Leaving Virginia, we entered a land of beautiful bald-topped mountains that requires hikers learn the skill of burying their own excrement (Tennessee has strict anti-outhouse ordinances :-p). Along the way we were pelted wetly by the fringes of Hurricane Joaquin and we’re bounced back and forth across the Tenn/NC state line…
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Lake Watauga dam. This area was closed to all activity (other than quickly hiking through) due to local fishermen creating a bear nuisance problem by feeding the bruins fish guts. The fishermen are also currently banned…
Laurel Falls…
Getting nearer…
Jess thought it funny how intricate my bear-bag line weaving has become. Unfortunately it was too dark for the camera to pick out, but I thought the pic was funny nonetheless…
Wet hiking toward Over mountain Shelter (converted barn) in the Roan Highlands…
Looking toward the Smokies…
Bard the Changeling – fellow hiker…
Nolichucky Gorge – hiking south out of Erwin, Tennessee…only town in America to have lynched an elephant.
Bird-Bander on Big Bald holding a Yellow-Shafted Northern Flicker…
Almost to the Smokies…
Big dead tree over the trail…
Jess holding it up so that I can pass safely…
Unfortunately, Mom’s only opens when mom feels the urge…
Crazy eats (shared :-p). Burger & BLT inside 2 grilled cheeses…
Max Patch…
FAA antenna…
Up into the Smokies. Colors changing…
Smokies spotted with dead hemlock due to the Wooly Adelgid…
I went out to wet the grass late last night and my head-lamp picked out eyes peering back at me. Thinking bear, I left well-enough alone and went back to the safety of the shelter. At first light I decided to check the “eye spot”, and it tuned out to be the lost and quite hungry bear-dog Locust…who was miles from his home. A young couple sharing the shelter with us took him down the mountain and according to a ranger we spoke with late today, Locust was reunited with his owners. Bear- dogs like blueberrie Cliff Bars. 🙂
We arrived today at Newfound Gap, half-way through the Smokies. We have about 200 miles left in this journey and will probably not have another opportunity to post another blog until it is over. Check back in 2 weeks or so to see how it all shakes out. Thanks for following!
Milander Adventures 2015 AT 
Glad to see you are still in summery clothes so far; We noted that New England has snow in the mountains already. Iowa had a frost last night and again tonight. Still just jacket weather in the daytime, though sunshine will give way to rain soon. Uncle Bill had a great time in St. Louis with Uncle John and your Mother . I liked getting to see what the balds look like. M and M. .
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Looking at your pictures every day; Counted 7 layers of color in the photo of First sight of the Smokies. Did the bird bander have a mist net? What were the double stacked red cans for -bird containment,so foot could be held for the banding? Do these records go to Cornell University? So many questions. You ought to become speakers for hire with all your exciting stories and knowledge and equipment to show off and tricks of veteran thru hikers. Start with University student groups; They have budgets for this. We know a good dog who needs some show time and is a good greeter. M and M
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Congratulations! I’ve heard that 2,000 people every year accept the AT challenge and only 1 in 5 complete it.
You must be very happy you did it! Glad you’re safe and sound back home 🙂
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Sounds like you are finishing at the right time. frost and some flurries here in New York, so good that you are sown South. Good luck with the last stretch!
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Loved walking with you in Pa/NY- you have had an amazing trip- I’m proud of you and for you. I’m heading up to Erwin for a 50 mi. hike on Thursday. Sorry I missed you. Maybe I’ll catch you in your Georgia finishing lap. Congratulations! Pastor John from Georgia
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