Greg's 2022 AT Journey

Didn't sleep at all last night cause it was 65deg after weeks of 5-30. Took me 5hrs to stumble 10mi of downhill. Finally saw Erwin only 5mi away, but yep we have to go UP to get there! Now it's only 2mi away. I so-oo-o want to take a short cut straight down... But that NEVER works. Finally got to the famous Uncle Johnny's. Uncle  Hostel and gladly paid $15 to hammock and get free wifi, coffee, bagels, shower, laundry and shuttle to town. Where I met the Krygers (trail names Mother Goose, FreakOut, Chapstick and Thumper). Mom is home schooling her 3 girls on the AT.  Too late for ado-over with her as my mom?

Long post today... and lots of pix! Had just finished doing my trail magic for the Edwards fm Michigan (Mom was a Katahdin park ranger).  When just 10 mins later, I'm treated to real Trail Magic by Zombie, OG Bob and sister Old Woman Linda. Is 9a to early for chili dogs and beer! Plus, Bob makes the BEST chocolate chip cookies and yes Cindy, I got the recipe! I then headed for Big Bald Mt. If you zoom in you'll see a bare spot on the tallest peak... currently 10 miles away. But first I have to go over all the others... cause that's how this crazy trail works! I'd better check the map... this doesn't feel right? So in this next pic, I'm only 5mi away, and yes, I have to go all the way down first! Got help hiking to summit from the Zelayas (Kansas City). The smallest carried my staff until it got to heavy. And we all made it by 3p. Now only 7 more miles to my shelter!

A little cold last night but the trail was easy today and the weather cool, overcast and NO WIND!!!   Perfect site for my Bear Burrito A peak inside my luxury pad Proof that Jerry Prevost is related ... even the shelter is named after him Jerry's Cabin Shelter, M302 Why can't white water rafting be on the AT

  Straddling TN-NC border... here's another Green Tunnel in NC But in TN all is brown... are we seeing a pattern! Stopped for lunch at a lovely pond with fellow triathletes Smokey and Bagel

A lot less wind! Paid to sleep in a sleazy motelm with no wifi, or heat. Sounds like camping... but NO wind!!! Re-supplied then met the Becks fm Cincinnati as I climbed out of Hot Springs They didn't have any food to give me  Crock Eater, Smokey and  Bagel enjoying trail magic by  Yukon

Hiked my first 20 miler along NC and TN border. 2nd day of single digit, 50mph winds! Guess what... noone likes it! Found a lovely breakfast site No greenery in TN, just cold winds But more "Green Tunnels" in NC Another cave shelter (w/ AT logo) Hot Springs has impressive AT signs! Going to eat w/ trail pal Coach

Felt like a new man after staying at the famous Standing Bear Farms Hostel... only to be crushed by a 3000', 3.5mi climb to Snowbird peak. Hardest climb yet Slept in a 15 man bunkroom where one guy snored so loud, he kept us all awake.  But the shower, shave,  laundry, dinner and beer were worth the $50! At hostel w/ Aaron a Citadel student and Buda who says he has no real name? On Snowbird Peak, M244... came fm Laurel Top, M215 (tallest peak) On Snowbird Peak, M244... headed to Max Patch, M255 (w/ big bald spot ) today. JJohn and Melissa fm Boulder, CO gave me trail mix at base of Max Patch Max Patch Peak... 5deg, 50mph wind chill! Looking S. to Snowbird Peak 

That's right... 10 miles of gentle downhill! My favorite "easy" day.  Saw some great things along the way like this stone wall A river crossing (by bridge) And 2 miles of enchanted forest along this stream!

 At mile 234, I took a 2mi detour to see this fantastic watch tower with 200mi views of TN, KY, AL, NC, SC and GA. It had the most perfectly carved step suspended by magic! Along the way, I met the coolest college group from Univ of Wisconsin-Milwaukee...  So awesome they chose the Smokies over Daytona Beach for Spring Break.  Go Panthers!

Rain and gust to 70... did  I mention I hate wind? I guess I have to pay for every good day with a bad one.  Had to climb over many fallen trees... And walk on a 'river" trail of rain water... All to enjoy this summit view!!!

And the most beautiful 10 miles to date! I feel so energetic after being spoiled for 2 nights by the Burkhardts. A day filled with breathtaking views... And beautiful flowers...

What a gorgeous day.  It's Spring Break so the trail from Newfound Gap to Charlie's Bunion was packed.   These rocks offer spectacular views so lots of people eat lunch there.  Which means lis if free food... Jennifer and son Connor who also carried my 7lb food bag for 3 miles.  The group from Milwaukee who gave me cookies and a power bar! Tanner, Abby and 15mo old Charlie.  Thanks for the mango bars! Mark, David, Micah, Nadav fm St Louis. Awesome conversation... and candy!