Appalachian Trail 2023

May 28, 2023
AT miles: 13.0
Ascent: 3088’
Descent: 2136’
Weather: mid-50’s, cloudy, with a huge rain shower in the afternoon
Sightings: lots of deep dark conifer forests
High points: I climbed Clingmans Dome, the highest point on the AT!

May 27, 2023
AT miles: 12.1
Ascent: 2523’
Descent: 2185’
Weather: cloudy and high 50’s
Sightings: lots of tired hikers
High points: the views from Rocky

April 28, 2023
AT miles: 15.1
Ascent: 2649’
Descent: 4026’
Weather: mid~50’s and soaking rain all day
Sightings: rain slickers and raindrops
High points: successfully navigating the super-slippery trail

April 25, 2023
AT miles: 5.7
Ascent: 1081’
Descent: 866’
Weather: partly cloudy and mid-50’s
High points: the many great views and the wonderful dinner at the NOC

April 24, 2023
AT miles: 10.6
Ascent: 1963’
Descent: 2480’
Weather: sunny and cool— highs in the mid-50’s
Sightings:
High points: just walking along the trail

April 23, 2023
AT miles: 10.0
Ascent: 2532’
Descent: 1808’
Weather: cold and gray, with highs in the low 50’s
Sightings: a chipmunk, a friendly bird, and lots of wildflowers
High points: the incredible view from Siler Bald (and the donuts we were generously given)

April 22, 2023
AT miles: 8.3
Ascent: 2300’
Descent: 2064’
Weather: rainy but clearing, colder with highs in the 50’s
Sightings: gorgeous wildflowers, several unidentified birds
High points: spending several mellow hours hanging around probably the most beautiful shelter I’ve been at on the Appalachian Trail waiting for my hiking buddies

First day back on the trail in 2023 filling in from Deep Gap to Fontana Dam.
April 21, 2023
Ascent: 2934’
Descent: 2779’
Weather: clear, sunny, and mid-60’s — perfect hiking weather.
High points: it’s great to be back on the trail again. And since it’s spring, the wildflowers are amazing!