AT: First Half Recap

ByPurple Haze Posted on

It has been ten days since finishing the first half of the AT at Harpers Ferry WV. The hikers after me encountered quite a bit of smoke blowing down from Canadian wildfires. Hope the much needed rains come soon. I have a fishing trip with my boys planned in Ontario late in the summer. Mrs. Haze and I will also be in Nova Scotia in September.

I was about 30 pounds down on my official weigh-in, pretty typical after my longer hikes. I should try to keep some of it off this time but I wouldn’t bet on it.

A few observations, thoughts and comparisons:

  • The AT has been a cardio/cardiac challenge with very consistent 4,500 to 6,000′ total vertical elevation on a daily basis.
  • The best water quality and quantity of any of my long hikes.
  • Hard to get lost on the clearly marked AT, a real battery saver not having to check on location.
  • With all the exposed wet tree roots and rocks on the trail, I have tripped, stumbled and fallen more on the AT than any other hike. With my wonky ankles, I consider myself fortunate to have escaped more serious injury.
  • I have heard the AT called a green tunnel and that’s no joke, especially in May in Virginia.

Best day on the trail: Easter Sunday heading north from Newfound Gap (near Gatlinburg TN) on a beautiful day in the Smoky Mountains. Low lying clouds and mist lifting from the forests below, rare expansive views, capped off with a gorgeous sunset and sunrise from my “helipad” ridgetop campsite, slightly against the park rules.

Best trail town: Hot Springs NC, scenic spot on the French Broad River, everything a hiker would want in a compact, little town including good eats and entertainment at the local brewery.

Best meal: Oysters and shrimp & grits from Chesapeakes Seafood and Raw Bar in Gatlinburg TN.

Best dessert: Huge hunk of blackberry ice cream pie at the Skyland Lodge, Shenandoah NP. I refuse to believe it was the cause of me being sick later that night.

Best new piece of gear: Actually not gear but a new app, Merlin Bird ID that can ID photos or sound recordings. Fun, learned something and constructive on some of those long days in a green tunnel.

Looking forward to the second half and thanks for following along!