turns, twists and tales from the trail

The trail is full of twists and turns. It seems like the hike has really started since the last blog, as going through the smokies and beyond has really tested us in many different ways. some days everthings feelin great, the suns out and your literally on top of the world...then the next day your feet hurt, your sick of the dried food, and then it starts snowing! Or more significantly, external factors can turn the journey upside down. Unfortunately this happened and we lost one of the "fearsome four" (as we were called) as "Cathole" Chris had to go home due to a family emergency. We are all thinking of you and your family cathole, and hope that you will rejoin team group sooner or later!

O-pop & Cathole

first night in the smokies and the snow started to fall...

...and fall and fall long into the second day.


aftermath of a snowy day, wet gear, and cold bodies huddled around a fire

but there were smiles

Our first snow camping experience, but we did wake up to sun!

makes for a beautiful surrounding, but hard to hike in

Look its Mr. Winky( a Dam good mascot found at Fontana Dam) He and I are enjoying the view at Clingman's Dome on a clear day. Clingman's Dome is the highest point on the entire Appalachian Trail at 6, 643 ft.

views from atop the observation tower...

looking back on the trail we just walked.

more hiking in the snow, it seemed to be never ending

and then it turned into slush and mud

A morning sunrise at Icewater Spring shelter, mile 207.6. Today would be our first 20 miler!

Heading out of the Smokies, we encountered green lush surroundings. As Hiker Dave said, I thought Robin Hood might pop out, cause it looked just like Sherwood Forest!

And we made it to Standing Bear Farm, about the coolest Hostel around.

Outdoor shower and a store full of treats , we were set. Thanks Curtis!

Doing laundry the old fashion way, washboard and all.
Our first Bear Sighting! A sow and two cubs scurried out of sight as we approached about 100 yards away. this is the best picture we got.

Max Patch Summit was amazing, at 4,629 ft we got great views of the smokies.

You can't tell but it was extremely windy. It was worth it though, probably one of the most beautiful spots on the trail so far.


Hiked back up the summit at night to watch a lightning storm behind the clouds, as well as watching the moon rise.

Welcome to Hot Springs, NC. Here we stayed at Elmer's Sunnybank Inn. Built in the 1840's, this house was taken over by Elmer Hall in 1977 and converted into an Inn and Retreat Center. We had the best meal so far here where organic vegetarian dishes are served daily.
And of course we had to celebrate Kevin's 25th birthday with a little beer! Thanks to Aaron, Mosey, Pixie, Muffin Paste and Blaze!