Best Backpacking Pics of 2021

[Tipi Walter]

2021 was a productive year for backpacking as I had the opportunity to pull 7 trips for a total of 144 days. I hope we can all gear up for 2022 by starting a long trip in January.

All trip pics can be found here---

https://tipiwalter.smugmug.com/Backpack-2021-Trips-209-

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My first trip of 2021 starts at Bald River Falls into Bald River Gorge wilderness in TN.

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A cold CS on Bald River with my Hilleberg tent.

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Pretty Bald River trail.

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Entering Upper Bald River wilderness with my mandatory Felco pruners.

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Along with my Kahtoola microspikes needed for climbing up Brookshire Creek trail to Sled Runner Gap.

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I end up meeting Patman on State Line Ridge in a butt cold Hazel Gap with 10F windchills eating into our face flesh.

[Teacher & Snacktime]

I do and I don't envy you Tipi....not a fan of hiking in the snow because of the additional effort involved, but I love the idea of the backpacking adventure for a gross of days! Here's to a happy 2022 and satisfying the wanderlust!

[Tipi Walter]

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My second trip is in Feb/March into Citico/Slickrock wilderness where I camp in Naked Ground Gap and meet Navy Seal Chadd Wright (on left) leading a group up the Nutbuster trail.

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Near the top of Bob Bald I meet Rob Bush with his big Dana Astralplane pack. We end up seeing each other thruout the year.

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March brings out alot of backpackers to Bob Bald---this is John Quillen's crew.

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Hanging out with John Quillen, mountaineer (climbed Broad Peak and Mt Everest among others).

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I get on the Rocky Flats trail in Citico wilderness and pose by the old chimney.

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March is the month the Cranbrook school from Michigan comes out for their 11 day wilderness trip (52nd annual event).

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I head down South Fork Creek and watch Randy Taylor crossing with his pack.

[Tipi Walter]

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Little Mitten meets me at the end of the second trip at Beech Gap---with Zoe Dog.

[Tipi Walter]

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My third trip happens in May with Little Mitten dropping me off in Citico wilderness at Jeffrey Hell trail.

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As I'm backpacking down Brush Mt trail and doing trailwork---toughest trail in Citico---I run into two Tellico district Rangers---Tally and Gray Buckles.

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Tis the season for Ramps so I cook up brown rice with ramps.

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Patman finds me near Yellowhammer Gap in NC and we stand in Big Fat Gap preparing to climb up Hangover Mt.

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Nearing the top of Hangover Mt I turn back and look at Fodderstack Ridge which separates Citico from Slickrock.

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On Bob Bald I run into Rob Bush again with his friend. He's using a Hilleberg tent too.

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A rainy cold day finds me dropping off Bob Bald in my rain jacket.

[Tipi Walter]

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I get on the BMT and hike over Whiggs Meadow at 5,000 feet.

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I enter Bald River wilderness and get lost on Henderson Top trail and end up on Panther Branch trail by its footbridge over Tellico River. Long story.

[Tipi Walter]

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My fourth trip happens in June in the Bald River backcountry where I run into these two BMT thruhikers below Sled Runner Gap on State Line Ridge.

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As I backpack along State Line Ridge I run into Adolf Hissler who requires I prod him off the trail.

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My new summer 14 oz down bag/quilt---WM Everlite.

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Cascade waterfall on Bald River.

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How to cross a big river---strap the boots on the pack under the pack lid.

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I make it to Warrior's Passage trail and take a flea dip in Wildcat Creek.

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My trip ends on Tellico River where I go for a bronners bath.

[Tipi Walter]

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My fifth trip is in August and begins on Hooper Bald in NC into the Snowbird Creek wilderness where Little Mitten and her Mom drop me off.

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All trips hopefully start with a map---this is Snowbird Creek.

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Hanging out at Middle Falls on Snowbird Creek.

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The beautiful footbridge over Snowbird Creek.

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Day 10 first backpackers I see on the trip.

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I connect Snowbird wilderness with Citico wilderness and reach Bob Bald where Patman shows up with a surprise watermelon.

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Rob Bush and Patman and I backpack off Bob Bald to Beech Gap and beyond.

[ldsailor]

Well, that didn't work. Anyone know how to reach the admin so he can delete my previous post?

I'll try again with a downloaded image. What is the hanging bag in this picture?

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[Tipi Walter]

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Rob Bush uses his One Wheel to connect trailheads on the road to his car.

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My trip ends in Hurricane Ida on Flats Mt in TN.

[Tipi Walter]

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My sixth trip starts in October by meeting Rob Bush in Citico wilderness on Fodderstack Ridge.

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Camping with Rob and his wife in Barrel Gap during a rain zero day.

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Rob's daughter and wife prepare to backpack out.

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Rob and I prepare to backpack the tough Brush Mt trail to South Fork Creek.

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Rob crosses South Fork Creek.

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I leave SF Creek and head up North Fork trail to Hangover Mt where I meet John Quillen.

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While on Hangover Mt I run into Marshall McClung---expert on the area.

[Tipi Walter]

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The seventh and last trip was recently posted here. Two BMT section hikers standing in Naked Ground Gap.

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Solo woman backpacker on Bob Bald.

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Uncle Fungus says Happy New Year!!

[Tipi Walter]

Well, that didn't work. Anyone know how to reach the admin so he can delete my previous post?

I'll try again with a downloaded image. What is the hanging bag in this picture?

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Yes, please delete your first post (easy to do if a donating member). The blue bag is his water bag with a filter on the bottom for easy drinking water access.

PS Thanks for taking care of that nightmare text!!

[Leo L.]

Walter,

Your attitude is the most inspiring one I've ever met as fas as it comes to hiking.

If I had to chose my personal favorite among your pics, I would pick #1 (Bald River Falls)

[JNI64]

I think you've found the" fountain of youth ".