Say Hello to Cool Pants...

          The hiker formerly known as Sean is now Cool Pants. Thats the trail name I was given apparently because of the plaid board shorts I hike in. I like it! Cool Pants does not like snakes though... Why'd it have to be snakes!? Id pick running into a bear over a snake any day. But it'd had to be a huge rattlesnake when I was coming down into Hot Springs, NC. It was the perfect day to see one. The mountain was hot and dry totally opposite of the Smokys when I was sliding down the mountain on ice. Its nice that the rattlesnake does give you a warning tho and he sure did. I happened to be hiking with someone that day and he thought it was a good idea to move the highly venomous thing off the trail. I can't say I thought this was smart but with a good part of a fallen tree we pushed him to the side. He didn't go easy. The guy that I was hiking with that day I had ran into the night before on top of this freakin awesome place Max Patch. Ive told a lot of people about that place and I'd say it was the highlight of my trip so far. Anyways, Toby was just out for a short overnighter or two when I told him I was planing on pulling out 20 miles to Hot Springs. He jumped on board and the next day we were on it. I hadn't hiked much with anyone else but I'm glad I met up with him. Shots out to 'California' if your reading this, 20 miles a day is tough! We had a good time and Hot Springs was a great way to end the day. The local brew was great and I even got the hook up on some moonshine! Sitting in a bar in small town NC/TN, talking to a local about moonshining was perfect. And when I say local, I'm talking about the one thats in that bar every night and the one that I witnessed eat a 2" bug with wings. " It TASTE SWEET." he said using a thick drunken southern accent. 

          Ive been on the trail for over a month now and have about 350 miles in the books. I feel great other than some blisters on my feet and hands, and a sore ankle that I haven't figured out. There was a couple of pretty nasty days this past week. The rain started one night and didn't stop for over 24 hours later. I did not have a good day. I had a pretty significant leak in my tent the night before and I was wet and cold that day. I decided to go into a hostel the next night and I'm really glad I did. Warm and dry:) but the saying goes…."No rain, no pain, no Maine". 

                                 Sunset on Max Patch

                                 Max Patch balds

                                 I really hate snakes

                                 The A.T marked down main street in Hot Springs, NC

                                 Bacon wrapped chili dog and mac n cheese in Hot Springs:)

                                 Hot Springs, NC

                                 Mountain Laurel beginning to bloom

Spence Field in the Smokies 

Clingmans Dome, the highest point on the A.T

Trail up to Clingmans Dome in the Smoky Mountains

Awesome views from Wesser Bald

                                                                      The Jump Off

                                                        Trillium blooms were everywhere

                                                                    @ Fontana Dam

                                                    I was able to get so close to these deer

                                                              First night in the Smokies

                                               Thru the Smokies wildflowers were everywhere.

ICCCEEEEEE....I really busted it here.

I really enjoyed the hike thru the Smokies

Sitting in Gatlinburg for a second night. Im extremely anxious to get back on the trail but waiting because the weather forecast temps possibly in the teens. I had no problem with the last night I had in the 30's (except getting out of bed) but I think I'll freeze my face off if the temps go below 20. I got off the trail at Cligmans Dome, the highest point on the AT, a huge landmark. The hike up the 6,600+ peak was amazing, some of the best miles so far. I took my time to really enjoy the hike. The views were spectacular as the trail wined up the ridge through evergreens then open patches of grass. The smell of the Christmas trees was the one scent more powerful then myself.

A few days ago it was hard getting back in the swing of things after having my dad to hike with and then taking 2 zero days with Christina Lima who drove up to see me. The zero days that I take off hiking are excellent! Got to do some white water rafting, have some fun around town, and just relax. On the down side of one of my days off the trail I happened to get stung by a wasp. Out of alllll the flying stinging things that have flown by me on the trail its the one thats hiding inside my pack indoors that stings me. That was my first bee sting ever and I was kinda anticipating it on this trip. Wasn't bad at all but pretty nervous for the possibility of another as I hear thats when reactions occur. I have a epi on deck just incase.

Hitch hiking into gatlinburg was kinda hard. I think the longer my beard gets the harder it will be. Planning on writing a post on hitch hiking soon, lots to talk about there. I'll tell you right now though I've always felt fine with it.


Until next time....

The magic is in the air....Im talkin about trail magic. Whats trail magic you ask.....
So, your just walking down the trail, walking, walking, and walking. Then all of a sudden it appears....hot dogs, soda, cake and cookies. "Oh! I dont mind if I do." The people that bring this love to us hikers are so  so awesome. One in particular was Miss Ginger Snap. After crossing the hundred mile mark, I came up on a large box hanging above the trail and note attached to a tree. The note said congrats on your first hundred miles and gave some encouragement to all us thru hikers with enjoying the trail and making it to Mt. Katahdin. And that she was going to try her best to keep this box stocked. I was already feeling the love just by the note. The note signed Ginger Snap- AT thru hiker. So I lowered the box and it was bare. Bummer. So I keep walking and walking and.....here she comes hiking up the trail. Little Miss Ginger Snap; Red hair, freckles, and a huge smile, holding three big bags of homemade slices of cake. She was happy to do this for us and we were so happy to get it. Whether its food, a ride into town, or a cold drink, its all a show of love to us backpackers and man is it glorious:) Happy trails.....