AT 2022 - A Contrarian in the Caravan

Our very own jmitch started a couple of weeks ago. He’s done with Georgia and is currently hiking through North Carolina.

Will you be keeping a trail journal westy?

I like your approach to this! Happy hiking.

Taking a Zero Day in Franklin, NC for resupply and rest. Have stealth camped, slept in a shelter, camped in shelter and designated areas along the way. Been schooled a bit by the AT and comfortable dealing with the Caravan. As a contrarian I registered as a thru hiker knowing full well not my plan. My tag number 1570 was issued on March 19th. The number of tags has since grown to over 2200 and more to come. Wasted a Zero in tent during a rather fierce rainstorm with extraordinarily high winds. Took a Nearo in Hiawassee, GA as the opportunity presented itself and my planned Nearo at Neels Gap, Mountan Crossing evaporated. Mountain Crossing no longer has a hostel.  


Obligatory photo at start of the 8.1-mile Amicalola approach trail to Springer Mountain.


Amicalola Falls


Springer Mountain (3,782') - The official southern terminus of the Appalachian Trail


Steve - Can you believe we both went into the Army on the same month and year. He served 27 years mostly as 11B (Infantry) first sergeant. He lost a son in Afghanistan in 2006 and is hiking in his memory. Although in many ways we are poles apart, I enjoyed a couple days hiking with him before he took some time off for minor leg situation. 


Roger and Susan at Long Creek Falls. They don't have trail names this early in the hike. Roger is from Connecticut and currently lives in Moab. He works maintaining trails and eradicating invasive plants. Susan is from Annapolis, MD, the former Peace Corp volunteer (Benin) left her job teaching English in Korea to hike the AT. They have just met, and I suspect they will be core members of an AT Tramily.


A moonlight view from summit of Blood Mountain (4,458') GA about 6:00 AM on a cold and windy alpine start morning.


The shoe tree at Neels Gap, GA. The story goes that SOBO hikers throw them in the tree to celebrate the final 30 miles to the Southern Terminus after buying new shoes at Mountain Crossing. The truth is Mountain Crossing business model is refitting NOBO hikers with packs and shoes early on. 


Early morning mist rising


Can You Believe It? Fashion copycat hiker Mike (WA) donning a Tilley Hat and White Shirt, my trademark hiking attire!


First Light from the Blue Mountain Shelter mi 50.1. Everyone was in tents, so I scored a solo berth in the shelter. P.S. Only saw one mouse.


Tray Mountain Trail Angels - Hot dogs, fruit, soft drinks, chips etc. and charging station. I ate 4 hot dogs.


You know the famous White Blazes on the AT, here's an official paint kit for trail marking.


Thus far, the AT is super maintained, a true walk in the woods. Stopped here to thank these Georgia AT Trail crew group. Chatted with them for a bit as nearly ten hikers passed through. Not one thanked them for performing trail maintenance. 



Took a Nearo in Hiawassee, GA a perfect trail town, small, gear store, nice supermarket and the Budget Inn. This is Gracie my driver. This retired Hillsborough County, FL police officer is still driving and picking up smelly people only now she doesn't have to handcuff 'em.


Speaking of the Budget Inn....I'm ranking the Budget Inn as a five-star fleabag motel. Although way old, seemingly broken down with rusty laundry machines is amazingly totally functional and super clean.


Standard AT photo op!


The many frosty nights and mornings surprised me.


Dawn overlooking the Nantahala National Forest, NC


Another standard AT photo op. Celebration AT mi 100 at the Albert Mountain (5,213') fire tower.



Meet Doubleback, my kind of trail angel, beer and cigarettes at Rock Gap. 


Beverlie - Scored a ride with her from Winding Stairs Gap to Franklin, NC. Took me to the post office to collect my resupply package and onto the hostel. She left and I dropped my kit at the hostel and walked downtown for a glove upgrade and lunch. Upon returning to the hostel, I lasted about 20 minutes before calling Beverlie to come rescue me and take me to the Comfort Inn. My private room was in the basement. The bunkbeds were stacked like sardines outside the room. The room had no windows. I felt like I was in jail and serving my time in solitary. The owner was overwhelmed (no help) and bipolar. I picked up my gear and essentially ran back downtown to sit on a Main Street bench to await extradition by Beverlie.



Across the street from my perch on the bench was a law office decorated in Boston Marathon window dressing. I walked in to perhaps meet a fellow New Englander. Come to find out the attorney will be participating this year.


Here you go! Main Street, Franklin, NC!

Where Murphy Met Me....

Underestimated cold, windy weather.

• My rain mitts kept wind out but my thin glove liners not up to the task. 
• Now sporting a pair of Black Diamond Midweight Screentap gloves.
• My super thin wool skull cap great for sleeping, not so great as a standalone hat.
• Decided to just grin and bear it. So many hats at home, just couldn't go redundant again.

Memo to File:

• Check your zippers!....before you hike!

I agree! Excellent!

Where are you now Westy?

Very nice Westy! Making progress. I can see now that those shelters would never work for me. My snoring would have me kicked out inside of 5 minutes.