Snow, Frosty Weather, & Exceptional Hikers

   Almost a month in, I’ve seen tons of rain with some very friged temputures. Sleeping in a hammock during a thunder storm can be a very tricky thing. Add big wind, 15° temp with a light layer of snow. Your in for a fantastic night on the A.T

Sitting at the N.O.C, drinking tons of beer. Stuffing as much food as I can physically get in my stomach while pondering on this great adventure so far. It’s been a wild ride since taking on those pesky stairs at Amicalola almost a month ago. Dealing with crappy cold rain and having everything you own freeze really makes you enjoy the little things, like drinking a smores porter at a river side restaurant right off the trail. I’m a happy camper.

Besides all the freezing weather, this journey so far has been a fantastic Appalachian adventure. Loving every step of the way. Having seen some beautiful mountain top sunsets, bears, crazy thick fog while doing nothing but laughing my ass off at all the crazy people I’ve meet so far. Starting early in the season was the best idea I’ve ever had. Tons of solitude, with encounters with great people. So many veterans hiking the trail. A fellow hiker named Crazy Tree. Hiking the trail for the children’s hospital of Atlanta,  raising thousands for the cause. Truly exceptional people hiking this year.

Excited to see what the next section of the trail holds for me. The trail has traversed so greatly since leaving georgia behind. Running across 5000ft ridge lines, hiking through wild fire burns and amazing fire towers. I can only imagine what I have ahead as I enter the smoky mountains. Really looking forward to walking through that section. Which I heard might have snow on the ground. Best of luck to everyone as their journey begins. 

-GATOR