Three days ago I completed the Mountain to Sea Trail. After the summit of Clingmans Dome and as planned I turned north and began hiking the Appalachian Trail. I have European ambitions after this hike so I couldn't go too far, but hiking out of GSMNP seemed like a great idea. That was 41 miles back. Sitting here in Barley's Taproom & Pizzeria in Asheville that seems like ages ago already.

I passed such memorable locations from my 2000 AT thruhike as the Newfound Gap restroom, Icewater Spring Shelter, Charlies Bunion, the trail split to The Sawteeth, The Sawteeth themselves, the side trail to Pecks Corner Shelter, and Tricorner Shelter where I zeroed so long ago. This time I wasn't alone. Iceman, Buttercup, Usual Suspect, Bigfoot, Hubcap, Blaze & Hoshaiah and more were there thruhiking the AT. I also had one of my most amusing nights when Joey, Jeff, and Billy from CT spent a night at Icewater Spring. Hilarity ensued.

With long distance hiking it's never the destination, but the journey.

Thanks to all who helped me during this trip.