Ruth: Gord is camped on the top of Bald Mountain tonight so here is a bed time story about the Hermit of Bald mountain, a man named David Grier. Now our best friend and house mate is a Don Grier who is the descendant of... Read More

I met Tim at Walnut Mountain Shelter the night before I arrived at Hot Springs, N.C.  He was out on a lengthy day hike and paused for a smoke and a drink.  Tim thru hiked the AT a few years ago and tries to get... Read More

It was forecast to rain last night for the first time in a week.  I therefore ensured that I was in a shelter rather than the tent.  What I had not anticipated, however, was the wind.  It was blowing on the ridges all day yesterday,... Read More

This morning I saw another bear.  He saw me first and did what was best for both he and I: he ran away as fast as his furry black legs could take him.Bears in this area have good reason to flee humans as quickly as... Read More

Today I came down from the high ridges in the Smokies: last night I slept at 5,900 feet and tonight I am only at 2,700.  This has the effect of taking me back in time with respect to the seasons.  At the higher elevations fall... Read More

There is one road that crosses the AT in its 70 mile run through the Park.  I found myself on the side of that road at 3:30 yesterday, with the possibility of walking 3 miles uphill to the next shelter, or hitching into town for... Read More