change! Enough with the daily Thunderstorms already !! I did have Friday and
Monday without getting stormed on and it was beautiful. Some of our
Rhododendron along the AT are still holding their blooms and I hope you can get
out to enjoy them. I enjoyed spending time with some awesome Backpackers on the
AT in our beautiful Smoky Mountains this week.
I met Trey the Intern at Newfound Gap. Trey shuttled me around to Cosby
Campground. We had a hot and humid climb up the Low Gap Trail to the AT. Once
on the AT it was a nice cruise over to the Shelter. The trail and the shelter
looked great. Our stay at Cosby Knob Shelter was wet but pleasant! I enjoyed
hiking with Trey again.
Day Two: I hiked from Cosby Knob Shelter to Tricorner
Knob Shelter. It was a beautiful cool day and I didn't get rained on! What a
great day to be out backpacking. I got to interact with a lot of hikers even in
the remote stretch between Cosby Knob and Tricorner. The shelter was clean and
quiet. It sure will be nice when we get a new privy out here and we don't have
to use the “Leaning Tower Of Pizza” any more.
Day Three: I hiked from Tricorner Knob Shelter to
Pecks Corner Shelter and then on to Icewater Springs Shelter. I passed some
great trail work as I got through the saw teeth and approached the Bunion.
Great Drainage Work! It was appreciated after wading through some pretty deep
water out near Tricorner Knob. It was a busy Saturday night at Icewater
Springs. I like to try and spend the weekend nights at the busier shelters. I
think it makes a positive difference to have a presence at spots like Icewater
Springs that get so much use. I had the opportunity to educate a couple guys
that rolled in without a reservation and started setting up a tent. I got them
in touch with the backcountry reservations office and educated them about our
regulations along the AT in the Smokies. They left the next morning with a
valid backcountry permit and an educated understanding of the guidelines for
hiking our Smokies.
Day Four: Icewater Springs Shelter to Mt. Collins
Shelter. Rain Rain Rain! I had the opportunity to see some good drainage at
work along the AT today. Sure is GROOVY when water runs off the trail and the
dirt stays in!! I stopped and talked with three Amazing Trail Maintainers along
this stretch today. Great job! Thanks for all your hard work.
Day Five: Mt. Collins to Newfound Gap. What a pleasure
to hike beautiful trail on a cool and clear Summer morning. It was a nice
finish to a beautiful week on our Appalachian Trail here in our beautiful
Smokies. I hope to see you on the Trail soon!
Comments
Thanks Doug. You made my day by taking me through (in my mind) one of ny favorite hikes in the park. Love the Sawteeth & Tricorner is one of my favorites. Be safe out there. Hope to see you on the trail soon. We started @ Fontana a couple weeks ago but had to come out early, friend got sick. Plan on taking Syd the rest of the way.
Hey Doug
Wanted to say Hi sounds like the new job agrees with you.I'm chipping away at the N.C. side of the Smokies only about 352 miles to go, hope all is well Tom
I love that saying: When it rains it seems like it rains all the time. When the sun comes out I can't remember it was raining.
Some of these thunderstorms lately have been so intense! I look up toward the mountains and think GOSH! I would not want to be on the trail in this! Be safe and I pray that you always find shelter during these storms. I have been having some foot problems but I hope to make the hike to Leconte on Sunday the 3rd. Some of Ed Wrights family is coming in to hike, including his two grandson's Austin and Charlie. Remember the birthday party for them when you were at the lodge. It was fun. Have a great week!
Really enjoying the updates and photos as always. Happy 4th to all!
