Appalachian Trail - Springer Mountain to Neel's Gap - Video

I finally finished the video from our trip to Springer Mountain.

I had to utilize a different video editor this time so I had a bit of a learning curve to deal with.

Happy Trails!!!

Rovious

Appalachian Trail - Hughes Gap to Erwin, TN - Day 3 (8.8 miles)

    
     It rained for a little while last night, but had tailed off sometime before 12am (the first time I woke up and checked the clock).  The rest of the night was a comfortable temperature and very quiet, but for some reason I could not get physically comfortable. I drifted in and out of sleep most of the night and finally decided to get up around 6:10 am.
     I hit the trail at a few minutes past 7 and decided I would take a comfortable, but diligent pace back to Uncle Johnny's.  The reason for making good time was due to unfortunate circumstances. My hiking partner had hit his limit around Beauty Spot Gap and decided to get off the trail and get a shuttle back to the hostel.  Since I had already made camp when I got the news and it was later in the evening I decided to stay out alone and just hike the 8.8 miles to town early the next morning.
     I was treated to a beautiful morning full of sunshine, moderate temperatures and beautiful views.  A cloud had settled into the lower elevations and since the trees weren't into full bloom I could get a pretty good view of the valley below.
     The trip was mostly downhill and I made good time. I still took time to take a lot of pictures and videos as well as take in some of the scenery, but made it back to UJ's by 10:30.
     Another great weekend kicking around in the woods!!!

Until the next adventure....

Happy Trails!!!!

Appalachian Trail - Hughes Gap to Erwin TN - DAY 2 (16 miles)

Got a good early start today. We had 16 miles ahead of us and a pretty good climb up Unaka Mountain so there wasn't a whole lot of time to fool around for 2 out of shape hikers :)
The day was supposed to be filled with rain, but we were fortunate enough to only get some lite showers for a couple ours around lunch time.
I sat underneath a spruce tree which shaded me from the rain while I ate turkey jerky and granola bars. It wasn't too bad although a bit chilly (my thermometer said 53). I stayed warm by zipping up my rain jacket and huddling next to the tree.
My 2 favorite parts of the day were the spruce forest and the view from Beauty Spot. Both offered their own unique splendor and mysitque.
I rolled into camp at 4:30 and did my chores. The sun is just now trying to make its way through the clouds while I lay here in my tent typing before getting ready to eat dinner.
Until tomorrow....

Appalachian Trail - Hughes Gap to Erwin TN - Day 1 (5 miles)

We arrived at Uncle Johnny's at 3:30. Our shuttle driver was waiting for us so we promptly hopped in the car and headed up the road.
It was a little strange when I arrived at Hughes Gap at 4:30. I've been to this trail head almost a dozen times, but it's always to head north over Roan Mountain for one of the best sections of the entire AT.
We made our way along a gradual climb over 2.2 miles to the top of Little Rock Knob. Although the sky was overcast and threatening rain we were able to take in a beautiful view of the valley below.
After a snack break we headed down the trail another 2.8 miles to Greesy Creek Gap where I am now typing this listening to the rain spatter on my tent.
Until tomorrow.....