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!
Last (planned) day on the trail for the year.
October 17, 2022
AT miles: 8.6
Ascent: 1801’
Descent: 2309’
Weather: mid-50’s, foggy, and windy
Sightings: a dusky salamander
High points: hiking through the foggy woods and finishing up this section!
Up and over Big Bald!
October 16, 2022
Ascent: 2782’
Descent: 3211’
Weather: mid-60’s, cloudy, and blustery
Sightings: chipmunks!
High points: the amazing views from Big Bald Mtn
October 15, 2022
AT miles: 11.3
Ascent: 1492’
Descent: 2958’
Weather: sunny, low 70’s, and breezy — perfect!
High points: sitting around a campfire after a glorious hike
Back on the trail for a few days!
October 14, 2022
AT miles: 8.3 miles
Ascent: 454’
Descent: 2106’
Weather: cool, sunny, and breezy
Sightings: gorgeous foliage
High points: It was great to be back on the trail on such a perfect day!
2022 Summary
Tackling the most difficult section in the mid-Atlantic and finishing NJ.
August 30, 2022
Ascent: 741’
Descent: 671’
Weather: hot, hazy, and humid (mid-80’s)
Sightings: blue-tailed skinks, deer, chipmunks, and a woodpecker
High points: enjoying the views from Prospect Rock and completing the entire New Jersey section of the AT!
Last day in NJ.
August 29, 2022
AT miles: 12.0
Ascent: 2017’
Descent: 1726’
Weather: hot, hazy, and humid (mid 80’s)
Sightings: a fawn and lots of random birds
High points: walking the Pochuk Boardwalk and eating a cider doughnut ice cream sandwich