04/30/12 - Lost Spectacles Gap - 695.3 miles
Today, I was ready to make camp after one mile. Two major hills – Dragon's Tooth being one of them – the other of which I took a 30 minute nap on top of. Anna is such a better trooper than I am. I'm always wanting to break or nap or setup camp. Not sure how she does it. My ears smell like gerbil poo.
***
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Monday, April 29, 2013
Day 60
04/29/12 - Niday Shelter - 680 miles
Ouch, Charlie. It's 10:30. Night hiked for about 5 miles. My head is pulsing. My entire body aches. Thirst. I am so exhausted.
***
Ouch, Charlie. It's 10:30. Night hiked for about 5 miles. My head is pulsing. My entire body aches. Thirst. I am so exhausted.
***
Sunday, April 28, 2013
Day 59
04/28/12 - past War Spur Shelter - 661.9 miles
Said goodbye to my parents this morning. 30 minutes into our hike some serious lightning and hail started coming down. Saw Old Grey Mare as she was slackpacking south. Met her on Max Patch a while ago. Hiked and talked with Eagle Eye & Jack a bit. Tried to build a fire tonight... failed. Tried to bear bag two trees... failed. Anna blew up my neoair because she's amazing. Then she found a tick on her tummy and we pulled it off with tweezers. What a day.
***
This was the first of several ticks we would find on the Trail (and on ourselves). I think some people may be afraid of bears, snakes or people... but for me, lightning was number 1, ticks were number 2. Lyme disease can mess you up, and those critters are so stinkin' small!
Said goodbye to my parents this morning. 30 minutes into our hike some serious lightning and hail started coming down. Saw Old Grey Mare as she was slackpacking south. Met her on Max Patch a while ago. Hiked and talked with Eagle Eye & Jack a bit. Tried to build a fire tonight... failed. Tried to bear bag two trees... failed. Anna blew up my neoair because she's amazing. Then she found a tick on her tummy and we pulled it off with tweezers. What a day.
***
This was the first of several ticks we would find on the Trail (and on ourselves). I think some people may be afraid of bears, snakes or people... but for me, lightning was number 1, ticks were number 2. Lyme disease can mess you up, and those critters are so stinkin' small!
Saturday, April 27, 2013
Day 58
04/27/12 - near Allegheny Trail - ≈646.5 miles
My mind is not fit to write at this time. Maybe tomorrow.
***
My mind is not fit to write at this time. Maybe tomorrow.
***
Friday, April 26, 2013
Day 57
04/26/12 - [Blacksburg] - 629.8 miles
Our first ZERO day. Mom and Dad came in to meet us and the plan was originally to set out for the Trail in the afternoon, but after some discussion at DQ and looking at the pouring rains, we decided to zero. It's great to see both of my parents, especially my mom... haven't seen her since Springer. Sarah wrote us a sweet letter and Brittany Stetson baked us a loaf of delicious challah! I can hear the thunder as I write this in a nice, warm, comfy bed – dry. I am thankful and glad we are here now.
***
Our first ZERO day. Mom and Dad came in to meet us and the plan was originally to set out for the Trail in the afternoon, but after some discussion at DQ and looking at the pouring rains, we decided to zero. It's great to see both of my parents, especially my mom... haven't seen her since Springer. Sarah wrote us a sweet letter and Brittany Stetson baked us a loaf of delicious challah! I can hear the thunder as I write this in a nice, warm, comfy bed – dry. I am thankful and glad we are here now.
***
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Day 56
04/25/12 - Pearisburg - 629.8 miles
Camped with Dr. TrailMix on the ridge. Left him in the morning and met "Provisions" at the shelter. Staying at the Plaza Motel. AYCE Chinese, DQ, wine, soda, doughnuts. Mmm.
***
Much to our dismay, this would be the last time we would see Dr. TrailMix.
Camped with Dr. TrailMix on the ridge. Left him in the morning and met "Provisions" at the shelter. Staying at the Plaza Motel. AYCE Chinese, DQ, wine, soda, doughnuts. Mmm.
***
Much to our dismay, this would be the last time we would see Dr. TrailMix.
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Day 55
04/24/12 - past Wapiti Shelter - ≈615 miles
Is that a bear we hear in the distance or a cow? Or a bird? Today was another windy day. Camped on a ridge tonight. My nose was a waterfall today. Some people on the trail always have something contrary to say in conversation. Just an observation KitFox and I made today.
***
Is that a bear we hear in the distance or a cow? Or a bird? Today was another windy day. Camped on a ridge tonight. My nose was a waterfall today. Some people on the trail always have something contrary to say in conversation. Just an observation KitFox and I made today.
***
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Day 54
04/23/12 - Jenny Knob Shelter - 599 miles
SNOW! Trail magic breakfast by super nice church people (A.T.O.M.) in their warm basement. Then hiked in a winter wonderland. My knee is feeling completely fine. Are there any coincidences with God in the equation? Coldest day yet. Longest day yet. 19 miles after 11am.
***
Hands down, one of the most unbelievable and perfectly timed Trail Magic experiences.
As I mentioned in yesterday's entry, we were planning on hitting at least 20 miles for the day. First 10 were great. Then out of nowhere, unprovoked and unexpected, I experience excruciating pain in my knee. Causing us to greatly slow our pace and eventually cut our mileage short, stopping at a roadside campsite. I go to bed sad and disappointed.
Then came the morning.
A thick, wet snow is falling to the earth. We begin to meander out of our tents, dreading the cold and difficult climb just ahead of us. My hands are absolutely freezing from putting away my tent and frozen poles. Anna's hands even colder since she selflessly volunteered to fill up our water for the morning... dipping her hands into the frigid mountain stream.
Then a man appears out of nowhere, standing in the snow... staring at us. He has no pack. No gloves. Snow is falling upon him, and he literally just appeared out of the bowels of winter.
My first thought: Oh god, murder.
"You guys want a warm breakfast?"
My second thought: "Um... YES!"
I look to Anna for her thoughts, and she smiles and nods her head. At this point the snow that has fallen on us is melting and turning into globs of ice cold water. Whatever he means by "warm breakfast"... it sounds amazing.
The gentleman smiles and says he's from the church a few miles down the road. "You guys would be crazy to turn this down. Well... you guys are crazy anyways. Hiking around in this kinda weather."
He drives us to the church a few miles down the road, and waiting for us in their warm, HEATED church basement is an army of friendly faces and the pastor playing his guitar. They have prepared pancakes, biscuits, pudding, coffee, orange juice, fresh fruit and vegetables and every essential hiker granola bar and snack.
After talking with all of them while they served us our breakfast, they took our pictures to add to their scrapbook. They have been serving thru-hikers for over ten years thanks to Pastor Alan Ashworth and his Appalachian Trail Outreach Ministry (ATOM). Anna and I were the only hikers that morning for a while until a few others showed up from the snow. We enjoyed browsing through their hiker scrapbook while the pastor played his guitar. They even gave us greeting cards to send back home to friends and family and offered to mail them for us. I remember beginning to cry as I wrote in my card... trying to explain the kindness I was experiencing from these loving people.
The reason I go into some detail with this part of our journey is because I truly do not think we would have been able to experience this had my leg not been hurting the day before. We would have put in our 20 miles and camped beyond the road where the gentleman found us. There was absolutely no reason why my knee should have been hurting that day. We didn't do anything out of the ordinary nor did we experience any truly difficult terrain. My knee just randomly began to kill me.
I have to believe everything happens for a reason.
That day was the coldest day we had on the trail... the only day we had snow on the ground. And yet, it was also the warmest I had ever felt on the Trail.
Here is a brief article on Pastor Ashworth and his outreach to the AT.
SNOW! Trail magic breakfast by super nice church people (A.T.O.M.) in their warm basement. Then hiked in a winter wonderland. My knee is feeling completely fine. Are there any coincidences with God in the equation? Coldest day yet. Longest day yet. 19 miles after 11am.
***
Hands down, one of the most unbelievable and perfectly timed Trail Magic experiences.
As I mentioned in yesterday's entry, we were planning on hitting at least 20 miles for the day. First 10 were great. Then out of nowhere, unprovoked and unexpected, I experience excruciating pain in my knee. Causing us to greatly slow our pace and eventually cut our mileage short, stopping at a roadside campsite. I go to bed sad and disappointed.
Then came the morning.
A thick, wet snow is falling to the earth. We begin to meander out of our tents, dreading the cold and difficult climb just ahead of us. My hands are absolutely freezing from putting away my tent and frozen poles. Anna's hands even colder since she selflessly volunteered to fill up our water for the morning... dipping her hands into the frigid mountain stream.
Then a man appears out of nowhere, standing in the snow... staring at us. He has no pack. No gloves. Snow is falling upon him, and he literally just appeared out of the bowels of winter.
My first thought: Oh god, murder.
"You guys want a warm breakfast?"
My second thought: "Um... YES!"
I look to Anna for her thoughts, and she smiles and nods her head. At this point the snow that has fallen on us is melting and turning into globs of ice cold water. Whatever he means by "warm breakfast"... it sounds amazing.
The gentleman smiles and says he's from the church a few miles down the road. "You guys would be crazy to turn this down. Well... you guys are crazy anyways. Hiking around in this kinda weather."
He drives us to the church a few miles down the road, and waiting for us in their warm, HEATED church basement is an army of friendly faces and the pastor playing his guitar. They have prepared pancakes, biscuits, pudding, coffee, orange juice, fresh fruit and vegetables and every essential hiker granola bar and snack.
After talking with all of them while they served us our breakfast, they took our pictures to add to their scrapbook. They have been serving thru-hikers for over ten years thanks to Pastor Alan Ashworth and his Appalachian Trail Outreach Ministry (ATOM). Anna and I were the only hikers that morning for a while until a few others showed up from the snow. We enjoyed browsing through their hiker scrapbook while the pastor played his guitar. They even gave us greeting cards to send back home to friends and family and offered to mail them for us. I remember beginning to cry as I wrote in my card... trying to explain the kindness I was experiencing from these loving people.
The reason I go into some detail with this part of our journey is because I truly do not think we would have been able to experience this had my leg not been hurting the day before. We would have put in our 20 miles and camped beyond the road where the gentleman found us. There was absolutely no reason why my knee should have been hurting that day. We didn't do anything out of the ordinary nor did we experience any truly difficult terrain. My knee just randomly began to kill me.
I have to believe everything happens for a reason.
That day was the coldest day we had on the trail... the only day we had snow on the ground. And yet, it was also the warmest I had ever felt on the Trail.
Here is a brief article on Pastor Ashworth and his outreach to the AT.
Monday, April 22, 2013
Day 53
04/22/12 - Laurel Creek - 580 miles
Today may have been my most painful yet. First 10 miles were great. Had lunch at the shelter with Dr. TrailMix then got up to leave and it came out of nowhere. My right knee. I put on my knee brace. Took it off. Then put it on again. The pain was agonizing. We planned on 20 or 24 miles today but had to stop at 14. I am sad tonight.
***
The next day, I would come to realize this unexpected knee pain was destiny.
Today may have been my most painful yet. First 10 miles were great. Had lunch at the shelter with Dr. TrailMix then got up to leave and it came out of nowhere. My right knee. I put on my knee brace. Took it off. Then put it on again. The pain was agonizing. We planned on 20 or 24 miles today but had to stop at 14. I am sad tonight.
***
The next day, I would come to realize this unexpected knee pain was destiny.
Sunday, April 21, 2013
Day 52
04/21/12 - Chestnut Knob Shelter - 565.2 miles
Another long and difficult day. Another cold night. It smells like wet puppies up in here.
***
Another long and difficult day. Another cold night. It smells like wet puppies up in here.
***
Saturday, April 20, 2013
Day 51
04/20/12 - Crawfish Valley - 548.5 miles
Took our time leaving town today, which was really nice. Awesome breakfast, laundry, packed, visit to Petco to see fuzzy animals, then Subway and back to the Trail. As we walked under the I-81 overpass, Bruce and Glenda drove by and waved us off before getting on the ramp. Hiked our miles until finding a campsite and found Dr. TrailMix sitting, eating some peanut M&Ms. CoffeePot and his dog, Scout, were there too. It was good to sit and catch up with Dr. TrailMix. Light dinner and tea, and now time to utilize the Kindle.
***
Took our time leaving town today, which was really nice. Awesome breakfast, laundry, packed, visit to Petco to see fuzzy animals, then Subway and back to the Trail. As we walked under the I-81 overpass, Bruce and Glenda drove by and waved us off before getting on the ramp. Hiked our miles until finding a campsite and found Dr. TrailMix sitting, eating some peanut M&Ms. CoffeePot and his dog, Scout, were there too. It was good to sit and catch up with Dr. TrailMix. Light dinner and tea, and now time to utilize the Kindle.
***
 |
| Finding the cats at Petco. Best decision. |
Friday, April 19, 2013
Day 50
04/19/12 - [Marion] - 542.2 miles
What an amazing fun day! Another visit from Bruce and Glenda, and it's so wonderful to see them. They brought us Chick-fil-a! It has been so great just hanging out and talking with them (and swimming, too). They truly are wonderful people. I now also have my Kindle and a watch I bought at Walmart. Moving on up in the world. I am very blessed.
***
What an amazing fun day! Another visit from Bruce and Glenda, and it's so wonderful to see them. They brought us Chick-fil-a! It has been so great just hanging out and talking with them (and swimming, too). They truly are wonderful people. I now also have my Kindle and a watch I bought at Walmart. Moving on up in the world. I am very blessed.
***
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Day 49
04/18/12 - near I-81 - ≈541 miles
Today started off very cozy... snug in our tents as the rain came down. But then we had to go out into that rain... which was pretty miserable. I was cold, wet, sore, had to pee/poop, uphill rocks, chapped lips, hot, hungry... it seemed like everything was wrong. A miserable day. But we were expecting miserable before this trip. We pressed on. Met Video... nice guy. Arrived at the Mt. Rogers headquarters and tried to order a pizza – no luck. However, Diet Dr. Pepper was consumed. Also got some sweet Smokey Bear swag. The day got better and we feel great. Looking very forward to seeing Bruce and Glenda tomorrow for the day. Now, peanut butter privy time.
***
Smokey hitched a ride traveling in our guidebook from Mt. Rogers to Mt. Katahdin.
Today started off very cozy... snug in our tents as the rain came down. But then we had to go out into that rain... which was pretty miserable. I was cold, wet, sore, had to pee/poop, uphill rocks, chapped lips, hot, hungry... it seemed like everything was wrong. A miserable day. But we were expecting miserable before this trip. We pressed on. Met Video... nice guy. Arrived at the Mt. Rogers headquarters and tried to order a pizza – no luck. However, Diet Dr. Pepper was consumed. Also got some sweet Smokey Bear swag. The day got better and we feel great. Looking very forward to seeing Bruce and Glenda tomorrow for the day. Now, peanut butter privy time.
***
Smokey hitched a ride traveling in our guidebook from Mt. Rogers to Mt. Katahdin.
 |
| Only you. |
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Day 48
04/17/12 - near VA 670 - ≈523 miles
The rain is pelting our tents, but it is still light out, and we finished the day with about 17 miles. We are getting faster. There is a soda machine tomorrow. Is it sad that that's what I'm looking forward to? Yes, yes it is. Some trail magic today before setting up camp. Anna and I finished off the bottom of a 2 liter Diet Coke, ate some kettle corn crumbs, and each had a little lollipop. Rest of the food was already gone, but we appreciate the Baptist church group who left it for us. I'm craving Chick-fil-a so much.
***
The rain is pelting our tents, but it is still light out, and we finished the day with about 17 miles. We are getting faster. There is a soda machine tomorrow. Is it sad that that's what I'm looking forward to? Yes, yes it is. Some trail magic today before setting up camp. Anna and I finished off the bottom of a 2 liter Diet Coke, ate some kettle corn crumbs, and each had a little lollipop. Rest of the food was already gone, but we appreciate the Baptist church group who left it for us. I'm craving Chick-fil-a so much.
***
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Day 47
04/16/12 - Old Orchard Shelter - 505.9 miles
PONIES AND 500 MILES! We saw two ponies today... a mare and her foal. The baby kitties came right up to us on the trail and we started petting them. Very sweet for being feral animals. Shortly after, we hit our 500 mile mark and ended the day with 17.7 miles – our longest yet. Still not sure how all these people are doing 20+ mile days all the time. I'm tired and my body aches all day. It's been somewhat discouraging for me.
***
PONIES AND 500 MILES! We saw two ponies today... a mare and her foal. The baby kitties came right up to us on the trail and we started petting them. Very sweet for being feral animals. Shortly after, we hit our 500 mile mark and ended the day with 17.7 miles – our longest yet. Still not sure how all these people are doing 20+ mile days all the time. I'm tired and my body aches all day. It's been somewhat discouraging for me.
***
Monday, April 15, 2013
Sunday, April 14, 2013
Day 45
04/14/12 - near US 58 - ≈473 miles
We took our time leaving Damascus, which was nice. Said goodbye to Jeff & Nicky, breakfast at Dairy King, then coffee at Mojoe's. Mmm. Also ordered a new headlamp from REI with my dividend. Somewhat of a tummy ache right now. Giant mammoth bugs are crashing into things outside our tents. Hoping the bear bag makes it tonight... If a bear or any other animal really wanted it, they would have a blast. But seriously, I am very thankful for all of God's blessings throughout this trip. I try to remind myself that He is always in control, and that seems very evident everyday on this journey.
* First night we had to defend our camp. Some animal (maybe a raccoon or fox or smallish bear) came running towards our tents. Couldn't see it, but we made some noise and it took off in the other direction. See page 58 in guidebook for illustration of the defense.
***
We took our time leaving Damascus, which was nice. Said goodbye to Jeff & Nicky, breakfast at Dairy King, then coffee at Mojoe's. Mmm. Also ordered a new headlamp from REI with my dividend. Somewhat of a tummy ache right now. Giant mammoth bugs are crashing into things outside our tents. Hoping the bear bag makes it tonight... If a bear or any other animal really wanted it, they would have a blast. But seriously, I am very thankful for all of God's blessings throughout this trip. I try to remind myself that He is always in control, and that seems very evident everyday on this journey.
* First night we had to defend our camp. Some animal (maybe a raccoon or fox or smallish bear) came running towards our tents. Couldn't see it, but we made some noise and it took off in the other direction. See page 58 in guidebook for illustration of the defense.
***
 |
| Defending the camp. |
Saturday, April 13, 2013
Day 44
04/13/12 - Damascus - 466.9 miles
Staying at Ruby's Rest tonight, and so glad things worked out this way. Hiked 7ish miles into town, trying to call Ruby's to see if they had any vacancy but no answer. No service once we got into town. Walked to the Lazy Fox B&B and the sweet 128 year old lady answered the door and said she had no vacancy. Walked out of our way to find Ruby's Rest but so worth it. It's run by Jeff & Nicky and their two girls and dog and cat and chickens. Super nice people and really cute/cozy stay. Lunch at Dairy King. Dinner at Quincy's Pizza. So much food! Jeff put two beers in the fridge for us... drinking those tomorrow. Nice family. Saw TickleMonster and a few others in town. We are in Damascus. We are in Virginia. Wow!
***
Ruby's Rest was hands down one of my favorite town stays on the Trail.
Staying at Ruby's Rest tonight, and so glad things worked out this way. Hiked 7ish miles into town, trying to call Ruby's to see if they had any vacancy but no answer. No service once we got into town. Walked to the Lazy Fox B&B and the sweet 128 year old lady answered the door and said she had no vacancy. Walked out of our way to find Ruby's Rest but so worth it. It's run by Jeff & Nicky and their two girls and dog and cat and chickens. Super nice people and really cute/cozy stay. Lunch at Dairy King. Dinner at Quincy's Pizza. So much food! Jeff put two beers in the fridge for us... drinking those tomorrow. Nice family. Saw TickleMonster and a few others in town. We are in Damascus. We are in Virginia. Wow!
***
Ruby's Rest was hands down one of my favorite town stays on the Trail.
 |
| Ruby's Rest, Damascus. |
Friday, April 12, 2013
Day 43
04/12/12 - somewhere before TN/VA line - ≈459.7 miles
Today seemed long. Chilly morning with the wind. About 16ish miles. Ready to be in Damascus and rest my feet for a spell.
***
Today seemed long. Chilly morning with the wind. About 16ish miles. Ready to be in Damascus and rest my feet for a spell.
***
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Day 42
04/11/12 - near Iron Mountain Shelter - ≈443 miles
So cold. Pen will not write. Big fire. Feet hurt. Hungry. Thirsty. So cold. Is this real life?
***
So cold. Pen will not write. Big fire. Feet hurt. Hungry. Thirsty. So cold. Is this real life?
***
 |
| Coldest night on the Trail |
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Day 41
04/10/12 - Watauga Dam - 428 miles
Good night's sleep in the West Wing cabin. Played with the cats again in the morning and rolled out around 10:00. Snack break at Laurel Fork Falls. Passed Chris as he was heading SOBO slackpacking. Shared some orange soda with him. Really nice guy. Been having some foot aches, especially in my right foot. Hopefully nothing serious. Can't believe we will be in Virginia in just a couple of days!
***
Good night's sleep in the West Wing cabin. Played with the cats again in the morning and rolled out around 10:00. Snack break at Laurel Fork Falls. Passed Chris as he was heading SOBO slackpacking. Shared some orange soda with him. Really nice guy. Been having some foot aches, especially in my right foot. Hopefully nothing serious. Can't believe we will be in Virginia in just a couple of days!
***
 |
| KitFox at Laurel Fork Falls |
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Day 40
04/09/12 - Dennis Cove [Kincora Hostel] - 416.3 miles
The hostel that Bob Peoples runs is amazing. Rustic. Spacious. Cozy. Cats everywhere!! We also met TickleMonster from Louisiana, Jonas and AchyBreaky from Germany, and Chris from Florida. Great meeting and talking with these guys. Bob took us into town for grocery resupply. Anna and I raced through IGA trying to read labels for Passover kosherness while also working out typical resupply logistics. At dinner, we ate a rotisserie chicken, Funyuns, Reeses, pears, Moose Tracks, Diet Dr. Pepper, and Diet Sunkist. One white fluffy cat sneezes nonstop on the dinner table.
***
For those of you that don't know, Bob Peoples is a legend on the Trail. Like, the AT Chuck Norris or Most Interesting Man in the World. We would often see entries in trail journals or writings on shelter walls:
"What would Bob Peoples Do?"
"Bob Peoples saved my marriage."
"Bob Peoples gives boots blisters."
"Every time Bob Peoples creates a switchback, an angel gets his wings."
Why is he a legend? When we walked into his hostel that April morning, we immediately began seeing hundreds of hiker thank you cards plastering his walls and ceilings. Literally hundreds. He has been averaging around 300 hours of volunteer trail maintenance per year since 1988, and his awesome hostel is run on donations only. This guy loves the AT community and the Trail, and we love him.
Anna and I loved our short time with him, and often quoted him throughout the rest of our journey trying to imitate his awesome Boston accent. A recent article was published about him in Backpacker Magazine.
The hostel that Bob Peoples runs is amazing. Rustic. Spacious. Cozy. Cats everywhere!! We also met TickleMonster from Louisiana, Jonas and AchyBreaky from Germany, and Chris from Florida. Great meeting and talking with these guys. Bob took us into town for grocery resupply. Anna and I raced through IGA trying to read labels for Passover kosherness while also working out typical resupply logistics. At dinner, we ate a rotisserie chicken, Funyuns, Reeses, pears, Moose Tracks, Diet Dr. Pepper, and Diet Sunkist. One white fluffy cat sneezes nonstop on the dinner table.
***
For those of you that don't know, Bob Peoples is a legend on the Trail. Like, the AT Chuck Norris or Most Interesting Man in the World. We would often see entries in trail journals or writings on shelter walls:
"What would Bob Peoples Do?"
"Bob Peoples saved my marriage."
"Bob Peoples gives boots blisters."
"Every time Bob Peoples creates a switchback, an angel gets his wings."
Why is he a legend? When we walked into his hostel that April morning, we immediately began seeing hundreds of hiker thank you cards plastering his walls and ceilings. Literally hundreds. He has been averaging around 300 hours of volunteer trail maintenance per year since 1988, and his awesome hostel is run on donations only. This guy loves the AT community and the Trail, and we love him.
Anna and I loved our short time with him, and often quoted him throughout the rest of our journey trying to imitate his awesome Boston accent. A recent article was published about him in Backpacker Magazine.
 |
| Inspiration through gratitude. |
Monday, April 8, 2013
Day 39
04/08/12 - Moreland Gap Shelter - 410.3 miles
Eating hard crunchy rice. Passover fail. Stopped by the nudist colony. Turns out no nudists. Just two shy cats and a super nice dog who nearly snuggled me to death. We each ate a pint of ice cream and got some more snacks. Scotty, the guy in charge, was really nice. I'm getting hungry all the time. Kitties!
***
Eating hard crunchy rice. Passover fail. Stopped by the nudist colony. Turns out no nudists. Just two shy cats and a super nice dog who nearly snuggled me to death. We each ate a pint of ice cream and got some more snacks. Scotty, the guy in charge, was really nice. I'm getting hungry all the time. Kitties!
***
Sunday, April 7, 2013
Day 38
04/07/12 - Campsite - 398.3 miles
Spent last night tenting outside the barn. So cold. Frost and ice in the morning. Last night as we night-hiked in, I thought I saw eyes reflecting back at me. We freeze in our tracks. Anna asks if they are big or small. I don't know. Anna raises her trekking poles over her head to make herself appear bigger, and in the process, scares me to death. Turns out to be the fire down at the shelter. Good laugh afterwards. Surprised Anna with a bottle of wine on top of Hump Mountain today. Guy left it at the shelter because his pack was too heavy. Uncle Spider was going to take it but ended up leaving it for me. We saved some for him when we saw him later. 400 miles tomorrow! And we're gonna swing by the nudist colony for snacks.
***
Spent last night tenting outside the barn. So cold. Frost and ice in the morning. Last night as we night-hiked in, I thought I saw eyes reflecting back at me. We freeze in our tracks. Anna asks if they are big or small. I don't know. Anna raises her trekking poles over her head to make herself appear bigger, and in the process, scares me to death. Turns out to be the fire down at the shelter. Good laugh afterwards. Surprised Anna with a bottle of wine on top of Hump Mountain today. Guy left it at the shelter because his pack was too heavy. Uncle Spider was going to take it but ended up leaving it for me. We saved some for him when we saw him later. 400 miles tomorrow! And we're gonna swing by the nudist colony for snacks.
***
 |
| Bottle of wine for second breakfast. |
Saturday, April 6, 2013
Day 37
04/06/12 - Overmountain Shelter - 382.7 miles
So cold. So hungry. And so begins Passover.
*Coldest night for me yet.
***
So cold. So hungry. And so begins Passover.
*Coldest night for me yet.
***
Friday, April 5, 2013
Day 36
04/05/12 - before Clyde Smith Shelter - ≈367 miles
Cold. Wet. Lightning. Orange salamanders. Clammy fingers. Jungle Book. Game of Thrones. More lightning. More wet. More cold. That was pretty much today. Wet, I am.
***
Cold. Wet. Lightning. Orange salamanders. Clammy fingers. Jungle Book. Game of Thrones. More lightning. More wet. More cold. That was pretty much today. Wet, I am.
***
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Day 35
04/04/12 - near Deep Gap - ≈354 miles
Leaving Erwin we stopped at the local NOC and bought candy and Diet Cherry Dr. Peppers. My mouth is watering as I write this. Today was difficult. Uphill completely. About 11 miles from 1700 ft - 4400 ft. My feet hurt and my back aches. Beautiful campsite in a field under a tree. Sunset. Watched the clouds pass by like cotton candy falling apart. I ate Nutella.
***
I did not see this photo until months after our hike when Anna put it in an album. I'm thankful she took this gorgeous shot from one of my favorite campsites.
Leaving Erwin we stopped at the local NOC and bought candy and Diet Cherry Dr. Peppers. My mouth is watering as I write this. Today was difficult. Uphill completely. About 11 miles from 1700 ft - 4400 ft. My feet hurt and my back aches. Beautiful campsite in a field under a tree. Sunset. Watched the clouds pass by like cotton candy falling apart. I ate Nutella.
***
I did not see this photo until months after our hike when Anna put it in an album. I'm thankful she took this gorgeous shot from one of my favorite campsites.
 |
| photo by KitFox |
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Day 34
04/03/12 - Erwin - 342.0 miles
Hitched into town (thanks to FlowerSniffer, '03 thru-hiker) and checked into Super 8. Laundry, PIZZA HUT! and Food Lion. Escaped lots of rain and thunderstorms in the afternoon/evening. Dinner at Huddle House and dessert at McDonalds. Not an ideal date night (no wine available) but still fun with my love.
***
We had been looking forward to this Pizza Hut for many days. We feasted, and it ranks as one of our favorite meals.
Hitched into town (thanks to FlowerSniffer, '03 thru-hiker) and checked into Super 8. Laundry, PIZZA HUT! and Food Lion. Escaped lots of rain and thunderstorms in the afternoon/evening. Dinner at Huddle House and dessert at McDonalds. Not an ideal date night (no wine available) but still fun with my love.
***
We had been looking forward to this Pizza Hut for many days. We feasted, and it ranks as one of our favorite meals.
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Day 33
04/02/12 - just outside Erwin - 341.1 miles
Windy, windy morning. Poured on us as soon as we put away our tents. More Trail Magic from CrankDaddy... beer and chips at 10:45am. Lunch at shelter, then hiked 'til it started pouring on us again. Every time there are thunderstorms, somehow we end up on the tops of mountains exposed. Praying the whole time. We finally just crouched under some trees while the thunder and lightning cracked and the rain and hail pelted us. Always trusting in our Protector. Eventually began to let up. Town tomorrow. Hoping it all works out with hotel stuff. Either way, date night and PIZZA HUT!!
***
Windy, windy morning. Poured on us as soon as we put away our tents. More Trail Magic from CrankDaddy... beer and chips at 10:45am. Lunch at shelter, then hiked 'til it started pouring on us again. Every time there are thunderstorms, somehow we end up on the tops of mountains exposed. Praying the whole time. We finally just crouched under some trees while the thunder and lightning cracked and the rain and hail pelted us. Always trusting in our Protector. Eventually began to let up. Town tomorrow. Hoping it all works out with hotel stuff. Either way, date night and PIZZA HUT!!
***
Monday, April 1, 2013
Day 32
04/01/12 - before Spivey Gap - 330.3 miles
Morning started off a little glum. No food for breakfast. Hitched to a gas station to buy more food. Spent two hours there hanging out and EATING. So good. Hitched back to the trail. CrankDaddy handing out Trail Magic... sodas, beer, chips, Little Debbies. Mmm. That sealed the deal for it being a good day. Did about 14 miles after noon, including Big Bald. Beautiful views with dark clouds everywhere. Thank you Lord, no lightning. Excited for hot chocolate in the morning.
***
Morning started off a little glum. No food for breakfast. Hitched to a gas station to buy more food. Spent two hours there hanging out and EATING. So good. Hitched back to the trail. CrankDaddy handing out Trail Magic... sodas, beer, chips, Little Debbies. Mmm. That sealed the deal for it being a good day. Did about 14 miles after noon, including Big Bald. Beautiful views with dark clouds everywhere. Thank you Lord, no lightning. Excited for hot chocolate in the morning.
***
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