Max Patch

Day 25: 13 miles to Walnut Mountain Shelter, 261.8 miles of 2,192, 11.94% complete

Last night we camped with Beast, Mr. Blue Stick, Wolverine, Billy Goat, and Red. With so few people at camp, we all got to cook and eat together which was really nice. By 7:30, we all went off to our tents and knocked off for the night

We awoke to a heavy frost while we broke down camp. Those pesky frozen fingers were back in full force.

We were on the trail by 8:10 and hiked all morning towards Max Patch, a mountain that is completely covered with grass. It’s one of the big icons on the AT. We were pretty happy to get there for lunch and enjoy the views.

Around 4:30, we arrived at Walnut Mountain Shelter and set up camp.

Now for an interesting fact….We learned at dinner last night that by the end of the Smokies, at least 50% of all thru-hikers have dropped out. This could be hearsay, but based on the few hikers we have seen these last few days, that statistic feels right. Or as a Ernie, a guy we used to work with, would say….”it’s directionally correct.”

There are certainly days when I can see myself sticking it out and throwing in the towel….all within the same hour! Such is life on the AT. Hike on…

Tomorrow we head to Hot Springs….yes, a day early!

-Radar