17.5 miles, 2013.1 total.
wonderful dry and cool night. got back on the trail at 8:30 this morning.
had a couple of small beautiful climbs this morning and then it flattened out a bit. passed a large stream that flowed over giant bloulders that were bowl shaped. SO, took off my clothes and got in. it was just like a big bath tub...with really cold water, but it felt great.
got some great pictures from the top of Bigelow mountain as I hiked over its long rocky ridge.
Maine has been wonderful so far. couldn't really ask for better weather so far. it's almost like Maine has a little bit of all the other states rolled into one. mountains, hills, fields, rocks, boulders, roots, bogs, streams, rivers, etc. the good, the bad, and the ugly. so fitting that it's the last state. really amazing.
later,
L
-- Post From My iPhone
Showing posts with label critters. Show all posts
Showing posts with label critters. Show all posts
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
sabbath day pond shelter
17.0 miles, 1948.9 total.
back on the trail at 9:30 after a crazy bumpy 9 mile shuttle ride.
started with a huge climb up Big Blue - 1400 to 3600 over 3 miles. also had several streams to ford, but they were surprisingly low. the terrain is not too bad. also passed several lakes/ponds today. a bit muddy and wet, but the giant rocks are almost completely gone.
I decided to stick with the Amigos because they keep a good pace and take breaks like I do; a couple small stops and a lunch stop.
got here around 5. we ca already here loons and owls making noises, and there are two giant rabbits running through our campsite chasing each other around. I'll probably be tenting the rest of the way, even in rain, because the mosquitos are getting to be really bad.
later,
L
-- Post From My iPhone
back on the trail at 9:30 after a crazy bumpy 9 mile shuttle ride.
started with a huge climb up Big Blue - 1400 to 3600 over 3 miles. also had several streams to ford, but they were surprisingly low. the terrain is not too bad. also passed several lakes/ponds today. a bit muddy and wet, but the giant rocks are almost completely gone.
I decided to stick with the Amigos because they keep a good pace and take breaks like I do; a couple small stops and a lunch stop.
got here around 5. we ca already here loons and owls making noises, and there are two giant rabbits running through our campsite chasing each other around. I'll probably be tenting the rest of the way, even in rain, because the mosquitos are getting to be really bad.
later,
L
-- Post From My iPhone
Monday, July 6, 2009
eliza brook shelter
17.0 miles, 1796.8 total.
on the trail by 6:30 for a big climb up and over mt Moosilauke. it was a very nice day for it. the showers last night cleared out the bad weather for now.
the moose was a climb straight up from 1400 ft to 4802 ft. I was on top by 9:00 and called K to tell her I was still alive. I had some great views from up there. I could see the rest of the white mtns, that I will soon climb, and also the green mtns of Vermont, that I just came through. cool. finally got some pictures that weren't all clouds. then came the bad part. the descent was a mile straight down over jagged rocks and boulders - but right next to a beautiful waterfall. very very slippery and dangerous. many places had rebar drilled into the boulders for handrails and logs also connect to the rocks for steps. just put away my sticks and climbed down using hands, feet, and butt. it took forever. probably the longest mile so far. at least I got some more pictures.
then the remaining section was little ups ad downs over rocks. it took forever and was very tiring. got in late.
here with tonto and several SOBOs. we are on the lookout for a crazy fat raccoon that has been terrorizing people at this shelter. haven't seen it yet.
later,
L
-- Post From My iPhone
on the trail by 6:30 for a big climb up and over mt Moosilauke. it was a very nice day for it. the showers last night cleared out the bad weather for now.
the moose was a climb straight up from 1400 ft to 4802 ft. I was on top by 9:00 and called K to tell her I was still alive. I had some great views from up there. I could see the rest of the white mtns, that I will soon climb, and also the green mtns of Vermont, that I just came through. cool. finally got some pictures that weren't all clouds. then came the bad part. the descent was a mile straight down over jagged rocks and boulders - but right next to a beautiful waterfall. very very slippery and dangerous. many places had rebar drilled into the boulders for handrails and logs also connect to the rocks for steps. just put away my sticks and climbed down using hands, feet, and butt. it took forever. probably the longest mile so far. at least I got some more pictures.
then the remaining section was little ups ad downs over rocks. it took forever and was very tiring. got in late.
here with tonto and several SOBOs. we are on the lookout for a crazy fat raccoon that has been terrorizing people at this shelter. haven't seen it yet.
later,
L
-- Post From My iPhone
Sunday, June 28, 2009
clarenden shelter
16.9 miles, 1674.0 total.
early start today because the SOBO sectioners were up before 6:00. took my time and was still on the trail by 7:30. rained a little overnight but was very nice all day. the trail was even in very good condition.
saw several day hikers out near the road crossings and overlooks.
I got to my lunch stop shelter early, by noon (13m). so I ate and took a nap there. cool. this shelter was only 4 miles farther, but I had to go through clarenden gorge. it's a deep rocky gorge. down several hundred feet and then back up the other side. very tough. got here around 4:00. very nice shelter. here with a SOBO long trail hiker who will hike the AT after Vermont. he's already done re whole AT on 2003. very nice Canadian.
weird thing is that a local showed up shirtless on am ATV carrying a rifle and a big jug of whiskey. we listened to him ramble for a while and then he drove off. crazy. btw, just started raining and doesn't look like it will stop soon. ugh.
later,
L
-- Post From My iPhone
early start today because the SOBO sectioners were up before 6:00. took my time and was still on the trail by 7:30. rained a little overnight but was very nice all day. the trail was even in very good condition.
saw several day hikers out near the road crossings and overlooks.
I got to my lunch stop shelter early, by noon (13m). so I ate and took a nap there. cool. this shelter was only 4 miles farther, but I had to go through clarenden gorge. it's a deep rocky gorge. down several hundred feet and then back up the other side. very tough. got here around 4:00. very nice shelter. here with a SOBO long trail hiker who will hike the AT after Vermont. he's already done re whole AT on 2003. very nice Canadian.
weird thing is that a local showed up shirtless on am ATV carrying a rifle and a big jug of whiskey. we listened to him ramble for a while and then he drove off. crazy. btw, just started raining and doesn't look like it will stop soon. ugh.
later,
L
-- Post From My iPhone
Thursday, June 25, 2009
manchester, vt
10.7 miles, 1640.6 total.
salt lake city couple was up at, drum roll please, 5:30! so I was up by 6:00 and on the trail by 7:00. rained again all night and was drizzling when I left. by the way, the gnats were absolutely terrible last night they were biting me through my clothes and leaving holes in my skin! seriously!
I was on the trail for about an hour when I looked up and saw a HUGE moose walking right toward me! it saw me at the same time and took off running into the woods. it's so funny, because we had been talking about moose last night at the shelter. we had all been seeing strange "droppings" and hoof prints on the trail and were arguing about what was responsible for them. two of us were right. moose.
the trail was a nice gradual descent to the road crossing to Manchester. I wasn't sure if I wanted to come into town, so I sat by the side of the road taking inventory of gear and food. I was just sitting there when a woman pulled over in her minivan and asked if I wanted a ride. easy hitch - sure!
did laundry, bought groceries, and exchanged my bent hiking pole for a new one at EMS (eastern mountain sports). then I looked at my shoes; caked in mud and stinky with one sole peeling off halfway. enough. they lasted me over 600 miles including rocky PA and almost daily rain since NJ, so I bought a new pair to get me through the last 500 miles.
decided to stay the night and probably an extra day when I looked at my feet. good thing I still can't figure out posting pics to this site from my phone. they're swollen and have red blotches and streaks all over them. going to soak and treat them...somehow. staying in a room at Sutton's Place (suttonsplacevermont.com). frank sutton, former NYC resident rents out rooms/beds in his georgeous old Manchester home to hikers and tourists for very little money. very cool. oh yes, and it's still raining. forecast is for thunderstorms tomorrow and intermittent showers the next 5 days going north. FUN!
later,
L
-- Post From My iPhone
salt lake city couple was up at, drum roll please, 5:30! so I was up by 6:00 and on the trail by 7:00. rained again all night and was drizzling when I left. by the way, the gnats were absolutely terrible last night they were biting me through my clothes and leaving holes in my skin! seriously!
I was on the trail for about an hour when I looked up and saw a HUGE moose walking right toward me! it saw me at the same time and took off running into the woods. it's so funny, because we had been talking about moose last night at the shelter. we had all been seeing strange "droppings" and hoof prints on the trail and were arguing about what was responsible for them. two of us were right. moose.
the trail was a nice gradual descent to the road crossing to Manchester. I wasn't sure if I wanted to come into town, so I sat by the side of the road taking inventory of gear and food. I was just sitting there when a woman pulled over in her minivan and asked if I wanted a ride. easy hitch - sure!
did laundry, bought groceries, and exchanged my bent hiking pole for a new one at EMS (eastern mountain sports). then I looked at my shoes; caked in mud and stinky with one sole peeling off halfway. enough. they lasted me over 600 miles including rocky PA and almost daily rain since NJ, so I bought a new pair to get me through the last 500 miles.
decided to stay the night and probably an extra day when I looked at my feet. good thing I still can't figure out posting pics to this site from my phone. they're swollen and have red blotches and streaks all over them. going to soak and treat them...somehow. staying in a room at Sutton's Place (suttonsplacevermont.com). frank sutton, former NYC resident rents out rooms/beds in his georgeous old Manchester home to hikers and tourists for very little money. very cool. oh yes, and it's still raining. forecast is for thunderstorms tomorrow and intermittent showers the next 5 days going north. FUN!
later,
L
-- Post From My iPhone
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
goddard shelter
21.6 miles, 1610.6 total.
woke up at 6:00 to hear section hiker next to me saying "bear, bear, bear!" there was a bear right in front of the shelter trying to get to some food that someone left on the picnic table. we scared it off, but it came back through camp after about 5 minutes and then wandered off toward the privy. I was able to get some pictures - a little blurry, but first pics of a bear that I've been able to snap so far.
trail was again wet and muddy but it didn't rain at all. the sun even came out for a couple hours. cool. I fell 2 times today. ugh. I'm all muddy and I bent one of my hiking poles. was able to straighten it enough to use for now.
last 4 miles took forever. all straight up - roughly 2000 feet. feels good to be climbing again.
here with 10 section hikers. some going all the way to Maine and some just doing a few days. also, from Mass/Vt border, the AT runs with the Long Trail for a 100+ miles. the long trail goes from vt to Canada. it's the oldest "long trial". I think it's about 200 miles long.
please don't use these facts on jeopardy. :)
later,
L
-- Post From My iPhone
woke up at 6:00 to hear section hiker next to me saying "bear, bear, bear!" there was a bear right in front of the shelter trying to get to some food that someone left on the picnic table. we scared it off, but it came back through camp after about 5 minutes and then wandered off toward the privy. I was able to get some pictures - a little blurry, but first pics of a bear that I've been able to snap so far.
trail was again wet and muddy but it didn't rain at all. the sun even came out for a couple hours. cool. I fell 2 times today. ugh. I'm all muddy and I bent one of my hiking poles. was able to straighten it enough to use for now.
last 4 miles took forever. all straight up - roughly 2000 feet. feels good to be climbing again.
here with 10 section hikers. some going all the way to Maine and some just doing a few days. also, from Mass/Vt border, the AT runs with the Long Trail for a 100+ miles. the long trail goes from vt to Canada. it's the oldest "long trial". I think it's about 200 miles long.
please don't use these facts on jeopardy. :)
later,
L
-- Post From My iPhone
Friday, June 19, 2009
dalton, massachusetts
20.6 miles, 1558.8 total.
left the cabin at 7:45. still raining and the trail was still in horrible condition.
about 2 miles into the hike there was a cooler full of sodas and little debbie snacks. trail magic! it made the mud a little easier to handle. again, several times had I cross water that was knee and waist deep. was like that all day long. I was also chased by a crazy bird of some sort. it came out of some bushes and fluffed up its feathers, screamed, and chased me down the trail. must have had some babies in there or something.
everything else was just wet and muddy. my pants, shoes, and shirt were all covered in mud when I got to town at 5 tonight. cool thing is that even though I looked like a mud monster and the town is right on the trail, a guy pulled over in his pickup and gave me a ride to the motel. motel clerk offered to do my laundery for me while I showered and cleaned up. very nice people. forecast is still for more rain, so I'm not sure what I'll do tomorrow. I had planned on a couple more 20+ mile days to get into Vermont by Sunday afternoon, but I'm not sure if I'll make it. the trail is too bad and the rain is starting to slow me down. also, my feet and toes are starting to hurt. everyday they're shriveled because of all the water, which is making them really sensitive...and two toe nails came off completely when I took off my socks today. yuck.
later,
L
-- Post From My iPhone
left the cabin at 7:45. still raining and the trail was still in horrible condition.
about 2 miles into the hike there was a cooler full of sodas and little debbie snacks. trail magic! it made the mud a little easier to handle. again, several times had I cross water that was knee and waist deep. was like that all day long. I was also chased by a crazy bird of some sort. it came out of some bushes and fluffed up its feathers, screamed, and chased me down the trail. must have had some babies in there or something.
everything else was just wet and muddy. my pants, shoes, and shirt were all covered in mud when I got to town at 5 tonight. cool thing is that even though I looked like a mud monster and the town is right on the trail, a guy pulled over in his pickup and gave me a ride to the motel. motel clerk offered to do my laundery for me while I showered and cleaned up. very nice people. forecast is still for more rain, so I'm not sure what I'll do tomorrow. I had planned on a couple more 20+ mile days to get into Vermont by Sunday afternoon, but I'm not sure if I'll make it. the trail is too bad and the rain is starting to slow me down. also, my feet and toes are starting to hurt. everyday they're shriveled because of all the water, which is making them really sensitive...and two toe nails came off completely when I took off my socks today. yuck.
later,
L
-- Post From My iPhone
Saturday, June 13, 2009
mt. algo lean-to (CT)
21.1 miles, 1455.6 total.
very nice day. finally. section hiker, jerryatric, woke up and started moving around at 5:00 AM. what??? who does that?
so I was on the trail by 7:00. knees were really sore, but they got better as the day progressed.
left ny late in the afternoon an the trail and scenery changed almost immediately. better marked, better maintained, and nicer signs in Connecticut. although, trail was still wet and muddy from last few days of rain. afternoon was sunny and dry, so I was able to get more stuff dried out.
this shelter is right next to a stream and there are bugs everywhere, so i set up the tent nearby just a four section hikers arrived and threw their junk all over the shelter. going to bed right away because I'm beat.
later,
L
-- Post From My iPhone
very nice day. finally. section hiker, jerryatric, woke up and started moving around at 5:00 AM. what??? who does that?
so I was on the trail by 7:00. knees were really sore, but they got better as the day progressed.
left ny late in the afternoon an the trail and scenery changed almost immediately. better marked, better maintained, and nicer signs in Connecticut. although, trail was still wet and muddy from last few days of rain. afternoon was sunny and dry, so I was able to get more stuff dried out.
this shelter is right next to a stream and there are bugs everywhere, so i set up the tent nearby just a four section hikers arrived and threw their junk all over the shelter. going to bed right away because I'm beat.
later,
L
-- Post From My iPhone
Friday, June 12, 2009
telephone pioneer shelter
16.8 miles, 1434.5 total.
wow, what a thunderstorm last night. rained so hard I thought the roof was going to cave in. again, hard to get up when it's raining. didn't start until 9.
nice hike except for the rain, but it cleared up around 2:00.
after the climbing for the first 5 miles the trail came down to a highway and I found a convenience store about 1/4 mile off the trail. I bought and consumed: root beer, coffee, orange juice, Gatorade, and 12 chocolate donuts. man, that was good. I also bought another root beer to save for dinner. had lunch at a shelter at the 9 mile mark. it cleared up after that and I had a nice slow hike in the afternoon with some sun. I tied my wet stinky socks to the back of my pack and they dried quickly. dry smelly stuff is always easier to handle than wet smelly stuff.
passed several streams and a nice little lake. then, after going back into the woods from re east walk around the lake, I fell and made a bunch of noise...which scared a bear who was hiding behind a tree. he took off up the hill at a blinding pace, so I took off down the trail just as fast. he was a good medium bear - maybe 200 pounds.
only bad part about the trail in this section of NY is that it goes by so many residential areas. I can always hear kids, dogs, and traffic.
here with a couple of sectioners. and met the manager of trail maintainers for this section - she gave me some granola bars. went well with my luke warm root beer!
bought a major league baseball application for my iPhone, so now I can listen to the mets-yankees game tonight. let's go mets!
later,
L
-- Post From My iPhone
wow, what a thunderstorm last night. rained so hard I thought the roof was going to cave in. again, hard to get up when it's raining. didn't start until 9.
nice hike except for the rain, but it cleared up around 2:00.
after the climbing for the first 5 miles the trail came down to a highway and I found a convenience store about 1/4 mile off the trail. I bought and consumed: root beer, coffee, orange juice, Gatorade, and 12 chocolate donuts. man, that was good. I also bought another root beer to save for dinner. had lunch at a shelter at the 9 mile mark. it cleared up after that and I had a nice slow hike in the afternoon with some sun. I tied my wet stinky socks to the back of my pack and they dried quickly. dry smelly stuff is always easier to handle than wet smelly stuff.
passed several streams and a nice little lake. then, after going back into the woods from re east walk around the lake, I fell and made a bunch of noise...which scared a bear who was hiding behind a tree. he took off up the hill at a blinding pace, so I took off down the trail just as fast. he was a good medium bear - maybe 200 pounds.
only bad part about the trail in this section of NY is that it goes by so many residential areas. I can always hear kids, dogs, and traffic.
here with a couple of sectioners. and met the manager of trail maintainers for this section - she gave me some granola bars. went well with my luke warm root beer!
bought a major league baseball application for my iPhone, so now I can listen to the mets-yankees game tonight. let's go mets!
later,
L
-- Post From My iPhone
Friday, June 5, 2009
Arden, NY --- NYC
9.9 miles, 1373.9 total.
up and on the trail by 6:00 this morning. the trail was very technical today. lots of short steep climbs over large boulders and dead trees...and a couple times the trail was difficult to follow because the trail blazes were so faded. sprinkled and drizzled all morning, so i was soaked.
had a little run in with a 2 1/2 foot long garter snake late in the morning. i was climbing hand over hand up a steep rocky cliff, and i pulled myself up to the next level only to be face to face with the snake. he shot straight out at me and slithered down between me and the rocky face of the cliff...then down and between my legs to the next level below. i could feel him slither against my shirt. i just braced myself against the cliff and a dead tree until he was past and out of striking range. wow.
the end of the hike was very steep, all the way down to the highway. I then walked on the highway, in the rain, 2.5 miles to the train station. got there by 11:45 AM and was in my neighborhood by 2:45 PM. i'm now in my living room in NYC. very nice to be home.
i'll be here until wednesday morning. nice break.
later,
L
Thursday, June 4, 2009
wildcat shelter (NY)
23.6 miles, 1364.o total.
everyone was up early today and on the trail by 7:00. It poured all night, but it stopped around 5:30 this morning; although the grass and most of the trail was still soaked.
there were lots of ups and downs today, and passed through a lot of swampy/marshy land. There was even a section about a mile long that was a boardwalk over a swamp, there was a walk through a cow pasture, and i crossed several railroad tracks. one difficult climb this morning was up Wawayanda Mtn. it went from 400 ft. to over 1400 ft. in a 1/2 mile...and was very rocky.
the sky cleared up around noon and i took a break at the wawayanda shelter. i took off my shoes and socks to let them dry in the sun, and i took a nap. nice. the afternoon turned mostly to ridge walking and i crossed the NJ - NY border. just before this, about 50 yards, i came up to the top of the mtn. and ran into a medium sized bear. he was just sitting on a rock looking around. he saw me and jumped down the side of the mtn. and took off running - he was so fast it was just a blur.
here at the shelter with john, bad hummus, stovie, carolina, and another hiker. it's very buggy and it looks like the clouds are moving in again.
later,
L
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
gren anderson shelter
20.9 miles, 1315.0 total.
rained a little bit early on today and was cloudy most of the day. hike was along a nice rocky ridge line with very nice views on both sides. passed several ponds and small lakes today, so i heard lots of frogs and birds all day.
still looks like rain tonight. didn't see any other hikers today and i'm here tonight with a southbounder from CT. it's very buggy here tonight so i'm set up in the tent even though the shelter is empty.
later,
L
Sunday, May 31, 2009
wind gap, pa
20.5 miles, 1268.0 total.
hitched a ride out of palmerton early and was back on the trail at 7:30.
marched straight up out of lehigh gap. ALL rocks and all jagged; some small like grapefruits and some large like volkswagons! had to put away hiking poles and crawl up and over most of it. took about 30 minutes to go 1/2 mile, and then it got flat and the rocks got smaller but there were more of them. went on for another few miles. took a couple breaks but mostly just walked her rocks. also, it was dry and the only water sources were quite a hike off the trail. ran out of water early in the afternoon so I slowed a bit and decided to stop here for the night. stating a gateway motel which is run by Good Pete, friend of the trail. resting and hydrating for tomorrow. if it doesn't get worse I will turn it up a bit so I can make ny by Friday. can wait.
ooooh, saw a big black snake laying across the trail today. he wouldn't move, just hissed at me. so I took some pics and walked slowly around him.
later,
L
-- Post From My iPhone
hitched a ride out of palmerton early and was back on the trail at 7:30.
marched straight up out of lehigh gap. ALL rocks and all jagged; some small like grapefruits and some large like volkswagons! had to put away hiking poles and crawl up and over most of it. took about 30 minutes to go 1/2 mile, and then it got flat and the rocks got smaller but there were more of them. went on for another few miles. took a couple breaks but mostly just walked her rocks. also, it was dry and the only water sources were quite a hike off the trail. ran out of water early in the afternoon so I slowed a bit and decided to stop here for the night. stating a gateway motel which is run by Good Pete, friend of the trail. resting and hydrating for tomorrow. if it doesn't get worse I will turn it up a bit so I can make ny by Friday. can wait.
ooooh, saw a big black snake laying across the trail today. he wouldn't move, just hissed at me. so I took some pics and walked slowly around him.
later,
L
-- Post From My iPhone
Sunday, May 17, 2009
dahlgren campground, md
17.3 miles, 1030.7 total.
Kandra left on a 12:00 train today and I hit the trail.
right away I met 4 other thru hikers. two are from ks, so we had something to chat about for most of the afternoon. most of the day was flat with lots of rocks.
one of the others has a fold out chart with Appalachian animals' pictures and descriptions. we were able to find put that a snake I saw about a week ago (and took a piccture of) was a small copper head. I think I need to be more careful out here. when I took the picture I was singing to the snake because he looked kinda cute and fake. but he was poisonous. idiot.
we're tenting at this campground that is right next to the trail and equipped with toilets, showers, and a sink for washing dishes. nice.
oh yeah, I'm in Maryland now. so far: Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland now.
later,
L
-- Post From My iPhone
Kandra left on a 12:00 train today and I hit the trail.
right away I met 4 other thru hikers. two are from ks, so we had something to chat about for most of the afternoon. most of the day was flat with lots of rocks.
one of the others has a fold out chart with Appalachian animals' pictures and descriptions. we were able to find put that a snake I saw about a week ago (and took a piccture of) was a small copper head. I think I need to be more careful out here. when I took the picture I was singing to the snake because he looked kinda cute and fake. but he was poisonous. idiot.
we're tenting at this campground that is right next to the trail and equipped with toilets, showers, and a sink for washing dishes. nice.
oh yeah, I'm in Maryland now. so far: Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland now.
later,
L
-- Post From My iPhone
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
dick's dome shelter
15.2 miles, 974.8 total.
got a ride from the motel back to the trail around 10 from a friendly local I met at the grocery store. wow. all these free rides from strangers and nothing bad has happened yet. uh-oh..shouldn't have thought that. goocher.
terrain was way flat but very very green and loads of trees and bushes. great weather for hiking today. in the 70's with a nice cool breeze. passed several section hikers included two young guys with packs weighing over 60 lbs. each. they were moving very very slow.
saw several garter snakes and deer today. also a small ring neck snake, I think. it was all black with a yellow ring around its neck and some yellow on its belly.
even with the late start I made the miles by 4 an decided to relax and rest my feet.
later,
L
-- Post From My iPhone
got a ride from the motel back to the trail around 10 from a friendly local I met at the grocery store. wow. all these free rides from strangers and nothing bad has happened yet. uh-oh..shouldn't have thought that. goocher.
terrain was way flat but very very green and loads of trees and bushes. great weather for hiking today. in the 70's with a nice cool breeze. passed several section hikers included two young guys with packs weighing over 60 lbs. each. they were moving very very slow.
saw several garter snakes and deer today. also a small ring neck snake, I think. it was all black with a yellow ring around its neck and some yellow on its belly.
even with the late start I made the miles by 4 an decided to relax and rest my feet.
later,
L
-- Post From My iPhone
Friday, May 8, 2009
gravel springs hut
17.5 miles, 946.2 total.
took my time getting up and moving around today. sun was out early so I hung my socks and pants and shirt so they could be a little dry when I started. was finally packed and ready to go around 8.
first 4 miles were ok. several road crossings and some overlook areas, and I could actually see brcause the sun was out. stopped at a SNP convenience store that was right on the trail. took a 30 minute break to relax and have a box of nutter butters and some ice cream sandwiches. yummy.
after that, I went up and over humpback mtn and then over an unnamed mtn that had a huge radio/tv antenna on top. that's not all it had...about halfway down the other side of the mtn a very very big bear jumped up from behind a boulder, about 150 feet away, and took off running up the mtn. looked about 300 lbs. and really fast. wow. I got down the mtn faster than I thought possible.
2 miles later I was here at the shelter with 5 north bound section hikers from Chicago. no rain today!!! maybe tomorrow will be nice too.
later,
L
-- Post From My iPhone
took my time getting up and moving around today. sun was out early so I hung my socks and pants and shirt so they could be a little dry when I started. was finally packed and ready to go around 8.
first 4 miles were ok. several road crossings and some overlook areas, and I could actually see brcause the sun was out. stopped at a SNP convenience store that was right on the trail. took a 30 minute break to relax and have a box of nutter butters and some ice cream sandwiches. yummy.
after that, I went up and over humpback mtn and then over an unnamed mtn that had a huge radio/tv antenna on top. that's not all it had...about halfway down the other side of the mtn a very very big bear jumped up from behind a boulder, about 150 feet away, and took off running up the mtn. looked about 300 lbs. and really fast. wow. I got down the mtn faster than I thought possible.
2 miles later I was here at the shelter with 5 north bound section hikers from Chicago. no rain today!!! maybe tomorrow will be nice too.
later,
L
-- Post From My iPhone
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Bearfence Mountain Hut
20.6 miles, 906.3 total.
Left the hut a little before 8:00 this morning, first one out. I think the others are going to stay at the first shelter (8.2 miles away) so I'll decided to go for the second one. Don't want to be with dogs again tonight. Done with the "pets on the trail" thing....NOW.
The first section was up and out of the fog so I got to see some of the nice scenery...and the sun! I got to the first shelter by 10:30 and took a half hour break to have a snack and refill water. Since the first few miles, I was in and out of the fog and rain most of the day. Climbed to the top of Hightop Mountain and was able to see above the clouds. It was very nice and there were several rocky overviews so I was able to get some good pictures. Then, on the way down the mountain, I came down through a switchback and 40 feet from me a bear popped its head up from behind a dead tree that was about 5 feet off the trail. I clanged my hiking poles together several times and it jumped up and took off up the mountain. It wasn't too big or too small; probably a few years old. It was the size of a large dog. Not very scary, but now I've seen my first bear.
About a half mile from the hut was a car camping area with a camp store. yippee. I stopped and bought mac & cheese for dinner, moon pies, snickers, gatorade, and two bottles of cream soda. yummy.
Here at the hut with two german SOBO section hikers, and a NOBO sectioner. Still raining tonight. Most of my stuff is wet and I can't get it to dry.
later,
L
Left the hut a little before 8:00 this morning, first one out. I think the others are going to stay at the first shelter (8.2 miles away) so I'll decided to go for the second one. Don't want to be with dogs again tonight. Done with the "pets on the trail" thing....NOW.
The first section was up and out of the fog so I got to see some of the nice scenery...and the sun! I got to the first shelter by 10:30 and took a half hour break to have a snack and refill water. Since the first few miles, I was in and out of the fog and rain most of the day. Climbed to the top of Hightop Mountain and was able to see above the clouds. It was very nice and there were several rocky overviews so I was able to get some good pictures. Then, on the way down the mountain, I came down through a switchback and 40 feet from me a bear popped its head up from behind a dead tree that was about 5 feet off the trail. I clanged my hiking poles together several times and it jumped up and took off up the mountain. It wasn't too big or too small; probably a few years old. It was the size of a large dog. Not very scary, but now I've seen my first bear.
About a half mile from the hut was a car camping area with a camp store. yippee. I stopped and bought mac & cheese for dinner, moon pies, snickers, gatorade, and two bottles of cream soda. yummy.
Here at the hut with two german SOBO section hikers, and a NOBO sectioner. Still raining tonight. Most of my stuff is wet and I can't get it to dry.
later,
L
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Pinefield Hut
13.2 miles, 885.7 total.
Two of the people at the shelter last night had dogs with them. ugh. So I was up early and decided to get on the trail as soon as possible.
It was cloudy and misty all day today, and then started to pour late in the afternoon and still hasn't stopped.
Hiked by several car campsites today and a bunch of overlooks on the Skyline Drive. There are a lot of people in this park, even though the summer season hasn't started yet. Was going to go for 22 miles today but I started to get cranky and achy when I got to this shelter for a break around 1:30. My feet are feeling good today even though I was walking in the rain most of the day. These new(ish) shoes are doing well. They're New Balance with a trail sole. They don't do really well on the wet rocks but they feel so good on my feet. I'll just be careful. :)
Saw a bunch of deer today all along the trail. I also saw a bright orange lizard that was only about 4 or 5 inches long. I thought it was a plastic toy that someone dropped until it started to move. I also saw more turtles today.
Here at the "Hut" with a very odd SOBO hiker from CT and a three sectioners including the two with dogs.
later,
L
Two of the people at the shelter last night had dogs with them. ugh. So I was up early and decided to get on the trail as soon as possible.
It was cloudy and misty all day today, and then started to pour late in the afternoon and still hasn't stopped.
Hiked by several car campsites today and a bunch of overlooks on the Skyline Drive. There are a lot of people in this park, even though the summer season hasn't started yet. Was going to go for 22 miles today but I started to get cranky and achy when I got to this shelter for a break around 1:30. My feet are feeling good today even though I was walking in the rain most of the day. These new(ish) shoes are doing well. They're New Balance with a trail sole. They don't do really well on the wet rocks but they feel so good on my feet. I'll just be careful. :)
Saw a bunch of deer today all along the trail. I also saw a bright orange lizard that was only about 4 or 5 inches long. I thought it was a plastic toy that someone dropped until it started to move. I also saw more turtles today.
Here at the "Hut" with a very odd SOBO hiker from CT and a three sectioners including the two with dogs.
later,
L
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
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