April 30 - 400 Miles

See Ya...

From PJ:

Should be hitting 400 miles in about 2 hours.

***

Watching grown men take selfies makes me feel really good in my decision never to take a selfie.

400 MILES!!!

Rewarding my feet.

This water is actually freezing. I'm basically just sitting on this rock in the middle of the stream.

HISS

This snake was underneath me this whole time.

***

Also I found out that I saw a flying squirrel way back in Georgia. I had no idea what it was at the time, but I saw a picture, and it definitely was one.

This is NOT the flying squirrel PJ saw...But it is eating pizza, so that's cool.

They [flying squirrels] look weird. Almost like a lemur. It wasn't flying when I saw it, but I could tell it was something different.

Bob Peoples - this picture was NOT taken by PJ. Catania found it online.

More from PJ:

So there's this guy - Bob Peoples - who is another trail legend. Anyway, on this shelter I passed, it had a bunch of quotes about him written on it - similar to the most interesting man in the world commercials.

Like, "Bob Peoples once was bitten by a snake. Sadly, three days later the snake died."

And my favorite, Bob Peoples sleeps with a pillow under his gun."

April 29 - Jane Bald

Trail Magic

From PJ:

So this is the third time I've run into this guy doing trail magic. His name is Rob Bird. He's retired and just helps out hikers all day.

I'm at Hughes Gap, by the way. About to climb Roane Mountain.

I hiked just past Jane Bald and am camping solo on a little grassy area. The group I was with is a few miles ahead, but sometimes I prefer hiking and camping alone. I'll probably catch up to them by tomorrow or Sunday.

This is after I cleaned my hands...

April 28 - Woody Woodpecker

A Short Video from PJ

April 27 - Burgers and Trail Magic

Moses the Dog

We packed up a bunch of burgers...

And I cooked them up.

I also ate another burger - trail magic.

April 26 - A Late Hot Springs Update and Some Pics from the Last Few Days

On the Trail

Making Progress

The AT

Mom's is an actual store - open for business

From PJ:

[This is actually from a few days ago - April 22 - when PJ went into Hot Springs. He didn't have enough wifi to send it to me until April 26 in Erwin]

Good morning from the real world. We are excited today. We are about to go into Hot Springs. About 2 1/2 miles. It's only about 7:50 AM, but it's been 12 days since I've been in civilization, so I'm kind of excited to eat and shower. I'm going to buy every Gatorade there is. I'm so thirsty right now.

But yeah, I'm so excited to stay in a hostel tonight, get some chores done, get some clean clothes. Hopefully in a couple of hours - no - in an hour or so, I'll be eating some eggs and bacon.

***

We are walking into Hot Springs. We are still technically on the AT, even though we are walking on the road. We got Patriot up there, Fritz, and the dog Oakley. It's kind of weird. Nice little town so far, but I'd say we've got half a mile before we get some grub.

***

We're in Hot Springs, NC. And we're done for the day anyway. And even if we wanted to, we cannot hike. The next 20 miles is closed because that is smoke, not fog. That is a fire up there.  So that is interesting. We've gotta figure out. Hopefully it's gonna rain tonight, and I don't know - we've got to figure something out because the next 20 miles are shut down.

April 25 - Bald Mountain Shelter

From PJ:

We are at Bald Mountain Shelter right now eating lunch. We are going to No Business Knob Shelter tonight and then to Erwin, TN tomorrow...

So, unfortunately I will not be able to handle any business tonight.

April 24 - Alan Gap

From PJ:

So yeah, we had to shuttle out of Hot Springs up to Alan Gap. That whole section will be shut down for at least another week. There were rangers at all the entry points, so we couldn't even stealth hike through.

We walked about 12 miles to Jerry Shelter. The guy doing trail magic came and told us about it after we had made camp so we walked about a mile which was easy without our packs. I ate three burgers which were super good. This guy and his wife lugged a bunch of food up there which was pretty awesome.

Oh, and that was not "Big Butt Mountain" yesterday. I was mistaken. But we will be hitting that tomorrow. 

Hot Springs was really cool though, a lot of the people I'd been camping with were able to catch up so we have a fun little crew now. Had an awesome omelette today at a hostel which was a really cool place. Patriot and I were the only ones to stay there out of our group, everyone else stayed at the laughing heart hostel which apparently was awful.

I was able to buy a new filter and ordered a battery pack that I will pick up in Erwin, TN on Tuesday. 

Chandra and Mom both sent me some money which really helps. Some of the places can be really expensive, so I really appreciated that. I was able to take more videos and photos today, but I didn't have good enough reception to send them out. Anyway, gonna try to do 21 miles tomorrow. My shins were hurting today, but hopefully I'll be good to go tomorrow.

April 23 - 300 Miles and Trail Magic

From PJ:

300 Miles. 

We had to skip a 15 mile section because of the fire. But we passed the 300 mile marker. [So PJ made one of his own].

We are hanging out on "Big Butt Mountain." Ran into some awesome trail magic.

Trail Magic

April 22 - Hot Springs

From PJ:

I made a video, I'm gonna send it to you when I have wifi. There is a wildfire on the trail right now. We are resting in Hot Springs right now, so hopefully it will be under control soon. It is raining pretty good right now, so that should help, but the next 20 miles of the AT are shut down.

[For breakfast] I ate a lot, but nothing compared to the two guys I ate with. This kid Fritz put on a show. I wish I had a picture, but I was charging my phone.

Had to poop in a toilet today. Feeling less manly already.

This is what I dream about on the trail

I'm going to do a video fo the hostel I'm staying at, but it is really cool. It's a house from the 1850s. Patriot and I are actually staying in the room Earl Schaffer stayed at in 1948 and 1998 when he through hiked the AT. Earl Schaffer is the OG of the AT. Like the Babe Ruth of hiking.

Earl Schaffer

We have a sweet porch off our room, too. We're just hanging out - watching the rain.

[The break - because of the fires] is cool. A lot of hikers are stuck in town because the fire. Everyone is just hanging out.

I'm not exactly sure [when the fire will be controlled]. I can see and smell the smoke, but all the information I've been given is just word of mouth. I was told the ATC already came out and said that we can skip that section and still be an official through hike. I was told it may be up to a week before it opens.

Last night we could see planes flying over super low, and we were wondering what it was all about. My guess it that they were a part of the fire crew. Even after the fire is out it can still be closed because there may be a lot of downed trees and stuff.

I'm glad we booked our room yesterday because all of the hostels are full now.

I'm not sure if you can see, but there are burnt trees up there

April 21 - Deer Park Shelter

Dirt Tan

From PJ:

At Deer Park Shelter or something like that. Today was much easier than yesterday. We did over 16 miles and were done by 2 o'clock. Very excited to go into Hot Springs. We are only 3 miles out so we should be there pretty early. Can't wait to get breakfast. Might be a 2-plater.

And [excited to] take my first shower in 12 days. Believe it or not I don't smell that bad. I give myself wet wipe baths and I brought deodorant. But as you saw, I'm covered in dirt.

***

I'm thinking three eggs over easy, wheat toast, home fries, sausage, bacon, and a big glass of OJ.

***

This is what I fantasize about while hiking. There could be a naked lady standing in front of this diner and I would push her out of the way if she interfered with my breakfast.

***

All we do is talk about food out here.

April 20 - Max's Patch

Okay - so this quote was chosen by Catania. I like it. I sent it to PJ. Not sure if he likes it, but I put it on here for fun...

This was from Monday - On top of Mt. Klingsman

From PJ:

I'm gonna try to keep this brief because I'm still having issues with my phone. Patriot and I set up camp just past Max's Patch. Another big day.

Today started out as the toughest day so far. Legs feel fine but we had a 5 mile climb to start and I was drained. I could feel the lack of calories and was doing my best to eat and drink as much as I could but it is much harder than you think. 

I'm low on food (which is a good thing because I'm resupplying on Friday), but my water filter is busted and water sources were few and far between. By about three o'clock I was drained. I was moving very slow on the inclines and had to break every few minutes or so. The fact that we're going into town on Friday was really the only thing keeping me going.

Got into Brown Gap just in time to see this couple give an old guy their last Gatorade which really sunk my spirits even more. Not that I was miserable or anything, just exhausted. I spent most of my time fantasizing about different foods and beverages. 

Then about a mile before our final destination, there was trail magic. It was like an oasis. I couldn't believe it! On a Wednesday Afternoon in a relatively isolated location. These guys hiked last year, so they knew what the hikers liked and they had EVERYTHING! I pigged out.

I actually ate two hot dogs (one of which I combined with string cheese I had melted over the fire) which is pretty crazy considering my last hot dog was over a decade ago. So yeah, it basically turned the whole day around.

We hung out with them for a couple of hours and then headed up to Max's Patch to camp. Unfortunately my phone was off, so I didn't get any pictures, but it was some of the most beautiful scenery I've seen so far. But I was talking to "Patriot" and we both agreed it is good to have some of these moments to yourself.

Anyway - Just cavemanned it and now in my tent. Quite the day. Gonna put another big day in tomorrow. 18 miles or so, but the elevation doesn't look bad which makes a world of difference.

Also there were 4 doggies at the trail magic - which made it even better.

Evening

April 19 - Davenport Gap

Getting closer...

From PJ

Been having phone issues. Did the marathon yesterday in about 12 hours also well over a mile in total elevation. Felt well enough today to do another 14.8 miles. 

At Davenport Gap shelter.

Physically fine, but kinda low energy. Trying to eat a lot tonight, but not as easy as it sounds.

Smokies are beautiful, but kinda mad because my phone died. Nice trail, but the camping stinks A lot of rules. (not Brule's Rules).

From PJ (continued):

Been hiking with a buddy I met last week named "Patriot." Been fun. H was the one who decided to do the marathon yesterday because his brother was running the Boston Marathon.

My battery is super low so the next couple of days I might be out of touch if there is no sun. Going to Elmer's Hostel in Hot Spring, NC on Friday to recharge.

April 17 - Bear Country

From PJ:

Hey Catania, I am at Double Spring Shelter. My reception isn't good enough to send a video so I will try tomorrow. Big day tomorrow. Going to start hiking at five so we can get to Klingsman Mountain for sunrise. This will be the highest elevation on the whole AT. 

Also going to try to hit 26.2 tomorrow for Marathon Monday. Not my idea, but I'm going to give it a go. Will probably take all day.

[Later in the day].

It's April 17th, it's night time. I'm trying to find my tent. 

We are in bear country now. Apparently the bears are up and at 'em, so I just hung my whole pack up in a tree. And I'm nestled right back in here. I'm in Tennessee right now, but if I go twenty feet, then I'm in North Carolina. 

Well, hopefully we don't get any visitors...

April 15 - Fontana Dam

From PJ:

PJ Doing some Easier hiking on the trail - headed toward Fontana Dam

It's April 15th, Friday. It's about 8:45 AM. I'm walking down to Fontana Dam. Only going to do about 8-9 miles today, so that's pretty cool. Then I'll see if I go into this town. The town is only two miles off the trail, so I might try to slack pack it. That's what they call it. Leave my pack somewhere, and just walk in there or get a ride and come back out after a few hours. I just want to get a couple of things. 

But we'll see what happens when we get down there. 

This is easy walking right now. It's like this about 5 % of the time. 

Fontana Dam is in the background

We are coming into Fontana Dam, finally. I just saw it about an hour and a half ago, and I'm basically going around the whole thing. It's taking forever...

***

So...we're still hiking. It's April 15th. It's getting dark. Hopefully I won't need my headlamp. But this is just for the record that I walked back to where I started from. I could have taken a shortcut, but I did not. Hopefully I'll be at the camp before it gets too dark. Cuz I still got to set up. That shelter's gonna be full. I already know it.

Sleeping bag on the ground - camping "a la mode."

Final resting spot. We're going tentless. Out in the open. The shelter is full. You can hear these fools being super load. We're going a la mode. Out in the open. We'll see how it works.

***

[Catania's Interjection]:

PJ sent a few messages today. I'm not sure what he means by saying that he hiked back to where he started. I'm guessing it has to do with going into Fontana. 

In one of the videos PJ sent, I could hear a lot of loud talking. Then I heard some more updates...

I chilled in Fontana all day after I hiked about nine miles. Awesome day met a lot of people. Also was interviewed for a podcast so I'll let you know when it comes out.

***
The following is a highlight of texts from PJ later that night...

Some drunk chick at the shelter tried to start an argument with me so I had to put her in her place in front of 30 people...She basically was mad that I was proud of the fact that I could go pee standing up.

I was actually embarrassed for her by the end, and I felt kind of bad. I ended up having to tell other people to lay off of her. She's wasted, but she wouldn't let it go.

So yeah - I'm camping with a new set of people I don't really know if you can tell. This is about the fourth group I've fallen in with. Needless to say I'm not really digging them.

I made nice with her in the end just so I don't have to deal with her.

April 14 - Jacob's Ladder

From PJ:

[Camping Solo] was fine. Doing it again tonight. Will be at Fontana Dam tomorrow morning.

It will be a short day tomorrow. Did over 15 miles the last three days [each]. My dogs are barkin'. Might stop in Fontana to eat, but will be sleeping at the Fontana Dam shelter aka the "Fontana Hilton." I guess it is a really nice shelter free showers.

Hiking has been tough. Still a lot of elevation went up Jacob's Ladder today which was brutal. In a few weeks it should get easier. Have lost some weight already. I have to wear a belt now. Which is funny if you saw what I eat and how much I eat. Probably burned 6,000 calories a day - no exaggeration.

From Catania (to PJ)

"That's cool. Chase just said you were inspiring, then asked, "What does inspiring mean?"

Rex answered, "Inspiring means killing."

From PJ:

There is a mouse outside my tent right now. I might inspire him if he tries to get in.

A mouse chewed through someone's tent last week and the guy smashed the thing.

April 13 - Camping Solo

From PJ:

I'm at the NOC - The Nantahala Outdoor Center. It's a pretty cool place. They've got a lot of kayaking and stuff, and a little restaurant.

The NOC

PJ has to hang his food up in the tree - to keep away raccoons, rodents, or BEARS!!!!

It's Wednesday night, I just set up my spot right here on this trail. I got my bag up, I'm all by myself. There's nobody that way for a long time- til the outdoor center. There are no shelters between and no shelters on the other side of this for like two miles. So I just camped here. Camping solo tonight. We'll see how it goes. Hopefully, I think the bears are all still sleeping, so I'm more worried about the mice than anything. 

Oh, and somebody left a 20 dollar bill on this plaque, which I'm assuming was trail magic. Anyway, I'm 20 dollars richer...

Data: 

Since PJ is hiking in some undesignated place, I'm just going to do my best guess...

Days Hiking - 13

Miles hiked today: 17.4

Elevation Gained Today: 3909 ft.

Total Miles Hiked - 143.1

April 12 - Franklin, Siler Bald, and Cold Spring Shelter

From PJ

"I've been trying to send out an email with a video, but it hasn't been working. Anyway, headed out of Franklin, NC now. Rainy day all day. Today my pack is very heavy now that I got Mom's package. Trying to send out more stuff. 

My phone had died - I haven't had a lot of sun for my solar charger.

Also, I met Ron Haven, who is kind of a legend on the trail. He owns a few motels - which is where I stayed last night. He gave us a ride to and from town and also drove me to my mail drop and Walmart for free. Also has a lot of funny stories."

Random Picture of Ron Haven I found online...reminds me of Ron Swanson - which is about the biggest compliment a man can get.

Lunchtime - PJ is just trying to pack in the calories these days - with all his hiking he needs as much as he can get!

Siler Bald - Very Foggy

More from PJ:

It's April 12th, Michaela's birthday. Happy birthday Michaela. It's about noon-ish. 11:30. I just hiked up to this bald. Siler Bald It's really foggy out. I've been going back and forth sweating and being cold all day. I'm out of breath because I just hiked up this mountain. 

I stayed in Franklin, North Carolina last night. Ron Haven's Budget Inn. It was alright. I just stayed inside. I ate a lot of food. My pack weighs about 60 pounds right now, probably, I have so much stuff in it. But  hopefully I'll get rid of most of that tonight. I have some sodas and Gatorade and other stuff that's really heavy.

I've been doing about 5 miles so far, and I've got about 10 more to go before tonight. I'm probably going to try to stay in a shelter again because it's so wet out. Makes it a lot easier in the morning - don't have to pack up your tent.

Bartram Trail - Paved

A Bit More from PJ

This is the Bartram Trail. This is the first part of the trail that's been paved like this. I don't even want to walk on it because it hurts my feet. But it has cleared up a lot. Nice and sunny. We're over a mile high right now, so I should get some pictures of this vista.

View from Cold Spring Shelter

"This is the view from Cold Spring Shelter where I'm staying tonight. Weather cleared up. It is beautiful out. I'm eating so much food tonight just to cut weight in my pack."

***

As you can tell, PJ made a video that he wanted to upload to the blog. I think that we've come up with a work-around, so hopefully we'll be able to see it at some point. Of course, Wifi is always spotty, so much of the technological stuff depends on that.

Data:

Days Hiking: 12

Miles Hiked Today: 15.6

Elevation Gained Today: 3340

Total Miles: 125.6