I started out early today and the rain has stopped. But only for a short while; it restarted and rained for most of the 10 1/2 mile hike.

The views continued to be filled with clouds, and the rain continued all the way to the end of the hike. It felt great to be out of the Smokies and have the national park behind me.

The gem of the day was meeting Chris, who just finished a fastest known time of the Benton MacKaye Trail. He’s a Triple Crowner and he’s the real deal.

AT Thru-Hike Stats
Section Day #27 (4/8/23)
Start - Cosby Knob (231.1)
End - Standing Bear (241.5)
Today's mileage: 10.4
Total section miles: 184.1
Section Avg:  8.0*
Total miles on AT: 1220.0
   * Zeros (4) not included

Life’s Tragedy is that we get old to soon and wise too late.

Benjamin Franklin

The hike today was a long one in the rain. Including the distance from the shelter to the trail it was 13.4 miles. I was surprised at how quickly the miles went even though the weather was absolutely horrible.

I arrived at Cosby Knob Shelter in time to get a spot before the crowds arrived. It was a good thing, because the rain continued on to the next day.

AT Thru-Hike Stats
Section Day #26 (4/7/23)
Start - Peck’s Corner (218.2)
End - Cosby Knob (231.1)
Today's mileage: 12.9
Total section miles: 173.7
Section Avg:  7.9*
Total miles on AT: 1209.6
   * Zeros (4) not included

Health is the greatest gift, contentment the greatest wealth, faithfulness the best relationship.

Buddha

Started out at Newfound Gap after hitchhiking from Cherokee; got a ride quick and easy. The hike was long along the ridge with amazing views. I’m at Peck’s Corner Shelter for the night with rain expected overnight into tomorrow.

AT Thru-Hike Stats
Section Day #25 (4/6/23)
Start - Newfound Gap (207.7)
End - Peck’s Corner (218.2)
Today's mileage: 10.5
Total section miles: 160.8
Section Avg:  7.7*
Total miles on AT: 1196.7
   * Zeros (4) not included

Don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel at: YouTube.com/@PuffinsHike

It is better to conquer yourself than to win a thousand battles. Then the victory is yours. It cannot be taken from you, not by angels or by demons, heaven or hell.

Buddha

Today I forced myself to take a day off trail. I will be heading from the Tiny Cabin in the Woods to Cherokee, North Carolina. Rest, laundry and resupply are on the agenda; perhaps some ice cream and tourist shopping too!

To succeed in your mission, you must have single-minded devotion to your goal.

Abdul Kalam

Today I connected with my previous hikes through the Smokies. Over 200 miles from Springer Mountain is now complete. Tomorrow I’ll be jumping to Newfound Gap to complete my hike through the Smokies.

I’m at the Tiny Hiker Cabin in the Woods for the night. Tomorrow will be a zero in Cherokee, North Carolina before heading into the Smokies.

AT Thru-Hike Stats
Section Day #23 (4/4/23)
Start - Sassafras Gap (143.8)
End - Stecoah Gap (150.6)
Today's mileage: 6.8
Total section miles: 150.6
Section Avg:  7.5*
Total miles on AT: 1186.2
   * Zeros (3) not included

The saddest thing I can imagine is to get used to luxury.

Charlie Chaplin