I've been away from the trail for a couple of years involved in professional and volunteer activities. I'm also one of those hikers in "transition" needing a walk to clear my head.

I've been sectioning for years, currently on the 20 year plan. I've got Springer to Allen Gap (north of Hot Springs) plus a few areas further north.

I've been playing with the idea of Nov 13 thru 27 (week prior and the week of Thanksgiving) to finish TN and NC. I've chatted some with Ms Janet. My thoughts are to come up from Atlanta Nov 12 to Erwin, leave a car there and shuttle to Damascus and start a walk south. I'd like to make it to Erwin for her Thanksgiving celebration, but primarily I need some fresh air and the Zen of walking. I assume I'd arrange with Ms Janet or friends a pick up shuttle back to Erwin and the car, returning to Atlanta 11/28.

I plan to let this be the last major walk with my original Nomad, although I might see if Ed Spears can put together a Pea Pod for me. I'm planning on this being winter given that much of this walk is above 6000 ft. I had back surgery earlier this year, with minor residual weakness in my right leg. I walk Kennesaw Mtn to train. I found severe knee weakness back in May when I attempted a day hike from Allen Gap to Hot Springs, managing only 11 of those 16 miles. I am much stronger now. My last big section was DWG -> Hudson River in 6 days. I'm hoping to get 12-16 mile days in, although I hope to break myself in initially with a couple of 8 mile days.

So, WB fans, what sort of things do I need to consider? What trail resources are essential? Which is more important to bring, a cell phone or a gun? ;)

BTW, I am not petitioning for a hiking partner. I'm one of those silent hikers by day, but chatty at night near shelters.

Bill...

So, WB fans, what sort of things do I need to consider? What trail resources are essential? Which is more important to bring, a cell phone or a gun? Both are vital. And don't forget your power generator and plenty of gas so you can recharge your phone and portable DVD player.

As everyone knows, I enjoy the planning as much as the hike. Here are the schedules as I've looked at it.

Currently, here is my plan:

Saturday Nov 13 Shuttle to Damascus and walk to Abington Gap

Sunday to DoubleSprings Shelter

Monday to Vanderventer Sh

Tuesday Laurel Fork area

Wed Kincora and resupply

Thursday Laural Fork area

Friday Elk Park fo supply? and on toward Doll Flats area

Saturday to Ash Gap

Sunday Cherry Gap Shelter

Mon to Curly Maple Shelter

Tues Oglesby Branch area (?Slacking)

Wed to Spivey Gap (definitely slacking)

Thursday zero at Ms Janet's and Thanksgiving

Friday shuttle to Spivey and go to Jerry Cabin

Sat to Allen Gap and hopefully a ride back to Erwin

Sun deal with holiday traffic and go home.

All subject to change. I need to consider the resupply issue. I am famous for excessive food weight. I'd like to limit myself to only 4 days max on my back.

Now that I see how close Allen Gap and Erwin are, I'm considering a three day weekend and crank that little section out. I'm surprised to see only one 6000 plus foot day or two up here, up on Roan.

You won't need a cell phone or a gun. Roan is supposedly the coldest mountain in the southern Appalachians, I know it was cool when I was there compared to the other spots I hit. If you are there in November you may need to be prepared for some cold.

You won't need a cell phone or a gun. Roan is supposedly the coldest mountain in the southern Appalachians, I know it was cool when I was there compared to the other spots I hit. If you are there in November you may need to be prepared for some cold.


no doubt about that Rock..I waas on Roan back in 2002 on the Monday following the first weekend of October, (right after the national storytellers convention in nearby , jonesboro, TN) It was near zero, highwinds,snow and ice, and this was during the day.

If you are going across the Roan highlands during November you will need to be prepared to survive ZERO degrees.... the shelter one top of ROAN is very secure,

also , GREASY CREEK FRIENDLY is a few miles south of Roan,, check to see if PACKRAT is home ... could be a good refuge.

If you are going across the Roan highlands during November you will need to be prepared to survive ZERO degrees.... the shelter one top of ROAN is very secure,

also , GREASY CREEK FRIENDLY is a few miles south of Roan,, check to see if PACKRAT is home ... could be a good refuge.
I have a below zero W/M PUMA bag. I've dealt with blizzard in Smokies March 5, 2001. I am planning on this to be a winter hike.

I am not familiar with Greasy Creek Friendly. What is that?

Bill....

It is a Friendly not a HOSTILE....run by Packrat and his wife connie...it is an 'interesting place...you can get a home cooked dinner and a bed,, it is off the trail..follow the green blazes from greasy creek gap..call ahead and make sure they will be open and more info...828.688.9948 they also accept mail drops.
tell PackRAT I said hello.