Friday, May 31, 2013

Day 92

05/31/12 - Raven Rock Shelter - 1,053.3 miles

Due to slower hitches into/out of town and foot problems, we are calling it an earlier day than planned, which is actually a very nice relief.  A few hours of day light left, picnic table in camp, birds singing, beautiful sky and a nice light breeze.  Tomorrow we will do a longer day, but now we will just enjoy this wonderful evening.  We saw our first AT cat today.  Right on the Trail, this cute little guy saw us, meowed, and came trotting towards us.  We played with him for a bit then had to leave.  When he started following us on the trail, I thought maybe he could be mine.  Then he flopped down in the sun.

***

kitty

Thursday, May 30, 2013

Day 91

05/30/12 - Pogo Memorial Campsite - 1,043.4 miles

Met up with Pittsburg Paul today.  Had not seen or heard from him since we met him the night before Hiawassee in GA.  Still trying to catch Dr. TrailMix.  So tired right now.  Wish I could write more.  Tomorrow, we cross into Pennsylvania.  And the NORTH.

***

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Day 90

05/29/12 - Ed Garvey Shelter - 1,023.6 miles

This morning Anna and I walk into the continental breakfast, and there is Rocky and Sunshine!  I couldn't believe it.  We talked a lot throughout the day, and it was great to catch up.  We are now in Maryland... our last southern state.  This is getting exciting.

***

One of my biggest regrets while hiking the Trail was not taking more photographs of the PEOPLE.  I have a handful, but I wish I had photos of every single person we met, because each person made such an impact on our hike.

We had not seen Rocky and Sunshine since before entering the Smokies.  We caught up at breakfast, got lunch with them, and hiked with them during the day.  But this would be the last time we would see them.  And there is not a single photograph of us together.

That's one of the funny things about hiking the Trail.  Rocky and Sunshine were at the shelter with us that first night on Springer Mountain.

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Day 89

05/28/12 - Harpers Ferry (ATC) - 1,016.6 miles

We had some serious wind last night!  Thank God no trees/branches fell on us.  A bit scary.  But now we are in Harpers Ferry!  Cannot believe it.  We hiked about 16 miles before 3:00.  Staying at a really nice EconoLodge.  Dinner at The Secret Six Tavern in the historic district.  Ice cream afterwards.  Maildrop from my dad and Starbucks friends.  Very awesome.  So far, I think Harpers Ferry is my favorite town.

***

If you're only going to take four photos on the entire AT, most hikers would agree that they would be taken on Springer Mountain, McAfee Knob, ATC headquarters, and Mount Katahdin.  This was definitely a milestone on our journey.


Monday, May 27, 2013

Day 88

05/27/12 - Devil's Racecourse - ≈1,001 miles


One thousand miles.  Wow.  We are now also in West Virginia.  Tomorrow Harper's Ferry.  Got off the trail today to stop at a restaurant 0.3 miles away.  Guide book says open daily.  Apparently daily doesn't include Sundays.  This was a major morale disappointment for both of us.  Tonight we set up just before dark and just as a thunderstorm opened up on us.  Really windy/stormy.  Going to try for an EARLY start tomorrow.  We can do it.



***

Sunday, May 26, 2013

Day 87

05/26/12 - Rod Hollow Shelter (ish) - 987 miles (ish)

Today was hot.  Hot and humid.  Drank lots of water.  Just before getting to the shelter, we saw a mother deer and her tiny fawn.  The fawn was nursing, and as we slowly approached, the mama took off running, knocking the little fawn down.  It was so sad.  We walked up and looked for them in the distance.  I saw the mom but not the fawn.  Suddenly, the fawn bolts away from right under our noses!  He was right there!  They rejoined and were off again.  Such a cool moment.  In other news... Ouch, Charlie.

***

Saturday, May 25, 2013

Day 86

05/25/12 - Jim & Molly Denton Shelter - 968.6 miles

Will there ever be a point when this Trail feels easy?  Everyday is a struggle for me.  Every mile is strenuous.  Every step aches.  We saw our second bear today just as we were about to exit SNP.  This one took off running before we could really get a good look, but still neat to see.  Anna's feet are really troubling her.  She is such a trooper though and an inspiration to me.  When I am really struggling, I try to imagine myself on top of Mount Katahdin.  This also inspires me.

***

Friday, May 24, 2013

Day 85

05/24/12 - Gravel Springs Hut - 950 miles

Bear yesterday.  Blackberry milkshake today.  Our Shenandoah experience is now complete.  Tomorrow we exit the park.  It was not nearly as easy as some made it out to be.  If anything, I think this has been one of our own personal most difficult sections.  I'm starting to smell like a wet dog.

***

Thursday, May 23, 2013

Day 84

05/23/12 - Pass Mountain Hut - 936.9 miles

Our first BEAR!!  He was a little fuzzle guy right on the Trail.  Anna almost walked right by him.  I saw him and like usual, assumed he was a log/rock.  My heart skipped a beat when I saw his little head looking right at me.  I couldn't believe it.  There was a ranger guided walk going on that we had also starred in, so they came up after us and saw him, too.  A little bigger than a cub, but still pretty small.  Fuzzle bear!  Now I just need a blackberry milkshake and my Shenandoah experience will be complete.  Tomorrow = milkshake.  Also, walking on ridgelines in thunderstorms is no fun.  But what else is new?

***

Fuzzle.

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Day 83

05/22/12 - Rock Spring Hut - 921.6 miles

Anna traded in her tent this morning for the new Quarter Dome T1.  We headed out of town with a lot of new gear and Chick-fil-a.  We walked around the Visitor Center then said goodbye to Anna's parents.  4.4 miles on our first day back and I'm sore, aching, and completely worn out.  But we are on our way!

***

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Day 82

05/21/12 - Fairfax - 917.2 miles

The last zero.  At least for a while.  It has been great taking a few days off, and I'm so glad Anna has been able to rest these past two days.  Today we went to REI again and exchanged some of our gear.  Panera, Tony's Pizza and PinkBerry.  Tomorrow, we will walk together again.

***

Monday, May 20, 2013

Day 81

05/20/12 - Fairfax - 917.2 miles

Wow.  It is just so wonderful to be with Anna again.  It's only been a couple of days, but I have truly missed her.  Today, the four of us spent some time together at Caribou Coffee, REI (where I had to seek refuge from all the people), Chipotle, the hotel, PJ Skidoo's, then to the movies to see The Avengers.  These zero days are very relaxing.

***

Sunday, May 19, 2013

Day 80

05/19/12 - Odenton - 917.2 miles

Slept in.  Juice breakfast.  Clash of Kings.  Light lunch.  Coffee.  Laundry.  Basketball.  Pool.  Organic Market.  Chick-fil-a.  Help Dennis with dinner.  Eat delicious dinner.  Play with cats.  Organic mint chocolate chip ice cream.  Good night.

***

Saturday, May 18, 2013

Day 79

05/18/12 - Beach/Annapolis/Odenton - 917.2 miles

I miss Anna.  I miss the Trail.

***

Friday, May 17, 2013

Day 78

05/17/12 - Delaware Beach - 917.2 miles

Didn't think I'd be seeing the Atlantic Ocean until Maine.  I really miss Anna.

***

The Atlantic

Thursday, May 16, 2013

Day 77

05/16/12 - Washington DC - 917.2 miles

Anna is now off in Nebraska for Rachel and David's wedding.  I miss her already.  I really do.  Had some good time with Dr. Bruce driving and missing turns, walking around DC a bit, seeing the Holocaust Museum, McDonalds, DQ, the library, AND meeting up with Dennis.  Staying at his place now with three kitties: Melvin, Gabriela, and Monica.  I knew it was love when Monica pooped on the carpet by my bed.  I have missed cats.

***

Sweet little Monica

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Day 76

05/15/12 - Big Meadows Wayside - 917.2 miles

Yep, that was tough.  Didn't make our ambitious 29 miles, but 20 will suffice.  Made it to the Visitor Center in time for everything being closed.  Anna and I set up our new homeless homes outside the VC and waited for Bruce and Glenda.  Got some soda.  Ate some mac & cheese.  Talked with Foster.  But now we are on our summer vacation!!

***

Visitor Center 2010

Visitor Center 2012

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Day 75

05/14/12 - Hightop Hut - 897.7 miles

RAIIIIIIIIN.  Shorter day today – longer (longest) day tomorrow.  Tried to stay dry as long as possible this morning in our tents.  Finally decided to pack up in the rain.  Hit up the camp store.  Diet Dr. Wham, yes please!  Anna had some tasty Starbucks bottle frapp.  Shenandoah is not easy... Shenandoah is difficult.  Just like the rest of Virginia.  Just like the rest of this Trail.  Where do people get off... why I oughta...  Tomorrow is going to be tough.

***

Monday, May 13, 2013

Day 74

05/13/12 - near Loft Mountain - ≈884 miles

::singing Moulin Rouge::
::looks up and sees man hiking down the trail right in front of us::
"Oh, hi.  Happy hiking!"
Yeah, we're pretty much rockstars.  21 miles today.  Still no bears.  Still no milkshakes.  But I do have a nice blister on my ring finger toe... and a new one from the bandaid I put on this morning.  We hear a baby crying in the distant campground.  Saw a high-speed chase today on Skyline Drive.  Biker going about 90 mph with two LE Rangers in pursuit with their sirens on.  Happy Mother's Day.

***

Sunday, May 12, 2013

Day 73

05/12/12 - Calf Mountain Shelter - 863.3 miles

We are camping in SNP!  Stopped in Waynesboro thanks to Bill (trail angel) who gave us a ride, feasted at Ming Garden Buffet, Kroger, then back to the Trail via Bill.  12 mile day, but tough.  Beautiful.  No bears yet, but looking for them.  Where are those little black fuzz balls??

***

Saturday, May 11, 2013

Day 72

05/11/12 - Paul Wolfe Shelter - 851.3 miles

Twenty-two mile day!  Ouch, Charlie.  Another beautiful day though.  Met and talked with No Sweat.  Nice guy.  Also, Regina the RidgeRunner (Goodnews Gayle).  My toenails are hurting.  Tomorrow we hike into Shenandoah National Park!

***

A Note From The Present

For those of you who do not know, I will be working at Rocky Mountain National Park this summer.  I arrived to the park yesterday and moved into my house (which has neither internet nor cell reception).  I will be primarily stationed at the Wild Basin Entrance Station, one of the more remote and less visited areas of the park.

I'm already blown away by the beauty of this place.  The snow alone impresses this Georgian native, not to mention the mountains, lakes and abundant wildlife.  Seeing the variety of backpackers setting out for their treks makes me miss the Trail life.  But then again, I'm always thinking about the Trail life.

Due to the lack of internet, I will do my best to keep updating last year's AT journal.  I really wish to keep posting the entries.  If nothing else, so that I may have an online archive of the journey.  I appreciate you guys for following along, both during the trek and now afterwards.

Happy trails.

"Come to the woods, for here is rest. There is no repose like that of the green deep woods. Here grow the wallflower and the violet. The squirrel will come and sit upon your knee, the logcock will wake you in the morning. Sleep in forgetfulness of all ill. Of all the upness accessible to mortals, there is no upness comparable to the mountains." - John Muir

Seriously... there are elk everywhere.
 

Friday, May 10, 2013

Day 71

05/10/12 - Harpers Creek Shelter - 829.3 miles

Today has been the perfect day for hiking.  Warm sun.  Cool shade.  Breezy.  Blue sky.  White puffy clouds.  And 0% chance of rain.  Sleeping with the rain fly off tonight.  I'm starting to get food caught in my mustache.

***

Thursday, May 9, 2013

Day 70

05/09/12 - Piney River (ish) - ≈813 miles

Who would have thought we'd be shivering on a mountain ridge with all our warm clothing on barely able to move?  The combination of water and wind is a deadly thing.  I don't know if I'll ever send back any of my warm clothes... I keep needing them!  Starting to warm up in my tent now.  A really beautiful bird song is heard around us.  We are camped next to a large rock with an epic tree growing out of it.  Amarillo boy!

***

Epic tree with KitFox

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Day 69

05/08/12 - Buena Vista - 801.1 miles

Trail Magic at the road crossing.  Only partook in some of it since we were heading into town.  Stuck out our thumbs right at Sanhican's wife drove by.  Nice people.  Staying at the Budget Inn.  Laundry.  Subway.  Dollar Store.  Food Lion.  Hitch hike.  Uncorked, where we met Michael, who is helping us get a ride back tomorrow.  Wine.  Pizza and salad.  Sodas.  Chill time.  Opened a wine bottle without a corkscrew.  Like a boss.  And by "like a boss," I mean wine got everywhere.  Winning.

***

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Day 68

05/07/12 - Brown Mountain Creek Shelter - 799.3 miles

The ticks are coming.  Paranoia is setting in.  We keep finding them in our tents and on Anna.  I guess it's all part of the adventure, but we don't like it.

***

Monday, May 6, 2013

Day 67

05/06/12 - Johns Hallow Shelter - 781 miles

Today's terrain was not as bad as yesterday's.  I still think every day is difficult, though.  These people that say they have easy 15-18 mile days... I wanna push them down.  Crossed the James River today.  People were jumping off the bridge and swimming.  One Asian man came up to us and said we should swim.  He was really nice.  But then he pointed to the wart on my knee and said, "Wow!  That's bad mosquito bite!"  In other news, I'm gonna start wearing pants again.

***

Sunday, May 5, 2013

Day 66

05/05/12 - Thunder Hill Shelter - 764.7 miles

Major ups and downs today.  Hiked a bit with Video and his nephew, Whoop and Resource, and Walking Home and Faulkner (when he was zooming past us).  Video is a nice guy.  Got cold again when it started raining.  We won't be this high again until Mt. Moosilauke!

****

Saturday, May 4, 2013

Day 65

05/04/12 - Cove Mtn. Shelter - 747.5 miles

Twenty mile day!  Our first, and to celebrate, a mini bottle of wine.  Walked through crazy amounts of spiderwebs today.  Crossed the Blue Ridge Parkway for the first time today.  Anna and I thought of AT memes while walking today.  Another hot day... getting hotter.  We are getting closer to Maine.

***

Friday, May 3, 2013

Day 64

05/03/12 - Fullhardt Knob Shelter - 727.5 miles

We are one third of the way to Maine.  One third.  We lingered in town for a while today resupplying and eating.  Once we hit the trail again it almost became a nightmare.  First off, it was HOT.  Sweaty and humid.  Then the plague came.  We could hear them buzzing and zipping all around us.  Their empty carcass shells scattered about the fields and nearby trees.  As I was walking, a robin trotted up the trail ahead of me.  It fluttered to a nearby branch, and before I could do anything they engulfed me.  Nasty black and red cicadas coming back to life and swarming out of the trees.  Three hit my neck and I started running.  My pack was heavy but it didn't slow me down.  I was running for my life.  We ran several of these gauntlets, crunching over the dead and lazy bodies of the less ambitious cicadas until finally reaching a higher elevation escaping them.  We reached the shelter 5 minutes before it started hailing.  Lots of hail the size of marbles.  We met Sherman.  It is his first night on the AT, and he reminds me so much of dad.  Hilarious and talkative.  I gave him one of our wine bottles so he could celebrate with us.  I truly wish him the best in his journey and hope he enjoys it.  This has been a great day.

***

Thursday, May 2, 2013

Day 63

05/02/12 - US 220/I-80 - 722.5 miles

Marched into town before noon.  Sodas, chocolate milk, Howard Johnson, Pizza Hut, Facebook, Cracker Barrel, and Game of Thrones.  This was a much needed nero for us.  This section is kicking my butt a bit.

***

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Day 62

05/01/12 - Lambert's Meadow - 713.4 miles

Today was exciting and rewarding but so so difficult.  We hit 700 miles and climbed McAfee Knob and then Tinker Cliffs.  Both had such amazing views.  But it was up and down like crazy and the guidebook didn't really list it or give us any warnings.  Not sure if my feet have ever been this sore before.  Tomorrow, we march into town!

***

McAfee Knob