Well ... the weather forecaster blew this one. Here we are on Day 2 and it's still snowing. When we left Atlanta, the forecast was for temps in the 50's in nearby Franklin, N.C. But on the Appalachian Trail (and at 4000+ feet) .... it was a bit cooler!! I wonder if the Boyz will make it out of Standing Indian Campground with two-wheel drive?? … [Read more...]
Boone Dawg’s First Snow Hike
February 5, 2013 By Leave a Comment
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...]
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...]
