Tag: North Carolina and Tennessee

“Cow pasture pool; learning all the rules;
The red stakes are hazards; white stakes– out of bounds;
I’m hitting five, hollering fore; writing three down for my score;
Lord I really love this game of golf.” – Thomas Michael Riley

Patchy fog before 7 a.m., then patchy fog and a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 72. West wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Up at 7:00. Rained hard and a lot last night. Tent got a little water in it for the first time. Not going to get sunny till late afternoon if at all. I’ll be carrying wet gear today. Gonna lay here, eat my pop-tarts, and see if it clears up a bit by 8:30. At least it’s not cold.

Forgot to power down Garmin last night.  Burned through 75% of the battery.

Went back to sleep until 8:50. Packed and got out of camp at 9:40. Got 16 miles to go today. 

Sun is trying to come out. Hope to dry my tent this afternoon at the first shelter. Will see. Showers are in the forecast.

Took a break at the parking lot where the trail crosses TN91. It’s  11:30 and 4.6 miles down for today. Making good time so far. Darkening clouds. Hopefully, we get some sun at some point today so I can dry out the tent. 

Next stop is Double Spring Shelter in 3.1 miles.

Walk through a huge meadow / pasture. Very nice.

YouTube video of a 360-degree view in the meadow.

Through a cattle gate.

Ah…the sights and smells of the AT. 

A well-placed bench in the woods.

Made it to Double Spring Shelter at 1:20. Too damp and overcast to dry anything. Rested my feet and had a snack and topped off my water.

Headed out at 2:15. I have 8.2 miles to get to Abingdon Gap Shelter. Hope to be in by 7:00 at the latest. Chatted with an older gentleman doing trail maintenance. 

Stopped at the parking lot at US 421 at 3:35. Partially sunny and a breeze. Put out my tent to attempt to dry. Got 4.8 miles to reach camp for tonight. Back on the trail at 4:20.

Old abandoned shelter.

Got to Abingdon Gap Shelter at 7:00. Camp set up, clothes hung to try to dry, best hang set and dinner simmering by 7:40. Water is .2 miles very downhill. I’ll wait till morning to get that taken care of. I have barely enough for tonight, but I’m not making that trek this evening. The last water source before camp was dry. 

And I was out of water and had to make the .4 mile round trip steep hike for water just before dark. One less chore for tomorrow.

Brushed my teeth, hung my smelly clothes and tucked away in my tent at 8:30. It’s clear but humid and no breeze. Left both sides of the rain fly flaps open to try to cool off in here later. Need to move my fan from my hygiene bag, which is in my bear hang, to my election bag which stays in my tent. 

Feet hurt again. Hope this goes away soon! Took something to help me sleep. Will see how that works out.

Looking forward to Damascus tomorrow. Getting to Virginia is a big mental achievement I’ve been looking forward to. After Damascus, I can start making bigger days, hopefully. Also looking forward to a bed and a shower. It’s 10 miles, almost all downhill. Should be in between 1:00 and 2:00. Need to do a big resupply. 5-day food carry coming up. Yuck!

Technical Notes:

• Pop-Tarts 370
• Payday 240
• Trail mix 270
• Fritos 320
• Fritos 320
• Payday 240
• Dehydrated chicken 170
• Knorr rice 585
• Water liters 5
• Miles 16.3
• Time 9:13
• Elevation gain 2740
• Calories consumed 2800
• Calories burned 4500

“Don’t be fallin’ in love as she’s walking away

When your heart won’t tell your mind to tell your mouth what it should say

May have lost this battle, live to fight another day

Don’t be fallin’, fallin’, and fallin’ in love as she’s walking away” – Zac Brown

Mid-70s, overcast, humid, and threat of rain all day.

Something funny I forgot to mention in my zero-day blog. I actually used the Yelp reviews to help pick which of the Sunoco or Exxon I will resupply at in about 7 days. That’s a first for this adventure. The Sunoco wins. This is at the exit for Mountain Empire Airport on I81 and US 11. Just a bit north of Atkins, VA. That’s where I descend from the Mount Roger’s section of the trail and cross over to the Pearisburg/Blacksburg side of 81 until crossing back in Daleville. That’s my first resupply after leaving Damascus, VA.

Dana drove us back to where I got off the trail, and we stopped at McDonald’s. 

It was REALLY hard to say goodbye and start hiking this morning. Next time we see each other will be around July 8 in Front Royal, VA.

On trail at 11:15. I’ll be hiking next to Watauga Lake all day. This is a very big lake used for power generation by the TVA. Lots of large marinas and big boats. Very popular lake for recreation.

Crossed Watauga Dam at 12:30.

Stopped for a snack at 2:20. Trees are blocking most of the views of the lake.

Made a quick stop at Vandeventer Shelter at mile 438 for a snack at 4:10. Going to push on 6.8 more miles to Iron Mountain Shelter.

Got to Iron Mountain Shelter at 7:40. A couple and a dog in the shelter and one person asleep in a tent. I got camp setup and bear hang done and dinner cooking by 8:20. 2 bars of cell service. Nice tenting area and lots of good bear hang options.

Ate dinner, hung my food bad, got the clothes off the laundry line, and settled into my tent at 9:00. Starting to rain so very good timing!

Reserved a room at The Dancing Bear Inn in Damascus, VA. Looks centrally located and has good reviews. Someplace between a B&B and a hostel.

Basically today was about making miles. Just trying to get to Virginia and Damascus. My feet hurt a bit later in the day due to brand new orthotics I put in my shoes yesterday. Always happens on the first few days with new orthotics.

Technical Notes:

• Egg McMuffin 288
• Hashbrown 147
• Small coke 50
• Snickers 250
• Trail mix 270
• Snickers 250
• Curry noodles 450
• Dehydrated pork 240
• Water liters 5
• Miles 16
• Time 8:25
• Elevation gain 4422
• Calories consumed 2050
• Calories burned 4500

We had two nice, quiet days in downtown Johnson City. Lots of bars and restaurants within easy walking distance.

Dana brought me a bunch of gear from home:

• 40-degree quilt
• Resupply box
• Prescriptions
• New hiking pants from REI. Old ones DONT FIT ME ANYMORE
• Hiking sandals from REI
• Orange short-sleeve shirt 
• Orange bandanna 
• New trash compactor bag to replace my old one… used as a pack liner 

I’ll be sending several items home:

• Long-sleeve shirt
• Short-sleeve shirt
• Hiking pants that are too big
• Rain gloves
• Thermometer 
• 10-degree quilt
• Flip-flops
• Old bandana

Went to Walmart and bought permethrin so I can treat all my clothes for ticks and other critters. Sorted through all the resupply and picked for the next 4 days of hiking.

Did a major replanning of my hike from here through central PA. Need to do big miles and cut down the number of days. See below. Still need to shrink this by several more days.

Will head back to the trail Sunday morning.

Night	Location	Mile Marker	Daily Mileage	Elevation Gain	Notes
50 – 06/02	Iron Mountain Shelter	444.8	16.2
51 – 06/03	Abingdon Gap Shelter	460.8	16
52 – 06/04	Damascus VA	471	10.2
RESUPPLY FOOD X 4.5
53 – 06/05	Lost Mountain Shelter	487	16
54 – 06/06	Thomas Knob Shelter	499.4	12.4
55 – 06/07	Hurricane Mountain Shelter	515.4	16
56 – 06/08	Partnership Shelter	534.4	19
57 – 06/09	Sunoco Resupply at Rt 11 – optional Long Neck Lair Alpaca Farm	546.1	11.8
RESUPPLY FOOD X 1.5
57 – 06/09	Tent site	552.9	5.8 – 17.6 total
58 – 06/10	Burke’s Garden Hostel	571.5	17.6
RESUPPLY FOOD X 1.5
59 – 06/11	Suiter Road OR 589.4	585.2 / 589.4	13.7 / 17.9
60 – 06/12	Brushy Mountain Outpost- resupply	592.1	6.9 / 2.7
RESUPPLY FOOD X 1.5
60 – 06/12	Jenny Knob Shelter	604	21.2 / 14.6
61 – 06/13	Wapiti Shelter – alternate for day 61	618.5	14.5
61 – 06/13	Woods Hole Hostle	625.8	21.8
RESUPPLY FOOD X 1
62 – 06/14	Pearisburg VA.    ANGELS REST HIKER’S HAVEN	637.3	18.8 / 11.5
63 – 06/15	Zero in Pearisburg	0	0
RESUPPLY FOOD X 3.5					Hook up with Hanson in BBurg!
64 – 06/16	Pine Swamp Branch Shelter – camp sites at 650, 651, 653	657	19.7
65 – 06/17	War Spur Shelter	669.7	12.7
	VA 601, Rocky Gap – alt pickup for Blacksburg	672.5	15.5
66 – 06/18	Niday Shelter	688.1	18.4		BIG vertical climb mid-day
	VA 621 Craig’s Creek Rd – alt pickup or Blacksburg	689.5	19.8
67 – 06/19	VA 620 Trout creek OR VA 624 – Stay with Eric H.	697 / 704.8	9 / 16.7		RESUPPLY BOX 8 Dragon’s Tooth about 2/3 of the way
RESUPPLY FOOD X 1.5
68 – 06/20	Catabwa Mtn Shelter /	712.8	15.8 / 8
69 – 06/21	Daleville – Super 8 Motel	730.6	17.8		McAfee Knob 714.2
RESUPPLY FOOD X 3.5
70 – 06/22	Bobblets Gap Shelter	748.9	18.9
71 – 06/23	Bryant Ridge Shelter	762.6	13.7
72 – 06/24	Thunder Hill Shelter	772.8	10.2		Big vertical day
73 – 06/25	Glasgow VA – Glasgow Shelter	787.6	14.8		RESUPPLY BOX 9 All downhill day
RESUPPLY FOOD X 5.5
74 – 06/26	Punchbowl Shelter	798.1	10.5		Big vertical day
75 – 06/27	Cow Camp Gap Shelter	813.2	15.1
76 – 06/28	Priest Shelter	830	16.8
77 – 06/29	Maupin Field Shelter	843.8	13.8
78 – 06/30	Paul Wolfe Shelter	859.8	16
79 – 07/01	Waynesboro – Rockfish Gap – Hotel Quality Inn	864.6	5
RESUPPLY – NERO FOOD X 1.5					RESUPPLY BOX 10
80 – 07/02	Blackrock Hut	885	21.4
RESUPPLY FOOD X 1.5	lunch at Loft Mountain Camp Store	892.4
81 – 07/03	Pinefield Hut	898.2	13.2
82 – 07/04	Lewis Mtn Campground	918	19.8
RESUPPLY FOOD X 1
83 – 07/05	Big Meadows Wayside lunch	926.2	8.2
RESUPPLY – NERO FOOD X 2
83 – 07/05	Rock Spring Hut	930.6	4.2 – total 12.6
84 – 07/06	Pass Mountain Hut	945.9	15.3
85 – 07/07 RESUPPLY – lunch FOOD X 1.5	Elkwallow Wayside	953	7.1
85 – 07/07	Gravel Springs Hut	959	6 – total 13.1
86 – 07/08	US Rt 522- Front Royal	972.1	13.5		Shuttle into Front Royal. Meet Dana for a night.
RESUPPLY – Nero FOOD X 2.5					RESUPPLY BOX 11
87 – 07/09	Whiskey Hollow Shelter	987.6	15.5
88 – 07/10	Sam Moore Shelter or Bear’s Den	1002.9 / 1005.5	15.3 / 17.9
89 – 07/11	David Lesser Shelter	1016.8	13.9		Try skip this and push on to Harpers Ferry.
90 – 07/12	Harper’s Ferry	1026.1	9.7
91 – 07/13 – RESUPPLY – ZERO FOOD X 3	Harper’s Ferry	0	0		RESUPPLY BOX 12 Meet up with Dana.
92 – 07/14	Dhalgren Capground	1043.9	17.8
93 – 07/15	Raven Rock Shelter	1061.7	18.8
94 – 07/16	Tumbling Run Shelter	1075.9	14.2		RESUPPLY BOX 13
RESUPPLY FOOD X 2	Dana shuttle service to Waynesboro
95 – 07/17	Quarry Gap Shelter OR Birch Run Shelter at 1095.5	1087.8	12
96 – 07/18	Pine Grove Furnace – Hostel	1105.1	17.3
RESUPPLY FOOD X 2.5
97 – 07/19	Green Mtn Store – Resupply and Lunch	1113.9	7.8
97 – 07/19	Alec Kennedy Shelter	1120.7	7.1 – total 15.6
98 – 07/20	Boiling Springs – LUNCH	1124.3	3.6
98 – 07/20	Darlington Shelter	1138.6	17.9
99 – 07/21	Duncannon	1149.5	11.1
RESUPPLY ZERO Maybe FOOD X 3.5					RESUPPLY BOX 14
XXXXXXXXXXX

Technical Notes:

• Nope…not today.
• Water liters: 0
• Miles: 
• Time: 0
• Elevation gain: 0
• Calories consumed: a lot
• Calories burned: a little

“We met at a truck stop in

Johnson City, Tennessee.

I was gassing up my Firebird

when I heard her calling me.

Said, “Which way are you headed, boy?

Do you need some company?” “ – Travis Tritt

Up at 8:30. I reached out to the  condo owner in Johnson City, and they are good with early check-in! I picked up my supply box at the office, and they can shuttle me to Johnson City at 1:30. I can just hang out after checkout until it is time for the shuttle to leave. This is going to work out perfectly! I texted Dana the new plan.

Tweaked recent blogs and uploaded all my videos to YouTube. I’ll do the actual blog postings over the next few days off in Johnson City.

Just Jim shuttled me from Boots Off (he works there) to JC, arriving at 1:50. Nice apartment and great area! I unpacked, cleaned gear, did laundry, showered (YEY), and did some light grocery shopping. Dana arrived about 4:30. It should be a nice few days off trail with Dana.

Technical Notes:

• Nope…not today.
• Water liters: 0
• Miles: 0 
• Time: 0
• Elevation gain: 0
• Calories consumed: a lot
• Calories burned: a little

“I’ve been drivin’ all night, my hands wet on the wheel.

There’s a voice in my head that drives my heel.

It’s my baby callin’, says, “I need you here.”

And it’s a-half-past four and I’m shifting gear.

When she is lonely and the longing gets too much,

She sends a cable coming in from above.

Don’t need no phone at all.

We’ve got a thing and that’s a-called radar love.

We’ve got a wave in the air.

Radar love” – Golden Earring

Up at 7:00, out at 8:00. Perfect weather today.

Just making mikes so far today. Not much scenery of interest.

Heard from Mike. He made it to Marion, VA after a bout of Noro in Damascus. Bummer on the Noro.

Took two pictures of Overkill crossing the bridge into Dennis Cove area.

The trail dips very steeply several hundred feet to Laurel Fork Falls.

YouTube video of Laurel Fork Falls.

The trail then follows the river, including the climb back up, for a couple of miles.

YouTube video of the walk along the river.

It’s 1:45 and time for the nasty 2.8-mile steep climb near the end of our day. I lost count of switchbacks going up after 25. This thing looked intimidating on the map and it was in person too. 

Summitted this damn mountain at 3:50 and hauled ass 2.8 miles to Boots Off Hostel to make sure to catch their 6:00 shuttle to town. Really nice hostel. I got the blue tiny cottage. Made it to hostel at 5:15.

Shuttled into town to pick up a subway and some snacks for tonight. I have to pick up a supply box at the hostel office later. Got back to the hostel, ate, and chatted with Overkill for a bit while she planned out her food for the next 3 days. I’m getting off trail tomorrow with 4.6 miles to hike and then taking a double zero with Dana. 

Overkill and I guesstimate that I should catch back up with her in about 2-3 weeks. That puts us near the VA triple crown not far north of Blacksburg, VA. I hope we pair up again on trail. We have similar personalities (both introverts a bit) and very similar and complimentary hiking styles and speeds. She wants to submit Kathadin on 09/29 for her anniversary and I want to summit on 09/30 for my birthday. Odds are we pair up north of Shenandoah worst case.

Videoed with Dana to go over my list of things I need her to bring plus logistics for tomorrow. Can’t wait for the next few days with my woman:)

Technical Notes:

• Pop-Tarts 370
• Trail mix 170
• Little Debbie 200
• Trail mix 170
• Snickers 250
• RX Bar 210
• Trail mix 270
• Subway 1050
• Truly 600
• Pringles 900
• Water liters 6
• Miles 14.5
• Time 9:00
• Elevation gain 3000
• Calories consumed 4400
• Calories burned a little 6500

“Inflatable pool full of dad’s hot air

I was three years old splashin’ everywhere

And so began my love affair with water

On a river bank with all my friends

A big old rope tied to a limb

And you’re a big old wuss

If you don’t jump in the water” – Brad Paisley 

Up at 6:30. Overkill and I were out at 7:30. Got a long 18.4-miler today. Weather looks great. Sunny, low humidity, breezy, low 70s.

That is what we came down in the thunderstorm on Sunday. Nice view back at it this morning.

Summitted first mountain of the day at 9:10. That was harder than expected due to mud and a rutted logging road.

Stopped near a cemetery 3 miles into the day for a break and a snack. 15.5 more miles to go.

Hit the 400-mile mark dead on 10:00.

Took a side trail to Jones Falls at 5.4 miles at 10:30. Very nice! The cool breeze and spray off the falls is refreshing.

YouTube video of Jones Falls.

Stopped at 11:45 for water refill and lunch. 1.6 miles uphill to next shelter and a break. 

Stopped at second of 3 waterfalls at 12:45, Mountaineer Falls.

Stopped near Mountaineer Shelter for a break and water. We have 9.6 miles to go.  Back on trail at 1:15.

Stopped at 12.1 miles for a snack and to look at Hump Mountain (straight ahead) and Little Hump Mountain (to the right) YET AGAIN! We are circling these guys today. Very done with those things.

Stopped at 4:45 for one last snack and water refill at Hardcore Cascades. 3.1 more miles UP to go.

Made Moreland Gap Shelter at  6:45. Overkill and I did 18.8 total miles in 11:45. We had a .4 mile road walk to get to the trail. That is a record distance for both of us. Not a bad time, but we both hurt!

Set up my tent and had dinner around 7:30. Overkill is sleeping in the shelter. In bed at 9:00 p.m. Plan to sleep in and head out at 8:00 tomorrow.

Technical Notes:

• Pop-Tarts 370
• Snickers 250
• Trail mix 170
• Snickers 250
• Trail mix 270
• Tuna packets 140
• Ramen 740
• Water liters 6
• Miles 18.8
• Time 11:45
• Elevation gain 4300
• Calories consumed 2400
• Calories burned a little 7000

Hostess: “Day off?”

John Wayne: “ Off Day” – McLintock

Woke up at 4:00 a.m. to pouring rain and thunder. Back to sleep. Woke up at 7:00 to steady rain. Forgot to mention that I’m in a loft room right under a tin roof with little to no insulation. 

Very perplexed on what to do today. Many others are also unsure. That was a LOT of rain yesterday, last night, and right now. The forecast shows big thunderstorms headed our way until 1:00 today and then it gets decent in the early afternoon. But…the creeks are very swollen and the trails we can see from the hostel are still flooded. I am supposed to be at Boots Off Hostel for the night day after tomorrow. Then hike another 1.5 days to meet Dana on Thursday late afternoon.

It’s cold, rainy, my knee hurts on both front and back sides, and it’s 8.8 miles to the next shelter with half of that uphill right out of the gate. Damn Velcro on the knee brace tore me up good.

They are famous here for their breakfast which I bought along with my room. Ate a massive feast at 8:00 a.m. Then wished Dana happy birthday:)

Checkout is at 10:00 and the store opens at 9:00. Went to the store to get supplies for the next two days and the staff person working the register mentioned that my room is not sold tonight….yet. Side note, there were about 12 tents set up last night and the bunk room was full. Most of the tent people are wet this morning. 

Screw it…I decided to grab the room for tonight and not deal with the rain and mud today. I’ll replan my get together with Dana, do chores, update blogs, and head out tomorrow early. The rest of the week looks like perfect weather. Those people who did decide to hike today mostly ventured out about noon and they are all headed to that same shelter 8.8 miles away. Gonna be crowded and muddy.

I was able to move my reservation at Boots Off Hostel from tomorrow to Wednesday. It’s a bit over 32 miles, but that was my plan all along. I’ll break it into 2 parts, obviously. Exactly how is a game-time call, recognizing there is a big mountain to go up and down the last 5 miles right before Boots Off. Also, Overkill will be on the same schedule as she has a reservation there Wednesday night as well.

Spent a lot of time today trying to figure out where to stay for 3 nights next weekend with Dana. My original plan was Abingdon, VA, but the places I liked are all booked, and I will still be a few days south in TN due to weather and other delays. I eventually decided on a loft Air B&B in downtown Johnson City, TN. It’s in the heart of the restaurant / bar district and easy walking distance to lots of stuff. Dana and I both like Johnson City. I’ll hike about 6.5 hours on Thursday, and Dana will drive about 6.5 hours to pick me up. I guess that’s a fair trade?

Spent time figuring out how to pad/protect the back of my knee from my brace. Don’t have much to work with, but I rigged up something that should help. Also worked on how to pack my backpack a little differently to try to help my back issues. Basically, putting my fleece in the dry bag with my quilt and uncompressing them to better fill the width of the bottom of my pack. The quilt used to be highly compressed in a dry bag down there, and it was not using the entire width of the pack. Long story short, that and a few other changes are intended to build up a better lumbar support and to push more weight down to the middle of my back. It’s a good theory. We will see how it works tomorrow.

I got my blogs all updated and will try to upload them tonight. The internet service is bad here, particularly for video uploads. Also, have things all packed as best I can to make a quick departure in the morning. Want to be out by 7:30 a.m.

Had a very nice smoked Ruben and tater tots at the bar for dinner. Chatted with Overkill for about an hour. Probably gonna be in bed around 9:30. Overkill also plans to be on trail early and shoot for the shelter at 18.4 miles tomorrow. The worst part SHOULD be the first 3 miles. Be nice to knock that out before the humidity builds up. Curious how bad the mud will be. Bonus, we have two waterfalls on the agenda for tomorrow!

Technical Notes:

• Nope…not today
• Water liters 0
• Miles 0 
• Time 0
• Elevation gain 0
• Calories consumed a lot
• Calories burned a little

“Here comes the rain again

Falling on my head like a memory

Falling on my head like a new emotion

I want to walk in the open wind

I want to talk like lovers do

Want to dive into your ocean

Is it raining with you?” – Eurythmics 

Patchy fog before 7 a.m., then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 72. Southwest wind 0 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.

I have left myself a long hike today. 18.2 miles to make it to Mountain Harbour B&B. And I don’t want to get there late. At least the last 5.4 miles are very downhill. At 2 miles per hour that’s about 9.5 hours…probably 10 hours. I need to get up and moving early. I want to be in by 5:00. That means I need to be out of camp by 7-7:30. We will see what happens. 

Up with alarm at 6:30. Clear cool morning and no rain last night. On trail at 7:40. Only have a bit under .7 liters of water. Big 2-mile climb up followed by 1.3 miles down to water and a bathroom.

Made it to Carver’s Gap at 9:30. Making good time. Lots of civilians here today.

Got to see/use my first toilet in 3 days. Isn’t it beautiful!

Filled up water and got back on trail at 10:00.

I have 5 balds to cross this afternoon. Summitted Round Bald at 10:30.

YouTube Video on Round Bald.

Summited Jane Bald at 10:45.

Took a break and called Dana. Back on trail at 11:00.

Summited Little Hump Mountain at 2:10. Great views.

I took my shirt off to dry in the breeze and took my shoes off to stretch my feet. It’s very peaceful up here on this bald summit. Could take a nap…but miles to go before I sleep. 7.5 miles to be exact.

YouTube video on Little Hump Mountain.

Unfortunately, I still have to climb Hump Mountain.:( I really don’t want to climb that thing today. The photo does not do the climb justice.

Summited Hump Mountain at 4:00. I have 5.4 miles to go. That was not fun! This thing is a LOT steeper than it looks. And there are storms on the horizon right where I am headed.

Long story short, the next 5.4 miles down to Route 19E SUCKED. I am racing to beat the rain, and it’s a losing battle. The first mile is a rutted grass track, then it turns to nasty rocks that are hard to make good time on and are ankle killers. I passed a lot of Memorial Day weekend hikers in their tent sites. I’m flying past them as the thunder and lightning are starting. I stopped with 3.1 miles to go to catch my breath and ran into Overkill. I thought I would catch up with her sometime today. She is going to the same hostel and has the same weather concerns. She camped 2 miles ahead of me last night at Roan High Knob. We took off at a fast pace to try to beat the rain.

I ran into this guy with about 2.4 miles to go. He startled me just a bit

And with 2.1 miles to go, the sky opened up. Lots of thunder and lightning. The trail is still a rocky mess, now slippery and turning into a fast-moving stream. I put up my umbrella and made tracks as fast as I could. Those 2.1 miles took almost 90 minutes in this slop. I left Overkill behind at her request. I walked through calf-deep water and muck the last 1.5 miles. So much for clean new shoes and socks! I got to the road at Route 19E about 6:20. Once I figured out directions to the hostel, I walked down the highway in the lovely rain for .4 miles and finally arrived.

I got checked in, unpacked all my wet gear, stripped out of my wet clothes, pulled on my fleece and my thermal bottoms, which were the only dry things I had left. I had a shirt and bandanna hanging on the back of my pack to dry in the sun today, but that plan went to hell about 2.5 miles back. Overkill arrived right about this time.

Both washing machines are in use. And the kitchen and the store closed at 6:00 as it’s Sunday. There is no Honor fridge or snacks. Lovely. At least the bar is open for another hour. I had 3 Angry Orchards and 2 bags of bar potato chips. Fortunately, since I shaved a day off this section, I have one Knorr rice dish and a tuna packet. That will be my dinner. Finally got a washing machine around 8:00. Got clothes washed and dried while I ate. Very, very exhausted. Finally finished laundry about 9:15. Got all my gear drying as best it can. Washed my shoes and put them next to a fan to dry. Talked to Dana briefly, but I am falling asleep sitting up.

OMG…today was hard and sucked big time the last 2 hours! Torrential rain, lightning, ankle-deep mud, slippery as hell, and I had not properly planned for how steep the climbs would be. All that on an 18.2-mile day was a stone-cold bitch. I hurt, I’m wet, the hostel is highly mediocre with no food , and I could rant more. And it’s gonna rain on me tomorrow, so I am NOT doing another 18.4-miler as originally planned. 

Technical Notes:

• Mini chocolate donuts 500
• Trail mix 170
• Snickers 250
• Trail mix 170
• Tuna packet 70
• Knorr chicken rice 585
• Guinness draft 120
• Angry Orchard x 3 720
• Fritos 250
• Water liters 6
• Miles 18.2
• Time 11
• Elevation gain 3477
• Elevation descent 5908
• Calories consumed 3000
• Calories burned 7000

“When you see a guy reach for stars in the sky,

You can bet that he’s doing it for some doll.

When you spot a John waiting out in the rain,

Chances are he’s insane, as only a John can be for a Jane.

When you meet a gent paying all kinds of rent

For a flat that could flatten the Taj Mahal,

Call it sad, call it funny, but it’s better than even money,

That’s the guy’s only doing it for some doll. “ – Guys and Dolls

Up at 7:10. Got my food from my bear hang and started to eat breakfast in my tent. Rain started just after I got back in my tent. Rained for about 10 minutes. Sun is trying to peek through. Chilled in the tent for half an hour waiting for the sun. 

Out of camp at 8:40. Stopped briefly at a nice overlook. 

Stopped at 3 miles where the trail crosses TN Route 107 and NC Route 226 for a quick snack.

Lots of bear activity in the area. Lots of talk about food being taken from shelters in the last week. Part of the reason I’m pushing miles to not have to camp around here. 

Stopped for water and talked to Dana at 11:15.  She liked the fruit basket I sent her for her birthday. Made a reservation for tomorrow night at Mountain Harbor B&B. Should get in around 5:00 tomorrow. 

Stopped at Clyde Smith Shelter at 2:00 to rest and readjust my brace. It’s eating into the underside of my knee. Ugh. Added a bandage and some more cloth to protect the spot where it’s chewing into the back of my knee. Should get me the next 6.6 miles to camp. 

I have 6.6 miles to go to Ash Camp. The last 2.7 are very uphill. Hopefully, I’ll be there by 6:30 at the latest.

Made a quick stop at an overlook around 3:15.

Stopped for water. Not the best water sources this afternoon. That’s one impressive little leaf. This is the only good water in a large distance! Filled 1.7 liters from that little guy.

Got 4.2 uphill miles yet. Steep uphill. Will be in about 6:15….I think. 

Stopped at the last road crossing of the day, and a nice lady gave me a large BodyArmor beverage. I love those things. Great timing as I start the big climb to camp next. 

Stopped at a nice view about 1/2 a mile from camp.

Made it to Ash Gap at 6:20. I should go 2 more miles to Roan High Knob Shelter, but I’m beat. Hopefully, I won’t regret this decision tomorrow. Set up a clothesline and hung up sweaty clothes to dry a bit. Got tent set up, changed into camp clothes, and spent 35 minutes fighting to get a good bear hang. Compromised on a mediocre bear hang. Oh well:(

YouTube Video of camp at Ash Gap.

Made dinner at 7:30. Surprisingly, I have a bar of cell so texted a little with Dana. She and a large group are going to Kenny Chesney tonight.

I’m at 5340 feet. It’s getting chilly, and the sun isn’t even down yet. Climbed into bed at 8:30. Caught up on some blogging and worked on plans for the next few days.

Booked a room at Boots Off Hostel for Tuesday, May 28. I have a supply box going there.

Planned out my next 5 days. On Thursday, May 30, Dana will drive to Abingdon, VA , then another 35 minutes southeast on US 421 to Low Gap, TN. Then we will drive back to Abingdon. Not what I hoped for, but I’m behind schedule, and everything from Low Gap north has no road access for 2 days. We will double zero in Abingdon. Can’t wait!

I’m not sure what to think about today and yesterday. No rain both days, so that was good. Not much in the way of views, and the green tunnel is starting to live up to its name. My focus these last two days, as well as tomorrow, is making miles, nothing more. I need to cut 1-2 days off my schedule between yesterday and next Thursday in order to meet Dana in a good location. Looks like I have cut 1 day, assuming I actually survive my 18.2-mile day tomorrow. Basically, these 3 days are more work than enjoyment, particularly with these elevation gains. I hadn’t planned on doing miles this big until the terrain levels out in Virginia. The things we do for love 🙂

Side note, I really hope I don’t have any bear issues tonight.

Technical Notes:

• Mini chocolate donuts: 600
• Trail mix: 270
• Trail mix: 170
• Snickers: 250
• Snickers: 250
• Dehydrated chicken: 170
• Ramen: 540
• Fritos: 400
• Water liters: 5.4
• Miles: 15.7
• Time: 9:40
• Elevation gain: 4300
• Calories consumed: 2900
• Calories burned: 5500

It’s not a dress, it’s a kilt.

Patchy fog and a slight chance of rain showers before 11 a.m., then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 72. Northwest wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Up at 8:00. Packed, ate, used the bath house, and hit the trail at 9:15. Cloudy at present, but I’m hoping it clears up today. I have a hard first 5-mile climb out of Erwin. I would like to make 15 miles today. 

Crap. I lost my rain kilt. I just ordered a new one online, and Dana will bring it to me next week. I borrowed a trash bag from the hostel. I will try to make a substitute with that.:(

As I was texting Dana about the kilt, Amy from Nature’s Inn Hostel walked by and said hi. She was picking up a slackpacker. When she walked back to her car, I saw she had our slackpacks from Wednesday. I wonder….sure enough, my kilt was still in that pack from Wednesday! I thanked Amy profusely!!! 

Crossed my first railroad tracks leaving Erwin. Many more to come.

Hard climb the last 1.5 miles out of Erwin. Grade is 624 ft/mile!

Made it to Maple Gap Shelter at 11:25. Took a 15-minute break for water and a snack. Very humid after all the rain the past 2 days. Nice shelter.

Made Indian Grave Gap at 1:35. Took a 30-minute break and had a snack.

Middle back hurts….again. I can’t figure out why my pack is hurting my back so much lately. It’s a daily thing. Very frustrating! 

Made it to Beauty Spot at 3:40. Stopped to top off water and have a snack.

YouTube video at Beauty Spot.

I have either 2.5 miles or 6.2 miles to go. I’ll decide once I reach the first potential campsite in a bit over an hour. 

Ugh. It might only be 1.5 miles, but 729 feet per mile grade. Give me a break!

Summitted at 5:50. I’m pushing on to the shelter another 4 miles.

Made it to Cherry Gap Shelter ay 7:30. Set up tent, ate, made my bear hang, and in bed at 9:00. Garmined with Dana and updated blog for today.

That was a long, hard climbing day! Hope to do a lot more of these long days going forward. Knee feels good. The brace helped a lot.

Technical Notes:

• Mini chocolate donuts: 560
• Tea: 0
• OJ: 170
• Snickers: 250
• Trail mix: 340
• Snickers: 250
• Tuna: 80
• Ramen: 540
• Little Debbie: 200
• Water liters: 5
• Miles: 17.3
• Time: 9:38
• Elevation gain: 5135
• Calories consumed: 2500
• Calories burned: 6500

Follow me in near real-time here: https://share.garmin.com/CharlesStump