Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 14
  1. #1
    New Member
    Join Date
    Jun 2010
    Location
    Deltona, Fl
    Hammock
    claytor jungle hammock
    Tarp
    camo poncho
    Insulation
    insu poncho liner
    Suspension
    modified D ring
    Posts
    9

    Recent trip to the AT

    I try to backpack a section of the AT twice a year. This trip the last week of August had to be shorter than normal (4 days). I picked up a hiking partner enroute, we started at the Nantahala Outdoor center and traveled to Fontana Dam. The first section going north is one of the toughest climbs in the area. Ascended from 1800 ft to 5000 ft summit at Cheoa Bald with overnight stop at Sassafras gap shelter. Weather was perfect 75 day and 58 at night. Found metal ammo box at peak with notebook for notes from every traveler. No bear problems and saw some large deer. Hammock and rain fly worked perfect as well as alcohol stove. Meal prep was minimal effort and quick. Found all water sources almost dried up and had to put a coffee cup in the small stream and wait for it to fill up before using water filter. Time consuming but also time to rest. We were sleeping 10 and 11 hours every night. (great for recharge). The climb down to Steoah Gap was a treacherous rocky trail at times with a lot of fallen trees blocking the only path along ridge switchbacks. The next section to Brown Fork Gap was very steep but short, then mostly downhill or gradual to Fontana Dam. I used Jeff and Nancy from The Hike Inn for shuttle back and as usual they are wonderful. I am posting a couple of pics. The pic of me is dirty and tired but triumphant at 5000 ft mark.
    Attached Images Attached Images

  2. #2
    Senior Member Poppabear's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2009
    Location
    Lexington Park, MD
    Hammock
    Warbonnet Blackbird 1.7
    Tarp
    Zpacks Cuben Fiber
    Insulation
    Leigh's UQ
    Suspension
    Whoopies/Treestrap
    Posts
    1,392
    Thanks for sharing your pictures and report.
    Terry

  3. #3
    richtorfla's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2009
    Location
    Clearwater,Florida
    Hammock
    Warbonnet BB, Ridgerunner
    Tarp
    AHE Toxaway:UGQ WD
    Insulation
    UGQ,KAQ,Tewa
    Suspension
    strap/buckles
    Posts
    1,965
    Images
    1
    Awesome views! Makes me envious. Want to get up there one day. Looks like the trip was worth it in that first pic!

  4. #4
    Senior Member Muskrat's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2009
    Location
    Irmo, SC
    Hammock
    WBBB Double 1.7
    Tarp
    Super Fly
    Insulation
    Burrow,Yetti,WInc
    Suspension
    webbing/Dutchclips
    Posts
    1,028
    Remember that hike very well. Had a group of kids with me and when we arrived at Sassafras Gap shelter, it was full. Kids were done hiking, it was dark, everyone was hungry so we ended up setting two tents literally right off the trail. Didn't care what others thought, just wanted food and sleep.

    Thanks for bringing back some good memories. Nice pics too.
    “He doesn't know the meaning of the word fear, but then again he doesn't know the meaning of most words”
    - Bobby Bowden

  5. #5
    Senior Member NCPatrick's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Location
    Winston-Salem, NC
    Hammock
    WB Traveler
    Tarp
    Custom OES tarp
    Insulation
    JRB Down UQ/TQ
    Suspension
    Whoopie slings
    Posts
    8,797
    Images
    40
    Thanks for the trip report. Congrats on your successful hike, and thanks for the pictures!


    "Civilization is the limitless multiplication of unnecessary necessities."
    - Mark Twain
    “I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order.”
    - John Burroughs

  6. #6
    Dutch's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2007
    Location
    Reinholds, PA
    Hammock
    Bridgeskin
    Tarp
    DIY Blackcat
    Insulation
    DIY Quilts
    Suspension
    Whoopie sling
    Posts
    9,558
    Images
    201
    That is a great section, I plan on doing it between Christmas and new years. Great trip report.
    Peace Dutch
    GA>ME 2003

    www.MakeYourGear.com
    http://dutchwaregear.com[/URL]
    Visit Dutchwaregear on facebook (and like it)
    Check us out on Twitter @dutchwaregear

  7. #7
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Dec 2008
    Location
    south carolina
    Hammock
    none
    Tarp
    none
    Posts
    829
    That t-shirt is great
    I have heard your confession I know who you blame
    If you had it all back you'd just lose it again
    Can't bank on redemption if you ain't saved
    Don't bring me your tales of temptation and loss
    Don't bring me the pieces of your shattered cross

    -- Stuart Adamson

  8. #8
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Dec 2009
    Location
    Md
    Posts
    5,221
    Great report and pic's, I will get to that section one day, workin my way south from Maryland!!!

  9. #9
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Jan 2010
    Location
    Holland, NJ
    Hammock
    GT UL and Home Made
    Tarp
    Home Made sil
    Insulation
    UQ and TQ Homemade
    Suspension
    Home Made Woopies
    Posts
    197
    You didn't mention you came across a scarecrow. lol Nice pic's and thats great weather too!!!

  10. #10
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Location
    Mountainside, NJ
    Hammock
    depends on weather
    Tarp
    SWT
    Insulation
    various
    Suspension
    Straps, Dutch Clip
    Posts
    1,422
    Images
    11
    Sounds, and looks, like a great time! Thanks for sharing your trip.

  • + New Posts
  • Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

    Similar Threads

    1. Recent convert from WNC
      By ChrisP in forum Introduce Yourself
      Replies: 17
      Last Post: 08-18-2014, 07:48
    2. recent convert
      By visionarylion in forum Introduce Yourself
      Replies: 11
      Last Post: 07-30-2012, 17:11
    3. Recent projects
      By BullFrog in forum Do-It-Yourself (DIY)
      Replies: 4
      Last Post: 03-05-2012, 19:34
    4. My recent hang
      By gunn parker in forum Trip Reports
      Replies: 6
      Last Post: 12-16-2008, 21:07

    Tags for this Thread

    Bookmarks

    Posting Permissions

    • You may not post new threads
    • You may not post replies
    • You may not post attachments
    • You may not edit your posts
    •