Day 8:  Big Climb, Big Meal

Left the comfort of the Top Of Georgia hostel at 8 and hit the trail.  Hiked about 12 miles, with a big climb up out of Dicks Creek Gap.  Crossed into North Carolina this afternoon and ended at the Muskrat Creek Shelter. Julian, my hiking Read More

Day 7: Dicks Creek Gap, Hiawasse resupply

Made it to my first resupply point at Dicks Creek Gap.  Hiawasse is 11 miles west but the Top Of Georgia Hostel is just a half mile from the trail. The hostel offers a bunk, shower and laundry service for $30.  I had a Read More

Day 5: I Reek

Walked from Hogpen Gap to the Blue Mtn Shelter todayn about 11 miles.  During the beautiful hike I realized that my odor had gone way way past smelling, beyond stinking….I reek.   The water source this evening is a tiny trickle but I managed Read More

Day 4: Blood, No Water

Early this morning hiked up Blood Mtn.  Towards the top some rock scrambles but well worth it.  The valleys were still filled with clouds. A 4 mile descent to Neels Gap where cold drinks and snacks were had.  Then on north. This part of Read More

Day 3, plodding along

Hiked about 10 miles today, just plodding along.  The pain in my knee is a little better.  My feet are in pretty good shape, only one popped blister so far. Pretty trail today.  After passing through Woody Gap there were views from Big Cedar Read More

Day Two…I Hurt

I was hiking by 7:30 this morning, hoping to get some miles in before it got too hot.  I am hiking with Julian, a 42 year old Scotsman who has lived in St Martin for 20 years.  He’s a sailor, chef, and dive instructor. Read More

Starting at Springer

After arriving in Atlanta I stayed at the Hiker Hostel in Dahlonega Monday night.  This morning they dropped me off within a mile of the start of the Appalachian Trail. I hiked 9 miles, arriving at the Hawk Mtn shelter around 3.  I am Read More

515 Mile Warmup Hike On A.T.

In preparation for my 2017 PCT hike I’m setting out on 9/26 to hike 515 miles of the Appalachian Trail. This will be a test of my new gear, a chance to get in shape, and an opportunity to get some of the pain Read More

Hiking The Pacific Crest Trail In 2017

I am hiking the Pacific Crest Trail in 2017. Beginning at the Mexican border, the PCT travels 2,660 miles through CA, OR, and WA until reaching the Canadian border. From desert valleys, to the high Sierra Nevada and Cascade mountain ranges it passes through a variety of climate and terrain. This blog captures my experience preparing for and hiking the PCT.