Wednesday, April 1 - Day #20 - AT Hike
Miles Hiked Today - 15.5
Total Miles Hiked on AT - 226.4/2,193 (10.32%)
Jerry’s Cabin Shelter (301.8) to Hogback Ridge Shelter (317.3) - tent at Hogback Ridge Shelter
Total ascent - 3,767
Total descent - 3,596
Total States Completed - 1/14
I mentioned there was a chance temperatures would get below freezing last night —- AND - I woke up to 2-3 inches of ice on the ground. My tent fly was caved in from a little drift. I had heard about snow possibilities in the Smokies - so not totally unexpected to see it here. I honestly prefer the snow over the rain for sure.
I got off to a late start (around 9:30am) on purpose - I wanted to give the ice a little time to melt. With quite a few other people leaving before me at the shelter - I could follow their steps and see where they slid. It worked out pretty well - I still fell to the ground once (second time on the trip). No injuries or gear failures this time.
My biggest concern starting out the day - I didn’t have dry gloves. So - I decided to use my socks from yesterday on my hands. (I only put them on 1/2 way because the feet were wet). I only have 4 pairs of socks with me (1 pair on, 1 pair on my hands, 1 for sleeping only, and 1 for emergency that I may need to wear tomorrow.)
The socks on the hands mostly worked out and kept me warm. It snowed most of the day. See pictures. It was a rough start in the morning throwing all the wet gear in my bag - but the day got better in the afternoon. I was hiking around Pepper, Maddy, Always, Sunshine, and Stretch - so it made it enjoyable to talk with those guys on occasion when they would pass. The scenery was also pretty spectacular. I really enjoy walking in the woods with those heavy snows (where snow sticks to branches/trees)
I’m keeping things pretty short on the blog the next couple days. I have about 25% battery life that needs to get me through Friday afternoon.
Hoping the sun comes out tomorrow. Wishful thinking I know. Good night from the frozen tundra of Tennessee/Carolina
Early morning
Mid-day
Mid-day
Mid-day
Early morning
Mid-day
Late afternoon
Shelter in morning
My stove system cooking dinner
My tent in the morning
Mid-day
Late afternoon
Early morning morning
Mid-day
Late afternoon
Late afternoon
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