June 2, 2009

Christopher called this afternoon with an update on their thru-hike. They confirmed they stayed at Pigeon River Shelter, NC last night, 237 miles from their starting point of Springer Mountain, Georgia. Unfortunately, they have run out of food, namely their supply of granola bars, etc. They won't be able to resupply until tomorrow in Hot Springs, NC. They are very hungry and tired. Jack reports that Max Patch Summit (4,629') is the last large mountain on the trail until New Hampshire. With this piece of news, despite the hunger, they are very happy. Looking at the charts, I may have misunderstood this, as it appears they will have to climb Bluff Mountain (4,686') tomorrow morning. Perusing the AT Data Book, Jack and Chris still have some very tall mountains left to climb along the Tennessee/North Carolina border. Roan High Knob shelter, for instance, stands at 6,285'. They can do it...one day at a time.

They intend to spend tonight at Walnut Mountain Shelter, about 21 miles from last night's destination.

Chris and Jack asked me to google phone information for Hillside Hostel in Hot Springs, NC. I have been unable to find any phone numbers for the hostel. I did find information about other hostels and passed on this information to them. Some of the hostels and motels offer discounts for thru-hikers.

Looking at the AT Data Book, Jack and Chris have about another 200 miles to go until they reach the Virginia border.

*Camped out by the Pigeon creek and swam in Pigeon River. No shelter at this sight.*