Final pictures from Duncannon, Pa.

Posted on August 7, 2008 by Michael Hampton

As some of you know I have left the Appalachian Trail at Duncannon, Pa., after having some trouble with my knees and having to get back to work anyway. I had a few pictures left on my digital camera and I felt I should share them, as well as what I plan to do on the Trail next. Continue reading →

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Duncannon, Pa.

Posted on July 9, 2008 by Michael Hampton

It’s been much too long since I posted a Trail update, so I’ll keep this kind of short even though it covers quite a few days and over 92.8 miles.

On June 27 I left the Free State Hiker Hostel and crossed some nice Maryland farmland and got my first taste of what the rocks would end up being like in Pennsylvania. I hiked a very short 5.7 miles this day to Devils Racecourse Shelter. Funny how it seems the shortest days are those when I leave town. Continue reading →

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Smithsburg, Md.

Posted on June 26, 2008 by Michael Hampton

I’ve made some 28 miles in two days over some very rocky ground and had to take today off to rest my aching legs. I might have made it even farther, but I kept stopping to rest and to take in some rather unique scenery.

Leaving the hostel in Knoxville on Tuesday, I first discovered just how rocky the ground is, though I was yet to discover it would get worse. Continue reading →

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Knoxville, Md.

Posted on June 22, 2008 by Michael Hampton

The last thing I expected to do yesterday afternoon was hike. Continue reading →

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Gilford, N.H. (Video)

Posted on June 12, 2008 by Michael Hampton

As you might have guessed, I’m off the Trail for a while, for one of two events I’ll be attending this summer. These are important enough to leave the hike behind for a while and so now I’m going to share with you where I am and why. Continue reading →

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Erwin, Tenn.

Posted on May 25, 2008 by Michael Hampton

I made it to Erwin, 340 miles up the Appalachian Trail, yesterday afternoon, and promptly ate all the food I could get my hands on.

If you’ll recall, last week I was in Hot Springs, and I wound up staying there several days longer than I had anticipated, in order to catch up on work. Thus I left there Monday morning, crossing the French Broad River immediately. Continue reading →

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Thru-Hikers’ Guide to Gatlinburg

Posted on May 14, 2008 by Michael Hampton

Almost every Appalachian Trail thru-hiker hates Gatlinburg, and with good reason. It’s an annoying tourist trap full of idiots and the price of everything is jacked up to mountainous prices. But it’s quite possible to rest and resupply in Gatlinburg with some foreknowledge, as I learned. Continue reading →

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Hot Springs, N.C.

Posted on May 14, 2008 by Michael Hampton

I’ve racked up another 67 miles on the Appalachian Trail and arrived safely in Hot Springs, a very small town which rolls up the sidewalks around 6. Good thing I got here at 3:30. Continue reading →

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Gatlinburg, Tenn.

Posted on May 5, 2008 by Michael Hampton

After 200 miles on the Trail I’m feeling good and I think that perhaps this just might happen.

On Thursday I finally got out of Fontana Village, crossed the dam, and entered the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Land of bureaucracy. I had to fill out a government form in order to use the park shelters and campsite. Continue reading →

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Fontana Village, N.C.

Posted on April 30, 2008 by Michael Hampton

I’ve been here way too long and spent too much money. Good thing I’m finally leaving tomorrow. While I’m here, though, I do want to write down some thoughts on the hike so far.

And I want to share some nice pictures of Fontana Dam which I didn’t post before. Continue reading →

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