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Appalachian Trail: Days 7-9 – North Carolina

My Appalachian Trail thru-hike continues as I cross from Georgia into North Carolina.

Enjoy reading my latest journal entry as I backpack the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine. If you missed it, here are my previous entries and videos from the trail.


DAY 7

After I had a breakfast of three Krispy Kreme donuts, Michael and I caught the 9am shuttle from our motel back to Dick’s Creek Gap. It rained for the first three hours of hiking. My waterproof boots got wet, possibly from the seams around the laces. I’m sure this helped my blisters immensely. They seemed to dry out mostly by the day’s end or at least the socks soaked up the water.

Hiking along
Hiking along

The most exciting part of the day was around noon when we crossed the Georgia border into North Carolina! One state down, thirteen more to go.

Farewell Georgia, hello North Carolina!
Farewell Georgia, hello North Carolina!

The second half of the day was sunny. I can’t remember what else happened because by the time we set up our tents at Standing Indian Shelter we were cold and tired. The late start from the motel made for a quick dinner and then bed.

Hiking above the clouds
Hiking above the clouds

Oh, and Michael burnt our Jetboil stove. I walked up to him cooking and then he immediately threw it to the ground as the plastic flamed and melted. We put out the fire in time so that the stove is still usable, although the self-starter melted away. No one wants to go to bed hungry after hiking 16 miles. Michael would later admit reluctantly that it was his error that led to the flaming Jetboil.

Our Jetboil after the accident.
Our Jetboil after the accident.

Having been one full week on the trail, it’s been fun, I’ve overcome obstacles and many many aches and pains. If I can get this far I am confident in my abilities on the trail.

Day’s Mileage: 16.7 miles

Total Miles Hiked: 94.5

Remaining Miles: 2,105.2

A comical sign. Tempting to try this trail out.
A comical sign. Tempting to try this trail out.

DAY 8

It was a cold night. There was frost on the ground and as I packed up my tent it began to snow. We planned a grueling day of almost 20 miles, our longest yet.

My tent footprint after the morning frost
My tent footprint after the morning frost

We set off in what became a snow shower for a few hours. We could still see the trail but we were making tracks. Quite the nice change. I’ll take snow over rain. Everything was pretty in white; broke up the monotony of seeing the same dead trees waiting for spring.

First snow on the trail
First snow on the trail

By midday the sun was out and the snow slowly disappeared. The trail was relatively flat and easy. A good day. Two-thirds of the way, we scaled Albert Mountain. Up to this point, the trail has not been as well maintained in North Carolina compared to Georgia. Albert Mountain was our steepest ascent yet. We were practically rock climbing at one point but the view was beautiful. The mountain is topped with a fire tower to watch for wildfires back in the day.

On top of Albert Mountain
On top of Albert Mountain
Albert Mountain firetower
Albert Mountain firetower

We continued on and eventually made it to Rock Gap Shelter. It was built in 1965 and only sleeps 6. One other guy joined us but it was cold. We were impressed that we hiked almost 20 miles in under 10 hours. We couldn’t have done that a week ago. We made a quick dinner and went to bed before dusk. It was freezing and expected to drop to 15 degree lows at night. I hope we make it. Also, I hope that the mice in the old shelter don’t get into our packs. I can hear them in the walls.

Day’s Mileage: 19.7 miles

Total Miles Hiked: 114.2

Remaining Miles: 2,085.5

Michael crossing a snowy stream
Michael crossing a snowy stream

DAY 9

Cold morning. As soon as we hit the trail it started snowing and didn’t stop until 3pm. Probably a half inch of snow in total. The day never warmed up but the trail wasn’t too bad. Only a few steep mountains to climb.

Crazy Mother Nature creating ice sculptures
Crazy Mother Nature creating ice sculptures

We haven’t seen too many people on the trail lately except for today. Mostly we are passing people and haven’t been passed ourselves. I’m hoping we are staying ahead of the crowds that left March 1st. Most thru-hikers begin their hike in March and April. They call this the bubble and we are trying to stay ahead of this crowd. Though each day I’m sore and tired and feel like I’m slowing down, our pace seems to be picking up. We average about 2mph.

Snowy days
Snowy days
Hiking through a tunnel of rhododendrons
Hiking through a tunnel of rhododendrons

We made it to Wayah Shelter. It was small and we shared it with three others. Everyone else arrived later and had to tent. This was our strategy: to arrive early and claim our spots, and it worked. Temperatures are supposed to drop tonight to zero with 40mph winds. Perks of being on a mountain. I’m sleeping with layers on and my water bottle is in my sleeping bag so it doesn’t freeze. We are only three days from the Smoky Mountains, I believe. Also, I think I need to eat more. I guzzled some nearly frozen olive oil today to supplement my dinner; it’s 120 calories per tablespoon.

Day’s Mileage: 14.8 miles

Total Miles Hiked: 129.0

Remaining Miles: 2,070.7

Daily Average: 14.3 miles

Collecting snow
Collecting snow

THE ADVENTURE CONTINUES

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    Comments

    3 responses to “Appalachian Trail: Days 7-9 – North Carolina”

    1. Sue

      I know you need to eat more since you are probably expending at least 3000 calories a day!

    2. Auntie L

      What troopers you are! I wish you continued warmer weather and lots more calories!!

    3. Leslie

      Guzzling olive oil is probably not the greatest thing to do…. do you need a new jet boil burner? I can send you one!

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