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Protected: Breaking in the new Brady cabin on New Year’s Eve 2012
January 31, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Newfound Gap Road Closed Due To Landslide
January 17, 2013 By 3 Comments
Fortunately, we had no delays during our annual winter hike in the Smokies last weekend, but Newfound Gap is now officially closed per the Hiking The Smokies blog: "A landslide along Newfound Gap Road near mile marker 22 has caused an extended closure of the road. Great Smoky Mountains National Park has closed Newfound Gap Road (U.S. 441) due to a landslide which undercut the road near mile marker 22 between Collins Creeks and Webb Overlook at 9:40 am. The slide is estimated to be a 200 foot … [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...]
Video Of Steven Ainsworth’s Helicopter Rescue In The Smokies
December 15, 2012 By Leave a Comment
In early November, I posted an article about an Appalachian Trail southbound thru-hiker that was rescued in the Smokies after riding out Hurricane Sandy. Steven Ainsworth battled record snowfall and survived for three days before calling 911 for help. Here's footage and some commentary from the HuffPost on the helicopter rescue: Tennessee Highway Patrol Sgt. Brad Lund and his crew of three had taken to the air after park rangers on foot failed to reach Ainsworth. "We have had numerous … [Read more...]
Episode 11: Wild Turkey
December 14, 2012 By Leave a Comment
In Episode 11, Katie (aka Wild Turkey) talks about her ventures in to the wilderness - hiking and backpacking with both friends and family in the Southeast. Topics include the weather and its impact on the experience, the gear you need for the Trail, and hiking with infants and young children. Katie is the first female to do a solo interview for N2Backpacking and she delivers with this New Year's Eve conversation recorded in Elljay, Georgia. Katie talks about some pristine destinations … [Read more...]
October Superstorm “Sandy” Hits The Smokies
November 1, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Snow in The Smokies is a common occurance in the winter - especially in the higher elevations - but snow drifts of 5 feet? And before Halloween? Unbelievable. Here's an Associated Press quote from a local newspaper describing a man that got caught on the Appalachian Trail between Pecks Corner and Tri-Corner Knob Shelter: GATLINBURG, Tenn. (AP) — A man trying to hike the entire 2,180 miles of the Appalachian Trail was rescued Friday after calling 911 to say he didn’t think he’d be able … [Read more...]
