29.5 miles, 847.5 total.
had no idea this morning when I woke up that I would hike 30 miles today. my feet are mad right now.
got up around 6:00 to the same mist and fog that was here last night. distances of shelters were 7.5, 13.7, and 29.5. not much to choose from, and it turns out there weren't any camping spots (or any spots without rocks) during the last section. so I just walked and walked. about 25 yards from the last shelter I was crossing a stream/river and fell into it! I tried to stop my fall and snapped my hiking pole as I crashed onto the water. I bruised my frorearm and cut my leg...and got really wet. ha. tough day for 30 miles. up and down and up and down all day. only 5 miles into waynesboro, va tomorrow where I'll take 2 days off. I need to rest my feet. the new shoes I bought in daleville are great, but the higher mileage days are still rough on the feet.
later, L
-- Post From My iPhone
Thursday, April 30, 2009
paul c wolfe pt. 2
Thought I would list key points and elevations of the 30 mile hike.
Starting pt. Priest shelter 3840
The Priest Mtn. 4063
Tye River 970
Harpers Creek shelter 1800
3 Ridges Mtn. 3870
Maupin field shelter 2720
Dripping Rock Overlook 2950
Humpback Mtn. 3600
Bear Spring 2700
Paul C. Wolfe shelter 1700
later,
L
Starting pt. Priest shelter 3840
The Priest Mtn. 4063
Tye River 970
Harpers Creek shelter 1800
3 Ridges Mtn. 3870
Maupin field shelter 2720
Dripping Rock Overlook 2950
Humpback Mtn. 3600
Bear Spring 2700
Paul C. Wolfe shelter 1700
later,
L
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
the priest shelter
22.7 miles, 818 total.
left camp around 7:30 this morning. it was overcast and humid. the miles kept falling and I kept walking. very first 4 miles were straight up to bald knob. they were 4 of the toughest that I've hiked in a while. lots of switchbacks and after every few there was a stretch of straight up trail.
the next 10 miles were fairly easy and over some cool terrain. some farmland, some rocky areas, and some pine forests - some high and some low. made it to seely-woodworth shelter by 1:15. 15.8 miles by mid day. nice. I hung out there for about an hour and a half. was met there by OC and sonny, and the mother-daughter team stopped by to get more water from the spring.
the afternoon was cooler and much less humid so I was able to cruise during the afternoon without the heat of the past few days. I passed several SOBO flippers and a group of teenaged sectioners with their adult leaders. missed some good views becade of the clouds but the cooler temps were welcomed.
OC and I ended up here in the clouds, most of the way up the priest mtn.
later,
L
-- Post From My iPhone
left camp around 7:30 this morning. it was overcast and humid. the miles kept falling and I kept walking. very first 4 miles were straight up to bald knob. they were 4 of the toughest that I've hiked in a while. lots of switchbacks and after every few there was a stretch of straight up trail.
the next 10 miles were fairly easy and over some cool terrain. some farmland, some rocky areas, and some pine forests - some high and some low. made it to seely-woodworth shelter by 1:15. 15.8 miles by mid day. nice. I hung out there for about an hour and a half. was met there by OC and sonny, and the mother-daughter team stopped by to get more water from the spring.
the afternoon was cooler and much less humid so I was able to cruise during the afternoon without the heat of the past few days. I passed several SOBO flippers and a group of teenaged sectioners with their adult leaders. missed some good views becade of the clouds but the cooler temps were welcomed.
OC and I ended up here in the clouds, most of the way up the priest mtn.
later,
L
-- Post From My iPhone
Monday, April 27, 2009
john's hollow shelter
21.6 miles, 777 total.
flies, gnats, bees. enough already. don't I get a spring before summer. at least I've figured it out. my shoes and pant legs are covered with pollen. they're actually yellow. I need to clean them off regularly.
today was a long one. first 5.3 miles were all up, and it got warm early. might be a break in the heat sometime on the next couple of days.
took a break around 11:00 and called mary lou (grandma) to wish her a happy 84th bday. that was the only time all day that I had coverage. how convenient. what a good grandson!!
the next 12.4 miles seemed to last forever and ended with a long descent that hammered my knees. was going to call it a day but the bees were guarding the shelter and there weren't any good tent sites. so I got water from the fast moving stream in front of the shelter an was going to move on...when I had an idea. there was a huge rock in the middle of the stream that was shaped like a chair - and was half submerged. so I stripped down to my undies and got in. nice!!!! refreshing. I got a bath and did my laundry too. then everything dried on a boulder and I took off for this shelter, 3.9 miles further. setting up my tent so I can sleep a little cooler tonight again. here with a section hiker named ghost.
later,
L
-- Post From My iPhone
flies, gnats, bees. enough already. don't I get a spring before summer. at least I've figured it out. my shoes and pant legs are covered with pollen. they're actually yellow. I need to clean them off regularly.
today was a long one. first 5.3 miles were all up, and it got warm early. might be a break in the heat sometime on the next couple of days.
took a break around 11:00 and called mary lou (grandma) to wish her a happy 84th bday. that was the only time all day that I had coverage. how convenient. what a good grandson!!
the next 12.4 miles seemed to last forever and ended with a long descent that hammered my knees. was going to call it a day but the bees were guarding the shelter and there weren't any good tent sites. so I got water from the fast moving stream in front of the shelter an was going to move on...when I had an idea. there was a huge rock in the middle of the stream that was shaped like a chair - and was half submerged. so I stripped down to my undies and got in. nice!!!! refreshing. I got a bath and did my laundry too. then everything dried on a boulder and I took off for this shelter, 3.9 miles further. setting up my tent so I can sleep a little cooler tonight again. here with a section hiker named ghost.
later,
L
-- Post From My iPhone
Sunday, April 26, 2009
cornelius creek shelter
18.3 miles, 755.4 total.
I hate this heat. going to be in upper 80's again today. couldn't sleep last night cause it was so hot. got up at 6:00 and left camp as quickly as possible because the bugs were already active.
hike was not good or bad, just hot. at 6 miles I came to a shelter that was guarded by a swarm of big fat bumble bees. so I marched on. a little while later I took a break at a river crossing and watched a bunch of rednecks fish for trout. even though a big sign said "No Fishing". then after about 13.5 miles I came to Bryant ridge shelter. it was beautiful and looked new. it sits right on a small stream and offers plenty of shade. no bugs! I climbed onto the picnic table and took a nap. there was a couple upstairs also napping. I woke up when a south bounder stopped in for a break. then the couple upstairs came down and fixed us hot dogs and bacon and gave us mountain dew that had been chilling in the stream.
when I left I had a really tough 5 miles of uphill to finish the day. feels cooler out but the bugs are still everywhere. pitching the tent for sure now. I can see two mice sitting on the shelter ceiling beam. they can have it; no sense fighting with them all night.
here by myself again tonight.
later,
L
-- Post From My iPhone
I hate this heat. going to be in upper 80's again today. couldn't sleep last night cause it was so hot. got up at 6:00 and left camp as quickly as possible because the bugs were already active.
hike was not good or bad, just hot. at 6 miles I came to a shelter that was guarded by a swarm of big fat bumble bees. so I marched on. a little while later I took a break at a river crossing and watched a bunch of rednecks fish for trout. even though a big sign said "No Fishing". then after about 13.5 miles I came to Bryant ridge shelter. it was beautiful and looked new. it sits right on a small stream and offers plenty of shade. no bugs! I climbed onto the picnic table and took a nap. there was a couple upstairs also napping. I woke up when a south bounder stopped in for a break. then the couple upstairs came down and fixed us hot dogs and bacon and gave us mountain dew that had been chilling in the stream.
when I left I had a really tough 5 miles of uphill to finish the day. feels cooler out but the bugs are still everywhere. pitching the tent for sure now. I can see two mice sitting on the shelter ceiling beam. they can have it; no sense fighting with them all night.
here by myself again tonight.
later,
L
-- Post From My iPhone
Saturday, April 25, 2009
bobblets gap shelter
18.5 miles, 737.1 total.
left the daleville, va motel for the trail (right across the street) around 9:00. ran into d'leader, penJ and the karma police in my way out. they were just getting in.
long and hot day. very buggy here tonight. passed a retiree section hiker from NYC earlier. he and I had a nice talk while taking a break in the shade.
saw a bunch of deer at different times today...and a lot of bees and gnats. this shelter sits in a valley with a stream and it's very muggy. temp inside the shelter is still around 80, and there's nowhere flat to set up my tent. great. here alone. :(
later, L
-- Post From My iPhone
left the daleville, va motel for the trail (right across the street) around 9:00. ran into d'leader, penJ and the karma police in my way out. they were just getting in.
long and hot day. very buggy here tonight. passed a retiree section hiker from NYC earlier. he and I had a nice talk while taking a break in the shade.
saw a bunch of deer at different times today...and a lot of bees and gnats. this shelter sits in a valley with a stream and it's very muggy. temp inside the shelter is still around 80, and there's nowhere flat to set up my tent. great. here alone. :(
later, L
-- Post From My iPhone
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Catawba Mtn Shelter
24.7 miles, 700.8 total.
incredible day. set another record of almost 25 miles.
again with the crazy weather! now add snow to the list below; all in one day.
received some great trail magic about 45 minutes after starting. a big cooler filled with fruit, water, soda, candy, and just about anything else one could want. yummy.
after that, it was straight up over 2000 feet. right on the edge of a ridge. one side was sunny an the other was rainy...then the sleet came, then the snow!
at the top of the ridge the trail ran into an old forest road that was wide and grassy. also, there was a wooden park bench right at the intersection. nice. I sat down and had a snack...and then the snow stopped and the sun came out. the trail followed the road to a memorial for audie murphy, the most decorated WWII US veteran. evidently he died in a plane crash at this site in 1971. got some pics an moved on.
the rest of the day is a little hard to explain. it was soooo difficult, and I swear the mileage charts on my maps are incorrect. went over rocky ridge after rocky ridge. really getting tired of them. then I got to the really big one. it's called Dragon's Tooth. I had to put away my trekking poles and climb on hands and knees for about 30 minutes to get to the top...and then do the same going down the other side. in some places there were metal rods drilled into the rock to help get up and down. wow.
when I finally got down, it was back through farmland and then up more rocky mountains. thank goodness there were no donkeys!! didn't get to the shelter until after 6:30. got everything ready for night and now finishing this. here by myself again. nice and quiet. tomorrow I can do 18 tough miles or split it into two days of 9 each. we'll see how I feel. my body already hurts from today and it's only been to hours since I stopped hiking.
later,
L
-- Post From My iPhone
incredible day. set another record of almost 25 miles.
again with the crazy weather! now add snow to the list below; all in one day.
received some great trail magic about 45 minutes after starting. a big cooler filled with fruit, water, soda, candy, and just about anything else one could want. yummy.
after that, it was straight up over 2000 feet. right on the edge of a ridge. one side was sunny an the other was rainy...then the sleet came, then the snow!
at the top of the ridge the trail ran into an old forest road that was wide and grassy. also, there was a wooden park bench right at the intersection. nice. I sat down and had a snack...and then the snow stopped and the sun came out. the trail followed the road to a memorial for audie murphy, the most decorated WWII US veteran. evidently he died in a plane crash at this site in 1971. got some pics an moved on.
the rest of the day is a little hard to explain. it was soooo difficult, and I swear the mileage charts on my maps are incorrect. went over rocky ridge after rocky ridge. really getting tired of them. then I got to the really big one. it's called Dragon's Tooth. I had to put away my trekking poles and climb on hands and knees for about 30 minutes to get to the top...and then do the same going down the other side. in some places there were metal rods drilled into the rock to help get up and down. wow.
when I finally got down, it was back through farmland and then up more rocky mountains. thank goodness there were no donkeys!! didn't get to the shelter until after 6:30. got everything ready for night and now finishing this. here by myself again. nice and quiet. tomorrow I can do 18 tough miles or split it into two days of 9 each. we'll see how I feel. my body already hurts from today and it's only been to hours since I stopped hiking.
later,
L
-- Post From My iPhone
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
niday shelter
18.2 miles, 676.1 total.
oh what a difference a day makes. today was wonderful. all types of weather; rain, sunshine, sleet, hail, more rain, and more sunshine.
had a big climb early and several streams to cross. then most of the day I walked a ledge that was basically one gigantic boulder after another, for about 5 miles. it was incredible. great views on both sides of the ridge. had to stop for about 30 minutes while it rained because the rocks were too slick to walk on...about fell several times. also went through farmland in a valley today. had to go through some pastures, including one that had a broken fence between it and the next field. the next field contained a bunch of donkeys. hee-haw! one saw me and burst through the opening in the fence and chased me to the other side of the field. yes, I was chased by an ass. kind of felt like being at mcmanus and having some weirdo talk to me all night. a farmer in a pickup who was driving by was laughing so hard he had to pull over to the side of the road. he did ask if I was okay. jeez. later I scared about 12 deer who were eating in a meadow and they took off in all directions before I could take any pictures.
my feet feel much better today. yea! still thinking about the food issue - have a few days before I need to resupply.
warmer weather is nice. I've been washing my shirt and socks each night in a stream or spring and then hanging them to dry before bed. still smelly, but not as bad as before. tomorrow is either big miles or little miles. see how I feel and what the weather is like.
here at the shelter by myself for now. nice and quiet.
later,
L
-- Post From My iPhone
oh what a difference a day makes. today was wonderful. all types of weather; rain, sunshine, sleet, hail, more rain, and more sunshine.
had a big climb early and several streams to cross. then most of the day I walked a ledge that was basically one gigantic boulder after another, for about 5 miles. it was incredible. great views on both sides of the ridge. had to stop for about 30 minutes while it rained because the rocks were too slick to walk on...about fell several times. also went through farmland in a valley today. had to go through some pastures, including one that had a broken fence between it and the next field. the next field contained a bunch of donkeys. hee-haw! one saw me and burst through the opening in the fence and chased me to the other side of the field. yes, I was chased by an ass. kind of felt like being at mcmanus and having some weirdo talk to me all night. a farmer in a pickup who was driving by was laughing so hard he had to pull over to the side of the road. he did ask if I was okay. jeez. later I scared about 12 deer who were eating in a meadow and they took off in all directions before I could take any pictures.
my feet feel much better today. yea! still thinking about the food issue - have a few days before I need to resupply.
warmer weather is nice. I've been washing my shirt and socks each night in a stream or spring and then hanging them to dry before bed. still smelly, but not as bad as before. tomorrow is either big miles or little miles. see how I feel and what the weather is like.
here at the shelter by myself for now. nice and quiet.
later,
L
-- Post From My iPhone
Monday, April 20, 2009
war spur shelter
12.7 miles, 657.9 total.
today was awful. one of the worst so far. it took all day to hike 13 miles on relatively flat ground. it rained all morning and sprinkled on and off all afternoon. my left foot is killing me. the back of my shoe was rubbing on my foot constantly today. I was limping the last 4 miles. I want to take these shoes and throw them over a cliff! I guess I'll see if I can do something with them tonight. the back still feels so stiff - like a brand new shoe, but ive been wearing them for almost 2 weeks.
the trail was mostly rocks/boulders today, which caused the slow down and pain. saw several deer and a couple of snakes - one was a small rattler. neato. hope tomorrow is better. also, I'm always hungry now. always. even in the middle of the night. trying to reevaluate my food and how much I carry. this 5-6 day supply has been really heavy, so I need to find food that's lighter weight. next time out I think I have to carry 8 days. that's going to weigh a ton. UNLESS, maybe I can carry 8 days worth of cotton candy!! it's light.
here with d'leader and the karma police. tonight we might finish the awful novel.
later,
L
-- Post From My iPhone
today was awful. one of the worst so far. it took all day to hike 13 miles on relatively flat ground. it rained all morning and sprinkled on and off all afternoon. my left foot is killing me. the back of my shoe was rubbing on my foot constantly today. I was limping the last 4 miles. I want to take these shoes and throw them over a cliff! I guess I'll see if I can do something with them tonight. the back still feels so stiff - like a brand new shoe, but ive been wearing them for almost 2 weeks.
the trail was mostly rocks/boulders today, which caused the slow down and pain. saw several deer and a couple of snakes - one was a small rattler. neato. hope tomorrow is better. also, I'm always hungry now. always. even in the middle of the night. trying to reevaluate my food and how much I carry. this 5-6 day supply has been really heavy, so I need to find food that's lighter weight. next time out I think I have to carry 8 days. that's going to weigh a ton. UNLESS, maybe I can carry 8 days worth of cotton candy!! it's light.
here with d'leader and the karma police. tonight we might finish the awful novel.
later,
L
-- Post From My iPhone
Sunday, April 19, 2009
pine swamp branch shelter
yesterday I took a zero day in p-burg.
19.3 miles, 645.2 total.
bad on the trail today, around 8:30. a $#%*^£ Dog bit the back of my knee on the way out of town. it broke the skin but isn't too bad since it had to bite through my knee brace before getting to me. stupid redneck lady sitting on her porch having coffee didn't seem to care that her dog was attacking me. almost stabbed it with my trekking pole.
after that it was a great hike. straight up right out of town and then some great views for the next 10 miles as I walked a rocky ledge overlooking valleys and other mountains. just after having lunch I walked around a giant boulder and found the karma police eating with d'leader on the edge of a meadow. they followed me the rest of the day to the shelter and we're all here for the night. looks like I'll be hiking with them for the next several days. someone left a cheesy paperback novel here. it's about a futuristic Rambo type guy and we took turns reading segments out loud. very funny. can't wait until tomorrow night or the next to hear the ending.
one of the karma guys saw a bear this morning and I saw about 5 white tail deer this afternoon. we also saw several more snakes today. I'm not good at spotting them; can't wait until I step on one!!!
man, can't believe that dog bit me.
later,
L
-- Post From My iPhone
19.3 miles, 645.2 total.
bad on the trail today, around 8:30. a $#%*^£ Dog bit the back of my knee on the way out of town. it broke the skin but isn't too bad since it had to bite through my knee brace before getting to me. stupid redneck lady sitting on her porch having coffee didn't seem to care that her dog was attacking me. almost stabbed it with my trekking pole.
after that it was a great hike. straight up right out of town and then some great views for the next 10 miles as I walked a rocky ledge overlooking valleys and other mountains. just after having lunch I walked around a giant boulder and found the karma police eating with d'leader on the edge of a meadow. they followed me the rest of the day to the shelter and we're all here for the night. looks like I'll be hiking with them for the next several days. someone left a cheesy paperback novel here. it's about a futuristic Rambo type guy and we took turns reading segments out loud. very funny. can't wait until tomorrow night or the next to hear the ending.
one of the karma guys saw a bear this morning and I saw about 5 white tail deer this afternoon. we also saw several more snakes today. I'm not good at spotting them; can't wait until I step on one!!!
man, can't believe that dog bit me.
later,
L
-- Post From My iPhone
Friday, April 17, 2009
pearisburg, va
16.6 miles, 625.9 total.
another beautiful day. was up and out of camp by 7:45. really big 1500 ft climb right at the start. ugh. it was tough; really rocky and steep. no gradual inclines today. at times I was hopping from big rock to big rock walking the trail. saw several turkey hunters ON the trail today. that's illegal. and scary. didn't see any turkeys. gobble gobble!!
after the climb I walked a ridge the rest of the way. had some great views of the valleys with farms and small towns. then it was straight down into p-burg. really, straight down. very tough on the knees. but I made it.
here at the plaza motor inn. $37 a night and some lady comes by each day, picks up my laundry, and brings it back clean. cool. like living with my parents again. already stopped at dairy queen for a blizzard! tomorrow I'll get groceries early and decide if I will hang out another day or hit the trail again.
later,
L
-- Post From My iPhone
another beautiful day. was up and out of camp by 7:45. really big 1500 ft climb right at the start. ugh. it was tough; really rocky and steep. no gradual inclines today. at times I was hopping from big rock to big rock walking the trail. saw several turkey hunters ON the trail today. that's illegal. and scary. didn't see any turkeys. gobble gobble!!
after the climb I walked a ridge the rest of the way. had some great views of the valleys with farms and small towns. then it was straight down into p-burg. really, straight down. very tough on the knees. but I made it.
here at the plaza motor inn. $37 a night and some lady comes by each day, picks up my laundry, and brings it back clean. cool. like living with my parents again. already stopped at dairy queen for a blizzard! tomorrow I'll get groceries early and decide if I will hang out another day or hit the trail again.
later,
L
-- Post From My iPhone
Thursday, April 16, 2009
wapita shelter
14.2 miles, 609.3 total.
breaking the 600 mark so quickly after the 500 mark is cool.
left camp before 8:00 this morning so I could take a .4 mile detour to a convenience store to buy more food.
had a 900 foot climb right out of the shelter and then straight down to the hwy where the store is located. was at the store by 10:30, got my groceries and 2 slices of pizza and made it back to the trail by 11:15.
great hike today. the weather was nice and sunny. most of the day I was walking through a pine forest. it was like being on a trail in Colorado. very nice. and smelled amazing. walked by several waterfalls and saw some deer today. got to the shelter a little early but decided not to go on because I will hit pearisburg tomorrow - late. better to rest and be ready for that.
here with scooter and penJ. we've built a fire and are just sitting around reading. very nice evening.
later,
L
-- Post From My iPhone
breaking the 600 mark so quickly after the 500 mark is cool.
left camp before 8:00 this morning so I could take a .4 mile detour to a convenience store to buy more food.
had a 900 foot climb right out of the shelter and then straight down to the hwy where the store is located. was at the store by 10:30, got my groceries and 2 slices of pizza and made it back to the trail by 11:15.
great hike today. the weather was nice and sunny. most of the day I was walking through a pine forest. it was like being on a trail in Colorado. very nice. and smelled amazing. walked by several waterfalls and saw some deer today. got to the shelter a little early but decided not to go on because I will hit pearisburg tomorrow - late. better to rest and be ready for that.
here with scooter and penJ. we've built a fire and are just sitting around reading. very nice evening.
later,
L
-- Post From My iPhone
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
jenny knob shelter
new record: 23.8 miles, 595.1 total.
today is dedicated to Steven J. Miller, the greatest CPA around. happy tax day.
up early. dreary and misty so I hit the trail by 7:30.
2 big climbs early. one of 700 feet and the other 300 feet; both straight up, then it was mostly ridge walking. feet feeling much better today. that gave me a little extra umph. still very tired when I got here around 4:30. last 4 miles seemed to go on forever. almost out of food. got to keep pushing on to next town. have about 30 miles to go.
here with a section hiker from FLA, scooter, and a thru hiker named Pen-J.
-- Post From My iPhone
today is dedicated to Steven J. Miller, the greatest CPA around. happy tax day.
up early. dreary and misty so I hit the trail by 7:30.
2 big climbs early. one of 700 feet and the other 300 feet; both straight up, then it was mostly ridge walking. feet feeling much better today. that gave me a little extra umph. still very tired when I got here around 4:30. last 4 miles seemed to go on forever. almost out of food. got to keep pushing on to next town. have about 30 miles to go.
here with a section hiker from FLA, scooter, and a thru hiker named Pen-J.
-- Post From My iPhone
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Jenkins shelter
19 miles, 571.3 total.
got up early and took my time getting ready but I was still on the trail by 8:00. very long day. there were several difficult and rocky climbs in the cold rain. didn't get above 45 all day, and I'm sure these conditions aren't helping my feet; although, they do seem better than yesterday. maybe these shoes are finally breaking in. climbed over 2000 feet in less than 4 miles during the morning and them walked along a rocky ridge most of the afternoon before more climbs. probably some great views if I were not in the clouds. it stopped raining for about 2 hours in the afternoon and then started again right before I got to the shelter at 4:30.
here with leadfoot - an old man I met in atkins at a restaurant. he just told me a story about a guy he met in atkins who is also from NYC - ME! jeez. the karma police are also here tonight. starting to like them. tomorrow is either medium-14 or long-24 and rainy. how I feel.
later,
L
-- Post From My iPhone
got up early and took my time getting ready but I was still on the trail by 8:00. very long day. there were several difficult and rocky climbs in the cold rain. didn't get above 45 all day, and I'm sure these conditions aren't helping my feet; although, they do seem better than yesterday. maybe these shoes are finally breaking in. climbed over 2000 feet in less than 4 miles during the morning and them walked along a rocky ridge most of the afternoon before more climbs. probably some great views if I were not in the clouds. it stopped raining for about 2 hours in the afternoon and then started again right before I got to the shelter at 4:30.
here with leadfoot - an old man I met in atkins at a restaurant. he just told me a story about a guy he met in atkins who is also from NYC - ME! jeez. the karma police are also here tonight. starting to like them. tomorrow is either medium-14 or long-24 and rainy. how I feel.
later,
L
-- Post From My iPhone
Monday, April 13, 2009
knot maul branch shelter
14 miles, 552.3 total.
got up early and went to the atkins post office to get my new backpack. the motel owner, originally from NJ, drove me the 4 miles and back. packed up and was on the trail by 10:30. feet are still killing me. took it slower today. a lot of hiking up and over some rocky areas, but it was sunny all day. nice. saw a couple of snakes, non-poisonous, a muskrat, I think, and a bunch of trash on the trail...including a mattress. this week will have to have some big mile days if I want to get to pearisburg before running out of food.
here with a father/son team and two section hikers from TN who call themselves the karma police.
later,
L
-- Post From My iPhone
got up early and went to the atkins post office to get my new backpack. the motel owner, originally from NJ, drove me the 4 miles and back. packed up and was on the trail by 10:30. feet are still killing me. took it slower today. a lot of hiking up and over some rocky areas, but it was sunny all day. nice. saw a couple of snakes, non-poisonous, a muskrat, I think, and a bunch of trash on the trail...including a mattress. this week will have to have some big mile days if I want to get to pearisburg before running out of food.
here with a father/son team and two section hikers from TN who call themselves the karma police.
later,
L
-- Post From My iPhone
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Hurricane Mtn Shelter
16 miles, 507 total.
broke 500 miles today!
please don't sing the bob Dylan version of hurricane when reading this. Erin hates that song!
so cold last night. didn't sleep much. my right shin and both feet hurt. might be the new shoes. ugh. I hate new shoes.
first one out of camp today. walking seemed like the only way to get warm.
got more snow during the night so the trail was difficult to follow for the first 6 miles. It was cold and crusty, icy, and rocky going down the other side of mt rogers. I went through a bunch of large rocky crevices. one was called Fat Man Squeeze. needless to say, I had no problems getting through! FYI - I've lost over 25 pounds since starting the hike!! talk about a great weight loss program. wow.
soon after the squeeze, I turned the corner and there was a dead, frozen (not so wild anymore) pony right on the trail! looks like it tried to get out of the snow and got stuck up in the rocks.
the next section was the grayson highlands where the wild ponies (miniature horses) roam semi-free. they come right up to you. not sure how WILD that is. One can pet and feed them if ONE chooses to. ick. I did pet one and then quickly moved on. terrain was still open and rocky at that point before going back to more of a forest.
my right shin and upper ankle were killing me all day. it's always something out here! the last 5 miles the snow turned to slush and mud and it warmed up about 15 degrees. very nice.
this is a new shelter and it's in excellent condition. here with Canada, Blue, Evergreen, and Presco or Fresco (can't figure out his name). blue has built a great fire and we're planning on staying up late to hang out and talk and see the full moon since it's really nice out for a change.
later,
L
-- Post From My iPhone
broke 500 miles today!
please don't sing the bob Dylan version of hurricane when reading this. Erin hates that song!
so cold last night. didn't sleep much. my right shin and both feet hurt. might be the new shoes. ugh. I hate new shoes.
first one out of camp today. walking seemed like the only way to get warm.
got more snow during the night so the trail was difficult to follow for the first 6 miles. It was cold and crusty, icy, and rocky going down the other side of mt rogers. I went through a bunch of large rocky crevices. one was called Fat Man Squeeze. needless to say, I had no problems getting through! FYI - I've lost over 25 pounds since starting the hike!! talk about a great weight loss program. wow.
soon after the squeeze, I turned the corner and there was a dead, frozen (not so wild anymore) pony right on the trail! looks like it tried to get out of the snow and got stuck up in the rocks.
the next section was the grayson highlands where the wild ponies (miniature horses) roam semi-free. they come right up to you. not sure how WILD that is. One can pet and feed them if ONE chooses to. ick. I did pet one and then quickly moved on. terrain was still open and rocky at that point before going back to more of a forest.
my right shin and upper ankle were killing me all day. it's always something out here! the last 5 miles the snow turned to slush and mud and it warmed up about 15 degrees. very nice.
this is a new shelter and it's in excellent condition. here with Canada, Blue, Evergreen, and Presco or Fresco (can't figure out his name). blue has built a great fire and we're planning on staying up late to hang out and talk and see the full moon since it's really nice out for a change.
later,
L
-- Post From My iPhone
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Thomas Knob Shelter
12.2 miles, 491 total.
Really - really long day today. so cold and snowy and almost all uphill climbing. didn't leave camp this morning until 10:00.
5 mile mark was at the top of a 5000 foot peak. the rocky peak is called buzzard rock. views were amazing in all directions but it was 30 degrees and the wind was blowing 20-30 mph. so cold. after that, it was over several open fields and then straight up 500 feet to the base of the mt rogers peak. the actual peak is reached by a side trail - not the AT - which I passed by with no remorse! today's hike included several sections that were completely open. no trees or any type of ground cover. had to follow footprints of others or look for random wooden posts with the AT white blaze painted near the top to see which way to go. so it was just snow and wind. cold.
this shelter sits right at the base of the peak, is drafty, and the fresh snow falls right into the front opening. here with Canada, Fresco, Blue, and Evergreen. should be very cold tonight and tomorrow. don't even feel like cooking because my hands are so cold. wearing all my warm clothes to bed tonight.
later,
L
-- Post From My iPhone
Really - really long day today. so cold and snowy and almost all uphill climbing. didn't leave camp this morning until 10:00.
5 mile mark was at the top of a 5000 foot peak. the rocky peak is called buzzard rock. views were amazing in all directions but it was 30 degrees and the wind was blowing 20-30 mph. so cold. after that, it was over several open fields and then straight up 500 feet to the base of the mt rogers peak. the actual peak is reached by a side trail - not the AT - which I passed by with no remorse! today's hike included several sections that were completely open. no trees or any type of ground cover. had to follow footprints of others or look for random wooden posts with the AT white blaze painted near the top to see which way to go. so it was just snow and wind. cold.
this shelter sits right at the base of the peak, is drafty, and the fresh snow falls right into the front opening. here with Canada, Fresco, Blue, and Evergreen. should be very cold tonight and tomorrow. don't even feel like cooking because my hands are so cold. wearing all my warm clothes to bed tonight.
later,
L
-- Post From My iPhone
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Lost Mtn Shelter
15.8 miles, 478.8 total.
after a zero day yesterday I hit the trail around 9:00 this morning. SNOWY and COLD but very beautiful.
near town there was only a dusting but it snowed lightly all day while going up the mountain. probably got around 4 inches which created some 3-4 foot drifts that I had to walk through.
there was one big 1000 ft ascent and the rest was ridge walking. it was nice to walk in the falling snow and still be able to see the scenery around me. only a few ppl ahead so I had to be careful and watch their tracks or I would lose the trail under the fresh snow.
here at the shelter...cold...with Canada, Big Boots, Fresco, and a mother-daughter team that is becoming famous because they hike in sandals - even on the snow and rain. today their footwear included socks, plastic grocery bags, and sandals.
in my bag by 7 trying to stay warm. everything will freeze tonight so I'm keeping clothes and a water bottle in the bag with me.
tomorrow will be tough. have to climb mt rogers (5700 ft) and more snow is expected. so much for waiting on the weather in damascus.
later,
L
-- Post From My iPhone
after a zero day yesterday I hit the trail around 9:00 this morning. SNOWY and COLD but very beautiful.
near town there was only a dusting but it snowed lightly all day while going up the mountain. probably got around 4 inches which created some 3-4 foot drifts that I had to walk through.
there was one big 1000 ft ascent and the rest was ridge walking. it was nice to walk in the falling snow and still be able to see the scenery around me. only a few ppl ahead so I had to be careful and watch their tracks or I would lose the trail under the fresh snow.
here at the shelter...cold...with Canada, Big Boots, Fresco, and a mother-daughter team that is becoming famous because they hike in sandals - even on the snow and rain. today their footwear included socks, plastic grocery bags, and sandals.
in my bag by 7 trying to stay warm. everything will freeze tonight so I'm keeping clothes and a water bottle in the bag with me.
tomorrow will be tough. have to climb mt rogers (5700 ft) and more snow is expected. so much for waiting on the weather in damascus.
later,
L
-- Post From My iPhone
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Damascus, VA
10.2 miles, 463 total.
got an early start thanks to the noisy scouts and busy bugs (gnats). packed up and was on the trail by 7:30. mostly downhill with only a few little ups. I crossed into Virginia around 9:30 and got into town before 11:00 AM. very easy quick hike.
staying at the Hiker's Inn Hostel with 5 other hikers. this town is small but very busy. a lot of hikers stop here and there is a major VA bike trail (Virginia creeper trail) that goes through town so I've seen a bunch of cyclists.
nobody can help me with my stitching needs, so the guys at Mt. Rogers Outfitters called ULA, the company that makes my backpack, to explain what was happening with the pack. Brian, ULA Owner, talked to me and apologized for the problems. he's shipping me a new pack tomorrow and it will be sent to Atkins, VA, my next stop. very cool. I think my tent will hold up for now - I restitched it with thread provided by the hostel owner. I've decided I need to get new shoes - mine are worn out already. I hate buying shoes.
taking a zero day tomorrow to relax and see if the weather gets any better.
later,
L
-- Post From My iPhone
got an early start thanks to the noisy scouts and busy bugs (gnats). packed up and was on the trail by 7:30. mostly downhill with only a few little ups. I crossed into Virginia around 9:30 and got into town before 11:00 AM. very easy quick hike.
staying at the Hiker's Inn Hostel with 5 other hikers. this town is small but very busy. a lot of hikers stop here and there is a major VA bike trail (Virginia creeper trail) that goes through town so I've seen a bunch of cyclists.
nobody can help me with my stitching needs, so the guys at Mt. Rogers Outfitters called ULA, the company that makes my backpack, to explain what was happening with the pack. Brian, ULA Owner, talked to me and apologized for the problems. he's shipping me a new pack tomorrow and it will be sent to Atkins, VA, my next stop. very cool. I think my tent will hold up for now - I restitched it with thread provided by the hostel owner. I've decided I need to get new shoes - mine are worn out already. I hate buying shoes.
taking a zero day tomorrow to relax and see if the weather gets any better.
later,
L
-- Post From My iPhone
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Abingdon Gap Shelter
22.7 miles, 452.8 total. Personal single day record and 1/5 of journey is complete.
Beautiful day and a great hike, after it warmed up. Very cold 28 F in the sun when I woke up this morning. Last night it got down into the teens and the wind/mist was blowing directly into the front of the shelter. It was COOOOLD. I slept in my down jacket, fleece hat, gloves, and long underwear...and I was still chilly.
Started hiking in balaclava and gloves..and a bandana around my head just like Rich Casciato (but not as cool), but it warmed up by 10:30 and I was able to lose the balaclava and gloves. Mostly ridge walking today from mountain to mountain...except for about 1 mile before each shelter. It seems like they put a little climb on the trail right before each shelter. Had a morning snack at the first shelter - 6.8 miles into hike - and then a late lunch at the next one - 14.4 miles into hike - and then dinner at this shelter.
Two instances of trail magic today. I met a retired couple who were out for a day hike. He's from the Bronx and she's from south Jersey (joisy). We started talking about NYC, the Yankees and the METS...and then they fed me lunch and gave me snacks for the rest of the day. Very nice. Then, about 3 miles from my final destination there was a cooler full of sodas on the trail. Attached to the cooler was a note: "Thru-hikers, please take one." It was from a former thru-hiker who lives in the area. So I grabbed an icy Dr. Pepper and chugged it!! yummy. Tasted so good after the 4.5 liters of water I had drunk during the rest of the day.
Here at the shelter site with the thru from last night (maybe left toe) and a small scout troop. Set up the tent because the bugs and mice are really bad here. It's not even dark yet, and the mice are running around the shelter looking for food. One of my stake out loops on the tent came off so I had to reattach it using my needle and dental floss as thread. Hopefully someone in Damascus can fix more professionally and permanently. Also need some stitching done on my backpack; the stitching on the shoulder straps is coming out. Should be in Damascus, VA early tomorrow...only 10.2 miles to go.
Later,
L
Beautiful day and a great hike, after it warmed up. Very cold 28 F in the sun when I woke up this morning. Last night it got down into the teens and the wind/mist was blowing directly into the front of the shelter. It was COOOOLD. I slept in my down jacket, fleece hat, gloves, and long underwear...and I was still chilly.
Started hiking in balaclava and gloves..and a bandana around my head just like Rich Casciato (but not as cool), but it warmed up by 10:30 and I was able to lose the balaclava and gloves. Mostly ridge walking today from mountain to mountain...except for about 1 mile before each shelter. It seems like they put a little climb on the trail right before each shelter. Had a morning snack at the first shelter - 6.8 miles into hike - and then a late lunch at the next one - 14.4 miles into hike - and then dinner at this shelter.
Two instances of trail magic today. I met a retired couple who were out for a day hike. He's from the Bronx and she's from south Jersey (joisy). We started talking about NYC, the Yankees and the METS...and then they fed me lunch and gave me snacks for the rest of the day. Very nice. Then, about 3 miles from my final destination there was a cooler full of sodas on the trail. Attached to the cooler was a note: "Thru-hikers, please take one." It was from a former thru-hiker who lives in the area. So I grabbed an icy Dr. Pepper and chugged it!! yummy. Tasted so good after the 4.5 liters of water I had drunk during the rest of the day.
Here at the shelter site with the thru from last night (maybe left toe) and a small scout troop. Set up the tent because the bugs and mice are really bad here. It's not even dark yet, and the mice are running around the shelter looking for food. One of my stake out loops on the tent came off so I had to reattach it using my needle and dental floss as thread. Hopefully someone in Damascus can fix more professionally and permanently. Also need some stitching done on my backpack; the stitching on the shoulder straps is coming out. Should be in Damascus, VA early tomorrow...only 10.2 miles to go.
Later,
L
Friday, April 3, 2009
Vandeventer Shelter
17.5 miles, 430 total.
Started out around 8:30 this morning. Had a really nice hike for the first 2.5 miles. Big rock-walled canyon with water falls and small bridges. Got a bunch of pictures but it was mostly rainy and misty.
Then it got really tough. A big uphill climb of almost 2000 feet over a mile and a half. With the wind blowing 20-30 mph it was tough. Then I got to come down again! Then two more smaller climbs of around 700 feet each. Mostly walking in the wind, mist, and rain. I walked around a very large and long lake - Watauga Lake (maybe). The trail went along its banks and across the damn that creates the lake. It's similar to Beaver Lake in Arkansas. It was created by the TVA as a work project and destroyed a town and many homes that are now at the bottom of the lake. The major difference is that the TVA doesn't allow development around the lake. Only development allowed are state sponsored marinas and stores.
Met a retiree - south bound section hiker who has done most of the trail in bits and pieces. We talked and snacked for a few minutes. His daughter, a school teacher, married a guy from McPherson, KS and now they live on the upper west side of Manhattan. hehe. small world. too small some times.
Here at the shelter with the 2 Fla. north bound sectioners, 2 south bound sectioners, and 1 thru (left toe). This shelter is interesting for several reasons: 1. the water source is down in the valley about 1 mile. a very long haul; 2. from behind the shelter one has a great view of the lake and mountains surrounding it; 3. someone was murdered at this shelter in the 70's.
COOOOL.
Later,
L
Started out around 8:30 this morning. Had a really nice hike for the first 2.5 miles. Big rock-walled canyon with water falls and small bridges. Got a bunch of pictures but it was mostly rainy and misty.
Then it got really tough. A big uphill climb of almost 2000 feet over a mile and a half. With the wind blowing 20-30 mph it was tough. Then I got to come down again! Then two more smaller climbs of around 700 feet each. Mostly walking in the wind, mist, and rain. I walked around a very large and long lake - Watauga Lake (maybe). The trail went along its banks and across the damn that creates the lake. It's similar to Beaver Lake in Arkansas. It was created by the TVA as a work project and destroyed a town and many homes that are now at the bottom of the lake. The major difference is that the TVA doesn't allow development around the lake. Only development allowed are state sponsored marinas and stores.
Met a retiree - south bound section hiker who has done most of the trail in bits and pieces. We talked and snacked for a few minutes. His daughter, a school teacher, married a guy from McPherson, KS and now they live on the upper west side of Manhattan. hehe. small world. too small some times.
Here at the shelter with the 2 Fla. north bound sectioners, 2 south bound sectioners, and 1 thru (left toe). This shelter is interesting for several reasons: 1. the water source is down in the valley about 1 mile. a very long haul; 2. from behind the shelter one has a great view of the lake and mountains surrounding it; 3. someone was murdered at this shelter in the 70's.
COOOOL.
Later,
L
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Dennis Cove Road, Kincora Hostel
15.6 miles, 412.6 total.
Relatively easy day with only small ups and downs. Saw a lot of critters today. Deer, turkeys, grouse, hawks, and even some bats. Spring must be in the air.
Nothing too crazy today. My shoes are beginning to look a little rough and are tearing up near where they crease when I take a step. Also, the insides of each shoe behind my heels have begun to wear through to the plastic. Didn't want to have to replace so soon, but I guess over 400 miles is pretty good for a pair of shoes (I also wore them for about a month in NYC).
I finished my 15.6 miles around 3:30. I'm getting faster and the terrain is getting a little flatter, so my mileage is going to start increasing...maybe.
Kincora hostel was opened 13 years ago by Bob Peoples and his wife Pat. Bob is a retired military man from Boston and is very well known on the trail. Known as the trail's best friend. His wife recently died after battling cancer for several years, but he intends to keep going down here. It is free to stay at the hostel, but a $4.00 donation is suggested. It's also greatly appreciated if hikers "give back" by working on the trail or on the hostel while here. Not too many hikers here tonight so Bob and I went to town together so I could restock for the next few days. Chestnut is here but getting off the AT. He's decided to jump out to California to hike the Pacific Crest Trail instead, so we dropped him off at the bus stop where he'll catch a bus home to rhode island to get ready for the PCT.
Bob is great. He knows and remembers just about everyone who thru-hikes. We talked for quite a while about hikers, trails, and cities. Cool.
Later,
L
Relatively easy day with only small ups and downs. Saw a lot of critters today. Deer, turkeys, grouse, hawks, and even some bats. Spring must be in the air.
Nothing too crazy today. My shoes are beginning to look a little rough and are tearing up near where they crease when I take a step. Also, the insides of each shoe behind my heels have begun to wear through to the plastic. Didn't want to have to replace so soon, but I guess over 400 miles is pretty good for a pair of shoes (I also wore them for about a month in NYC).
I finished my 15.6 miles around 3:30. I'm getting faster and the terrain is getting a little flatter, so my mileage is going to start increasing...maybe.
Kincora hostel was opened 13 years ago by Bob Peoples and his wife Pat. Bob is a retired military man from Boston and is very well known on the trail. Known as the trail's best friend. His wife recently died after battling cancer for several years, but he intends to keep going down here. It is free to stay at the hostel, but a $4.00 donation is suggested. It's also greatly appreciated if hikers "give back" by working on the trail or on the hostel while here. Not too many hikers here tonight so Bob and I went to town together so I could restock for the next few days. Chestnut is here but getting off the AT. He's decided to jump out to California to hike the Pacific Crest Trail instead, so we dropped him off at the bus stop where he'll catch a bus home to rhode island to get ready for the PCT.
Bob is great. He knows and remembers just about everyone who thru-hikes. We talked for quite a while about hikers, trails, and cities. Cool.
Later,
L
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Mountaineer Falls Shelter
18 miles, 397 total.
Woke up in the barn at 8:00 am to mist, rain, and wind. Nothing new, I guess. My bunkmate, Crawfish, was still fast asleep so I packed up and left. Last night he warned me that one of the upcoming shelters had a permanent resident and I should skip it. good advice. Guess some local was kicked out of his house by his wife and he's taken up living in the shelter that is only about a mile away from a local road.
I had to climb 0ver 1000 feet in my first mile. I crossed to really large balds (little hump and big hump are the official names). Thankfully, I couldn't see anything because of the mist and rain. I would hate to have to see something really cool! It was so bad that I could barely see the trail in front of me. Most of the day was like this until around 2 pm. At about 2:30 pm I stopped to have lunch next to a small quickly flowing stream. It was very serene and comfortable. I packed up after lunch and climbed about .10 of a mile up the trail - which was going up a hill - and I looked back to see further up the stream, which I couldn't see before. The hillside was totally covered with trash! Just as I stopped to wonder what in the heck was going on...a big black chevy silverado drove along the road at the top of the hillside and somebody tossed two large trash bags from the pickup bed and screamed, 'yeeehaaaw'. The bags burst open as they rolled down the hillside, spewing trash all over. A half-inflated basketball bounced down the hillside and into the stream where it floated away to basketball trash heaven. NICE!
As I passed Applehouse shelter (the one near the road) a guy in camo sitting in a rocking chair listening to a radio, inside the shelter, waved and asked if I wanted some soup. I said "thanks but no" and kept walking. He must have been the local resident...with an angry wife.
Anyway, done with my 18 by 4:30. Saw some really nice smallish waterfalls after all the weirdness. Also walked through a bunch of very green fields, by a country cemetary, and through a church yard where they offered hikers free water. Nice day.
Here at the shelter, a brand new one, with two section hikers from Florida. Very nice guys. One is originally from the Bronx; was a school teacher until recently relocating to Fla. They gave me extra food and snacks. cool. Tomorrow I break 400 miles.
Later,
L
Woke up in the barn at 8:00 am to mist, rain, and wind. Nothing new, I guess. My bunkmate, Crawfish, was still fast asleep so I packed up and left. Last night he warned me that one of the upcoming shelters had a permanent resident and I should skip it. good advice. Guess some local was kicked out of his house by his wife and he's taken up living in the shelter that is only about a mile away from a local road.
I had to climb 0ver 1000 feet in my first mile. I crossed to really large balds (little hump and big hump are the official names). Thankfully, I couldn't see anything because of the mist and rain. I would hate to have to see something really cool! It was so bad that I could barely see the trail in front of me. Most of the day was like this until around 2 pm. At about 2:30 pm I stopped to have lunch next to a small quickly flowing stream. It was very serene and comfortable. I packed up after lunch and climbed about .10 of a mile up the trail - which was going up a hill - and I looked back to see further up the stream, which I couldn't see before. The hillside was totally covered with trash! Just as I stopped to wonder what in the heck was going on...a big black chevy silverado drove along the road at the top of the hillside and somebody tossed two large trash bags from the pickup bed and screamed, 'yeeehaaaw'. The bags burst open as they rolled down the hillside, spewing trash all over. A half-inflated basketball bounced down the hillside and into the stream where it floated away to basketball trash heaven. NICE!
As I passed Applehouse shelter (the one near the road) a guy in camo sitting in a rocking chair listening to a radio, inside the shelter, waved and asked if I wanted some soup. I said "thanks but no" and kept walking. He must have been the local resident...with an angry wife.
Anyway, done with my 18 by 4:30. Saw some really nice smallish waterfalls after all the weirdness. Also walked through a bunch of very green fields, by a country cemetary, and through a church yard where they offered hikers free water. Nice day.
Here at the shelter, a brand new one, with two section hikers from Florida. Very nice guys. One is originally from the Bronx; was a school teacher until recently relocating to Fla. They gave me extra food and snacks. cool. Tomorrow I break 400 miles.
Later,
L
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