Low and behold, on day three of the Smokies, our morning was misty and wet. At this point though, we knew how the Smokies worked, so we just waited for noon to bring out the cameras. It was 12:10pm when the sun finally burned away the silver blanket, and by a stroke of luck, we found ourselves at Eagle Rocks.
Continue reading “Appalachian Trail Thru Hike: Newfound Gap, NC to Hot Springs, NC”
We made it thru the Smokies and are on our way. This blog took place a few weeks ago, so I am catching up! Continue reading Appalachian Trail Thru Hike: N.O.C., NC to Newfound Gap, NC
The hike continues northward! Check it out Continue reading Appalachian Trail Thru Hike: Unicoi Gap, GA to N.O.C., NC
If you like boxing for 8 rounds, and not having it count, by all means do the Approach Trail. Sure, the falls are the tallest east of the Mississippi, and sure the steadily uphill 8.8 mile trail isn’t too hard, but it resulted in us hiking 11.6 miles where only 2.8 counted on the actual AT. There are some benefits of the Approach. Firstly, it’s cheaper to get a shuttle there from the North Springs MARTA station. We used Survivor Dave’s shittle, a bombastic thru hiker alumni who charged us $95 for the two of us. Second, the falls are rather stunning, and you can see the whole cascade as you climb 403 steps to the top. Finally, you don’t have to start your hike backtracking one mile south to Springer Mountain. As we all know, one can never truly trust a southbounder.
On March 1st, we started walking north, and stood on top of Springer Mountain, the southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail. Rain was on the horizon, so we didnt linger. Our first steps were more like leaps, as we both wanted to jump into this new adventure with both feet. This was a little tradition of mine, as I did the same for the PCT. Continue reading “Appalachian Trail Thru Hike: Amicalola Falls State Park, GA to Unicoi Gap, GA”
The contrast between the Alabama Hills, and the eastern escarpment of California’s Sierra Nevada mountains is something to behold. Below; smooth, earth tones abound, as stacks of monzogranite boulders lay scattered in all directions. Above; a sharp, blue wall of glowing granite, with Mt. Whitney serving as the highest spear tip. Tucked into the labyrinth, hide natural arches. The best part, it’s just one stop on the outdoor playground that is, California’s HW395! Continue reading The Alabama Hills & Other Adventures on Cali’s 395.
For 150 days, I hiked from Mexico to Canada on the Pacific Crest Trail. From April 17th to September 13th, the ULA Circuit sat “comfortably” on my back, in a plethora of conditions and terrain. Despite having to carry extra water in the desert, a bear can in the Sierra, and extra rain protection in Washington. The pack lasted the entire hike with some wear and tear associated with extreme, and continuous use. It is ready for another long hike, after some needed, but easy repairs. Continue reading GEAR REVIEW: THRU HIKE TESTED – Ultralight Adventure Equipment Circuit Backpack
The doors looked like the were ripped apart by a monstrous beast. Grey and splintered, they lay thrown apart, a gaping wound. Files … Continue reading A Variety of Adventure: Kotor, Montenegro
It’s like a Scandinavian Pride Rock, or at least something out of a religious flick. Rocketing out of the sheer cliff face, sharp, grey, and just waiting to be walked on. Norway’s most epic view, the Trolltunga! Continue reading The Trolltunga: Norway’s King of Hikes
Ironically, in a place where a stable government had been established by 930AD, the human footprint on Iceland feels so- temporary. Maybe it’s the lack of buildings over two stories tall, or that towns seem to be placed based off of good ideas two thousand years ago. In the relative youth of the land, Earth’s primordial state can be seen, where humans are still only renting their space on the land. Continue reading Room for Adventure: Iceland’s Southern Coast
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