By daybreak we had 8 1/2 inches of snow on the ground and Boone Dawg got to partake in his first snow hike. Here we are on the Long Branch Trail descending from the Appalachian Trail to Standing Indian Campground. That's a happy dog. … [Read more...]
Warm-Up With A Cold Beer!!!
February 4, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Roger "aka" the Camel warms up with a cold beer after we get pelted with a snowstorm all afternoon. It eventually dumps 8 1/2 inches on us. … [Read more...]
Arriving At Long Branch Shelter In A Driving Snowstorm
February 4, 2013 By Leave a Comment
The Crew arrives at the newly constructed Long Branch Shelter as a driving snow storm pelts us with what turns out to be 8 1/2 inches of snow. When we leave Atlanta, the forecast is for temperatures in the 50's in nearby Franklin, N.C. but as we drive the 2 1/2 hours north to the Appalachian Trail we spot a line of clouds and a cold front pushing in from the Northwest. Mobile checks at the Weather Channel has the forecast in constant flux - and deteriorating quickly. The light rain projected … [Read more...]
Victory! Road Cleared And Time To Roll
December 24, 2012 By Leave a Comment
After snapping a tow rope and laboring for over 30 minutes, our primitive backcountry tools finally prevail and we clear this downed pine tree on U.S. Forest Road 77 in the Chattahoochee Forest. The beautiful, clear, (albeit cold) day had eight cars and a motorcycle backed up on the road as a throng of outdoor enthusiasts drove toward the Appalachian Trail near Springer Mountain. … [Read more...]
Tree Down – U.S. Forest Road 77, Chattahoochee National Forest
December 24, 2012 By Leave a Comment
After 24 hours of 25+ MPH winds, this large pine gave way and blocked our drive up U.S. Forest Road 77 in the Chattahoochee National Forest. We were on our way to backpack a section of the Appalachian Trail near Three Forks, and after snapping a tow line - got to work using a Sven campsaw and a small hatchet to clear the path. Fortunately, our primitive backcountry tools prevailed and after 30 minutes, we were moving again. Eight trucks and a motorcycle awaited passage. So after the next big … [Read more...]
Long Branch Shelter replaces the old Big Springs Gap Shelter
December 20, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Out with the old ... and in with the new: The Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Nantahala Hiking Club, and a local company - Goshen Timber Frames - teamed up for the construction of Long Branch Shelter near Glassmine Gap. The new structure is located north of Standing Indian on the Appalachian Trail and about 17 miles from Franklin, N.C. The new two-story Long Branch Shelter replaces the old Big Springs Gap Shelter (shown below), which was built just north of Albert Mountain. The Big Springs … [Read more...]
Episode 10: Crocker Mountains (P2)
October 18, 2012 By Leave a Comment
In Episode 10, Brett (aka Therm Rider) talks about our recent hike along the Appalachian Trail near Stratton, Maine. This is the second of a two part series that recaps our October 2012 backpacking trip in New England. In this interview, Brett talks about our travel to the trailhead, our punishing ascent & descent of the Crocker Mountains, and our multi-night stays in the trail town of Stratton. The old thru-hiker adage, "No Rain, No Pain, No Maine" rings true on this hike, and … [Read more...]
