All in a Month's Time

Day: 32 (April 26)
Starting location: Cherry Gap Shelter
Ending location: Stan Murray Shelter
Miles today: 21
Miles total: 377.5

It's so hard to believe that it's been one month since we began our journey. A whole month! So much can happen in that amount of time, and for us it has. One month has brought us through three states and nearly 400 miles, all on our feet. I saw someone write in one of the shelter logs, "may your smiles outnumber your miles". I would say that for Jason and I that saying rings true. It's been the most exciting month of my life.

Today is another big milestone, we did our first 20+ mile day! Woop woop woop (picture the Arsenio Hall arm motion). Today was cold, rainy and windy. It's easier to do big miles on days like these beacuse you don't want to stop and risk getting cold. But when it's 40 degrees and blowing 25 miles per hour it's makes the last three miles really tough. So tough that I may have shed a few tears. But when we arrived at the shelter, changed into dry clothes and climbed into our sleepings bags, all was well!!

Goodnight folks, my hands are cold! Brrrrr.





The view from our shelter...spooky scary!




I was trying to be Robin Hood in anticipation of the upcoming.

Conan + Backwards

I Can't See

Day: 31 (April 25)
Starting location: Erwin, TN
Ending location: Cherry Gap Shelter
Miles today: 16.6
Miles total: 356.5

This morning we crawled out of bed and hobbled into the lobby for breakfast. I find it very hard to eat breakfast most mornings but I managed to put down a glass of orange juice. Kristen had no problem putting down a bagel with cream cheese, honey bun, and a glass of milk.

After breakfast we began working on getting a ride back to the trailhead which was about 4 miles away. We were lucky enough to run into Sid and her husband that was visiting for the weekend. They said that they were going to McDonalds and would be happy to drop us off along the way. So Kristen and I climbed into the back of their pick up truck and froze all the way back to the trailhead. It was certainly better than walking.

Kristen had a mishap today. She lost her right contact lense. Fortunately, we are only a week away from Damascus, VA where we will receive our bounce box that has extra contact lenses. In the meantime, she will be wearing her glasses which she doesn't like very much because they often fog up when it rains.

BTW, our bounce box is the box that we send in advance to towns where we will be taking a zero day. Our bound box contains cotton town clothes. Cotton is truly the fabric of our lifes, but it is not the fabric of the trail. The saying on the trail is "Cotton Kills." Cotton is certainly comfortable, but provides no insulation when it gets wet and will actually pull heat away from your body. Kristen and I have no cotton on the trail and mainly wear wool and synthetic materials. The bounce box contains other critical items like gold bond, deodorant, q tips, and Jim Bean.

During our hike we ran into Dry Clean and Stud Muffin heading south down the trail. After a bit of confusion, we realized that they were slack packing through Uncle Johnny's hostel. Slack packing is when you get a ride up north of the trail and hike south to your orginal location. The advanage is that you can discard all of your gear and only carry one days of food. This is a very effective way to do higher milage days and still have the comforts of a hostel at the end of the day. Kristen and I were really jealous of them today and will definitely be taking advanage of the next slack packing opportunity.




Dry Clean taking a nap at Pizza Plus in Erwin




"Tash Here" We are in east Tennessee

Conan + Backwards

Our First AYCE

Day: 30 (April 24)
Starting location: No Business Shelter
Ending location: Erwin, TN
Miles today: 6.3
Miles total: 333.9


Hikers go to bed early and wake up early. 9:00 PM is called "hikers midnight" well, because we go to sleep when the Sun goes down. We knew we had 6 short miles to get to town this morning so we wanted to get an earlier than usual start. When our alarm (also known as a timed wristwatch) went off at 6:30, we started packing up our belongings inside the tent. I was so proud that we were going to get an early start, I couldn't wait to emerge from our tent and quietly pack up the rest of our stuff while our fellow hikers were still sleeping. As I shuffled out of our tent with a grin on my face, I slowly realized that most everyone had already left! The shelter itself was completely empty. So much for our world record start to the day. I guess everyone really wanted to get into town just as much as we did.

Erwin, TN is a quiet town. Bigger than most of the places we've been to thus far because they not only have a McDonalds but also a Sonic. However we choose to feast on the AYCE (all you can eat) Pizza joint. It was heaven. They even had a dessert pizza which reminded me of Stevie B's in Tallahassee.

We did all of our chores and spent the afternoon lounging at the hotel. The Super 8 is a fine lodging establishment, probably one of the nicest places we've stayed!! (Not including the B&B in Hot Springs of course) Yes I said Super 8.

I will enjoy our nights rest in a bed tonight while it rains outside. We've had such luck with the weather.

Ps. Again we would like to thank the Ponte Vedra Recorder for the great article. It makes us smile to see that others are interested in our journey. I think the piece really did a fine job of capturing why we are out here on the trail. Thank You Sara for the interest, support and front page spot! Here is the link for those of you who haven't seen it:

http://www.pontevedrarecorder.com/content/1936_1.php#comments





Lots-o-plates at the pizza buffet





Jason on the way into Erwin

Conan + Backwards

I Could Be an Author

Day: 29 (April 23)
Starting location: Low Gap
Ending location: No Business Shelter
Miles today: 14.6
Miles total: 333.6

We woke up to the rain at 2:30am, but went back to sleep with a good piece of mind that our tent would hold up. The rain stopped around 6:30am without a single drop of water making it into our tent. Kristen and I have really grown to love our tent and it truly feels like our home away from home.

It turned out to be a beautiful day despite the threat of potential afternoon thunder storms. Oh, how nice it is to be able to look up weather reports on your phone. We have an easy six miles into Erwin, TN tomorrow where we will resupply on food. Looking forward to some real food...there is actually an all you can eat pizza place in town. Anyone that decides to put an all you can eat place off the AT is truly crazy with all the hungry hikers that come through.

It occured to me today that we have already surpassed Bill Bryson's miles on the AT. Bill Bryson is a best selling author and wrote the book "The Walk In the Woods." The book chronicles Bill's attempt of thru hiking the AT and it was required summer reading for us back in high school. As you may remember, Bill took a taxi from Gatlinburg, TN and skipped ahead to the Shenandoah Mountains in Virginia where he got off the trail. I find it interesting that Bill became famous for writing a book about the AT but only hiked a fraction of the trail.



On top of Big Bald


Conan + Backwards

Turkey Season

Day: 28 (April 22)
Starting location: Flint Mountain Shelter
Ending location: Low Gap
Miles today: 14.9
Miles total: 319.0

Have I ever told you how much I love our tent? Well I do. It's our little home. Our very little home. This morning I didn't want to get out of it. I was just so cozy and for some reason today it was really cold. Once we did get started, it was a beautiful day.

We stumbled upon a turkey hunter about mid morning. He was dressed in full mossy oak camp and he had a shotgun slung over his shoulder. Luckily Jason and I look nothing like turkeys, so we were safe.

When we reached Devils Fork Gap, we came to a fence with a latter structure. We had seen these things in videos but hadn't encountered one on the AT yet. It was a first.

Tonight we camped in a gap because the next shelter was too far away. We were afraid that we may have to camp alone. It just makes us feel safer when there are others around, safety in numbers. Soon after we set us camp, So Far, Dry Clean and Studmuffin showed up. So rest easy folks, we are not alone.

ps- sorry this post is somewhat lame, to be honest nothing too exciting happened today. I joke with Jason that he always gets the big news days to write on. So even though it was a slow day news wise, it was still a great day on the trail.





Conan + Backwards

Extra, Extra, Read All About It

Day: 27 (April 21)
Starting location: Hemlock Hollow Farm Cabins
Ending location: Flint Mountain Shelter
Miles today: 16.0
Miles totals: 304.1

We are so glad we decided to stay in the hostel last night because it rained almost the entire night. Despite the rain, both Kristen and I loved the sound of the rain hitting the tin roof of our cabin. There is just something about that sound that puts you right to sleep. When did tin roofs fall out of favor anyway?

Kristen and I walked to the main office of the hostel around 7:30am and Hattie the owner was there to greet us. We asked her if we could please have a ride to the trailhead since it was .7 miles down the road. She told us no problem and made reference to a whistle that she had on her keychain. "Sometimes my husband gets caught up with those news programs," she said. She then proceeded to walk outside and blow the whistle 3 times. Sure enough, her husband popped right out of the adjacent house with car keys in hand. Now that is what I called a well trained husband. I told Kristen not to get any ideas.

Most of the day was spent in the fog, light rain, and upper 40 degree temperatures. We saw several grave sites today, which is something that Kristen and I hadn't seen much of. I guess people get attached to the AT and wish to have their remains there.

We did meet a new character on the trail named Islack. Islack is from Seattle, Washington and he quit his job at Microsoft to thru hike the AT. Islack is one of the 3 to 4 men that I have seen hiking in a kilt. Now before you pass judgement, there is a practical reason for this. Kilts can prevent chaffing and the most important of areas for men by getting fresh air where the sun don't shine. I am cool with it, I just don't want to be behind him on a windly day. Hey, maybe I will try it out before my AT experience is over.

Also, we would like to give a big shoutout to our friends at the Ponte Vedra Recorder who have been following our journey. Kristen and I did a 30 minute interview with Sarah Kaufman today for a feature story to be in Friday's newspaper. Everyone should make sure to get a copy.








Under the root system of a huge fallen tree

Conan + Backwards

I Hate Goodbyes...

Day: 26 (April 20)
Starting location: Hot Springs, NC
Ending location: Hemlock Hollow Farm
Miles today: 16.3
Miles total: 288.1


The day we leave town is always a tough one for me on the trail. Today was especially difficult beacuse we not only left town, but we left Jasons parents. We had such a lovely visit in Hot Springs with Mother and Pops. From the home cooked meals from Pops, to getting to wear my favorite pink robe that mother brought from home, it was so delightful. I know we both enjoyed every minute of our time with them. Thank you again for everything Mother and Pops!

About two hours after we left town it started to rain and get cold. That made my tough day even tougher. When we reached our intended shelter, it was tiny and packed with hikers. We called a hostel five more miles down the trail to make sure they had room for us, then proceeded onward. I got a little hop in my step knowing we had a dry place to sleep. When we got to the Hemlock Hollow Farm we were told the bunkroom was full but a cabin had been saved for us. As I write this post in the cabin I feel like I am straight off of Little House on the Prarie. It really is cute and quaint.

On a really exciting note I discovered today that our packs have built in whistles on the chest strap. How cool is that? Function is beauty friends!



Leaving town




Birds eye view of Hot Springs

Conan + Backwards

Dogs Are Getting Better

Day: 25 (April 19)
Starting location: Hot Springs, NC
Ending location: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 0
Miles total: 271.8

Another zero day today and back on the trail tomorrow.



Me and the parents



Taking it easy



Outside the B&B

Conan + Backwards

R & R

Day: 24 (April 18)
Starting location: Hot Springs, NC
Ending location: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 0
Miles total: 271.8

I love that our journey has brought us to Hot Springs. One of my favorite parts of hiking this trail is getting to discover little towns along the way. And friends, Hot Springs sure is little. But, it's charming, quiet and comes straight out of the pages of Southern Living. Everything in this town has a history and I just love that.

Our day began with a lovely southern breakfast from the Mountain Magnolia Inn. It was a hikers dream because we could go back for seconds and thirds, not that I did ( wink, wink).

Then we mosied on over to the much talked about Hot Springs Spa where Jason and I made an appointment for a couples massage. After walking 275 miles, it was the best massage I had ever had, and I've had some pretty posh treatments in my former life. It was Jasons first massage but I doubt it will be his last as it left him feeling great. Next came our soak in the famous Hot Springs Mineral tubs. Our tub, # 6, was a deluxe four person tub that overlooked this quiet stream. Jason, Mother, Pops and I all soaked for an hour and enjoyed great conversation and scenery. I have to admit I was a little skeptical about a public hot tub, but after seeing how clean they are kept and soaking in the warm water, I am glad we went. It really was rejuvenating, especially for us hikers.

In the late afternoon we took a trip to find where the old Jesuit Retreat house was. Little did Jason and I know that his uncle Frank came to Hot Springs years ago while trying to determine his vocation. During his months at the Jesuit Residence, he looked after hikers as the Jesuits operated a hiker hostel on the property. The compound itself was lovely with beautiful views of the nearby mountains. I would think that during the time Uncle Frank was there, the place must have been hopping with hikers because it is located literally steps from the AT. Jason and I walked right past it as we stepped out of the woods on Saturday. However, I am very glad that we went back and explored the grounds that were so important to Jason's Uncle Frank.

It was a great day of resting our bodies and spending time with our family. I am looking forward to doing the same thing tomorrow!!





Jason and I soaking in the mineral tub.




Me infront of the chapel at the Jesuit Retreat.





Lounging in the hammock at the Mountain Magnolia Inn.

Conan + Backwards

Hot Springs, NC

Day: 23 (April 17)
Starting location: Max Patch
Ending location: Hot Springs, NC
Miles today: 19.3
Miles total: 271.8

Today started out as a foggy and rainy morning but turned out to be another beautiful day on the AT. It was an extra special day today because we were meeting my parents in Hot Springs, NC. Hot Springs is one of the great trail towns on the AT and the trail actually goes straight through downtown. Hot Springs is known for it's natural hot springs which the Indians orginally thought had special healing powers.

After our longest day yet, Kristen and I met my parents in downtown Hot Springs at 6pm. My parents rented a 3 bedroom cottage from the Mountain Magnolia Inn B&B. The cottage was awesome and was definitely a huge step up from the places that Kristen and I have been staying in over the past couple of weeks. Chicken, ribs, baked potatoes, carrots, salad, cake, and cookies & cream ice cream was the end to a great day.

BTW, Kristen and I really enjoy reading all your comments on our blog. Thank you for taking an interest in our journey, it's really means a lot.




The top of this sign shows how far we have come but is also a sobering reminder that we have a long way to go




The Mountain Magnolia Inn

Conan + Backwards

Mr. Max Patch

Day: 22 (April 16)
Starting location: Standing Bear Farm
Ending location: Max Patch
Miles today: 14.1
Miles total: 252.5


It was so hard to leave Standing Bear Farm, but we finally did after having a Jimmy Dean breakfast sandwhich. Those things are the best.

Our hike started off going uphill and it stayed that way for the next five miles. It was tough going. Jason and I have been surprised at the lack of wildlife we've seen. We thought we would see all kinds of neat animals. But to be honest we haven't seen much at all. Maybe we hike too loud. Well as I was slowly trudging uphill, Jason all the sudden shouts, "did you see that"? I thought he had finally gotten a glance at majestic trail animal. Apparently I had almost stepped on a gardener snake!!! Thank goodness I didn't see it or I may have lost it. Snakes are one thing I just can't stand. Needless to say, I started walking a lot faster.

Our day ended at the much talked about Max Patch. Max Patch is a mountain that has no trees on top and 360 degree views. They keep it grassy by controlled burns. I can't describe how beautiful it is. We set up camp just beyond the summit and headed back up for the sunset. It was so windy but amazing. It is by far my favorite place on the trail thus far. Just as the sun was setting our friends Snickers and Daytripper showed up. We hadn't seen them since the NOC, so it was nice to see some familar faces.





Me on Max Patch



Jason and I watching the sunset


Conan + Backwards

Standing Bear Farm Hostel

Day: 21 (April 15)
Starting location: Tri-Corner Knob Shelter
Ending location: Standing Bear Farm Hostel
Miles today: 18.1
Miles total: 238.4

After 71.5 miles, we have hiked through the entire Great Smoky Mountains. The weather during our time in the Smokies was truly incredible. They don't call them the "Smoky" Mountains for nothing, but we hardly ever saw a cloud.

As you may notice we did our largest day today of 18.1 miles. We will admit that "town gravity" played a role in our big miles. "Town gravity" is the push that people get when they are close to creature comforts such as a shower, bed, and real food. Kristen and I knew that we were within reach of the famous Standing Bear Hostel.

The Standing Bear Hostel is great. It has a bunk house, several cabins, and a large grassly area to set up your tent. We got two large frozen pizzas, 6 sodas, 2 snickers, and a sleeve of oreos at their resupply store and took a much needed shower. They don't have a washer, but they do have a washing board which I tried because I had never seen one before. For the record, I feel for my grandparents who had to wash clothes this way.



Standing Bear Farm Hostel




Standing Bear Farm Hostel

Conan + Backwards

Goodbye Gatlinburg!

Day: 20 (April 14)
Starting location: Gatlinburg, TN
Ending location: Tri-Corner Shelter
Miles today: 15.6
Miles total: 220.3

Our shuttle picked us up at 7:30 sharp and we were at the trailhead at 8:00. For those of you who may be confused as to what state we are in, you aren't alone. In the Great Smoky Mountains the Appalchain Trail is actually the state line for North Carolina and Tennessee. So just like in the movie , A Walk To Remember, we have been in two places at one time.

Hiking wise today had it's ups and downs, litterally. The views were tremendous all day long. Jason and I ate our lunch on a rock with this panoramic view of the mountains. It was spectacular.

As we arrived at the shelter tonight, there were signs saying DANGER Bear activity. Apparently a bear was trying to steal peoples backpacks. Hope the saying safety in numbers rings true because there are 8 of us here tonight.



Me, Supermax and Conan




The snow that we walked through on Clingmans Dome. Now you understand why I was singing Christmas songs.

Conan + Backwards

All Down Here From Here

Day: 19 (April 13)
Starting location: Double Spring Gap Shelter
Ending location: Gatlinburg, TN
Miles today: 10.8
Miles total: 204.7

Today we reached Clingmans Dome. Clingmans Dome is the highest peak on the entire Appalachian Trail at 6643 feet above sea level and is the 2nd highest peak east of the Mississippi (Mt. Mitchell is 41ft higher). So it is all downhill from here...right?

As we approched Clingmans Dome we went through a thick forest of frasir furs. Kristen proceeded to sing Christmas Songs because it smelled like Christmas. She is so funny.

Believe it or not, but we actually had to track through snow today. As we climbed down from Clingmans, we hit patchs of 3.5 feet of snow. It was very hard and compact which made it easier to hike through. This emphasizes the important point of a thru hiker's start date. If we started just 2 weeks earlier, Clingmans would be completely covered in 4 to 6 feet of snow and would have been very difficult to pass.

We reached Newfound Gap at 1pm and got a ride into Gatlinburg, TN which was about 14 miles away. In Gatlinburg, we met up with some other thru hikers at a local brewery and had a large lunch and some great beer. We also went to the local grocery store and outfitter to resupply for 5 days until we reach Hot Springs, NC.

Tonight it is American Idol and Glee. Back on trail tommorrow. Stand by.




Clingmans Dome




On top of Clingmans Dome

Conan + Backwards

Aldo Rains Stomping Ground

Day: 18 (April 12)
Starting location: Russell Field Shelter
Ending location: Double Spring Gap Shelter
Miles today: 16.4
Miles total: 193.9

For those of you who have seen the movie Inglorious Bastards, you may remember that Lt. Aldo Rain was from the Smoky Mountains. We obligded him by climbing up and down his stomping ground all day long. It was our longest day to date. I think he would be proud.

We hiked most of the day with Supermax. She worked at a maximum security prison before she came out here. She also just got out of the military where she was an Arabic linguist. We all had a tough time climbing up Rocky Top, but according to my brother Rocky Top will always be second in the SEC. However, the view from the top was definetly first class.

All in all a good day. I think we are both really looking forward to Clingmans Dome tomorrow as well as a visit to Gatlinburg.




Jason climbing up Rocky Top




Me on top of Rocky Top

Conan + Backwards

Great Smoky Mountains

Day: 17 (April 11)
Starting location: Fontana Dam Shelter
Ending location: Russell Field Shelter
Miles today: 13.8
Miles total: 177.5

Today we officially entered in the Great Smoky Mountains. The AT runs right through the top of Fontana Dam. Fontana dam is actually the largest concrete dam east of the Rockies. As we were passing over the dam, a bass boat was fishing along the bank. We were told that there was actually a bass fishing tournament going on this weekend.

The Smokies actually have some new rules since it is actually a national park. First, if there is room in the shelter you must stay in the shelter. Kristen and and I aren't very happy about that. Not only that, if the shelter is full, a thru hiker must give up his or her spot to a non-thru hiker.

It may seem that the Smokies are a bit stuck up, but they have the right to be because the Smokies are truly "Great." The mountains are very lush, almost rain forest like. I have been waiting for a monkey to swing down from the treetops and pull Kristen's ponytail, but it hasn't happened yet. Hey Bridget, what does a monkey do?

There is a good chance that we may see a black bear here. We saw a ton of poop on the trail, but we are not quite good enough to judge what type it was. I'll try to get a picture.

BTW, there are truly no monkeys in the Smokies




Kristen doing the BS Mulligan game day point




Entering the Smokies

Conan + Backwards

Smokies and the Bandit

Day: 16 (April 10)
Starting location: Brown Fork Gap
Ending location: Fontana Dam Shelter
Miles today: 12.7
Miles total: 163.7

We got a later start this mornring after sucessfully sleeping in the shelter last night without any mice attacks. The day was great with only one major uphill we had to climb. We broke out our secret weapons, the iPod, and continued with our day. I was practically dancing up and down the mountain to Paul Simon's "You can call me Al". I even listened to it twice it was so good.

We arrived at the Fontana Dam Shelter at around 3:30. This shelter is infamous on the trail because it is right on the lake and has a bathroom and shower nearby. It's refered to as the Fontana Hilton. Well friends save your Hilton Honor Points because the shelter is just okay. The view is pretty with the lake in the background but I opted not to shower because I think I would have felt ickier afterwards (normally on the trail you dont turn a shower down but it was that gross).

We took a quick trip down to the visitor center where we heard there were vending machines. Three cokes later we were enjoying our view of the Fontana Dam. We met a real nice family who asked us all kinds of questions about our trip. The father was a section hiker and his father was a trail angel who used to shuttle hikers around...he even has a shelter named after him! He family offered to take us into town if we needed anything, by we declined as we are pretty much set until we reach Gatlinberg. I can't get over how hospitable people are out here. We haven't met one unkind person yet.

Tomorrow we hit the Smokies! Get excited everyone!!!



Jason at the Fontana Dam




Me overlooking Fontana Lake...the smokies are in the background.

Conan + Backwards

On the Trail Again

Day: 15 (April 9)
Starting location: NOC
Ending location: Brown Fork Gap
Miles today: 16.0
Miles total: 151.0

We had another beautiful day. Before we hit the trail we decided to get one last hot meal at the restaurant at the NOC. We had the most amazing sweet potato pancakes.

After a very relaxing breakfast we hit the trail around 10am. Climbing out the NOC was very difficult. We climbed about 4000 feet in just 7 miles.

Kristen and I normally love talking on the trail about all sorts of things but we will sometimes bring out the big guns (a.k.a iPod). An iPod helps in the late afternoons when we are both very tired and need an extra boost. Never underestimate the power of Hootie.

We caught up with Catfish at Cheoah Bald. It was good to catch up with him. He has been yellow blazing which refers to skipping sections of the trail by hitch hiking. I don't really blame him since he has already done this part of the trail last year.

Now, let's clear some things up about shelters. An undisclosed family member thought we had electricity in shelters. Shelters are simply three walled shacks in the middle of the woods. There is no electricity, running water, or bathrooms. Shelters have a privy, which is basically an outhouse, and are normally located near a stream or some type of water source. Shelters normally come with full time caretakers..mice that is. I hope this helps clear up any confusion on what a shelter is.




Me and Catfish on Cheoah Bald. He loves talking about moonshine




Kristen at Brown Fork Shelter

Conan + Backwards

Bed, Bath and Beyond

Day: 14 (April 8)
Starting location: NOC
Ending location: NOC
Miles today: 0
Miles total: 135

Last night we slept in a bed. It was amazing. Really amazing. And today after I used the restroom, I got to wash my hands. In a sink. Not just with purell hand sanitizer, but with real soap. The best was sleeping with a pillow, not just a jacket rolled up under my head. It's funny the things that I take for granted everyday.

It was a good day of resting our bodies and relaxing. Watching some Masters coverage was great too...I'm pulling for Tom Watson. We recieved our first maildrop from Mrs. Klauk and it was so exciting. Thanks mother, you did a great job! Now we have full packs and enough food to get us to Gatlinburg, TN which is our next stop.

Tomorrow we have a tough climb out of the NOC, 7 miles straight up. Yikes! Wish us luck!




Jason with our maildrop from Mrs. Klauk.

Conan + Backwards

Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC)

Day: 13 (April 8)
Starting location: Wayah Shelter
Ending location: NOC
Miles today: 16.3
Miles total: 135.0

Today was another great day with sunny skies and 80 degree temperatures. We got a little bit of an earlier start today around 7:45am. Much of the day was downhill but we haven't quite figured out whether we prefer the uphills or downhills. Uphills can be very physically demanding but the downhills destroy your feet and knees.

After the long, rocky, steep drop into the NOC both of our feet were on fire. After years of doing heavy miles days for track and cross country, my feet have never felt this way. The first thing you want to do when you get into town is to take off your boots.

The NOC is a small white water rafting outpost. It has a restaurant, pub, outfitters store, general store, hostel, and several cabins. When we first arrived into the NOC, Day Tripper, Kristen, and I were hanging out by the general store when a guy came up to us and asked us if we were thru hikers. The truth is, most people can spot out thru hikers a mile away because we are very dirty and smell like crap. We told him yes and he immediately run across the street toward us, hastily riped open his 12 pack of beer and offered us a beer. We happily accepted.

After Kristen and I made arrangments to stay in a cabin for the night, we headed over to the restaurant for dinner. The restaurant was set right on the river and had a neat outdoor sitting area. We asked them what they had on draft and sure enough PBR was the only thing on draft. I am not complaining but just think it is funny how popular PBR is down here.

After dinner we ran into another thru hiker named Torch from TN. Torch had been hiking southbound from Maine all winter long and he was only 130 miles or so from completing his thru hike. As you can imagine, Torch was a little out there. He had a military issued pack and sleeping bag that rated for 30 below. He was working on a tight budget of 125 dollars a week and was running low on food. Kristen and I decided to do our own trail magic and gave him our left over food.

We will be taking the day off tomorrow to rest our dogs.



The NOC



Kristen and Day Tripper

Conan + Backwards

Trail purist

Day: 12 (April 6)
Starting location: Rock Gap Shelter
Ending location: Wayah Shelter
Miles today: 14.8
Miles total: 118.7


Our day began as usual at 8:30 am. We took a shortcut to get to the shelter last night but when we left this morning Jason made us go back and pass the white blazes we would have missed. That's what we call a purist out here on the AT. I am glad he made us go back.

We clicked the miles out this morning and had a late lunch with Buzz at a picnic area. The afternoon was tough with more uphills than downhills and the hot sun. At one point I put my new trailname to use and walked uphill backwards. We did pass a really neat old stone fire tower. My only complaint is that there wasn't a cooler of beer waiting at the top.

We met back up with Zoe, Snickers and Daytripper tonight at the shelter. We are going to sleep in the shelter tonight so please wish us luck with the mice. I am going to wear my bugnet over my face just in case.

Night night!!!




Jason and I on top of the fire tower.



The fire tower on top of Wayah Bald

Conan + Backward

"And I would walk 100 miles"

Day: 11 (April 5)
Starting location: Carter Gap Shelter
Ending location: Rock Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.1
Miles total: 103.9

Today was another beautiful day on the trail with clear skys and 70 degree temperatures. Kristen and I are beginning to think we are getting a little spoiled with all the great weather but who is complaining.

As unusal, we broke down camp around 8:30am and started down the trail. In only about 5 miles we were again greeted by trail magic. This time it was a cooler full of cold PBRs that someone had left on the side of the trail. So needless to say I had a beer at 11am. Hey, it is 5 o'clock somewhere. Josh Shapiro at FBR Capital Markets would be so proud.

Today also included one of our toughest climbs yet over Albert Mountain. This was the first time that Kristen and I actually had to climb on our hands and knees in order to scale the mountain. On top of Albert Mt. there was an old fire tower which Kristen and I decided to climb. The views on top of the tower were amazing and well worth the hard climb.

We also achieved a significant milestone today by hiking over 100 miles on the AT. On average, 30% of hikers that attempt to thru hike the AT each year never make it past 100 miles. Kristen and I are very pleased to be in that other 70%.




Kristen on the top of the fire tower on Albert Mt




Kristen working the tough climb up Albert Mt. Buzz is coming up behind her.

Conan + Backwards

Happy Easter!

Day: 10 (April 4)
Starting location: Muskrat Shelter
Ending location: Carter Gap Shelter
Miles today: 12.5
Miles total: 91.8

Happy Easter everyone! We hope everyone has had a nice day with the people they care about. Our day started around 9:00. Since we were so beat from yesterday we slept in a little later and wound up getting about 12 hours of sleep.

They day was beautiful and our first few miles came easy. It's funny how you can go from having one of your worst days on the trail to having one of your best days. Yesterday was eaisly my toughest day. You have to take each day for what it is out here.

As we descended into Deep Gap we noticed tents and music. Yes folks, Trail Magic!! It was the 19th annual Easter Feast and we were happy to obliblige the trail angels by filling up on there many treats. I bet you didn't think you could get cooked to order omlets in the middle of the woods. Well we sure did along with hashbrown casserole, biscuits and sausage patties. They even made us sandwhiches to take with us for lunch. It was amazing to be fed like that on Easter Sunday. We were so thankful!

While we were enjoying our trail magic I mentioned that didn't have a trail name as of yet. The a gels said they'd work on it. We all got to talking and I brought up the fact that NC gave a bad first impression with a steep uphill climb just past the border. I told them that at one point I was so frustrated with going uphill that I started walking backwards so I wouldn't have to see how much longer I had to keep going up. Everyone started laughing and they coined me "Ass Backward" for a trail name, AB for short. It's okay I guess, I think I may just go with Backwards or Backstep. What do you think?

They rest of the day was great. We had an awesome view from the top of Standing Indian Mountain. Now here we our, at camp resting our tired dogs (feet).

Goodnight friends and Happy Easter again!



Yay for Trail Magic!




On top of Standing Indian Mt.

Conan + Backwards

Goodbye Georgia, Hello North Carolina

Day: 9 (April 3)
Starting location: Hiawassee, GA
Ending location: Muscrat Shelter
Miles today: 11.8
Miles total: 79.3

Today started with Ron Havens picking us up at the Franklin Motel at 6:45am. Ron owns several of the motels in both Franklin and Hiawassee and is known to being very kind and helpful to thru hikers over the years. It was about a 45 minute drive back to Hiawassee where Ron dropped us off at the trail head (term used to describe where we got off the trail).

Today was a neat day because we crossed our 1st of 14 state lines on the trail. Yes, we are now offically in North Carolina. Kristen was waiting for someone to take their shirt off and twist it around like a helicopter but it never happened. I don't think that Petey Pablo knows what the heck he is talking about.

Immediately after crossing the state line, NC decided to give us a firm smack across the face. We had some serious climbs almost straight up. Kristen was so beaten down at one point, she started climbing the mountain walking backward because she didn't want to know how much higher she had to go. I think Kristen would admit that this was the hardest day she has had on the trail to date.

We had a great time in Franklin yesterday at the hiker bash. It was a lot of fun meeting all the other hikers from all walks of life.

Kristen and I are both really tired and going to turn into our bags. Til tommorrow.




The stateline




Conan + Kristen

April Fools Bash

Day: 8
Starting location: Hiawassee Inn
Ending location: Hiawassee Inn
Miles today: 0
Miles total: 67.5

After much debate, well not really, we decided to take a zero day and head up to Franklin for the Hiker Party. At 10:00 sharp a short bus pulled up to the motel and a man by the name of Ron Haven stepped out. Ron is infamous on the AT and is a true trail angel. He greets you by calling you "friend". I swear the song " Country Boy Can Survive" was written for him. Fancy he ain't but kind he sure is.

After about an hour bus ride full of stories from Ron, we arrived in Franklin and checked into the Franklin Motel. We spent the day resting our legs and drinking PBR our new favorite trail beer.

On an exciting note, Jason received a trail name today!! From now on he is know as.... Drum roll please.... Conan. I think its quite fitting as I do notice the resemblence to Mr. O'Brien. Hopefully I get a name soon too.

Off to bed for now, we have an early shuttle back to Hiawassee to get back on the trail.






Ron Haven picking the Banjo
Jason + Kristen