upward march of another 600' of elevation in the next mile.
The next four miles the ups and downs experienced stayed within a couple hundred feet of 4800'. Water remains plentiful and accessible to the hikers given the recent storms.
(L->R) Mileage, Tom from West Palm, Brad from Nebraska, Sunsets and Chica.
The hiked around Wine Spring Bald with the last mile of the day having a climb up to 5300' to Wayah Bald.
What is a "Bald" you ask? In the Appalachian Mountains of the eastern United States, balds are mountain summits or crests covered primarily by thick vegetation of native grasses or shrubs occurring in areas where heavy forest growth would be expected. Why this occurs is a mystery with several hypothesis but no accepted explanation.
The Hoots destination, Wayah Bald, is named after the Cherokee word "Wa ya” which means wolf for the red wolves that once lived on its slopes. Spear points found on the bald indicate that indigenous people used the area as hunting grounds more than eleven thousand years ago.
At Wayah Bald, Amy, friend to Five Pair and Mileage, and now a local resident, arrived and off they went to Franklin for food and hydration at the Currahee Brewing Company.
Dinner and visiting complete, the Hoots checked in to the Comfort Inn, a very hiker friendly hotel in Franklin and called it a day.
10.1 miles completed today
Total miles: 119.5 miles
2085.4 miles to Baxter Peak, Mount Katahdin, Maine
10.1 miles completed today
Total miles: 119.5 miles
2085.4 miles to Baxter Peak, Mount Katahdin, Maine
April 2 - 13 and 100
The first day of the two Hoot hike started early and as they stepped out from the ride from the very, gracious Simpsons, they were greeted by frigid cold. As they took their first steps of the day, the wind chill temperature was 13°F.
The start of this hike was, as typical with a gap as the starting point, upwards. The hike for the first two miles was an ascent where they hiked up to an elevation of around 5000' and passed the AT 100 miles hiked mark. Evidence of the cold was trail side.
As the sun rose, the hikers were treated to some nice views as they hiked along a ridgeline and past yet another Sassafras, this one Sassafras Ridge.
The hike included two more gaps that they hiked down and back up and out with the second gap providing a 500' ascent over two miles followed by an 800' descent over the next mile to Winding Stair Gap where they would find their transportation to their accommodations for the night, the Chica & Sunsets Hostel. This location is a relatively new hostel owned by 2017 AT Thru Hikers that have also done the Camino de Santiago (Five Pair wish list. For info on the Camino, CLICK HERE). The hostel includes wonderful hiker amenities including a laundry, pick up and drop off, full kitchen for use, shuttle to town for resupply (with options to visit Lazy Hiker Brewery and Outdoor 76 Outfitter) and continental breakfast.
11.3 miles completed today
Total miles: 109.4 miles
2095.5 miles to Baxter Peak, Mount Katahdin, Maine
April 1 - Needle Ice, The Simpsons and Then There Was Two
Beverly arrived for the pickup to shuttle the Hoots back to Deep Gap. As the overnight temperatures are expected to be lower tonight and tomorrow, the Hoots will be heading back into town to warmer accommodations than tenting. Having made those arrangements, an unheard of event in Five Pair hiking history is to occur. Slack packing... that's right. Five Pair will hike the day without the joy of all of her gear and Mileage joins her in this undertaking.
The hike started at 8:30a where a check of the temperature showed it at a balmy 26°F and that doesn't take into account the wind. Two oddities today with the first observed at the beginning of the hike. As they hiked along on with the leaves crunching as the moisture had frozen them, they stumbled upon several instances of ice described as looking like clear ribbons or ribbon candy you might get at Christmas. Granted, Florida hikers would not have likely had a lot of experience with frozen phenomenon so pictures taken and a bit of research done and we present to you... "Needle Ice". Click Here to read about it.
Mileage and Jack Rabbit with some ground needle ice
Needle Ice
They were able to warm up a bit as their hike immediately turned upward as they ascended 1100+' in elevation over the next 1.5 miles to 5500' and then hiked along a ridge line.
As they hiked during this day, the second oddity became apparent. No hikers. They had seen numerous hikers in Franklin but apparently, most/all decided to pass on hiking in the cold and await warmer weather.
As the day progressed and the sun began to sink lower, the Hoots arrived at their stopping point for the day and reached out to Beverly. Unfortunately, Beverly was heading to another hiker and it would be two hours before she would be able to get to the Hoots at Mooney Gap. The idea of a two hour wait in freezing temperatures was not an attractive option and although another gracious person there to pick up her son, volunteered to drop him off and come back for them... enter The Simpsons. Andrew and Mary Ann Simpson came to Mooney Gap to check it out as they are starting a hike from that point tomorrow. As the saying goes "The Trail Provides" and in this instance it arrived via the Simpsons, their Dodge Ram and a ride into town and an offered ride back in the morning.
The day closed after the Three Hoots enjoyed a dinner together and with it, the end of Jack Rabbit's adventure.
Jack Rabbit's thoughts: “I had the most amazing experience. I never laughed so so hard and enjoyed myself so much. I am grateful for Five Pair's guidance throughout my journey. It was so satisfying knowing I could hike carrying a 34 lb pack, set up my tent, and handle my bear bag (with a little help from my friends). What I didn't count on was the "downtime" due to rain and freezing temps. "Downtime" = me missing my husband.”
Tomorrow is to be another Slack Packing day for the Two Hoots.
13.1 miles completed today
Total miles: 98.1 miles
2106.8 miles to Baxter Peak, Mount Katahdin, Maine
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse