The trash from my second week of the 2013 Season, as Ridgerunner in the Smokies.  Among other things take note of the jeans with the legs and waste taped shut and the result containing a variety of food including oatmeal, Ramen, nuts and chocolates. The jeans were then tossed about ten feet into a tree. This of course was to keep black bears from getting it. He knows his black bears!  This is a thoughtless act and provides no consideration for back country etiquette (LNT principles).  At least the soggy mess found its way out of the back country and into a trash can.

Keep Hiking,

Carl

Egor

This is Egor. He is a young Russion hiker/adventurer. His treking renders most long distance hikers "babes in the woods". He has hiked in so many countries, had so many experiences for one so young.He will follow his current AT thru hike with going to Columbia, having hiked previously thru Nepal and Europe. Egor is a bright young man who could be the "boy next door" but with an adventurous spirit and "the other side of the mountain always in his sites."
Keep hiking,
Carl

2013 AT RR Season Week 1

My first week in the Smokies was cold, white and deep--Approximately 12” of snow when I got to Mollies Ridge on Sunday. The next storm may dump another 8” for my hike up on Thursday. There are numerous thru-hikers holding up here at Fontana Lodge to wait out the storm. A hiker jam is looming for Thursday.

In spite of hardships caused by the snow the beauty is overwhelming (as you can see in these photos).

More updates to come.

Keep hiking,

Carl