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I haven’t started my PCT hike yet. Come back after March 27th. In the meantime, here is a photo of the Springer Mountain AT trail register. I saw Grand Pa wearing a long grey beard just as he was finishing the Amicalola Approach Trail. This was the end of his 4th AT thru hike. ...
It wasn't the best start. I had just left my van and crossed the footbridge over Snowbird creek. I saw where the trail turned uphill. It also continued up the creek, but I thought that direction was false; a trail made by trout fishermen. It was a wrong turn. The trail followed a smaller creek, rising steeply. Eventually the trail nearly disappeared but I could see the ridge top just ahead. I popped out onto a leafy road. Following this road and my GPS, I was able to...
You wouldn't think someone could drive to these isolated high ridges. Here is a photo on a ridge in North Carolina that is over 4600 feet elevation. These 4-wheelers leave behind more than rutted washes. The drivers also haul up all manner of camp material, chairs, tarps, ropes, tables, and grills. This is mostly left permanently onsite. It builds and adds to the accumulation of garbage and left-behinds. For the few that drive into these remote areas, these left behind stashes allow the convenience of a lazy and...
So often we just plod along the trail with our eyes on the trail ahead, staring at rocks and roots as we pick our way step by repetitive step. We might be listening to a recorded book or music or perhaps having a conversation with another hiker or even with ourselves. Take some time to turn off the music and look up into the trees (without tripping over a rock). Looking around will force you to slow down for a while. Take that opportunity to tune into the sounds...
