Day 4 on the Appalachian Trail fastest known time attempt

Here are some photos from day four of our fastest known time attempt on the Appalachian Trail. Also listed in this post are the stats for this day.

A small recap in words… 

After a solid eight hours sleep, I woke fresh with excited anticipation as the Great Smoky Mountains National Park lay ahead. The next section before I saw my crew would be over 30 miles including over 10,000 feet of vertical gain.

I did see a bear early in the morning and also heard what I thought were a group of wild pigs. The weather was perfect, dry but sunny and even though my pack was loaded with enough food to sustain me for about 10 hours. I felt light on my feet.

At the top I arrived at Clingmans Dome the tallest point on the Appalachian Trail, Ice Man was there waiting for me but Gun section was not to be seen. I found out later that she couldn’t make the climb in time.

I took on board more calories from Ice Man switched out my empty drink flasks and continued on to meet the crew later at Newfound gap.

At Newfound gap I took my time to change my shoes and arrange my overnight pack as Tri-Corner Knob shelter was the next destination and I would be sleeping there. I set off pack pretty heavy and left the crew behind.

I made good time and arrived at Tri-Corner knob shelter well before sunset. But it was to be a night of little and poor quality sleep. 

Already at the shelter was a 20 something year old who was on his summer break from college and aiming to do the Appalachian Trail in 100 days. 

When he found out I was going for the Speed record he peppered me with questions while smoking a cigarette. I answered all his questions whilst preparing my things for the next day and eating dinner.

I’d packed my heavier sleeping bag which was just too warm. Each time I uncovered my body, I got attacked by, bugs, I believe they were noseeums. So then I had to cover myself again with the sleeping bag which left me overheating.

Eventually I decided to take action, after 90 mins of torture I got up and looked for a space to set up my tent, alas I did not find a flat patch of ground. 

I ended up using my tent without poles or pegs and got inside the tent without setting it up, just covering myself with, the waterproof material to keep me safe from the bugs.

This resulted in even more sweating and discomfort as I was now covered by the waterproof material of the tent.

After a poor night of little sleep my alarm sounded, but I was already awake packing away my things ready for day five.

Day - 4

Start time - 3:55 am

End time - 8:30 pm

Total time - 16 hours 34 mins

Average speed - 3.4 mph

Total distance - 223.7 miles

Day distance- 56 miles

Elevation gain - 16,339 feet

Elevation loss - 12,302 feet

Daily distance lead - 3.4 miles

Total distance lead - 12.6 miles