tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80345374241494627022024-03-14T18:37:18.587-07:00THE OUTCASTS HIKE AGAINOur hiking group is made up of hikers from Murfreesboro. We started out with picking all the state parks in Tennessee with overnight trails and are taking them on one at a time. This is our story:THE OUTCASTShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09956725964016004380noreply@blogger.comBlogger127125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8034537424149462702.post-79266329747706264242024-01-01T13:18:00.000-08:002024-01-01T13:48:10.328-08:00Future Trails<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3Bj9uUQ4uSc/ShNjmG6CzQI/AAAAAAAAFiQ/OtZghrbjFUU/s1600-h/ct1+099.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5337719489704414466" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/_3Bj9uUQ4uSc/ShNjmG6CzQI/AAAAAAAAFiQ/OtZghrbjFUU/s320/ct1+099.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 221px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
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<b><span style="color: blue;">2023/2024</span></b><br />
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<span style="color: red;">You may have to open our picture links in a new window by right clicking the picture link. I don't know why I am having this issue.</span><br />
<em><strong><br /></strong></em><br />THE OUTCASTShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09956725964016004380noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8034537424149462702.post-23752455408494665932023-12-13T18:21:00.000-08:002024-03-14T18:36:44.440-07:00Hobbs Cabin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbBKsY4clBX7zxEsd-A_33xWVtk656ssilHOfNP8BG3EY3CjXrf1kleflPvydUfWSL_D_CMTYOYEde5sHZy3VDM-crtaeCS2wf-SMHalyLpYM4KjQ7gclRNZdJjyxsU8aPDvcjtrhbiXUOHhJdVtedrZIwOOu4SMXoR9pVxyHg5wsTX10h59sKrH29OU8i/s4031/IMG_1550.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2526" data-original-width="4031" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbBKsY4clBX7zxEsd-A_33xWVtk656ssilHOfNP8BG3EY3CjXrf1kleflPvydUfWSL_D_CMTYOYEde5sHZy3VDM-crtaeCS2wf-SMHalyLpYM4KjQ7gclRNZdJjyxsU8aPDvcjtrhbiXUOHhJdVtedrZIwOOu4SMXoR9pVxyHg5wsTX10h59sKrH29OU8i/s320/IMG_1550.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><b><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Outcast Total Miles: 2563.6</b></p><p>Day one: Rim trail to Hobb's Cabin 8.4</p><p>Day two: Hobb's Cabin to Dinky Line camp 6.1</p><p>Day three: Dinky to parking 3.1</p><p>Total miles: 17.6</p><p>This weeks backpack started at the Savage Gulf ranger station and headed to Hobb's Cabin via the North Rim trail. This is a hike that we had done before, but we just wanted to see the temp's drop again. There was water going over Savage Falls which was a good sign. We stopped and ate lunch along the way and got to the campground a little before dark. It is always a challenge to find fire wood here, but we excepted the challenge. After dinner we sat around the campfire taking cough medicine and telling lies. We got to see some shooting stars as well. It dropped down to 19 degrees.</p><p>The next day we packed up and headed to Dinky campground. We had heard that there was just a puddle of water there, so we stopped at Meadow Creek to filter water and carry it the last two miles. We had a bit more time to gather firewood before dark. Another night around the campfire taking cough medicine and telling lies. More shooting stars. It was a warm 24 degrees tonight.</p><p>Wednesday we hiked on out and got to see our wildlife, two deer, and a turkey. We also came across a deer leg in the middle of the trail. Neither of the two deer had only three legs so?????</p><p><a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/atwEkQxmfaP9S5AP8">Pictures:</a></p><p><br /></p>THE OUTCASTShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09956725964016004380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8034537424149462702.post-43933069188096030182023-11-29T12:13:00.000-08:002024-03-14T18:28:13.488-07:00Stage Coach Campout Savage Gulf<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3y_ZH4uFFmx6YkAYVzdf-Fpy1OLVm5W8Nhddfhn45uQeqm-8tPUwyQpBEuuHhKi-IzwGtPgQStLtw520xaOsqXzlrX9a_NXxpCfxOQ_l4MrASbVoRjx-9i1l7WCgMUrMIEuaWzShP_a2UUKKMAZfZNKKh_cRe4rZ-ZICy5ATHYm1CmMe0-m3yqsW7akPC/s4608/IMG_1478.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3y_ZH4uFFmx6YkAYVzdf-Fpy1OLVm5W8Nhddfhn45uQeqm-8tPUwyQpBEuuHhKi-IzwGtPgQStLtw520xaOsqXzlrX9a_NXxpCfxOQ_l4MrASbVoRjx-9i1l7WCgMUrMIEuaWzShP_a2UUKKMAZfZNKKh_cRe4rZ-ZICy5ATHYm1CmMe0-m3yqsW7akPC/s320/IMG_1478.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p> <b> Outcast Total Miles: 2546</b></p><p>Ranger Station to Stagecoach Campground <b>6.0 miles</b> </p><p>Stagecoach to Savage Falls Campground <b>4.4</b></p><p>Savage Falls Campground to Ranger Station <b>1.6</b></p><p><b>Total Miles 12</b></p><p>Back out with the backpacks. Scheduled a backpack and the weather dropped as usual. Calling for lows of 24 dropped down to 14. When we pulled into the parking area of Savage Gulf the snow was falling. Just the way we like it?? The ranger met us in the parking lot as we were the only ones out today for some reason. He told us that the spring was dry and to bring extra water.</p><p>We took the day loop to the South Rim trail making camp at the Stagecoach campground. We got some views in and an owl. We swep the area of firewood and collected water from the creek. The ranger was correct in saying that the spring was dry. We enjoyed the evening around the campfire telling lies and taking cough syrup. </p><p>The next morning we got up and hiked back to the Savage Falls campsite. We collected wood and got water from the creek. Another beautiful night around the campfire telling lies and taking cough syrup. We had a full moon both nights and wonderful stars. Troy went over to get some water from our filtration system and noticed that everything had froze. Humm?? Ok, we put it by the fire and thawed it out. We got all the water we would need for the night and packed the filter away. I guess the temp was dropping.</p><p>The next morning we thawed everything out and headed out. We noticed that the creek, AKA bathtub, had frozen across the top. It definitely had to have gotten cold. Lora informed me that it had dropped down to 14 degrees as we headed to the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/southernoven399/">Southern Oven</a> for our celebration. </p><p><a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/CHT1oLG1qHFx6LoC8">Pictures:</a></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p>THE OUTCASTShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09956725964016004380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8034537424149462702.post-48542236224093547972023-11-04T13:14:00.008-07:002023-11-05T13:17:04.881-08:00Stone Door<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlV1FGW1h4vlFMyP8cWgTep-wvilIFhbnsQOFY3MCIHC-pkYDYOV3C-d1Y7UlrqwSqX0zGnhmq65V7gslq63vpQXlJOjRf_QtExg6hYDGadJp5Dp0UY36ln0XMXcU33VL92Y2LivDsmHX6Yg9ot1DrwtGx8b5_7DZnW_5aO19tUd4OTGULp2xiH1GVL0bg/s2048/image_6487327.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlV1FGW1h4vlFMyP8cWgTep-wvilIFhbnsQOFY3MCIHC-pkYDYOV3C-d1Y7UlrqwSqX0zGnhmq65V7gslq63vpQXlJOjRf_QtExg6hYDGadJp5Dp0UY36ln0XMXcU33VL92Y2LivDsmHX6Yg9ot1DrwtGx8b5_7DZnW_5aO19tUd4OTGULp2xiH1GVL0bg/s320/image_6487327.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Back to Stone Door for a couple of nights. Preplanning to get back on the AT.</p><p><a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/sSstunxotPypiyZq5">Pictures:</a></p>THE OUTCASTShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09956725964016004380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8034537424149462702.post-33145062720209905612023-02-24T16:04:00.003-08:002023-10-16T16:51:58.683-07:00Stone Door <p>The four of us got together again at the Stone door campground in the South Cumberland State Park. It was an extreme day for us as the temperature was in the high 80s which we are not used to. We enjoyed the day together and only had about 20 minutes of rain that evening. On the way home I realized that I had not taken any pictures. I called Marco and he did not take any pictures either. So sorry only the short story.</p>THE OUTCASTShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09956725964016004380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8034537424149462702.post-2731899274383095182022-11-19T13:16:00.001-08:002022-11-19T13:16:19.291-08:00Stone Door<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP5OzIBBzqY1I-X6UV2NLoiXY_f9Hpqr3kAoQcQS7EAkgUR_lvwmrrIA9tTwxgD5iOa9s2v-e2FI7JqkEtXDoo-W2SnZVbpO4Ne4HI9oWWycmN_zn1OPi7SmCLv2EuNW02ux2xBb7ea2mEQr9MKde_BbZZdFgTLM-JNBZO63UcKxxgjvX52Ydmkt3Pxw/s4608/IMG_0981.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP5OzIBBzqY1I-X6UV2NLoiXY_f9Hpqr3kAoQcQS7EAkgUR_lvwmrrIA9tTwxgD5iOa9s2v-e2FI7JqkEtXDoo-W2SnZVbpO4Ne4HI9oWWycmN_zn1OPi7SmCLv2EuNW02ux2xBb7ea2mEQr9MKde_BbZZdFgTLM-JNBZO63UcKxxgjvX52Ydmkt3Pxw/s320/IMG_0981.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Got to spend a couple of nights at Stone Door. The weather man caught on and dropped it down to 23 degrees. Normal standard practice. Lies were told and cough medicine taken.</p><p><a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/pRmWKk5NeXbbs21S7">Pictures:</a></p>THE OUTCASTShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09956725964016004380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8034537424149462702.post-14927786809099030452022-04-16T19:20:00.004-07:002022-04-17T19:59:38.475-07:00Stone Door<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgCqbsSb0eeAmYCqDCMuBQvEAKPMB3CQ0FVQTLUuyDeq0TZ8HBI_K1J1sMvhCnhIYNRydrRFtzJzxb4rpCRlHJHOLVDv4StIX7nXtFrhefHwDgPxG3W2cfFsT6bDLI9u-dQeqiWr-JjTpJkVtdX-BJtQfumyHPVGqviDxMRtPHR3FcrB63i7x_qpGGWw/s4239/IMG_0546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1643" data-original-width="4239" height="124" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgCqbsSb0eeAmYCqDCMuBQvEAKPMB3CQ0FVQTLUuyDeq0TZ8HBI_K1J1sMvhCnhIYNRydrRFtzJzxb4rpCRlHJHOLVDv4StIX7nXtFrhefHwDgPxG3W2cfFsT6bDLI9u-dQeqiWr-JjTpJkVtdX-BJtQfumyHPVGqviDxMRtPHR3FcrB63i7x_qpGGWw/s320/IMG_0546.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>We decided to get together at Stone Door for a couple of nights. It has been far too long since we just hung out, caught up, and told lies. It was a great time for sure!<p></p><p><a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/cTC2BAvTkq2BK3tY7">Pictures:</a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7mBIJiISOzgLja7hI0zHtyJXLBJXYjOwxdreDSKKcftYtO3DGTXI0qzsiUWdI2xsQrDADlxcJmzMBfPyz5cIheQCBwTw95nE9S6PeWO0ACp7knDtrKDG-vuhrlVzNYKqAR4GOdIpjIRQh47PQasksUsS6MLyVpPcQdiT4lK-8WFb9b6YRhiCLMiZuAw/s960/426240_10151245377644515_1254605045_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="282" data-original-width="960" height="94" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7mBIJiISOzgLja7hI0zHtyJXLBJXYjOwxdreDSKKcftYtO3DGTXI0qzsiUWdI2xsQrDADlxcJmzMBfPyz5cIheQCBwTw95nE9S6PeWO0ACp7knDtrKDG-vuhrlVzNYKqAR4GOdIpjIRQh47PQasksUsS6MLyVpPcQdiT4lK-8WFb9b6YRhiCLMiZuAw/s320/426240_10151245377644515_1254605045_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>THE OUTCASTShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09956725964016004380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8034537424149462702.post-61605505080035360912020-11-20T19:08:00.002-08:002021-03-08T07:47:38.346-08:00Cumberland Trail Lawson / Arch / Frozen Head<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sZ-x2kiwdlw/X7h_eSfPX-I/AAAAAAAAvF4/i2zbao7b2mwoI8Yz0ulhLwvlYASH80jRQCLcBGAsYHQ/s4608/IMG_8518.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sZ-x2kiwdlw/X7h_eSfPX-I/AAAAAAAAvF4/i2zbao7b2mwoI8Yz0ulhLwvlYASH80jRQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_8518.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><b><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span></b><strong style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;">Outcasts Total Miles: </strong><strong style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;">2534</strong></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Lawson Mountain Section 9.8 miles</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Arch Mountain Section 13 miles</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Frozen Head Section 7.9 miles</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Ross Gap trail 2.1 miles</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Total Miles: 32.8</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Marco picked the trail and off we went. I first showed him the wrong trailhead as we were going I remembered the last time here and had Lora drive to the Smoky Creek road and read the sign saying Cave Branch trailhead. Oops. We then drove to Norman Road and started our hike on the Lawson Mountain section.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">First thing we noticed was the new bridges. The second thing we noticed was that the Cumberland trail has not been maintanced on the Lawson or Arch section in many years. Lot's of trees down, some extremely large, overgrown sections, and missing trail markers. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We hiked in 3.0 miles and set up camp at the top end of Lick Creek. We heard an owl as we were setting up camp. We enjoyed the stars as we sat around the campfire taking our cough medicine. The wind really got up during the night which made us wet the fire pit down before bed.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The next morning we continued to fight our way down the trail. The climb to the top of the mountain was brutal with large trees across the switchbacks. When we got to the section where the Bowling Town coal mining community once existed, where the ponds are we lost the trail. Two other trails are marked in this area, but the Cumberland Trail was not. The road went both ways with a split going on one end. We found the trail after going down the road that was signed "Dead End." We ate lunch at the creek at mile 6.4. The next climb to the top was the same as the first. This is such a beautiful area for hiking, I just wish they would maintain this trail. The rocks on the top were amazing along with the "Stacked Rocks". When the trail dropped off the edge heading down, we lost the trail again. We came to a road bed that went three different ways. There were no markers anywhere along any of these roads. After studing the map we just went down the mountain side until we crossed the trail again. It was getting late by the time we made it to the Cave Branch Trailhead. We crossed the new bridge over Smoky Creek and hiked along the creek and made camp for the night. This was supposed to be our coldest night so we gathered lots of fire wood. Another clear night to watch the stars. We saw deer two different places today and some salamanders in a puddle. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Day three:</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Another day of battling the trail through some beautiful areas. We lost the trail again as we crossed the footbridge over Straight Fork. There is no markers showing that the trail goes right. Another extremely hard climb to the top with trees across the switchbacks. We carried extra water for the 7.5 mile section that doesn't have any water. When you come to the road walk, there are no blazes to tell you which road to take. More exploring. When you do get on the right road it is full of waterholes all along the travel across the top of the mountain. While trying to go around the small lakes in the road you will be battling the briars. We did get to see some icicles along the rocks. The last time the trail leaves the gravel road we made camp on the side of the mountain. We saw a passel of wild hogs which came back through while we were setting up. Another windy clear night. We got to see deer again today and hear owls.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Day four:</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">We got up and hiked on to Frozen Head State Park. The trails here are in good shape. Lot's of ups and downs still. We ate lunch where the CT crosses the Tower trail. We enjoyed the Castle Rocks, Mushroom rock, and the rock hop along the rock wall. We camped by the pond for the night. Another clear windy night. We heard owls and coyotes. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Day five:</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">We got up and hiked to the Ross Gap trail and took it back to the headquarters of Frozen Head.</div><p><a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/Q7KurW1UFLMFciYr5">Pictures:</a></p>THE OUTCASTShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09956725964016004380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8034537424149462702.post-55278954697470637452020-01-21T13:02:00.000-08:002020-01-22T13:18:36.403-08:00Long Hunter 2020<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="238" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/JXqXU1HBXSBcM4zbAfVr3mc9_1j5C3x4glj85wsWOyRCSW1lhMfEDDuCfyInFtSqd2S-eKXdfyoHXglxrmIwI-8wKJF-_gAYz8LAWGt3XIAJZjL7s6bIMnwGQuPjvODaAbnsYxZdiI_agN8OyaWyJ6LTEky3SCLiMfG2MpDjAcIEkaAIUlqSP62VUiII14ievMe8pTTBpwNIcmEyq6JKalm4RSQWpf3WMr0IvKwGT4xiRYnbjLC9L_phGOcxUrzYZDsHtthuwGM1rhyJ6QGQ8Qg6raFVzDeDlwgcHSzSCiRTiiukaekkpS6AH-63QYvxwB_iYm1kpcS4n6T57oUXFqLVAGlMfbXYzQI8HlI2Z2HbcZ209N_vaeXiBUUVoh6feMX6Gi6oWI4lmk9H51ZpUFVj7borRHkxTxAOj3NLRfpXRdXOc38Y4PKQMMSCNt3kIdR_-e3yVTBtFzZbE88ca3CdnDrAptFDV_ngu8P3jupGPrhwm1awiGNo8yPUBVMDC65FYk5mEoNmwRYC1M4aNQn-e6mHJw0nbt6kcEH3-NxSRuAI_phWLgoBO26ZpSWFQ5Cw1baSaLXrUtUtGmGRj6PwFWZvr8zPqwh0RqQfod3qqBqtj7NLrPocUm-GcO1a95sWMyydkNY4BT8nFt4lZ8VDb0nWs9kmX6BDo0uSlJPLfnytXs3Tzbvse_Phj-9vraFeEvUEhd4kWvUjKf9Zj6CidtimbHxuu0nxVkJbCRsWPlFy=w1227-h920-no" width="320" /></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Day One: </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><b>6.9</b></span><b style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"> </b><strong style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20.79px;">Outcasts Total Miles: </strong><strong style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20.79px;">2501.2</strong></span><br />
<strong style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20.79px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Day Two: 5.7</span></strong><br />
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We could get our days off from work for a five day hike so we ended up doing an overnight hike at Long Hunter State Park. We hiked in the Day Loop and took the Volunteer trail to the campsite #2.<br />
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On the way in we saw some day hikers, deer, and listened to the Loon's out on the lake. It was snowing and the high was 32 for the day. When we got to camp we started gathering firewood for the long evening with the temps getting down in the twenties. Troy built a fire that even NASA was complaining about. It kept us warm all night. Lies were told and cough medicine was taken.<br />
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We heard coyotes in the night but the exciting part was waking up to gunshots at six in the morning. Jumping up out of a hammock never does go very well. Getting in the defensive position only to find out that it was duck hunters. Troy and Marco just went back to sleep. I was up for the day.<br />
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More gunshots as the morning progressed. We ate, packed up, and headed down the trail. We just followed the Volunteer trail on the way out. We did see the deer again.<br />
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<a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/zrc9eQTYmGLtHrMfA">Pictures:</a><br />
<br />THE OUTCASTShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09956725964016004380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8034537424149462702.post-11372035828341121802019-11-22T07:59:00.000-08:002019-11-23T14:16:19.940-08:00Sheltowee Trace IX<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pi26wnnKF3U/XdmEWTpW_NI/AAAAAAAAlX0/nx9Ux1LXjgEiO_rKrTCMs4k1wHGANat1wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_5644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="903" data-original-width="677" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pi26wnnKF3U/XdmEWTpW_NI/AAAAAAAAlX0/nx9Ux1LXjgEiO_rKrTCMs4k1wHGANat1wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5644.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<b style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></b>
<b style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">Day One: </b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;">4.0</span><b style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;"> </b><strong style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;">Outcasts Total Miles: </strong><strong style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;">2488.6</strong><br />
<strong style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;">Day Two: </strong><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;">8.0</span><br />
<strong style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;">Day Three: </strong><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;">8.0</span><br />
<strong style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;">Day Four: </strong><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;">10.5</span><br />
<strong style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;">Day Five: </strong><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;">3.5</span><br />
<b>Total Miles:</b> 34<br />
<br />
This is our first visit back on the <a href="https://www.sheltoweetrace.org/">Sheltowee Trace</a> since 2011 when we finished the whole trail. Since that time they have rerouted the trail through the Big South Fork, so we thought that we would go back and do the reroute. The sections that are also part of the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/biso/learn/news/big-south-forks-john-muir-trail-extension-now-open.htm">John Muir trail</a>, which we hiked in 2009, where the only repeated sections.<br />
<br />
We planned on exiting our trip at the Parch Corn Creek trailhead on Terry Cemetery road. This trail is no longer maintained by the park. Lora and I found it in a book in 2012 and hiked it back then on a loop hike. It was well overgrown then, but who doesn't like a challenge? I felt a little confident on the location of the trailhead and we left the car there.<br />
<br />
We drove to Burnt Mill bridge to start this hike at the Southern Terminus of the Sheltowee Trace. Once on the trail and seeing the jalapeno man we learned that the John Muir also relocated to this same trail. This is a very pretty hike along the river with a lot of bluff walls before it climbs up and starts through the woods. There is a creek that shows on the map about four miles in on the trail. When we dropped down into the gorge we could see water, but when we crossed the creek it was dry. So down hill we went until we found the water and we made camp here. It was a good night telling lies around the fire drinking cough medicine.<br />
<br />
<b>Day Two:</b><br />
We got up and on the trail. Just before you get to the Honey Creek loop, the trail turns into road. As the Sheltowee was famous for back in the days, there was no marking which way to turn from here. With a little exploring, we decided to continue straight and it paid off. The Honey Creek loop adds some challenges as you climb, drop down, and crawl through rocks and obstacles. After the loop you climb over the ridge and start back down to the river gorge. We saw a doe and two bucks cross the trail in front of us. There is a picnic table before you start the drop.<br />
<br />
I know that horses are not stupid, but somehow they end up on these trails clearly marked for hikers only and warnings about how dangerous these trails are. They have torn up this trail. You go by an Indian rock house and a water fall on your way to the O&W bridge. We crossed over the newly repaired bridge and followed the trail along the main river. We stopped about two thirds of a mile from the Leatherwood Ford on an old road bed to make camp for the night. We saw our first two people who were trail runners. It started sprinkling about the same time we got our hammocks up so there was a small panic as we got our tarps out and deployed. No campfire tonight, but it did stop raining.<br />
<br />
<b>Day Three:</b><br />
We headed up and crossed over the Leatherwood Ford bridge. The old hiking bridge is still out. It was a beautiful day for hiking as we climbed up to the Angle Falls overlook. This is where we saw our second two people who were out day hiking. We enjoyed the overlooks and rock walls as we took the Fall Branch trail around and down to the John Litton loop. We made camp just into the Scott State Forest. Plenty of good firewood here for the night. Stars were out and we heard owls and coyotes.<br />
<br />
<b>Day Four:</b><br />
Today we had good weather again. We hiked around the Honey creek campground and across Jack's Ridge dropping down to cross Laurel Fork Creek and Black House branch. We stopped by the <a href="http://www.ccl-bsf.com/">Charit Creek Lodge</a> for a visit on our way by. They have done a lot of work here getting the place cleaned up.<br />
<br />
We continued our hike out to the big river to make camp for the night. Once again lies were told and medicine taken around a nice campfire. Right about midnight the rain came in.<br />
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<b>Day Five:</b><br />
There was some apprehension about me finding the Parch Corn Creek trail. Just cause it was years ago and I didn't hike it from this direction and I didn't remember much about it and.......<br />
We headed out feeling good because there was a sign with Parch Corn Creek on it stating we had 1.1 miles to get there. After we crossed the creek we turned left and started following the trail. Where the trail crossed back over the creek I knew we had to stay on the right side of it even though the trail faded off into the river. We crawled along the bank until it turned back into a road bed. Then we came across the old home site and I felt better. The trail continued out and then through a field which I didn't remember so back to the home site we went. I found what could be a road bed and it was going straight uphill so I knew it had to be it. After we climbed a while I found the tail tail sign it used to be a trail. The sawed off tree along side! Continuing up the side of the mountain following the faded trail we finally got to the top where we found the two poles with a sign stating no cars beyond this point. I was feeling good then. We continued to battle through brush until it opened up to a road bed and finally the rock walls with the Indian rock house. And yes, the car was at the end of the trail!<br />
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We had a great hike followed by Waffle House after we retrieved the truck from Burnt Mill Bridge.<br />
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<a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/kmDfX9PETWco1DmB8">Pictures:</a><br />
<br />THE OUTCASTShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09956725964016004380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8034537424149462702.post-30965002062932305952019-11-01T08:00:00.003-07:002019-11-01T08:37:34.141-07:00Big South Fork<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M8_acuk1Jaw/XbxAhBf7cyI/AAAAAAAAkg8/78jI3TgDlMsHLxhXwQnXKYzIwMCYLO9XACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_5446.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M8_acuk1Jaw/XbxAhBf7cyI/AAAAAAAAkg8/78jI3TgDlMsHLxhXwQnXKYzIwMCYLO9XACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5446.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;"><b>Day One: </b><b>9.6</b><b> </b><strong style="line-height: 20.79px;">Outcasts Total Miles: </strong><strong style="line-height: 20.79px;">2454.6</strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.85px;">John Litton Farm Loop 4.2</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.85px;">Duncan Hollow road 0.6</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.85px;">Duncan Hollow Bypass 0.2</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.85px;">Duncan Hollow bike loop 1.7</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.85px;">Duncan Hollow Bypass 1.4</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.85px;">Jack's Ridge Loop 1.2</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.85px;">Laurel Fork Creek 0.3</span></span><br />
<b style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;">Day Two: 9.7</b><br />
Laurel Fork Creek 3.7<br />
Fork Ridge Trail 3.8<br />
Black Horse Branch 2.0<br />
Laurel Fork Creek 0.2<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;"><b>Day Three: 8.5</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;">Laurel Fork Creek 6.6</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;">Slave Falls Loop 1.1</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;">Middle creek loop 0.8</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;"><b>Day Four: 9.6</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;">Middle creek loop 0.8</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;">Fork Ridge road 1.2</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;">Salt Pine Ridge 2.5</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;">Laurel Fork Creek 0.4</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;">Salt Pine Ridge 1.7</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;">West Entrance trail 3.0</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;"><b>Total Miles: 36.6</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.85px;">Troy called out sick for this hike. Since we were planning on doing a part of the Sheltowee and didn't want to have to repeat the trip for Troy, Marco picked some trails in the Big South Fork.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;">We parked by the pool at Bandy Creek Campground and took the John Litton farm loop. It follows the creek to an old farm where Marco got surprised by a large black snake. When we got to the Duncan Hollow road we took a right and followed it to the Duncan Hollow Bypass road and then did the Duncan Hollow bike trail. This is where the extremely large bear poop. Almost 2" in diameter! Back on the Bypass road we got to hear a Baird Owl calling and then when we got to the trail junction of Jack's Ridge Loop we saw a Momma bear and her four cubs. She stopped and checked us out for a minute and then headed on. We took Jack's Ridge Loop down and crossed the Laurel Creek, for the first of 30 crossings, and took the trail crossing once again before setting up camp for the night. It was a peaceful night around the campfire.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;">DAY TWO</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;">We got up and headed East towards the big river. We had 4 more crossings today. We got to see a small garter snake just before connecting to the Fork Ridge trail. It is an extremely sharp climb up the ridge before it levels out for a nice walk through the woods. We took the Black Horse Branch trail back to Laurel creek and then took a right on Laurel Creek trail and found a nice campground for the night. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;">DAY THREE</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;">We got up and got read this morning. We had twenty five river crossing today. We hiked about four miles with crocks on because we crossed so many times. It started a light rain and by lunch we had to have poncho's on. The rain stopped by our last crossing and we climbed up the ridge to the Middle creek trail where we found a spring and stopped for the night. We had a nice campfire again tonight and dried things out. It was a warm night and stayed warm all night. Heavy rain later that night.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;">DAY FOUR</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;">We got up to the beginning of steady rain that would hang with us most of the day. We packed up and headed to the Fork Ridge road which led us to Salt Pine ridge. We were wondering about the Laurel Creek after all the rain. The one crossing we had today was about a foot higher then yesterday just up to our knees. We crossed and headed up to the West Entrance trail head. The wind had picked up and the temperature was dropping fast. We ended up with the rain coats on and gloves under the poncho. The rain cut out for lunch and mainly it was just water off the trees. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;">After our celebration at the Waffle House, Marco drove through a small snow fall.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;"><a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/VeyMGThrcHrfeqrK9">Pictures:</a></span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span>THE OUTCASTShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09956725964016004380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8034537424149462702.post-20170581124405223642019-04-04T06:55:00.000-07:002019-04-05T17:35:21.709-07:00AT VA 670 to VA 610<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fYCwySqCVMk/XKeRVL0DkOI/AAAAAAAAf24/nXcSt-81Y6sPY0DZt12tXOSqci7d7WRjQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4274.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fYCwySqCVMk/XKeRVL0DkOI/AAAAAAAAf24/nXcSt-81Y6sPY0DZt12tXOSqci7d7WRjQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4274.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;"><b>Day One: </b><b>3.8</b><b> </b><strong style="line-height: 20.79px;">Outcasts Total Miles: </strong><strong style="line-height: 20.79px;">2418</strong></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;">VA 670 to VA 601</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;"><b>Day Two: 11.2</b></span><br />
VA 601 to USFR 644<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;"><b>Day Three: 9.9</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;">USFR 644 to Little Brushy Mt.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;"><b>Day Four: 4.5</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;">Little Brushy Mt. to VA 610</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;">Total Miles: 29.4</b><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></b>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;">This hike we started by leaving our car at the <a href="https://www.quarterwayinn.com/">Quarter Way Inn</a> in Ceres, VA. Tina met us at the door with a welcoming smile. We got a tour of the old farm house which is a must if you are in the area. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LuR0eiqs49U/XKfGxW2gUYI/AAAAAAAAf3Y/fiSUctFz3acqoijEotNo6f9Cz6XTLXM4QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LuR0eiqs49U/XKfGxW2gUYI/AAAAAAAAf3Y/fiSUctFz3acqoijEotNo6f9Cz6XTLXM4QCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4237.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;">We used </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;"><span style="color: blue;">Bubba (276-730-5869)</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;"> for our shuttle driver who took us back to Teas Road to start our hike. It was a cool windy afternoon, but the sun was shining beautifully. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;">We started the climb up Pugh Mt. and then made camp up on VA 601. There was a lady Southbounder camped there for the night so after visiting we went across the road a ways and set up camp for the night. We had us a campfire, ate, and took some cough medicine under the stars.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;"><b>Day Two:</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;">We got up and did us some walking today. We checked out the fancy Partnership Shelter which has a shower and a view of the lake below. We saw two day hikers near the Mount Rogers NRA Headquarters. We climbed Brushy Mt. and Locust Mt. today and then headed to the Chatfield Shelter, which is not hammock friendly. We crossed USFS 644 and found a place to hang for the night. It was another beautiful night under the stars. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;">I saw for the first time in my life, a comet hitting the atmosphere and exploding. It was awesome and shot flames every which direction. I tried to point it out to Marco, but it happened too fast. That night the owls talked to us after we were in our hammocks.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;"><b>Day Three:</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;">We got packed up after breakfast and headed out. We got to checkout the Lindamood Schoolhouse along side the trail. A Baptist church had stocked it for thru hikers with drink, food, and hygiene supplies. It got to shorts and tee shirt weather today. Lots of beautiful scenery until we got to US 81 dodging traffic. Gotta do what you gotta do.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;">We ate lunch at the cow pasture after VA 617 and saw another Southbounder. We filled up with water after crossing the cow pasture and took advantage of the water with a quick bath. Davis Path Campsite is the location of an old shelter. The privy is still there and a picnic table, but no water. After that we climbed Little Brushy Mt. which really is not little! Especially after loading up with extra water.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;">We found us a campsite for the night on top and had another great evening around the campfire. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;"><b>Day Four:</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;">After leaving camp and going down the mountain, as we were hiking through a rhododendron tunnel, I saw a deer standing right in the middle of the trail just looking back at me. She waited until I got her picture.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;">We finally found what we were looking for. The quarter of the way sign. It is located at Crawfish Valley just before the side trail. Someone had painted out the mileage each way to Maine and Georgia, but it was still the quarter way mark.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;">After that we climbed Big Walker Mt. and down to VA 610. We added a quarter mile going back to the Quarter Way Inn where we had another great visit with Tina before heading to Waffle House. </span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;"><a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/bnwJjz7zLrzebsnJA">Pictures:</a></b>THE OUTCASTShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09956725964016004380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8034537424149462702.post-36409579425168841252019-03-14T17:04:00.000-07:002019-03-16T09:35:27.373-07:00AT- Grayson Highlands to VA 670<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8TowomTcBZM/XIw-br7xQyI/AAAAAAAAfQQ/jOvt_rQVH6Uv5bxelnOVOpODT2PuSUtowCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8TowomTcBZM/XIw-br7xQyI/AAAAAAAAfQQ/jOvt_rQVH6Uv5bxelnOVOpODT2PuSUtowCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4165.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;"><b>Day One: </b><b>3.0</b><b> </b><strong style="line-height: 20.79px;">Outcasts Total Miles: </strong><strong style="line-height: 20.79px;">2388.6</strong></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;">US 58 to spring</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;"><b>Day Two: 11.0</b><br />Spring to Damascus 2.0</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;">Connector trail 0.5</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;">Massie Gap to Old Orchard shelter 8.5</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;"><b>Day Three: 8.0</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;">Old Orchard shelter to Dicky Gap trailhead</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;"><b>Day Four: 8.2</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;">Dicky Gap trailhead to VA 670</span><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;">Total Miles: 30.2</b><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></b>
<b style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: 400;">This hike we used <a href="http://www.sundogoutfitter.com/" style="color: #33aaff; text-decoration-line: none;">Sundog Outfitters</a> for our shuttle service.</span></b><br />
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We had our shuttle drop us off at US 58 to make up for our early departure from last hike to avoid the storms. We hiked to a spring just before the downhill into town and made camp for the night. The next morning we hiked to Sundog Outfitters and had them shuttle us to drop off the car at VA 670 and then take us back to Grayson Highlands and drop us off.<br />
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With the weather a 100% better than last hike, there were more people out and we enjoyed the views as we hiked across the top of the mountains and balds to the Scales. We got to see the wild ponies again and then headed down to the Old Orchard shelter for the night. When we got there we saw eleven hammocks swinging in the trees. A group of college students from Missouri were doing an overnight backpack. We got to visit a little bit before we set up our camp down the hill from them. The Old Orchard shelter is a log shelter with no chinking so you might want to think about that if you are planning on staying in the shelter.<br />
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<b>Day Three:</b><br />
We got up a little later today as we didn't have as far to go. The students had gotten up at 6am and headed out. It was another beautiful day for hiking. We stopped at the Hurricane Mt. shelter for lunch, but did not climb up to the actual shelter. We set up camp at the unmarked Dickey Gap trail for the night. Troy and I headed back to the last spring to get water instead of taking the trail down to the river which was rather steep. Of course the next day we found that just up the trail was another spring which would have been a lot closer.<br />
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<b>Day Four:</b><br />
We got off for a good start today. The weather got warmer and we had to go to shorts, but no complaints there. More hikers today as well. We got to see the Comer Creek Falls and got to see a couple of deer today. Our plans were to stay at the Trimpi shelter tonight, but we got word of storms coming in so we hiked on the the car. This is the first hike a quite a while that nothing came down from the clouds on us so we were quite excited.<br />
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<a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/y6yZfEsFBKbZwFnH7">Pictures:</a>THE OUTCASTShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09956725964016004380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8034537424149462702.post-46676364448138981872019-02-15T08:05:00.000-08:002019-03-16T09:10:54.669-07:00AT- Grayson Highlands to Damascus<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bIMZhevhkYE/XGg1R8Ztt8I/AAAAAAAAe1M/DlXipEZcXRoOhNe0u7nbAA_ZwOCIkqIvwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_4084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bIMZhevhkYE/XGg1R8Ztt8I/AAAAAAAAe1M/DlXipEZcXRoOhNe0u7nbAA_ZwOCIkqIvwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_4084.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;"><b>Day One: </b><b>3.5</b><b> </b><strong style="line-height: 20.79px;">Outcasts Total Miles: </strong><strong style="line-height: 20.79px;">2358.9</strong></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;">Connector trail 0.5</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;">Massy Gap to Thomas Knob Shelter 3.0</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;"><b>Day Two: 6.6</b><br />Thomas Knob shelter to Whitetop Mountain road</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;"><b>Day Three: 9.8</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;">Whitetop Mountain road to Campsite by pond</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;"><b>Day Four: 12</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;">Campsite by pond to Damascus</span><br />
<b style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;">Total Miles: 31.9</b><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;">This hike we used </span><a href="http://www.sundogoutfitter.com/" style="background-color: white; color: #33aaff; font-size: 14.85px;">Sundog Outfitters</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;"> for our shuttle service.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;">Day one started out in a forty mile an hour wind and rain. We had a hard time just getting our poncho's on. Troy's pack cover blew off from under his poncho. In the tree line it wasn't as bad and we did get to see one herd of ponies. Once we got up on the rocks and flat land out of the trees, it was on. We had to walk at an angle against the wind on the way to the next rock formation. At one point while Marco and I were standing behind a rock formation, we saw Troy coming at us with his poncho over his head. He had to regroup before heading out again. The trail was under water most of the way one to three inches. It was a tough walk to the Thomas Knob Shelter and we missed all that beautiful scenery. Just before the shelter we saw two deer standing in the cloudy field next to the trail.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;">Once we got to the shelter and got the tarp across the entrance, we started unpacking and figuring what to dry out first. The temperature dropped fast that night calling for 23 degrees, but water froze instantly on the wood surface. We all slept cold that night and the wind shook the whole shelter every time it gusted. Part of the roof slammed as well. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;"><b>Day Two:</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;">We got up to extremely cold temperatures. After the bathroom break, I headed down to the water source sliding on the ice. We had icing issues with our filters. As long as you were actively filtering it was fine, but if you ever stopped it froze solid. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;">After breakfast we started out on the frozen trail. Slipping and sliding along the way. The wind never let down until sometime the during the night. Walking across the balds was a battle with the wind not to fall over and stay on the trail. There was lots of beautiful views as the sky was clear and we could see forever. We made it to Whitetop Mountain and set up camp before the road. The wood was wet so we had a hard time getting and keeping the fire going. We did start drying out boots and socks. That night the stars and moon came out in the calm and all was well.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;"><b>Day Three:</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;">With the wind gone, the hike turned out to be nice. Lots of views today. Even got warm. We met up with the Virginia Creeper trail today for a short spell. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;">We ended up camping next to a pond on the mountain. The only place for three hammocks was right at the edge. My hammock was actually over the edge of the drop off to the pond. We got a good fire going tonight and Troy actually got all of his stuff dried out. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;"><b>Day Four:</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;">I woke up to Marco getting out of his hammock. Then I heard something sliding down the bank and splash into the water. I just knew that my pack went swimming. I sat up and took inventory of everything. I looked down at the pond and didn't see anything in the water. I laid there wondering what it could have been. Then I heard a loud commotion and then a duck flew low level over my tarp. It must have been next to my hammock when Marco got up and headed down to the pond. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;">Today's hike was good with lots of views. We did walk a little while in the cloud mist. We saw the Creeper trail quite a few times. I had finally got a signal to talk to Lora and she warned us of the storm coming in. When we got a snack break, Marco said that he had lost a crown. Not a good time for that. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;">We continued on until we got to Hwy 58 where we made a decision to cross over to the Virginia Creeper trail and head to the car. We finished the last six miles and then headed to the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/7trailsgrill/">7 Trails Grill</a> for some dinner.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;"><b><a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/9GHPwkU7ef3B23b78">Pictures:</a></b></span>THE OUTCASTShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09956725964016004380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8034537424149462702.post-29608650330904226582019-01-11T08:10:00.000-08:002019-01-12T08:42:37.011-08:00AT-Wilbur Dam Road to Damascus<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9RTDzlCbfK4/XDoShSebqoI/AAAAAAAAdz4/sU7LDiMlcp8D7KkKSnXOehH9OppH2dJFQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3895.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="893" data-original-width="617" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9RTDzlCbfK4/XDoShSebqoI/AAAAAAAAdz4/sU7LDiMlcp8D7KkKSnXOehH9OppH2dJFQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_3895.JPG" width="221" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;"><b>Day One: </b><b>3.0</b><b> </b><strong style="line-height: 20.79px;">Outcasts Total Miles: </strong><strong style="line-height: 20.79px;">2327</strong></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;">Wilbur Dam Road to Spring</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;"><b>Day Two: 8.5</b><br />Spring to Iron Mt. Shelter</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;"><b>Day Three: 11.1</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;">Iron Mt. Shelter to US 421</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;"><b>Day Four: 11.0</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;">US 421 to Campsite</span><br />
<b>Day Five: 4.0</b><br />
Campsite to Damascus<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><b>Total Miles: 37.6</b></span><br />
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This hike we used <a href="http://www.sundogoutfitter.com/">Sundog Outfitters</a> for our shuttle service. We parked at the free parking lot at the library and they took us to Wilbur Dam Road to start our hike. It was a warm day and we got to the first spring right at dark. We got us a campfire going and enjoyed a pleasant evening.<br />
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<b>Day Two:</b><br />
We got up today which turned out to be overcast all day long with rain on and off all day. This whole section of trail to Damascus has wonderful views on the average day. Not today! We were in the clouds. We did get to see a couple of deer on one hill and a couple more at the Iron Mt. Shelter. There was a lot of downed trees and branches from a storm which we got to go around or through.<br />
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We got to the shelter for the night. The wind got to hollering so we didn't bother with a fire. Marco and Troy stayed in the shelter with Micky and I hung my hammock out in the wind. It blew all night and into the morning. The stars were amazing tonight!<br />
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<b>Day Three:</b><br />
The wind was blowing still this morning and blew all day. It didn't get into the higher 20's today. The sky was clear and we got lots of views as we hiked. We made it to US 421 and camped out on the roadbed heading to a cemetery out of the wind. The temperature dropped as the evening went on, freezing our water. We enjoyed a nice campfire and saw the stars again!<br />
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<b>Day Four:</b><br />
It snowed all night, but never accumulated anywhere. When we got up the frost was frozen in the air so you looked out and everywhere there were sparkles floating around. It was a beautiful morning. We could hear the wind blowing constantly all night long through the gap. We were grateful to be able to get out of that.<br />
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We battled the wind most of the day today. It never did get out of the teens for temperature. We enjoyed the none windy side of the mountain anytime that we got it. We found a place to camp just before the Tennessee /Virginia boarder. We set up camp and got the fire going to warm up. It was cold tonight, but not long for us. We enjoyed the evening around the fire listening to the coyotes and owls. When we went to bed there was frost on the inside of our tarps. Not a good sign!<br />
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<b>Day Five:</b><br />
Today was the day of celebration. We made it to the Tennessee/Virginia boarder or for Troy the Georgia/Virginia boarder. Troy only agreed to hike the state of Georgia when we first started on the AT. He said he agreed to hike to Neal's Gap and I tricked him into agreeing to hike the state. Any which way, I never let him know that we left Georgia so he just thought that it was a very LONG state. Now I have to renegotiate with him to hike to at least the quarter way mark of the trail. We will see.<br />
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We hiked into the town of Damascus and had us a good greasy burger at the <a href="https://www.dragonflyinns.com/damascus-diner">Damascus Diner</a>. I highly recommend this restaurant. <br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">For some odd reason the winter snow storm missed us and the snow was coming in tonight. That is unusual for sure!</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><b><a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/bRyKgUi6FvBDJnLR9">Pictures:</a></b></span>THE OUTCASTShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09956725964016004380noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8034537424149462702.post-78534477711666678172018-11-16T08:13:00.000-08:002018-11-16T08:13:02.950-08:00AT- Walnut Mt. to Watauga Dam<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UNvntqDVYAM/W-7siGB71GI/AAAAAAAAcwg/igDY4XSwDi4dm8yzu88nLb8sLFTi00DkACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3650.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="905" data-original-width="1207" height="239" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UNvntqDVYAM/W-7siGB71GI/AAAAAAAAcwg/igDY4XSwDi4dm8yzu88nLb8sLFTi00DkACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_3650.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><b>Day One: </b></span><b style="color: #333333;">2.2</b><b style="color: #333333;"> </b><strong style="color: #333333; line-height: 20.79px;">Outcasts Total Miles: </strong><strong style="color: #333333; line-height: 20.79px;">2289.4</strong></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit;">Walnut Mt. Road to Laurel Fork</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><b>Day Two: 5.8</b><br />Laurel Fork to Moreland Gap Shelter</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><b>Day Three: 8.6</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit;">Moreland Gap Shelter to Laurel Fork Shelter</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><b>Day Four: 11.1</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit;">Laurel Fork Shelter to Wilbur Dam Road</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><b>Total Miles: 27.7</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Once</span> again we used Mountain Harbor B&B for a shuttle. We got on the trail and made it to the Upper Laurel Fork foot bridge before dark and set up camp for the night. As we were setting up we had a guy walk up looking for a girl that had wondered off into the woods. We visited with him for a little bit and he went on his way. We got a good campfire going and did some visiting under the bright stars. Later that night we had some deer that were none to happy to have three hammocks in their woods. They blew and blew.<br />
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<b>Day Two:</b><br />
We headed out after breakfast and it was after lunch before the rain set in. All of our views today were white clouds. We were going to have a short hike today to be in a shelter when the predicted storm was going to come in around 2am. After we got everything hanging out to dry, a man and his son came in for the night. They were on an annual twelve day hike and were on day six. They stayed the night at the shelter as well.<br />
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<b>Day Three:</b><br />
The storm never came in. We had some sleet hitting the roof of the shelter for a little bit and the rain stayed steady, but no storm. We headed out in the rain again this morning. Clouds again for views today. Laurel Falls was beautiful and the gorge it is in. Interesting hiking skirting the rock wall next to the river. We had seen the man and son a couple of times today and thought that they would be at the shelter, but no. We had another hiker stay the night with us. He was hiking an Eastern trail which started in Canada, connected to the AT connecting to the <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Pinhoti Trail</span></span> connecting to the Florida trail. Sounded long to me.<br />
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<b>Day Four:</b><br />
We had a long steady climb this morning to Pond Flats. Got to hear an owl talk to us and a hawk did a fly by in the woods. On the way up we ran into the man and son coming down. They had stopped at a hostel and got dropped off to slack pack this section backwards. We headed on to Watauga Lake and found that they still have signs up for no camping all through this area for bear activity. We ended up just hiking across the dam and on to the car. Another great hike!<br />
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<a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/hZWK4YAm3LuBj6we8">Pictures;</a>THE OUTCASTShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09956725964016004380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8034537424149462702.post-28936299043035556652018-10-26T09:39:00.003-07:002018-10-26T17:20:42.626-07:00AT - Huges Gap to Walnut Mt. <span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SPlU4vnzfFE/W9M2GHsDp3I/AAAAAAAAcUs/Iry9fNVD86YcoyHRRtly1dGUtxcebDk7QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3557.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="905" data-original-width="1207" height="239" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SPlU4vnzfFE/W9M2GHsDp3I/AAAAAAAAcUs/Iry9fNVD86YcoyHRRtly1dGUtxcebDk7QCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_3557.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Day One: 3.0 </b><strong style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20.79px;">Outcasts Total Miles: </strong><strong style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20.79px;">2261.7</strong><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Hughes Gap Road to Ash Gap</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Day Two: 9.2</b><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Ash Gap to Over-mountain Shelter</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><b>Day Three: 6.2</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Over-mountain Shelter to Doll Flats</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><b>Day Four: 11.6</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Doll Flats to Campsite before Mountaineer Falls Shelter</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><b>Day Five:</b> <b>1.8</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Campsite to Walnut Mountain Road</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><b>Total Miles: 31.8</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We used <a href="https://www.mountainharbour.info/">Mountain Harbour</a> as our shuttle service again. We got on the trail the day after a winter storm with 22 degree temperatures and high winds. We got off the trail just before the rain came in. Life is good!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We started at Hughes Gap road in the evening and hiked to Ash Gap for our first night of camping. Short hike and good camp. Pretty steep down to the spring.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Day Two:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We got this morning with a cool start. Today was lot's of views after crossing over Roan Mountain. With lots of views comes lots of people. We crossed Round Bald, Jane Bald, Grassy Ridge, Yellow mountain, and on to Over-Mountain Shelter for the night. We got to see lot's of Ravens as we crossed all these balds. We also had to race the woolly worms. They were everywhere, by the hundreds. It is going to be a mild winter as they were mostly brown.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Over Mountain Shelter is a large barn which is the largest shelter on the AT. As we were setting up camp for the night off the edge of a road bed, we had some military backpackers that were bringing coolers up the road from a nearby parking area. They were nice enough to offer us a beer on there way. They were partying for the next two nights. We were glad that we were not staying in the shelter. There was no wood so we had a night around the Lucy Light.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Day Three:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We started the long climb first thing from the shelter. We climbed Little Hump Mountain and on to Hump Mountain, both with balds and views. We made it to Doll Flats for the night. Good spring here.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Day Four:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We got to see some deer this morning and found some more before we crossed Hwy 19. Lots of ups and downs and through valleys. We thought we were going to camp along the Elk river, which we found overgrown. We thought we would camp at the Yellow Branch, which had no campsite with trees. After dark we came to the campsite before Mountaineer Shelter. Finally a place to stay for the night. Another night around Lucy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Day Five:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We hiked out to </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Walnut Mountain Road. We had the shuttle drive pick us up. <b>We have now gone over 400 miles on the Appalachian Trail</b>. The end of another great hike.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">From Roan Mountain all the way along this hike we could see a large structure with the background of Grand Father mountain and could not figure out what it was. After getting home and doing the google maps I found it to be <a href="http://www.sugarmountain.com/">Sugar Ski and Country Club</a> on Sugar Mt. in North Carolina.</span><br />
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<a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/hkk7Cz4FTFMcZAiS9"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Pictures:</span></a>THE OUTCASTShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09956725964016004380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8034537424149462702.post-51503408626210063062018-03-14T06:51:00.000-07:002018-03-16T05:24:34.137-07:00Iron Mt. Gap to Hughes Gap<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IxbqATt3ynY/Wqp67Tfo8pI/AAAAAAAAXmw/E0KdwfyX9fwObjOdF1X5W0ijcXGgpND0gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IxbqATt3ynY/Wqp67Tfo8pI/AAAAAAAAXmw/E0KdwfyX9fwObjOdF1X5W0ijcXGgpND0gCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_2363.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Day One: 4.1 </b><strong style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20.79px;">Outcasts Total Miles: </strong><strong style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20.79px;">2229.9</strong><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Iron Mt. Gap to Greasy Creek Gap</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Day Two: 5.3</b><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Greasy Creek Gap to Hughes Gap</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><b>Total Miles: 9.4</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;">This time we used the shuttle service from </span><a href="http://www.mountainharbour.info/" style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;">Mountain Harbour</a><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> in Roan Mt. Tennessee. As we drove into the mountains we could see the snow at the tops. They were calling for </span>flurries with<span style="font-family: inherit;"> an </span></span><span style="color: #333333;">additional</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"> inch of snow possible. We started out in 3-6 inches of snow heading our way to Greasy Creek Gap. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We set up camp and gathered firewood as the snow began to fall. It was supposed to get down to 19 degrees tonight. We got our campfire going and ate dinner as the snow continued to fall. By bed time we had to knock the snow off our tarps. Through the night the snow kept falling. </span>Every time<span style="font-family: inherit;"> we got up to use the bathroom there was more snow. Finally by morning we had an additional 12 inches of snow. It was still snowing.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We got on the trail and started plowing our way through two foot drifts and knocking the snow off branches as they hung across our trail. There was 6-8 inches of snow on the branches. It was a powdery snow so that did help. We stopped at the Clyde Smith Shelter to have a snack and thaw out our bladder hoses.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">From the shelter we had 6.4 miles to go to get to our next camp at Ash Gap. It wasn't looking good for time. As we continued to battle the snow we were making slower and slower progress as well as getting more tired. Knowing the snow was not going anywhere and a good </span>possibility<span style="font-family: inherit;"> that it would get worse as we climbed Roan Mt. we decided to call it at Hughes Gap Road. We called for the shuttle and they came and got us. Luckily they had plowed the road on the side he was coming from.</span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/TdYCkCRpbI1qP4Q12">Pictures:</a>THE OUTCASTShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09956725964016004380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8034537424149462702.post-37804776643778645852018-02-08T07:26:00.000-08:002018-02-09T11:23:14.450-08:00AT - Spivey Gap to Iron Mt. Gap<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t8I35td-c7c/Wn3rEXY1mpI/AAAAAAAAW6M/_825QrVWrkciO6KqPdRneUw76H1y0Jk8gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t8I35td-c7c/Wn3rEXY1mpI/AAAAAAAAW6M/_825QrVWrkciO6KqPdRneUw76H1y0Jk8gCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_2251.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="color: #333333;">Day One: 4.9 </b><strong style="color: #333333; line-height: 20.79px;">Outcasts Total Miles: </strong><strong style="color: #333333; line-height: 20.79px;">2220.5</strong><br style="color: #333333;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Spivey Gap to No Business Knob Shelter</span><br style="color: #333333;" /><b style="color: #333333;">Day Two: 10.5</b><br style="color: #333333;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">No Business Knob Shelter to Curley Maple Gap Shelter</span><br style="color: #333333;" /><b style="color: #333333;">Day Three: 7.9</b><br style="color: #333333;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Curley Maple Gap Shelter to Deep Gap</span><br style="color: #333333;" /><b style="color: #333333;">Day Four: 8.0</b><br style="color: #333333;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Deep Gap to Iron Mt. Gap</span><br style="color: #333333;" /><b style="color: #333333;">Total Miles: 31.3</b></span><br />
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As usual, we like to start out with a little excitement. When we got to Iron Mountain Gap there was no AT signs like we have had at all the other Gaps. There was snow and ice. We drove just a little further to make sure we were at the top, then turned around in a driveway. Well, when we backed back into the road an eighteen wheeler tanker truck come around the corner above us heading our way fast. Marco and I both hit the accelerator of the truck trying to get out of his way. Actually he was the driver, but it was a tight minute for sure.<br />
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We used <span style="background-color: white; color: #33aaff;"><a href="http://hikershuttles.com/" style="color: #33aaff;">hikershuttles.com</a> </span><span style="background-color: white;">and had Tom meet us at Iron Mountain Gap to take us back to Spivey Gap to begin the hike. </span>We started out at Spivey Gap which is 331 miles from Springer Mt., the start of the Appalachian Trail. <span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"> It didn't take us long to hike into the snow. This time it was only about 3 inches deep and no drifts. We hiked on to No Business Knob Shelter for the night. Of course we did not stay in the shelter, but swung in our hammocks near by.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><b>Day Two:</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">We decided to get an early start today and try to make it to the next shelter before the storm came in which was supposed to be around noon. We stopped in Erwin at Uncle Johnny's for lunch at his picnic table out side under cover. From there we crossed the Nolichucky River and headed on to the Curley Maple Gap Shelter. It had still not started raining. Lora gave us an update that the weather was still coming. Marco entertained us with trying to hang the bear bag inside the shelter. We did stay in this shelter. It started raining around 2:30am. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><b>Day Three:</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">It decided to rain on us on and off all day today. It gave us the chance to try out some new gear. Troy had some water proof mittens and a Frog Tog rain hat. We also had our Frog Tog coats and pants. The new equipment worked OK. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We could see nothing at the Beauty Spot which is a large bald on top of the mountain. When we got to Deep Gap the wind was blowing so hard it almost took us off the trail. </span>Unfortunately<span style="font-family: inherit;">, this was also our camping spot for the night. There was no way we could stay here which later we found out was over 50 mile an hour wind. We hiked back South until we found us a place to make camp. We ended up camping in a cloud which later did a quick freeze and dropped down in the twenties. We did get to see a deer as we found a spring down the hill from us.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Day Four:</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We got up and had to pack frozen solid gear up. We were breaking ice as we put our tarps in our backpacks. We started out with the steep climb up Unaka Mountain. The snow was frozen over and we walked mostly on top of it. There is a Christmas tree decorated at the top in memory of a young boy. Probably died of cancer. The top of the mountain is covered in a large thick pine forest which is beautiful in ice and snow. On the way down the mountain we saw our first hiker of the trip. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We stopped at Cherry Gap shelter for lunch and then we saw a mouse playing at a campsite before the next mountain. On the way up the next mountain we saw two more backpackers that had just started out on a backpack going South. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We got to the truck and headed to our traditional breakfast at </span>Waffle<span style="font-family: inherit;"> House.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/8DhpeQwa9g1vfsC53">Pictures:</a>THE OUTCASTShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09956725964016004380noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8034537424149462702.post-3954976077260712952017-12-14T12:05:00.000-08:002018-11-16T08:15:00.516-08:00AT- Devil Fork Gap to Spivey Gap<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FqshkrZ1xr4/WjKnl9qGfWI/AAAAAAAAV8Y/pJdj1ZFUx3ouaD8kJu3jUCGRsY_iFhShQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1930.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FqshkrZ1xr4/WjKnl9qGfWI/AAAAAAAAV8Y/pJdj1ZFUx3ouaD8kJu3jUCGRsY_iFhShQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_1930.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;"><b>Day One: 3.3 </b><strong style="line-height: 20.79px;">Outcasts Total Miles: </strong><strong style="line-height: 20.79px;">2189.2</strong><br />Devil Fork Gap to Frozen Knob<br /><b>Day Two: 5.9</b><br />Frozen Knob to Spring<br /><b>Day Three: 7.4</b><br />Spring to Campsite<br /><b>Day Four: 5.3</b><br />Campsite to Spivey Gap<br /><b>Total Miles: 21.9</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;">Well we brought on the weather again! We called our shuttle at </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit;"><a href="http://www.unclejohnnys.net/">Uncle Johnny's Nolichucky Hostel & Outfitter</a> in Ewrin, TN </span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-weight: inherit;">and they had gotten three inches of snow on the ground. We said that we are on the way. When we got dropped off at Devil Fork Gap there was six inches of snow on the ground. Soon we found drifts ranging between knee and </span></span>crotch<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-weight: inherit;"> high. Needless to say we didn't make the miles that we normally would make.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-weight: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-weight: inherit;">We made it to Frozen knob and found a place out of the wind to make camp. We got wood collected and camp set up before dark. It was a </span></span>pleasant<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-weight: inherit;"> night on the mountain.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Day Two:</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-weight: inherit;">Long and hard day today. Lots of drift busting. We had problems at two places where they did a double blaze and nothing else within site. Both places were at intersections of trails. Normally the trail is a worn out cow trail, but when you cover it with a few feet of snow it is hard to find. We split up and went blaze hunting in both directions until someone found one.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-weight: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-weight: inherit;">We stopped at Hogback Ridge Shelter for lunch. There were bear tracks just in front of shelter. The cool thing about snow is you see what else walks through the woods. We ended up seeing many bear, deer, and smaller critter tracks over the days. It is a long walk to the spring at this shelter.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-weight: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-weight: inherit;">We saw our first people between High Rock and Sams Gap which is a popular day hike. They had packed the snow down so now we were hiking on a sheet of ice. We were </span></span>grabbing<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-weight: inherit;"> everything we could to stay on the trail. From the road we hiked up to the first spring and then made camp at the bottom of the draw. We met a trail runner here that had made it to the Big Bald.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-weight: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-weight: inherit;">We got a fire going and enjoyed the evening. Looked at the map and tried to figure how far we would make it this trip with all the snow. Not to Erwin!</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-weight: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Day Three:</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-weight: inherit;">Today was windy day. We got to check out our new lightweight Froggtoggs jacket. It worked great for stopping the crazy wind that we walked in all day. We saw our first Southbound thru hiker today. We had seen him at Uncle Johnny's on day one. He told us that it was getting down to 12 degrees in the valley tonight and heavy wind. He was getting off the trail tonight for sure.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-weight: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-weight: inherit;">Who would have thought that after over 300 miles on the AT, they would put a Nature Trail off to the side? Really?? There really is one and I got a picture of the sign.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-weight: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-weight: inherit;">When we got to the Big Bald we ended up taking the bypass trail which the thru hiker had recommended because of the weather. The wind was quite strong now as we crossed Big Stamp. We made it to the campsite beyond Bald Mountain Shelter and set up for the night. Another good evening around the campfire.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-weight: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-weight: inherit;">By the time we went to bed the temps had dropped below 10 and the wind was bellowing. It blew all night long. We made the call to Johnny's and arranged a pick up at Spivey Gap. Last </span></span>possible<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-weight: inherit;"> pick up point of our trip.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-weight: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Day Four:</b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.85px;">We woke up to a mild wind compared to the night. EVERYTHING was frozen. Water that was in our packs, boots, and we had to use our hiking poles to chip out our tarp stakes. It was bloody cold. We got a fire going and started thawing everything out.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.85px;">We saw one backpacker today who thanked us for busting up the drifts for him over the miles. We called and verified our pick up time with Johnny's when we got to Trail to High Rocks. On the way down to Spivey Gap we actually found some dirt under the ice to walk on. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.85px;"><br /></span></span>
We got picked up by Doug of <a href="http://hikershuttles.com/">hikershuttles.com</a> who was very nice and on time! His number is 423-270-9775 cell and home 423-743-8126.<br />
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<a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/jjBbzK4CN5NUCERv1">Pictures:</a>THE OUTCASTShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09956725964016004380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8034537424149462702.post-73156130285054444082017-11-17T10:13:00.000-08:002018-11-16T08:15:24.153-08:00AT - Devil Fork Gap to Hot Springs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iKzHWC1YCUE/WhCQkeXa-EI/AAAAAAAAVkQ/qRdiJqQwfRElXP_EAGn9NVccBlMC_UU7ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1832.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="899" data-original-width="1199" height="239" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iKzHWC1YCUE/WhCQkeXa-EI/AAAAAAAAVkQ/qRdiJqQwfRElXP_EAGn9NVccBlMC_UU7ACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_1832.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Day One: 5.5 </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><strong style="line-height: 20.79px;">Outcasts Total Miles: </strong><strong style="line-height: 20.79px;">2167.3</strong></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Devil Fork Gap to Shelton Graves</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333;" /><b style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Day Two: 7.3</b><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Shelton Graves to Spring</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333;" /><b style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Day Three: 10.1</b><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Spring to Spring</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333;" /><b style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Day Four: 7.6</b><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Spring to Campsite</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333;" /><b style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Day Five: 4.9</b><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Campsite to Hot Springs</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333;" /><b style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Total Miles: 35.4</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;">Day one consisted of getting there. We used the same shuttle service </span></span><a href="http://bluffmountain.com/" style="color: #33aaff;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Bluff Mountain Outfitter</span></a>. After hiking to Flint Mountain Shelter we had to make the decision to hike on or not with the early sunset. We voted to go on to the next spring. Unfortunately we hiked into a cloud and which made a bad mix with the dark. With the head lamp on you could see about four feet in front of you. Without the light you could make out about six feet. We continued on until we crossed over a spring. From there we climbed up the side of the mountain until we found trees spaced to hang our hammocks on and then set up camp. Troy stayed at the campsite while we got water so we could follow his voice and light to make it back. Everything was wet so we used the Luci light to eat dinner by and visit under until bed time. We looked like a couple of bums under a street light. We had a screech owl to get our attention in the dark.<br />
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Day two:<br />
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We got up. The cloud had moved on and the wind had dried off our tarps. It looked to be another great day. At Jerry Cabin Shelter we met a couple who were Southbound thru hikers. He had on a fancy pair of waterproof mittens made by Mountain Laurel which we questioned him about.<br />
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Today we got to experience Big Firescald Knob, a mile and half section of the trail that crossed a rocky top mountain ridge. You did have to use your hands to climb part of this Knob. Lot's of great views, but you had to earn them.<br />
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We hiked past White Rock Cliffs to the next spring. Climbed the hillside and made camp for the night. We had lots of dry wood and leaves so we got a campfire going. Once again the cloud came in for the night and totally soaked everything. We heard owls and coyotes thru the night.<br />
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Day three:<br />
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Long steep downhill today. Our goal is to reach water after crossing Allen Gap. Like every other gap there is a steep climb out. We finally got to Deep Gap and had to hike Little Paint Creek trail to get to our water for the night.<br />
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The wind picked up in the gap after we got set up for dinner. While we ate the wind died down. We decided to visit under the old Luci light again tonight. No fire. It sprinkled on and off during the evening and then rained in the night.<br />
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Day four:<br />
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We got up and while eating breakfast, a big old buck walked by camp. Shortly afterwards as we were hiking another deer crossed the trail stopping in front of us. Then of course here comes the hunter looking for the deer.<br />
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Today had a lot of climbs and down hills. When we got to the fire tower they had removed the bottom steps to keep people from climbing it. We crossed US 25 on the bridge and then hiked to the pond which turned out to be a rough water source. We went back up to the spring feeding the pond and filtered our water. We carried our water to the Pump Gap trail and made camp for the night.<br />
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The weather was great and we had a good campfire with plenty of wood for the night.<br />
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Day five:<br />
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Today was a few good ups and downs before the steep climb down to Hot Springs. Lots of views on the way down followed up by another meal at the <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Smoky Mountain Diner.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We have now passed the 309.1 mile mark on the Appalachian Trail.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/o8UhsqfLTC2rmIfy1">Pictures:</a></span></span>THE OUTCASTShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09956725964016004380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8034537424149462702.post-32776829121870897752017-10-18T08:25:00.000-07:002017-10-25T14:24:25.204-07:00AT - Clingman's Dome to Fontana Dam Makeup Hike<br />
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<b><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G7kWm2d6j7k/WeuruO6bmxI/AAAAAAAAVN8/dqAqSKj9etEeiJ3wU6qbDk4KfOmJ7UyGgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1710.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G7kWm2d6j7k/WeuruO6bmxI/AAAAAAAAVN8/dqAqSKj9etEeiJ3wU6qbDk4KfOmJ7UyGgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_1710.JPG" width="320" /></a></b></div>
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<b>Day One: 3.2 </b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><strong style="line-height: 20.79px;">Outcasts Total Miles: </strong></span><strong style="color: #333333; line-height: 20.79px;">2131.9</strong></span><br />
Clingman's Dome to Double Springs<br />
<b>Day Two: 7.4</b><br />
Double Springs to Derrick Knob<br />
<b>Day Three: 8.9</b><br />
Derrick Knob to Russell Field<br />
<b>Day Four: 8.3</b><br />
Russell Field to Campsite 113<br />
<b>Day Five: 5.8</b><br />
Campsite 113 to Fontana Dam<br />
<b>Total Miles: 33.6</b><br />
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Marco missed this section of the AT so we started out our season getting him caught up. From here it will be back to Hot Springs NC. We decided to change it up and hike it backwards so it would be all down hill this time. HA HA HA.<br />
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We dropped off the truck at Fontana dam and drove up to Clingman's dome to start our hike. Our first injury of the trip was Marco's finger. He had his hand out the window with fingers on the roof when an acorn fell and hit it while we were driving.<br />
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When we got to Clingman's of course the traffic was backed up for a couple of miles. When we finally got somewhat close to the parking area, we did a U turn and parked on the side of the road. That gave us the chance to warm up before we started hiking. After fielding all the usual questions by the hundreds of people, we finally got on the trail to join the Southbound thru hikers.<br />
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We stayed at Double Springs shelter. They had a fire going before we got there which was a blessing for once. We had two thru hikers, two older men (anal and A** hole), Light Red and his three friends for a total of eleven. The lady thru hiker was looking for a place to hang her pack when Troy said that he could move his pack to make room for her friend. She let him know that "I don't have any friends". That of course left her wide open so I had to follow up with "I just got here and she already said that she don't like me! That's my quickest record with a woman yet!" Lot's of laughter. Later she asked who had the pink water bottle of the four colors of bottles. The one guy said "it's not pink, it's light red". "If you say so", said the the lady. That's how he got his name. We got lots of laughs in that night around the fire.<br />
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<b>Day Two:</b><br />
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Started out the day right. Troy had made some dehydrated hash browns to go with my eggs. Another success. Today was lots of up and downs as we headed to Derrick Knob shelter. We had gotten there early enough to gather firewood for the night. A hike came through and asked if we were the Outcasts. He had read our blog. We met Texas and Brother-in-law as they came in to spend the night. Had some more good visiting and time around the fire. Then the rain came in an sent us to bed for the night. It rained hard all night long. I think there were eight in the shelter tonight.<br />
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<b>Day Three:</b><br />
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Texas and Brother-in-law said they were staying with us tonight as well at Russell Field shelter. We hiked off into the fog today climbing Thunderhead and Rocky top. We had the same views I had with my Dad and Brother years ago....NOTHING! After we dropped down from the peaks, the clouds cleared and we got to see mountains again.<br />
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Troy figured that it was mathematically impossible to go uphill this far and still be going down. He came up with a new song to the music of "99 bottles of beer on the wall." It went "9 miles of hurt to go, 9 miles of hurt, you take a break study the map, nine miles of hurt to go."<br />
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Again we arrived at the shelter just before Brother-in-law. The Canadian was already there. He had seen a mother and two cubs back a couple of few miles back, eh? I assume a couple means two, a few is three or more, so around six miles and eh is +/-. Any way, we some more good visiting tonight as the temperature dropped. I got to try Troy's dehydrated bandanna pudding, awesome! No fire because of the 90+ miles and hour wind blowing.<br />
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Shortly after we got to bed, Norm stopped by for a visit. Marco tapped my shoulder and told me someone was running down the trail toward the shelter. He came in and while sitting he was opening a pack of tuna. Two seconds later he opened a bag of chips, turned it up and emptied it. He asked about water and was off to get it as soon as we told him where. He almost passed himself on the way back. We asked if he was staying and he said no. He had left Newfound Gap this morning and was heading to Fontana tonight. Getting 41 miles today. I asked if felt like he was missing anything hiking at night and he replied he had already hiked the trail once. He had walked Northbound and turned around and headed back while he had the time to do it.<br />
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The wind blew most of the night. At some time when I got up for a bathroom break, I scared off some big animal as I heard it running out through the woods.<br />
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<b>Day Four:</b><br />
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Today we hiked up and down. Troy got to do to me what I do to Lora often. I got up from lunch and started following Marco. Shortly I noticed that I didn't have anything in my hands. I turned to go back for my hiking sticks when I noticed Troy carrying four poles with a big grin on his face.<br />
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We played tag with Texas and Brother-in-law. They got to campsite 119 first and scared off a mother and three cubs from the campsite. Texas and Brother-in-law headed on to the dam. After getting camp set up Troy and I saw them again down at the bottom of the creek bed. We had another group of five guys that came in later in the evening. One of them yelled on the way in "There's the three stooges." We knew they had talked to Brother-in-law on the trail! Another good campfire night! It sure felt great to be back in our hammocks after all those shelters.<br />
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<b>Day Five:</b><br />
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We climbed Shuckstack and the tower for some great views, then made the steep steady hike down to the dam.<br />
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<a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/hZNjym4eSkh7o9c72">Pictures:</a><br />
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<br />THE OUTCASTShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09956725964016004380noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8034537424149462702.post-38656107333306295882017-04-06T12:17:00.000-07:002017-04-07T13:02:01.113-07:00AT - Newfound Gap to I-40 Make up hike<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rwvrwc0tccA/WOfnGwj1WtI/AAAAAAAAUdI/ZJv3sWbf_PEkDOr1XID_XN_HpEktGItGwCLcB/s1600/IMG_1266.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rwvrwc0tccA/WOfnGwj1WtI/AAAAAAAAUdI/ZJv3sWbf_PEkDOr1XID_XN_HpEktGItGwCLcB/s320/IMG_1266.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;"><b>Day One:10.2 </b><strong style="line-height: 20.79px;">Outcasts Total Miles: </strong></span><strong style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px; line-height: 20.79px;">2098.3</strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;"><br />Newfound Gap to Pecks Corner<br /><b>Day Two: 4.9</b><br />Pecks Corner to Tri Corner<br /><b>Day three: 7.7</b><br />Tri Corner to Cosby<br /><b>Day Four: 7.5</b><br />Cosby to Davenport</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;"><b>Day Five: 2.8</b><br />Davenport to I-40<br /><b>Total Miles: 33.1</b></span><br />
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We rehiked this part of the AT for Troy who could not make it before. We had the large batch of Thru-hikers to deal with this time.<br />
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Starting on a clear sunny Sunday put us in competition for a parking space at Newfound Gap. It worked out that a car was pulling out as we came through. Off to a good start.<br />
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There were ALOT of people on the trail between Newfound and Charlies Bunion. We got an earlier start on the trail than last time and more daylight which led us to getting into our shelter just after dark.<br />
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Lots of good views and for the first time in twenty years, we had our permit checked by a law enforcement ranger on the trail. He also notified us that there was a ranger staying at our shelter tonight.<br />
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We stopped and ate our dinner on the trail and got into camp around 9 local time. There were many tents set up with Thru-hikers, but room in the shelter.<br />
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<b>Day Two:</b><br />
We got up this morning listening to the ranger bragging about how we came in quietly last night. Then his radio went off saying a major thunderstorm was heading our way. Up we got, collecting food bags and getting water. The ranger stopped long enough to check our permit and then headed out to get off the trail.<br />
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With just light rain coming down, we headed out. We had a short distance to go today, but a mile out we got hit hard. Standing in about six inches of water on the trail and lighting hitting all around us. The shelter was full of drowned hikers. Wet clothes hanging everywhere. We ended up with a head count of 18 for the night and a dozen clothes lines. Rained all night.<br />
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<b>Day Three:</b><br />
The sun was out and a great day ahead. We enjoyed the sunshine for a while before it just got hot. As all of the hikers we stayed with passed us by, we started getting new hikers that were heading to our next shelter. When we got to Cosby we were met by a Trailrunner who again checked our permit. Numerous Thru-hikers. Some stopped to eat, some set up camp and then broke it down and headed on, and some stayed. Another night with a full shelter and campground.<br />
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That evening we got to hear a couple of owls talking and then in the middle of the night one sounded off in camp.<br />
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<b>Day Four:</b><br />
Once again they were calling for storms. We headed out and had another great day on the trail. When we stopped for lunch we were just a couple of miles from the shelter. Marco and I were making sandwiches when Troy came in asking if we saw the lightening. We dove into our wet weather gear as the rain started. We had rain, but not the rain that the other hikers behind us got into. Made it to the shelter and then the rain stopped for the evening. Lots of visiting with other hikers through the afternoon.<br />
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<b>Day Five:</b><br />
A short hike to a waiting Dad. He had treats from Mom and drove us back to our car at Newfound Gap. We drove into snow and 29 degrees. Our car had about two inches on top of it. There were two snow plows waiting in the parking area to start clearing roads. Off we went.<br />
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<a href="https://goo.gl/photos/v8dE9xNiGp4ejTCh9">Pictures:</a>THE OUTCASTShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09956725964016004380noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8034537424149462702.post-38805369845239977942017-03-11T08:23:00.001-08:002017-03-11T08:23:53.240-08:00AT I-40 to Hot Springs NC<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8gw1UNHzze0/WMQY2OhgaiI/AAAAAAAAUaQ/96F1Pr7z6rwjRHZSw0UiWn8raVaOo5AWwCLcB/s1600/IMG_1226.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8gw1UNHzze0/WMQY2OhgaiI/AAAAAAAAUaQ/96F1Pr7z6rwjRHZSw0UiWn8raVaOo5AWwCLcB/s320/IMG_1226.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;"><b>Day One: 2.8 </b><strong style="line-height: 20.79px;">Outcasts Total Miles: 2065.2</strong><br />I-40 to Painter Branch<br /><b>Day Two: 7.8</b><br />Painter Branch to Brown Gap<br /><b>Day three: 10.2</b><br />Brown Gap to Walnut Mt. Shelter<br /><b>Day Four: 9.9</b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;">Walnut Mt. Shelter to Deer Park Mt. Shelter<br /><b>Day Five: 3.2</b><br />Deer Park Mt. Shelter to Hot Springs<br /><b>Total Miles: 33.9</b></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;">Well, we made it to our first trail town on the Appalachian Trail. Hot Springs, NC, 273.7 miles from Springer Mt., GA, where we started on the AT.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: inherit; font-size: 14.85px;">We dropped off our car in Hot Springs and got a shuttle from Dan at <a href="http://bluffmountain.com/">Bluff Mountain Outfitter</a> back to I-40. It was uphill all the way to our campsite at Painter Branch. When we got there we found a group of first time backpackers from Florida. We had a good night of visiting with them and exchanging stories.</span><br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5zm3Xb6o9gw/WMQeILHm4pI/AAAAAAAAUak/In-ehexxuPceiL_qeEr4V0cuRgVQGWIIgCLcB/s1600/IMG_1190.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5zm3Xb6o9gw/WMQeILHm4pI/AAAAAAAAUak/In-ehexxuPceiL_qeEr4V0cuRgVQGWIIgCLcB/s320/IMG_1190.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Day Two:</b><br />
Today we finished climbing Snowbird Mountain where we got some great views of the surrounding mountains. From there we continued on to Brown Gap visiting with many Thru Hikers along the way.<br />
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Brown Gap has a small campsite along a gravel road with a spring. Not the best place to stay, but it worked. The rain kicked in just after we got our tarps set up. In between the rain showers we filtered water and hung bear bags.<br />
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<b>Day Three:</b><br />
We got up and ate breakfast. While we were eating the ground froze and our tarps froze. It was kinda weird watching the ice form on everything. We broke down camp and headed off.<br />
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We climbed Max Patch. There was a gentle Gail Force Arctic wind blowing. One Thru Hiker came back down and put on his rain gear before attempting the summit. After some quick views we went down the other side and had lunch.<br />
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We stopped at Roaring Fork shelter to air out our equipment from last night. There was still ice on our tarps as we hung them out to dry.<br />
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From there we continued on to Walnut Mt. shelter. This shelter is on top with the campsites behind it. Not a good place to be in during a storm. We had one Thru Hiker camping with us tonight. We had a good campfire and listened to the owls.<br />
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<b>Day Four:</b><br />
Today starts off with the climbing of Bluff Mountain. From there we continued on to Deer Park Mt. shelter. We camped down by the stream for the shelter. That night we had a strong thunderstorm after we got in bed.<br />
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<b>Day Five:</b><br />
Today we head into town. Our first trail town on the AT. We stopped at the Smoky Mountain Diner and had us a Hungry Hiker Burger. Life is good!<br />
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<a href="https://goo.gl/photos/YnUL23NBZvPU4WGZA">Pictures:</a>THE OUTCASTShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09956725964016004380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8034537424149462702.post-31490838509148802212017-02-18T08:26:00.000-08:002017-02-18T10:34:43.118-08:00AT - Newfound Gap to I-40<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CbiWmlR0iUY/WKhjkPwALOI/AAAAAAAAUXw/4JJMbidLPCg0NT_Ngt9P8ISljie14pPJgCLcB/s1600/IMG_1076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CbiWmlR0iUY/WKhjkPwALOI/AAAAAAAAUXw/4JJMbidLPCg0NT_Ngt9P8ISljie14pPJgCLcB/s320/IMG_1076.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Day One:10.2 </b><strong style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20.79px;">Outcasts Total Miles: 2031.03</strong><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Newfound Gap to Pecks Corner</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333;" /><b style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Day Two: 4.9</b><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Pecks Corner to Tri Corner</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333;" /><b style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Day three: 7.7</b><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Tri Corner to Cosby</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333;" /><b style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Day Four: 8.7</b><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Cosby to Davenport</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Side trip to Mt. Cammerer<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333;" /><b style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Day Five: 2.8</b><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Davenport to I-40</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333;" /><b style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Total Miles: 34.3</b></span><br />
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Troy couldn't join us this time. Marco and I headed up to Newfound Gap to start our hike. We got on the trail a little later than planned. We met the thru hiker Lazarus at Charlies Bunion and then again at Pecks Corner Shelter. We arrived after dark but enjoyed some great views while it was light out. The stars were wonderful and the moon bright when it came out. We set up camp for the night and went to bed.<br />
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DAY TWO:<br />
We got up and headed out. Another great day of hiking. We got into Tri Corner early and collected some firewood. Our two hikers tonight were doing a 30 day hike. Hunter runs a <a href="http://www.wildernessinitiative.com/">Wilderness initiative program</a> out of Georgia. They brought in the weather report so we got our fire going early. Rain was heading our way. It rained heavy all night long. We had our mouse going through packs and checking everyone out.<br />
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DAY THREE:<br />
We woke up to two inches of snow. It was a windy day of hiking and the temps were dropping. Talked to some more thru hikers today. Lots of good views. Had some issues with ice blowing off the trees and hitting us. When we got to Cosby Shelter the wind was blowing too strong to enjoy a fire. We hung out in the shelter for the evening and called it an early night.<br />
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DAY FOUR:<br />
Another cold and windy day of hiking. We took the side trail out to Mt. Cammerer. The windows and walkway around the tower were all frozen over. We did get the views in anyway. Then we started the long descent down to Davenport. The weather was warming up all the way down. When we got to Davenport Gap shelter, there was a stack of wood, cardboard, lent, and a lantern. This was going to have to be a trap. Not normal at all.<br />
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We got camp set up and then a couple of thru hikers came in. We had heard about the group of seven firefighters from Virginia Beach behind us and now they caught up with us as well. Lots of visiting tonight around the fire.<br />
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DAY FIVE:<br />
We got up early and then everyone else got up. After saying our goodbyes we headed down to I-40 where Mom and Dad picked us up. Another great hike.<br />
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<a href="https://goo.gl/photos/XoeES9HAWpSEswzp7"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Pictures:</span></a>THE OUTCASTShttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09956725964016004380noreply@blogger.com3