Make it count: Day #21

Day #21 - AT Hike

Thursday, April 2 - Day #21 - AT Hike

Miles Hiked Today - 13.5
Total Miles Hiked on AT - 239.9/2,193 (10.94%)

Hogback Ridge Shelter (317.3) to Whistling Gap (330.8) - tent at Whistling Gap

Total ascent - 3,322’
Total descent - 3,727’

Total States Completed - 1/14

Today started off freezing cold. Temps somewhere between 25-30 degrees F. I wanted to get out of camp as quick as I could - so I threw on my completely drenched Altra Lone Peak trailrunners, threw my frozen rainfly in my back mesh pocket, put on my actual gloves (dried in sleeping bag last night) - and headed out around 7:30am.

It’s been getting light earlier - so no headlamp needed. The goal today was a solid 13-14 miles to position me to make Erwin, TN by end of day Friday. It was cold to start - ice/snow packed the trail. I did pretty good all day but I’m just dog tired. The last couple days with the freezing temps and a lot on my mind about Covid-19 (more to follow on this) - I haven’t been able to sleep very well (only a couple hours a night). There were a few climbs today that I had to dig DEEP to make it happen. Specifically - the climb to Big Bald at 5,516’ went painfully slow. No actual precipitation today - but (due to the wind) - ice and snow we’re continuously falling from the trees above. When some of those ice packets hit you on the head - it was like taking a punch. Most of the trek was snow-covered, icy, or muddy (or a combination).

Toward the end of the day - there was a big 2.1 mile technical descent. Not good on the legs. Lots of concentration to avoid going head over heels into a rock pit. The good thing about going downhill however - the snow I had been walking in for 80% of the day - was going away. As I write this blog - I’m sitting under a tree with my shoes and socks off airing out all my frozen gear. Now - it’s not all that warm - maybe 50 degrees - but the sunshine is absolutely AMAZING!!! The last 2 days when I got into camp - I put up my tent as fast as I possibly could - then immediately changed out of all my wet gear. Then - I would lay shaking in my tent for 30 minutes until my body regained some warmth. I’ll put some pictures of my clothes, tent, rainfly, etc. airing out today. In survival situations - I’ll classify conquering the AT as “SURVIVING the AT” - the weather can make or break everything. I’ve learned so much in these first 21 days - it’s truly unbelievable.

Tomorrow I have 14 miles into Erwin, TN. Most of my group will be there - most everyone is taking a Zero on Saturday. Hotels are still active in Tennessee. I reserved one 4 days ago- I’ve called everyday to see if they’re still open. If all goes well - I’ll be coming to you live tomorrow night from a bed in Tennessee. If not - from my tent outside Erwin. Regardless - I’m taking a Zero on Saturday. My calves are shot - they need some rest/ice.

I have about 8% left on my battery. I have some stuff to go over with you - but it’s gotta wait right now

Good night from a sunny (but cold) Tennessee Mountain Range.