Jeff Prater

The Last Day

A year has passed since the end of my journey. The hike to Springer Mountain was short and full of many memories. After leaving the Smokies, the number of NOBO (North bound) hikers grew daily. After reaching Georgia, a consistent stream of 50-60 Maine-bound hikers became the norm. Crowded trails, hostels, and shelters meant “theContinue reading “The Last Day”

Finishing a southbound Appalachian Trail thru hike during winter

Completing a true SOBO thru hike means reaching the southern terminus in late fall or winter. Weather in the mid-Atlantic and south is humid and wildly inconsistent as compared to New England where the temperature remains cold and snow begins to fall in early October. The best description comes from the meme “The 12 SeasonsContinue reading “Finishing a southbound Appalachian Trail thru hike during winter”

A Goat Encounter of the 3rd Kind

While hiking near Pearisburg, VA, I encountered the 5 feral goats of Symm’s Gap. They appeared out of nowhere without any warning , like noise or scat, as if beamed from an alien spaceship. The white goat took the lead from the huddle near the tree on the top left and appeared very willing toContinue reading “A Goat Encounter of the 3rd Kind”

Mysterious Eyes in the Dark…non-bovine edition

On the eve of tropical storm Nicole, Prometheus (a hiker’s trail name) and I had to complete the last four miles in the dark to the shelter. After making the last road crossing with two miles left, Prometheus noticed two sets of eyes balls about 50 yards from the trail on the right. Scrolling myContinue reading “Mysterious Eyes in the Dark…non-bovine edition”

Turtleback’s bizarre first 12 hours in New York

Halloween edition Meeting the Cow Posse of Pawling, NY At the end of a 21 mile day, I thought the worse was over. Only a few pastures to pass through and then a short road walk to camp next to Tony’s Deli. The hike from the Mount Algo Shelter was pleasant meeting some day hikersContinue reading “Turtleback’s bizarre first 12 hours in New York”

The 100 Mile Wilderness

This part of the journey took twelve days to complete. After the long day on Katahdin, Squarepeg and I hiked 10 miles to Abol Bridge. The mostly flat terrain was welcome after the rocky and vertical mountain climb from the day prior. The first rain of the trip occurred shortly after the sunset. No campsitesContinue reading “The 100 Mile Wilderness”

Beginning the South Bound Journey

After many months of preparation, my south bound (SOBO) thru hike of the Appalachian Trail began at Baxter State Park in Maine. With the goal of hiking to Georgia in six months, this route offers several advantages of walking in the cool, summer weather of New England and no park closure deadlines. However, the rockContinue reading “Beginning the South Bound Journey”