Date: November 15 2000
Trail Day: 168
Miles Today: 15
Location: Spring Mountain Shelter
Section Mile: AT 1832
ECT Mile: 2531
Last night was the coldest so far in this hike. The thermometer at the
shelter read a cool 20 F at night. My thermometer reads 10 F now. I know
its 12 F off. My water bottle was half frozen at about 2:00 am but by
morning was frozen almost solid.
Got a late start again. This is getting to be a problem . Getting out of
the sleeping bag into cold hiking gear and walking the first hour or two
is the worst part.
Met Richard on the way. He had stayed one shelter behind. I was not in a
hiking mood today. Took a break at Little Laurel Shelter. Richard joined
me shortly. It was warm at the shelter because of the sun. Decided to cut
the day today and stop at Spring Mountain shelter. This shelter because
of the hills nearby gets little sun and the temperature was 45 F when I
got there.
Cooked in daylight for a change and looked at the register. Looks like
Firebreather and Fall Girl will be taking 4 days off in Hot Springs.
We might finish together. Crawled into my sleeping bag and ready to sleep.
Date: November 16 2000
Trail Day: 169
Miles Today: 11
Location: Elmer's Hostel, Hot Springs
Section Mile: AT 1847
ECT Mile: 2548
Last night was relatively warm. It stayed above 40 F for a daily range of
40 to 45. Got a late start. The terrain was fairly easy and had only 2 minor
climbs. This distance is covered quickly when running into towns. The
pack is light, its downhill and there's the enticement of a town - food,
shower and a WARM bed. This time I have run out of food completely.
I think I am eating more because of the cold. The ice in my water bottle
has still not melted even though I have poured water into it.
Saw Richard at Elmer's hostel. He told me Hymmetus and Andrew are also
there. Had lunch at a nearby diner. The food was excellent. Andrew came
by and we chatted for a while. Andrew is 24 years old and trying to find
direction in life. He has been to several colleges but hasn't finished
his degree yet. He said he is having a hard time with the cold. I think
we all are.
Talked to Dave Farley. The plans are for me to be at Fontana village on 23rd
night and he will pick me up on the 24th morning. I was hoping to make it
there before Thanksgiving, what with the turkey dinner and all, but it
seems difficult. If I do the Smokies in 4 days (70 miles) then I will be
there 22nd night. But due to the late starts and terrain it will be
difficult. I will certainly try it.
Also saw Nomad's book. It is in a journal form. I think it would have been better in a narrative form. I find journals tedious to read. I have read only one journal from start to finish so far. Its Dragon Breath's journal.
Date: November 17 2000
Trail Day: 170
Miles Today: 26
Location: Groundhog Creek Shelter
Section Mile: AT 1873
ECT Mile: 2574
Talked to Vivek in the morning and asked him to mail me the Georgia
Pinhoti maps. He is also trying to get a newer set for me. Had a long
talk with him.
I am also experiencing a mixture of anxiety and apprehension. The
Smokies are the highest elevations in the AT and hence the coldest.
If I clear it comfortably I think I should have no significant problems
after that. I was also trying to get to Fontana dam by the 22nd. My
morale and spirits are now high.
There was good climate from Hot Springs to Bluff mountain. Made it
quite easily. Passed Hymmetus on the way. I was planning on doing a
20 mile day but as I had some day light left decided to go over
Max Patch and find water and tarp. I have heard of Max Patch a lot and
now know why. It is a beautiful bald. I was also trying to determine
where the Smokies where. I was at about 4000 ft while the Smokies are
at 6000 ft. As I climbed up and reached the summit of Max Patch there
was no doubt as to where they were. It was the huge moutain range half
lost in the clouds.
There was absolutely no water on the other side of Max Patch. Kept
hiking to the shelter and walked for an hour or so in the dark. Its not
fun. Made it to the shelter where Salmon and Malochai were there.
Both are section hikers. We were then joined by a teenager and a guide.
It got cold quickly and even the denatured alcohol was difficult to
light. Did not feel very hungry for some reason and ended up eating
only half the normal ammount. Crawled into the bed and bundled up.
Talked to the others for a while. Salmon has a very graphic
way of describing things. I think he must have some artistic talents.
End of a very good day and a good start to get to the Thanks Giving
turkey dinner by 22nd. I hope it continues.
Date: November 18 2000
Trail Day: 171
Miles Today: 18
Location: Cosby Knob Shelter
Section Mile: AT 1891
ECT Mile: 2592
Got a fairly early start today. There was 1.5 mile up and then down to
I-40, then a little bump and onto NC 284. Hitchhiked the 1.5 mile to
Mountain Mamma's - a country store. Had a big burger and 2 chicken
sandwiches. Picked up grocery for 4 days.
Could not get a ride back to the trail so had to walk it instead.
Then came a 3500 ft climb onto the Smokies ridge. Got to the shelter
just as the sun was setting. There were 2 other section hikers there.
Cooked dinner and slept. The shelter was somewhat warm because of a
fire the 2 had started. A very good day considering I had to do a
resupply stop and got here with most of the climb upto the ridge.
Date: November 19 2000
Trail Day: 172
Miles Today: 20
Location: Icewater Spring Shelter
Section Mile: AT 1911
ECT Mile: 2612
When we got up it was snowing. Got an early start again. There was
snow
everywhere. Caught 3 or 4 very good scenic views. My shoes and socks got
wet by the end of the day. Another good mileage day though tomorrow
is not looking good because everything is wet.
Date: November 20 2000
Trail Day: 173
Miles Today: 21
Location: Derrick Knob Shelter
Section Mile: AT 1932
ECT Mile: 2633
Last night was extremely cold. The over night temperature was 15 F. There
was a group of 5 or 6 from Detroit and Chicago and another teenager.
Everyone was complaining about the cold. Sometimes its relieving just
to complain. I did not sleep well at all - may have done 2 half hour stretches of sleep. The
shelter sits on top of a ride and catches the wind squarely. The shelter
is built well, so it cuts most of the wind but not all. Both my water bottles
were frozen solid. I did not even dare to get out of the sleeping bag
before the sun was well up. The temperature however improved only to 17 F.
The starting off is the hardest part on such cold mornings. The boots
are frozen and I had to force my feet in. Then came the inevitable
agony of numb feet. Have to get moving immediately to get the body heat up.
I was thinking of just bailing out at US 441 and go to Gatlinburg and do
a O. But once I got to US 441 I was hiking strong and decided to push on.
Then came a climb upto Clingman's Dome - the highest point on the AT at
6643 ft. It was very windy. Looks like they close the road to
Clingman's Dome when it snows. Went up the tower for a view.
I was thinking of stopping at the Silers Bald Shelter for a 17 mile day.
But then I saw 5th Wheel and he said he was going to Derrick Knob
shelter as I had originally planned. So I decided to push it too.
Made it just before dark. There were 2 guys from Tampa trying to get a
fire going. Got into my sleeping bag immediately and started cooking.
Going to be another cold night.
Date: November 21 2000
Trail Day: 174
Miles Today: 17
Location: Birch Spring Shelter
Section Mile: AT 1949
ECT Mile: 2650
The 2 guys from Tampa decided to cut their hike short as it was too cold. Me and
5th Wheel got a late start as we had only 17 miles to go. We passed
the Tampa guys soon. Also met Crazy Kid and Joe - sobo's before we left.
They were attempting to get to Fontana Dam by tonight.
The first 6 miles were quite difficult. After that the trail was much
easier. Saw Crazy Kid and Joe at Russell Field shelter. They had decided
that they could not make into Fontana dam and were going to stay at
that shelter for the night. 5th Wheel and I continued on and got to
the Birch Spring shelter well after dark. At one point I thought I had
missed the shelter and would have to walk another 5 miles to the next
shelter. But then I saw the sign pointing to the shelter and was relieved.
Its going to be another cold night. I was wearing all the clothes I have
- 5 top layers and 2 bottom. I am now set extremely well to get into
Fontana dam tomorrow and go to Dave's place from there. Really looking
forward to it.
