Kevin's AT Thru Hike

Day 21, Wednesday, 4/6 – Sprite and I woke up at 5am and were hiking by 6:15. Rain was forecasted to start at 3pm, so we wanted to have camp set up before the rain started. It was still dark when we started hiking, so we were hiking with headlamps. This was my first time night hiking on the AT, and it was a great experience. We were hiking along as dawn was breaking, so we got to see the forest waking up. The progression started with stars, then low ambient light, then birds starting to chirp, then the sunrise, then sunburst through the trees, and early morning mist burning off. It was a nice change of pace from hiking only during daylight hours. Sprite and I carried a lively conversation the whole morning.

Newfound Gap is a popular parking area, and we had heard that there was frequently trail magic. We heard right. We got to Newfound Gap at about 9am, and we were greeted by Stephanie. Stephanie is a photographer, and she was taking portraits of thru hikers as they passed through. Very unique trail magic! Below is a photo of me with Stephanie and her dog Bronx. I also attached the portraits of myself, Sprite, and Jeff.

I also met Elizabeth and Mary who came fully stocked with treats. I got a Starbucks Frappuccino, a cosmic brownie, an orange, and a banana. It was a much needed refuel. Elizabeth and Mary are involved with a hiker organization and have hiked all 900 miles of the Smokies.

Just as we were about to leave, Mike came up and gave out cookies and beef sticks. Such great people today.

Jeff is another thru hiker who met up with Sprite and I at Newfound Gap. Jeff was camping with us last night, and I’ve run into her before, but this was our first long interaction. She’s was philosophy major, and was very interesting to talk to. We ended up hiking with her all the way to Peck’s Corner Shelter from Newfound Gap.

Hiking North out of Newfound Gap, we passed Charlie’s Bunion, which is known for its great views. In fact, the photo on the blog homepage is from Charlies Bunion from a hike in 2020. With the bad weather in the forecast, I wasn’t expecting a good view, so I was pleasantly surprised that the view wasn’t obstructed. All the views along the way were gorgeous today. This is my favorite section of trail so far.

We all beat the rain to the shelter, but all the shelter spots were full. I’ve been lucky lately, so I’m ok tenting tonight. Although, I’m not happy with my site selection. I’m on a hill, so water might want to run under the tent. The tent spot is also slightly concave, so it might pool water. I’m set up near the shelter, so if I get wetted out, I’ll go sleep on the floor of the shelter.

I caught back up with Genie, Liz, Willow, and Birthday Sandwich. They all went extra miles yesterday, got caught in the storm, so took it easy today and dried out. Parkour and Jetpack also made it to Pecks. Ax Hole is meeting up with a friend in Gatlinburg, so will be a few days behind.

9:00pm update: it’s been storming heavy for a good 10 minutes. The rain is absolutely pouring, the lightning is legitimately bright, and the thunder is loud. The storm is on top of me and it’s intense. So far so good, but I hope it passes soon.

9:30pm update: the thunder, lightning, and heavy rain have passed.

11:00pm update: I fell asleep, I shouldn’t have looked at my phone, I was hoping it would be later than it is. It’s still raining.

6:30am update: I slept through the night and I’m as dry as I could hope to be. Sleeping bag foot box is wet, but that’ll dry out just fine.