Current Location: 393.1 mi, Elk Park, NC, MTN Harbour Hostel

Day 38, 3/24: 

Zero in Erwin.  Wasn't planning on staying a zero, but my ankle has been sore and bothering me as I approached Erwin.  Some serious tightness is occuring in my right shin area.  Resting and icing, hoping for the best.   

Day 39, 3/25: 

Did 12.3mi out of Erwin today to the campsites before Unaka Mtn. Probably didn't help that I left town so late.  Despite rest, it seems my ankle and Right shin pain is getting worse, not better.  Feeling like shin splints.  Shit. 

Day 40, 3/26: 

Did another 12mi to Greasy Creek Friendly.  CeeCee is a great host and for 10 bucks it is a great deal.  I wanted to push 2 miles to the next shelter, but this shin pain is getting severe. Need to get to a town and doctor ASAP. Grrrrrr.  The problems never stop.   

Day 41, 3/27:  

Really stupid, but I pushed 17.5 + .6 miles today to get to Overmountain Shelter.  Really didn't want to freeze on top of Roan Mtn with the wind and rain coming.  Soooo windy up there.  Whoa.  Anyway, it was horrible.  Shin pain nearly unbearable for the entire day.  Wincing with each step.  Need a town ASAP.  Shit.  

At least Overmountain Shelter is super nice.  An old converted barn with enough space for probably 40 hikers.  Super cool and nice views to the valley below.  

Day 42, 3/28: 

Grounded. 

Made the 9.2 mi trek to 19E and therefore a town.  A long climb followed by a never ending downhill made bearable only by pain meds.  Felt like an eternity of pain and misery.  

Well Fuck.   

Here at the Mountain Harbour Hostel coming up with plans.  Swollen ankle, shin, and foot at this point.  No clue what's up.  Hoping to either rest here for a few days or make it to a bigger city with friends or family.  Pissed off, but at least safe.   

Tired. Angry. Annoyed.  Ready for more.   

It's the long game.  Push on, fall hard.  Take rest, get to Maine.  At least I can regain some of that weight lost.   

Bright side, I guess?   

Anyway, time to rest. 

Big O

Current Location: 342.1 Erwin, TN

Well, I wrote a sweet blog post about leaving Hot Springs and getting to Erwin, TN, but apparently the Squarespace blogging app fucking sucks.  

Summary: 

Walked more, ate food, got annoyed.  Did a big 21 mile day and felt pretty good.  Need to eat more.   25 pounds lost.  Uncle Johnny's is great. Heading out tomorrow! 

Seriously though, fuck you Squarespace.   

Big O

I started this blog so that friends and family could keep up with my whereabouts on this hike.  This blog is part journal, part ramble, and part rant.  I tend to write these posts at night, so my launguage is probably going to be pretty loose.  I guess I sometimes curse like a sailor. I apologize in advance for the language, but it might give you an insight into my current state of mind.  

To the apparently 800 of you that have clicked on my blog, I hope you've been enjoying the updates.  There aren't any ads, or affiliate links, so don't worry about that.  I just update this blog so mom doesn't think I've died.  

See you on the trail, 

Big O

Current Location: Mile 273.7, Hot Springs, NC

Day 30, March 16th: 

Feeling good, so I did 14.8 to Deer Park Mtn Shelter today.  Really old and crappy shelter, so I setup camp just off the AT. Been hiking with Marathon  and Stripe recently. Soooooooo tired of instant mashed potatoes. Ugh.  It's just so hard to eat after a long day.  I need to switch to something else.  

Day 31: March 17th: 

Stopped at the shelter last night to avoid spending a short night in Hot Springs. Walked the 3.2 miles into town and straight into the Smokey Mtn Diner.  Grabbed a skillet breakfast and man was it good.  Hash browns, cheese, eggs, sausage, and veggies piled high.  Damn good.  Also juice.  How I have missed juice recently.  If they made powdered OJ that doesn't taste like Tang, I'd be all over that.  Ugh.  Juice.  

Staying at The Sunnybank Inn, which is a grand old 170+ year old home/inn.  Super cool and the owner cooks awesome food for cheap.  I'm also staying in the SAME ROOM AS EARL SHAFFER, who was the first person to thruhike the AT back in 1948.  I have to finish the trail now.   

Stopped in at the hot springs with Polar Bear and 2Apples .  Definitely worth the small cost of admission. My skin feels so soft....and clean.  I feel like a human again, hah.  

Day 32, March 18h: 

Zero day in Hot Springs. Food, rest, laundry, and chores.  Easy things.  Back out tomorrow to the trail.  I like this little town.   

Current Location: Mile 255.7, Roaring Fork Shelter

March 15th,

Today was a strange one.  As I slowly awoke at the Standing Bear Hostel, I figured I'd take the slow route and hike to the nearest Shelter.  A measly 6.9 miles with a decent 2000ish foot climb.  A good day, especially since I was in no rush to Hot Springs.  I meandered out of the hostel sometime around 10am.  Well, after getting to the shelter at 1:30, I decided I couldn't sit all day and do nothing.  So I continued on and pushed to the second Shelter, an additional 8+ miles.  Why not?  Plus I'd get to see Mack's Patch earlier.  

Mack's Patch is a phenomenal bald with amazing views.  Unfortunately I did not have enough water, so I had to push on the shelter.  After making it to the shelter, I realized I had made a $150 mistake.  I dropped a jacket somwhere between the bald and the shelter.  A 2+ mile stretch of AT.  I dropped everything at the shelter and took off with fading sunlight.  I scoured nearly all of it.  It was getting dark and I had to turnaround.   

Not only had my 7 mile day gone to 15+, it was now nearly 20!  Disappointed, angry, and annoyed, I pulled out a candy bar, said fuck it, and demolished it.  

As I sat at the shelter exhausted, I heard two voices approaching.  Two section hikers.  I called out and asked if they had found a jacket.  

"Yes." 

Fuck yes.  Elated.  My $150 mistake became just a 4 mile annoyance.   To the 3 section hikers who saved my sanity, thank you.  Holy shit. Thank you.  

Anyway, I am legimately exhausted and it's time to blast some Childish Gambino and pass out. 

Until tomorrow, 

Big O

Current Position: Mile 240.6, Standing Bear Hostel, TN

Day 26:

Finally got out of Gatlinburg and to Pecks Shelter.  So angry I had to walk .5 miles off trail to get to it, hahah.  I'm so lazy.  Pigeontoe was here to greet me as well.   

Day 27: 

Quick 12 Mile walk to Cosby Knob Shelter.  Great shelter with close water and a privy.  Last day in the Smokies! 

Earlier today I passed the ONE TENTH mark! Incredibly happy to make it this far.  The poop disease seems to have passed now.  Lots of others are getting sick though.  Oy.  It was awful.  Looking to hit Standing Bear Hostel tomorrow and then ONWARDS TO HOT SPRINGS! 

 Day 28: March 14th

Made it out of the Smokies and to Standing Bear Hostel.  A great little hostel hidden in the mountains.  It's an interesting place with interesting people. 

Unfortunately still stuck in Gatlinburg.  Forcing fluids and eating pretzels. Hoping to be out tomorrow!  Curse you plague!  

CB

Still in Gatlinburg.  Looks like I caught the plague between Fontana and Gatlinburg. Be careful out there.  

So sick.  Ugh. 

Water and crackers for me.   

March 9th

Current Location: 207.1, Gatlinburg, TN, Border of GSMNP

200 MILES!  Today I passed 200 miles right over Clingmans Dome in the GSMNP.  I have been having phenomenal weather passing through the Smokies, but rain is coming.  At least it is not snow.  Woo!   

Mt. LeConte in the distance, the view from Clingmans Tower.

Today as I left Derrick Knob Shelter I planned on stopping at Mt. Collins Shelter.  At 13.5 miles it would have beaten my longest day so far by a single mile.  As I was moving across the ridgelines, the idea of eating cheeseburgers overcame me.  I had to make it to Newfound Gap and therefore Gatlinburg.  I became set on it.  I practically ran.  I made the 17.8 mile trek in less than 8 hours, with a food driven pace of >2.25 mph.  I was hungry.  

Made it to Gatlinburg thanks to MaryAnne! Thank you so much for the hitch and filling me in on local GSMNP news!  First stop: Five Guys Burgers.  3 burgers, a large fry, and 6 sodas later, I'm mostly satisfied.  I still had a second dinner.  The hiker hunger is real.  

After searching for a motel in a burger induced daze, I found a place that was cheap and had decent reviews.  Unfortunately it was closed.  The owners sadly let me know it was closed for the winter season and upgrades.  The owner, who seemed to feel bad for me, as I walked the mile to the motel, took me to another motel and got me a steal on a room.  Thank you for the incredible kindness.  

I will now binge watch House of Cards and fall asleep 3 minutes into the first episode.  

Big O

March 8th

Current Location: Mile 189.3, Derrick Knob Shelter, GSMNP

The AT giveth and the AT taketh.  Today the AT gave me sunny skies and 65 degree temperatures.  Unfortunately I am still carrying -20 degree gloves.  At least I won't be freezing to death. There's very little snow or ice in this section of the AT.  A normal day on the AT filled with ups and downs.  

March 7th

Current Location: Mile 177.3, Mollie Ridge Shelter

Day 21:  

The climb out of Fontana was much worse than expected.  Not sure why. Tired legs?  Nah....most likely it was the tons of extra winter gear and food.  I think my pack is 35+ right now.  Ugh.  Come here summer and your 25 pound pack...

Fingers crossed, but it looks like I may have a mostly clean hike through the Smokies. So excited for Gatlinburg.  I could skip it, but I want a Five Guys burger(s) and fries.  They have literally been in my dreams.  

Snow Report: Fontana to Mollie Ridge: very little snow at all.  Some little bits here and there.  Nothing worth mentioning.  Mollie Ridge Shelter has good water.   

Current Location: Mile 156 Fontana "Hilton"

Day 19:  

Regular day on the trail until lunch time trail magi '  suddenly appeared.  Another thruhiker's family invited me to eat with them and I happily obliged.  A full meal of sandwiches, fruit, and beverages.  Huge shout out to Brian R/L4D and his family for the meal! I struggled out of that gap with a full belly.  

Day 20: 

A really annoying climb and descent into Fontana today.  The number of false summits was too damn high.  Caught the shuttle into town and ate at the lodge.  While eating lunch, the waitress told us that another hiker had paid for our meal.  To ARB, thanks so much for the kindness.  

At the Fontana Shelter tonight, which is called the Fontana Hilton due to access to showers, bathrooms, and a spacious 20+ person capacity.   

A guy came in late tonight who did 27 miles today. Jeeze. Insanity.   

TOMORROW, THE SMOKIES.  WEATHER looking good. 

cb

Mile 144, Sassafrass Shelter, NC.

Today was one of those days.  Both a physical and mental struggle.  A 3000+ foot climb. I feel leashed. Despite starting slow, working up miles, preparing for the long days, I am still held back by this cursed achilles tendonitis.  I feel betrayed.  I did it right.  I didn't rush.  Fuck. 

Today as I walked up the 3000 feet, I felt okay.  Tired, but ok.  I crushed the climb.  Holding 2+mph the whole way up.   6.7 miles in 3.25 hours.  I did it.  I made it to the shelter before noon.  I watched as almost a dozen hikers passed me by, pushing on.  I felt defeated.  If only this cursed tendon would stop hurting.  I felt leashed by this stupid ankle.  Damnit. 

Current Location: 137.3mi, Nantahala Outdoor Center, NC

Wayah Bald.  15 feet of visibility.  Rain. 

Day 15:

I'm wet.  It's cold.  I can't see anything. These at the days that make people quit.  Spent the day walking through downpouring rain uphill, to a location with no views.  Uphills felt like Everest.  Finally got to the shelter and dried off.  Tired.  

Day 16: 

Weather cleared up, but the night was cold. Below feezing again.  Only partially frozen boots today. Walked through hoar frost all day. Some nice views, but it hovered around freezing all day.  Mostly sunny though!  I'll take it.  

The coolest water source, a cistern!  For baptisms on the AT!  Hah. I feel bad for the person who carried the concrete up the mountain.  Unfortunately no beers inside.  

Day 17: 

Took a very short 6 mile day to the Nantahala Outdoor Center, or NOC.  Walked straight to the restaurant had a fat burger, fries, and beer. Even out here I can get some solid Colorado brew!  Very good.  Beers were pretty cheap, suprisingly.  Hostel is barebones, but expected.  Talking with others has given me new energy. Taking my time before I hit the smokies.  No reason to burn out early.  Damn ankle.  I'll get that 20 mile day eventually.

Tomorrow's climb looks to be punishing.  3500 ft elevation gain up 6 miles of trail.  Looks to be a good day.  At least I picked up a pumpkin spice clif bar.  #basic. Hahahahah.  

trail name possibly determined.  We'll see.  

cb

ps: 

I've met a couple of pretty shitty hikers recently.  Please don't be a shitty hiker.  Pick up your trash.  Be considerate. Don't be a shitty person.  The trail don't owe you shit.  Get that millennial entitlement out of here.  Seriously though.  "I just graduated high school, I'm an adult." hahahahahahahahhaah.  Ok.

I'VE MADE 100 MILES! 

Current Mi: 109.8, Franklin, NC.

Day 12: 

The climb out of Carter Gap was pretty intense, but the views were totally worth it.  Albert Mountain is a short, but very intense climb with a scramble at the top.  Unfortunately the fire tower was locked, but the views were spectacular.  I'm glad it was clear for once.  I was getting tired of seeing trees and fog.  The panorama below was taken from the tower. 

Looking to grab a zero in Franklin to resupply, fix my feet, and get ready for the smokies. Really looking forward to a meal.  I've been accidentally shorting my calories.  It's hard to judge hunger on trail.

Day 13: 

Made it into Franklin.  Has Coffee  and I hitched into town with a few weekend hikers, and a previous thruhiker, Colleen, who unfortunately did not finish.  They were kind enough to bring us to Stamey's Cafe for breakfast and then drop us off in town.  Seriously though the breakfast was killer.  Chicken fried steak, eggs, home fries, toast, a side of fries, and coffee.  Oy vey. Solid start to the town trip.  People are awesome.  

Picked up by another Colin, aka Zen, of the Gooder Grove Hostel.  Really cool place, and he has big plans for the future.  It's a bit rough working out the details, but things are moving along for him.  Clean beds, cool dogs, and a nice location.   

Finally got a chance to weigh myself.  Many thru hikers put on some weight pre-trail to help minimize hunger.  Well....I apparently started this in 2010 when I started eating chips for breakfast as an RA in college.  Anyway, I started the trail a svete 245ish pounds.  I'm not sure how accurate the scale is here...considering it's a retro 70's design, but I came in at 238.  Not bad for less than two weeks hiking.  Maybe I'll create the new fad.  Couch2AT. Eat whatever you want, and just walk off the pounds!  Seriously though. I eat horribly.  Here's a selection of my daily diet:  honey buns, pop tarts, snickers, clif bars, nutella, skittles, summer sausage, jerkey, globs of butter (kerrygold of course, Ellie!), and rice sides.  Then I eat fast food in towns along with buffets.  Best "diet" ever.  

Day 14:  

Zero day.  My feet!  Headed to Outdoor76 to have them take a look at my feet.  Rob spent quite a bit of time with me trying to figure out my heel problems.  It looks like I've got the early stages of achilles tendonitis likely caused by the boots or overuse.  Trying out some new insoles to see if I can be more effect with them.  Going to take it slow for awhile and let my ankle heal.  I'll probably take a few days off in Hot Springs to rest even more.  

On Tuesday I look to push out of Franklin towards the NOC, Fontana Dam, and the Smokies!   Wayah Bald Shelter next!

Current Mileage: 93.9mi, Carter Gap Shelter, NC 

Ice covered trees in NC

Day 10:

The climb out of Dick's Creek Gap was a brutal 11.8 mile hike.  Mostly uphill.  A killer for the legs.  Pretty sure my feet were going to fall off, but I made it!  Oh man.  Ouch.  BUT THAT IS OKAY BECAUSE IM OUT OF GEORGIA!  Yeahhhhhhhhhhh!

Day 11:

My longest day so far, over 12.5 miles.  Last night was freezing, somewhere around 15degrees.  Woke up to popsicles for boots and frozen water.  There's nothing worse than getting out of a warm sleeping bag to put on frozen boots.  Ankle deep to calf deep snow was suuuuuper fun.  At least I could sing Frozen songs to myself all day. DO YOU WANT TO BUILD A SNOOOOWWWMANNN???!?!??!

Only 2100 more miles to go and I look forward to them all. 

cb

Frozen wasteland.

Hiked out of Unicoi Gap and had a short day to Tray Shelter yesterday.  Weather was rain, rain, and more rain.  Very miserable. Feet hurt, but I'm excited to hit Franklin and see the foot magicians there.  

Today I booked the 11 miles from Tray Shelter to Top of Georgia Hostel in about 4.25 hours.  A fairly decent 2.6mph.  Woke up to sideways rain, hail, and thunderstorms.  At least it's not snow.  Last night at Tray Shelter had brutal wind and rain, with probably 50mph gusts.   

Muddy, wet trails.

Apparently I'm in Australia because my photos keep uploading upside down.  

cb

Small update today. Heading out of Hiawassee tomorrow and heading back into the mountains.  Still determining whether or not I'll push to Tray or Deep Gap Shelter.  

Left ankle is giving me problems so I'll need to watch it and take it slow until I can get into Franklin to see some magical foot people.  

Met a man named Bruce in the local supermarket today who offered to drive me back out to the trailhead.  I'm not used to this kind of kindness coming from the hustle and bustle of the Northeast.  Very strange to experience.   

Still working on that trail name.   

cb

After hiking 2.4miles to Unicoi gap I am taking a zero day in Hiawassee to dry off, shower, and eat.  

Huge shout out to Wayne, a wonderful man, for letting two smelly hikers hitch in your truck!  The tour of the town was great.  

Thus far I have eaten 1700 calories at taco bell.  Seriously the Quesalupa is the most delicious thing I have ever eaten.  Also a 600+ calorie bomb for like 2.50.  Shout out to Garret for the idea.  So good and disgusting at the same time.  Seriously though, the Taco Bell in Hiawassee is the cleanest, nicest, well staffed fast food place I've ever been.  

Tomorrow is a zero and I'll be spending the day eating and sleeping.   

A cheesey, crispy, calorie bomb.  I will miss you.

Current Mileage: 50.5

The past two days have by far been the most challenging days so far on trail.  Day 4 filled was filled with long climbs and heavy packs.  Today, day 5, was 12.5 miles of cold, raining, muddy miles.  It's no surprise to me that a large percent have quit by now.  Somebody told me around 20-30% of hikers have quit by now.  

I am currently at Blue Mountain shelter for those wondering.   

I will be heading into Hiawassee tomorrow and taking a zero day to recharge, dry out, and clean my clothes.  Probably inhale a few burgers as well.  

I'm thankful every day that I can do this trail, but some days it would just be easier to go home and sleep.  Then again....if I can persevere two years of NCCC I can hike the AT.  

Thanks again all for the support.  You can leave messages on here, FB, or email and I'll get them every few days or so.  Some of the shelters even have 4G from the nearby towns.  Crazy, even in the middle of the woods technology lives on.   

Until later, 

cb 

Made it to Neel Gap!