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Days 10-15: Walk-in Refrigerator
Total Mileage – 150.7 Higher latitude, greater elevation, and weather patterns produced outdoor conditions much closer to expected for February. Whereas last week afforded 60-degree highs and lows safely above freezing, these days and nights were 5-10 degrees chillier at least. I generally enjoyed the mixup: colder days are less tiring and sweaty, although nights…
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Day 9: Humbled
Plum Orchard Gap Shelter to Blue Ridge Gap – 1.3 miles Total Mileage – 75.2 What, back so soon? Today was an exercise in situational awareness, proactively using resources, and tempering confidence. No injuries or any life-threatening events, just to get that out of the way (yes, Mother, I still have regard for your poor…
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Days 2-8: In High Spirits
Total mileage: 73.9 After critical gear adjustments and drier weather than forecasted, finishing the week was much less emotionally draining than expected. Day by day revealed incredible sights, tricky scenarios, and intriguing characters. Two quick notes before I jump in: First, in order to save storage on the website, I’ve decided to keep photo uploads…
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Day 1: On my way!
0 miles Today I tackled the “Approach Trail” and set up camp 3 yards away from the plaque that formally designates the AT’s southern terminus. The AT doesn’t technically commence until one hits Springer Mountain, so today’s hike was all about getting me to Springer (hence the 0 miles). I put boots to the dirt…
