May 8, 2012

Well, if you haven't heard by now, I'm back off the trail again.   The week of hiking from Erwin to Roan Mtn, TN has taken it's toll on my left knee, and I've decided not to continue to punish it.

Cheryl was kind and came out on Saturday morning and picked me up at the Mountain Harbour Hostel.

I'm back out riding my bike and continuing on with life.

I really want to extend my deepest thanks to all those folks who have encouraged and helped to make even this part of my AT hike possible.  I have a much deeper appreciation of what the AT is, and that incredible community that surrounds it.

I do have a few last photos to share with you.




Pink Lady Slipper near Brushy Mtn



White Lady Slipper near Brushy Mtn

Sunrise from the Overmountain Shelter  May 4

May 1, 2012

Hello from the trail.  Cheryl and Rachel dropped me off at Erwin TN on Saturday morning.  This morning finds me at Greasy Creek Hostel.  I've hiked about 26 miles in 3 days and up and over Unaka Mountian, but needed to resupply before tackling the 2000 ft climb over Roan Mtn.  So I've stopped over here.  I was fortunate enough to be able to catch a ride into Johnson City with the proprietor for her supply run and picked up a knee brace at Walmart, along with supplies.  Yes, the knee's acting up again, but not to the point of any real pain, and I'm hoping the brace my help.  I was very forunate to be here, as there was severe weather on the trail last night.  There were reports of 2" hail at one of the towns close to Roan Mtn and a couple of hikers who came of the trail late yesterday were caught in heavy downpours, hail and lots of lightning.  Currently the humidity is at 96% this morning with predictions of more thunderstorms this afternoon, so I'm having breakfast and mulling a zero day here.  Otherwise, all is well.

Jerome = AYATORI