It was a week that started with cold temperatures. The trails were still covered with ice and snow. The sunshine and beautiful weather quickly melted the ice and snow and began to dry the mud. This was the best weather yet this year on the AT in the Smokies. The wildflowers have started to bloom along the trail and the Hikers are enjoying our fantastic views.
Sue G. posted a great question last week. She wrote, "Doug, I'm a city gal who loves the Smokies and enjoys reading what you write about them. Can you tell me the difference between, hikers, backpackers and Thruhikers? I have never heard the term "Thruhikers" before."
So here we go Sue. Hikers are divided into many categories. The most common in our Smokies are the "Day hikers". A Day hiker is anyone who comes out to enjoy the trails just for the day. A "Backpacker" is a hiker who comes out for one or more nights in the back country. In our Smokies "Backpackers" must camp at designated camp sights or back country shelters and must reserve a spot (just call 865-436-1297). Then we have the "Thruhiker". Thruhikers are hiking the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine. With only 72.4 miles of the AT in the Smokies the entire trail covers 2179 miles. 1200 to 1500 Thruhikers will start the trail each spring in Georgia and less than 400 will make it all the way. Thanks Sue!
Comments
Trout Lilies and Spring Beauties! Glad you are getting to see Spring arrive in the Smokies. Have a great week!
Hi Doug. Blog still looking great!!!!I am looking forward to more wildflower photos from you. I hope I will see you later.
Hi again!!! This is for you and Sue. Great question and great answer.
The Feds will never keep me out. Great Joke, my friends have all been diggin' it.
Hi Doug, I enjoy seeing your photos and reading about your adventures as a ridgerunner. Cute joke, probably some truth to it.
Hello Doug! I love your Blog! Jay and I missed seeing you when we were at Leconte on March 27th. We had a lot of down trees on Rainbow!
We will be back this Sunday and will be coming down on Monday.
Thanks for your wonderful way with words and pictures!
Its been fun following you in your new endeavor here!
I have a question, with your experience here, you would have a good handle on packing and gear choice for packing light yet effect. I would love to hear from you in the future on what you have learned that works in gear and clothing, as well as provisioning on the trail.
I have a lot of experience, but most of my gear is more 'old school' so I am not as up on current gear and how well it works, barring what I read.
