she's got a smile that sings to me.

12/7/2013

Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom. Aristotle

Morning y'all,

It's a beautiful morning up top. The high yesterday reached 51 (!!!) degrees. The low was 35 degrees. It was 35 degrees and clearing at 7am observation. The mountain received 1.12" of rain yesterday, most of it coming overnight. It's shaping up to be a gorgeous Saturday. It may be the last time this season you're able to hike up without any ice on the trails, so there's no time like the present. Enjoy the stunning weather!

Mark p

12/7/2013 01:13:09 am

Not bad temps for December! Hope you can enjoy it while it lasts.

Susan b

12/7/2013 01:39:20 am

Wonderful temps considering its December. Here in StL its 9 degrees.

doug y link

12/7/2013 02:21:54 am

Good morning.

Mamaw B

12/7/2013 03:05:22 am

Doug,
I believe your statistics on oldest AT Thru Hiker were incorrect. Grandma Gatewood is listed on the AT Conservancy Website as having completed her first thru hike at age 67 in 1955, 2nd thru hike in 1957 at age 69, her third hike was a completion of section hikes in 1964. There are several thru hikers who were older than she when they completed their thru hikes. I am one of those completing a thru hike in 2012 at age 71 and currently holding that record with another lady who was also 71. My advice no matter the age if you have the will power and the body will hold up is to go for it. I was not sure that my body would withstand hiking for six months but it did remarkably well. I never even suffered a blister to my feet on the entire 2,186 miles. I grew stronger as the hike progressed. I am sad to say that I have developed arthritis after the hike and was not able to complete a CDT thru hike this year. On the trail all are equal and age does not determine success or failure. Go for it!! and Happy Trails to all. :) I still find it hard to believe that I hiked for six months and walked that far. I have such amazing memories. It really makes one understand how little we actually need after carrying everything one needs on the back. When I got home I wanted to divest myself of all things as they are encumbrances and often keep us from doing those things we really would like to do. I enjoy the comments on this site.

doug y link

12/7/2013 05:05:27 am

Mamaw B: NO. I did NOT say that "Grandma Gatewood" was the oldest to have hiked the A.T. I only wrote that she was 77 the third time she accomplished the feat, whether it was in sections or a thru-hike, and she was that age sometime in 1964; The ATC, then called the Appalachian Trail Conference (now Conservancy I believe). reported in one of their newsletters that Gatewood's age was 77. If you go to the Dec 1st blog page here you'll see exactly what I posted, although the date I posted it was the 2nd as the blog hadn't yet been updated from the 1st. Regardless of who is the oldest to have completed it all in a single season, and I have the utmost respect for anyone who accomplished the journey, it remains a unique milestone for anyone who did. I wish I could say that I have done it in one year, but I cannot, although throughout my "hiking life", spanning over fifty years, I have hiked every mile of the A.T. and proud of it. I liked your description of your own A.T. thru-hike - - I highly commend and admire you for that ! I'm 63 with upcoming knee surgery, and with a wee bit of luck, inner fortitude, determination, and planning, I, too, might perhaps make the "Big Hike" before I depart this world. Thank you for sharing the account of your hike, and if you share the record as you stated above, then I offer my congradulations and consider it an honor to know you now, if only thru this site; Bravo ! And to add, I always enjoy your posts, advice, and comments; keep them going; Remember: "No matter where you go, there you are" G'day friend

Kaye

12/7/2013 03:37:59 am

MamawB, Wow, you are truly my inspiration. I have a long time dream of hiking
the AT when I retire in a year and a few months. I admire you so much for accomplishing such a feat. Wow, do you hike LeConte. I usually make this hike in October. I would love to meet you!

doug y link

12/7/2013 06:47:18 am

Kaye: Your dream sounds great. Your statement reminded me that I, too, wanted to say that I'd like to meet Mamaw B, and I would. Sorry I didn't say it in my post above;

Debi

12/7/2013 09:23:43 am

51 wow! I hear the cold is coming. Enjoy the warmth while you can. Doug and Mamaw B., I totally respect your wisdom of hiking and Thank you both!

doug y link

12/7/2013 10:36:43 am

Thanks Debi; I have few regrets from my life, but if I could today go back and change one thing it would be to live much closer to the Smokies ! If I had, well, the possibilities were endless; but, I enjoy these days being able to go hiking almost as much as I can fit in; the bad knee has become an obstacle, but I'm confident I'll overcome it; I'm a tough old fart and I believe my recovery will be speedy; I can't wait to get back up to the lodge, and I believe you share this sentiment, eh !? Good evening !

Terry

12/7/2013 10:26:50 am

It was colder in Birmingham AL than it was on Mt. Leconte.
Thanks for the post.

Mary, Ohio

12/7/2013 12:42:46 pm

Mamaw B. Congratulations! I too admire your accomplishments and hope to one day make my own trek of the AT and take in all of God's beauty! I enjoy reading yours and Doug's blogs and appreciate ya alls words of wisdom and advice. God bless and happy hiking!

Ray

12/7/2013 03:18:22 pm

Where can I find excerpts from the A T hikes

Tony Ga

12/7/2013 03:25:43 pm

?? Trail Journals.com?

doug y link

12/8/2013 12:24:39 am

I haven't been a member for a while, but I would think that the Appalachian Trail Conservancy might have such excerpts. Sunday morning and everything is iced over - - I can only imagine what it's like up on Mt. Leconte or any of the higher peaks of the Smokies.

debnfl

12/8/2013 12:46:17 am

Looks like a day to hike to me! Go while we can.

“If you are seeking creative ideas, go out walking. Angels whisper to a man when he goes for a walk.”
-- Raymond Inmon   

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she's got a smile that sings to me.

LeConte Lodge

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