3/22/03
Did another 13 miles today. Too much too soon, cutting back to 10 for the next week. I’m going to replace some gear in Franklin. Trying to go a little lighter. (Pictures 1-4: Are of my first night alone. Pics of my campsite – set up – tent – bear bag.)

It’s beautiful and in the 60’s during the day but drops down to about 30 in the evening. Warmer gear is a bit heavier than summer gear. Need to hold on to that until I get through the Smokies. It’s pretty freaky how the wind kicks up around these mountains at night. It’s intermittent – a calm – a sudden build from the distance – then it’s like crashing thunder trying to carry your tent away.

3/23/03
(Picture 5: the NC/GA border) I’m in NC – there are clusters of rhodedendrums in these mountains like you wouldn’t believe. It’s like you’re walking through a tunnel of them. It’s a pity they’re not in bloom.

WOW! Some people hike the whole trail and never even see a bear. I had a bear encounter today – it was exciting. I was walking through an area where there was some pretty thick vegetation on either side when all of a sudden the whole area moved and I heard a loud, deep, groan. Never heard anything like it. Didn’t seem real. I stopped until it was quiet, than quickly moved on. Pretty cool. Chilling tonight at the Muskrat Creek Shelter. (Picture 6: an example of what a nice shelter looks like)

3/24/03
Nice easy day in North Carolina – beautiful countryside. The Georgia portion is well-maintained and visited, mainly because Atlanta is only one hour away. North Carolina is more in the sticks. No major city is near the trail, so out here you’re a little more remote. And it feels that way. (Picture 7-8: a white blaze, the longest marked foot path in the world. Around every corner there is a rhodedehndrum tunnel – here’s an example.)

Met enough characters to put together a serious comedy. The latest is Yaekor, what a laugh. One short day then Franklin. Sore knees & feet are the norm. Important to listen to the body. Stress fractures in the feet and blown out knees are very common. Takes about one month to get your trail legs.

3/25/03
Staying at Big Spring Shelter tonight. Here with an older gentleman named Hamlet. He’s 60 and it’s been his dream for many years to hike this Trail. Everyone doing this is so passionate. (Last picture is a view from Albert Mountain, NC.)

Very excited about the Smokies, and climbing the highest mountain in the east – Clingmans dome (6,643).

For more information on this portion of the trail, visit the: Nantahala Hiking Club (www.maconweb.com/nhc/)