Saturday, April 30, 2011
Friday, April 29, 2011
When you hear about a spot on the trail where they deliver pizza, you dream about it for days beforehand. On Friday morning our goal was within reach. We awoke at sunrise in anticipation of pizza covered in every topping possible. A 10 mile hike in under three and a half hours and we strolled into the Mt. Rogers visitor center with empty stomachs. 30 mins later our goal was realized. Hot pizza pies you could write home to mom about.
Thursdays hike was beautiful. Thru the Graycen highlands, we trekked across balds all morning that were dotted with trees and covered in boulders and grass. We climb hundred foot rock outcroppings and had great views once the fog moved out. Bluegrass fed some ponies(don't tell the rangers) The park service uses the ponies to graze on the balds keeping them clear of big shrubs.
Wednesdays stay at the Thomas knob shelter was interesting. Just a half mile from mt. Rogers summit a storm raged all night. Winds that I swore were going to tear the roof off and lightning that kept the night sky bright. We were lucky. Walking the trail Thursday, we ran into south bounders who stayed at a hotel outside damascus that had there roof ripped off.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Tuesday we hiked into Va's highlands. We crossed paths with 6 ponies who were grazing in the forest. They were not scared of us and let us approach to within a couple feet. Made camp at the base of Mt. Rogers, Va's highest peak. Early this morning we made the summit of Mt. Rogers in the strongest winds I've ever felt. Forecast is for bad storms tonight so we stopped at the closest shelter for a low milage day.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Monday, April 25, 2011
Slack Packing!
Had are first chance to "slack pack" on Sunday. Jamie dropped us off at the trail head and stowed our packs in town at the outfitters. We carried only water and snacks on a 15 mile hike thru the woods and across the TN-VA line. It felt great to hike without 35 pounds on our backs driving our legs into the ground like railroad pins. Also felt great to leave behind another state and get back to my sweet Virginia. Only 11 more states to go....500 miles in Va!
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Wow! Uncle Chuck and Aunt Charlie said they had a surprise for me in my next package and that was no exaggeration! A brand new Nikon D3 100 SLR camera! It was right on time because my piece of junk camera just quit working. I don't know where to begin thanking them but the beers are on me when I get to Maine guys! Only downside, if the pictures are no good, it's my fault now, not the cameras! I'm soo lucky!
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Goodbye NC, Goodbye TN, HELLO My Sweet Virginia!
Since I arrived back on the trail monday ive found it hard to take it easy! Ive been hiking big miles thru beautiful mountains. Basically hiking alone all week, I woke up early every morning and walked at a steady pace until dark.
The first day back on the trail was tough. A 3000 foot climb up to Roan Mountian, 6,275 feet, was tough but the high elevations never disapoint. Up there the fraiser furs are king. Beautiful evergreens, forest floor covered in mosses, and a steep incline lead to a nice afternoon. I threw my tent up at the summit just after a beautiful sunset.
Tuesday morning I was hiking down Roan mountain at sunrise, one of my favorite mountains since the Smokies. The high elevation forest appears to be in much better health then the Smokies. I didnt notice the huge stands of dying trees like I did in the Smokies where pollution and bugs are wrecking the forest. My afternoon was spent trekking up and down huge balds with great views all around. I met "Optimus" and "Stopwatch." They are a newly married couple that has hiked the pacific crest trail and the A.T. before. In there spare time they run marathons. They bring that same attitude out here on the trail, averaging close to 30 miles a day! They invited me along with them for the rest of the day. We hiked another 12 miles at a fast pace, thru Campbell Hollow along a river for some of the flattest parts of the trail Ive ever seen. Soon the water will be warm enough and I wont let a river like that one go to waste without taking a dip! We came to the Mountaineer Shelter around 8 and completed a 25 mile day.
Wednesday morning I woke late and made moves for my Ibeprofin before my oatmeal. I wished Optimus and Stopwatch goodluck on there journey because there was no way i was hiking at there speed again. I hiked alone all day. The forest floor is completely covered in green now. Wildflowers so numerous they only get a quick glance these days, unless there is a new arrival. It seems every 3 to 4 days a new flower is in bloom. If only i could afford the weight of a book maybe I could identify some. I made it to "the never Closed Kinkora Hostel" just off the trail early that afternoon. I planned on only a quick resupply but ended up staying the night. Free pizza, chicken, and sodas was pretty inticing.
The next morning got started right with Mountain Dew and oatmeal. I was on the trail by 6 with my headlamp guiding the way. A beautiful hike thru Laurel Fork, past waterfalls and along the creek all morning. The rest of the day was spent hiking the ridges above Watuga Lake. A late night arrival that night at the Iron Mtn. Shelter where Sabertooth, Blugrass and Squirrel were waiting. It was good to be back with the "High End Homeless."
Friday we hiked with high spirits to US 421 where Jamie was waiting. A well deserved "zero" day spent with my favorite girl, eating at every all you can eat restaurant in town.....oh yeah, Capitals playoff hockey too!
In one week we have left NC and will be donce with TN tomorrow. We will officially cross the VA state line on Easter Sunday! Life is good!
The first day back on the trail was tough. A 3000 foot climb up to Roan Mountian, 6,275 feet, was tough but the high elevations never disapoint. Up there the fraiser furs are king. Beautiful evergreens, forest floor covered in mosses, and a steep incline lead to a nice afternoon. I threw my tent up at the summit just after a beautiful sunset.
Tuesday morning I was hiking down Roan mountain at sunrise, one of my favorite mountains since the Smokies. The high elevation forest appears to be in much better health then the Smokies. I didnt notice the huge stands of dying trees like I did in the Smokies where pollution and bugs are wrecking the forest. My afternoon was spent trekking up and down huge balds with great views all around. I met "Optimus" and "Stopwatch." They are a newly married couple that has hiked the pacific crest trail and the A.T. before. In there spare time they run marathons. They bring that same attitude out here on the trail, averaging close to 30 miles a day! They invited me along with them for the rest of the day. We hiked another 12 miles at a fast pace, thru Campbell Hollow along a river for some of the flattest parts of the trail Ive ever seen. Soon the water will be warm enough and I wont let a river like that one go to waste without taking a dip! We came to the Mountaineer Shelter around 8 and completed a 25 mile day.
Wednesday morning I woke late and made moves for my Ibeprofin before my oatmeal. I wished Optimus and Stopwatch goodluck on there journey because there was no way i was hiking at there speed again. I hiked alone all day. The forest floor is completely covered in green now. Wildflowers so numerous they only get a quick glance these days, unless there is a new arrival. It seems every 3 to 4 days a new flower is in bloom. If only i could afford the weight of a book maybe I could identify some. I made it to "the never Closed Kinkora Hostel" just off the trail early that afternoon. I planned on only a quick resupply but ended up staying the night. Free pizza, chicken, and sodas was pretty inticing.
The next morning got started right with Mountain Dew and oatmeal. I was on the trail by 6 with my headlamp guiding the way. A beautiful hike thru Laurel Fork, past waterfalls and along the creek all morning. The rest of the day was spent hiking the ridges above Watuga Lake. A late night arrival that night at the Iron Mtn. Shelter where Sabertooth, Blugrass and Squirrel were waiting. It was good to be back with the "High End Homeless."
Friday we hiked with high spirits to US 421 where Jamie was waiting. A well deserved "zero" day spent with my favorite girl, eating at every all you can eat restaurant in town.....oh yeah, Capitals playoff hockey too!
In one week we have left NC and will be donce with TN tomorrow. We will officially cross the VA state line on Easter Sunday! Life is good!
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Hiked 26 miles today across some of the easiest terrain yet. Started before dawn and hiked steady all day. Crossed into Tennessee and left Carolina for good. Finished the evening walking along a ridge with the sunset to my left and the blue folds of mountains to my right. Hit the Iron mountain shelter after dark and what do you know? Sabertooth and the boys had the fire rolling.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Monday, April 18, 2011
Erwin to Fred Vegas?!?!
Well since my last update I've been busy. Friday night I made a last second decision to get off the trail and surprise my girlfriend for her birthday! My good friend Pete didn't hesitate when I made the late night call asking him to pick me up. He drove 400 miles in a vicious storm to pick me up outside Johnson City Saturday morning. Thru the pouring rain, pete navigated at breakneck speeds, hydroplaning across hwy. 81 numerous times, we made it to Fred Vegas just in time. To say that Jamie was surprised would be a bit of an understatement as was everyone else at the party. It felt great to see family and friends. Everyone complimented me on my rough mountain man looks. Overall, the weekend at home was fantastic despite my Capitals losing there playoff game! All agreed I must get back to the trail because I bring bad luck for the caps. Jamie dropped me off early and I should make some good miles today and be camped on top of Roan Mt. tonight. I will catch up with Sabertooth, Bluegrass, and Squirrel eventually. But Im in no hurry. Hiking alone will feel good. I will see them all this weekend when Jamie and my friend Nate pick me up outside Damascus for a little R n R....yes I know I've gotten plenty of rest but I'm in no hurry. Every successful thru hiker I've talked with has one bit of advice, "take your time, don't rush, when it's over you will wish you could go back!" So I will heed there advice and enjoy every second! Happy to be back in the mountains!
Friday, April 15, 2011
Erwin TN
We hit Erwin Tennessee yesterday. The past few days gave us a little taste of everything. The first two days of hiking were hot. Topping out at 85 degrees. We hiked shirtless and surrounded by a swarm of bugs all day. Rather miserable but great views and ice-cream sundae trail magic made it bearable. The next day, temps dropped and the rain/wind made for miserable hiking. We hiked along ridges with stiff winds blowing rain in our face most of the day. Probably the most miserable day of hiking yet. We made It to Hogback Ridge Shelter around 3, soaking wet and approaching hypothermia. Just changing into warm cloths was a challenge with our numb hands. We huddled in the shelter in our warm sleeping bags, warming hands by our alcohol stoves when "Hanzel" arrived around 6. He was soaking wet and shaking in his boots. He was searching for his sister, "Grettle," who he hadn't seen since early that morning. Conditions outside were getting worse with hail falling now and we were all worried. Hypothermia was a real danger. Even worse, Hanzel had his sisters tent in his pack. We pulled ourselves from our bags to form a search party when she stumbled into the shelter disheveled. She had made a wrong turn and walked a couple extra miles. We were all relieved. That night we crammed 11 people into a 6 person shelter that night. 2 slept underneath the shelter!
The next day we lingered in our sleeping bags until it warmed up, threw on wet boots and hit the trail. Our biggest day yet, we hiked 20 miles, thru Spring gap and up Big Bald. It was the perfect day for hiking. Temperatures stayed around 65 and the sun shined on us all day. We took our time and hiked into the night until we arrived at the No business Knob shelter. From there it was an easy walk in to Erwin where we had all-u-can-eat pizza! Fantastic!
The next day we lingered in our sleeping bags until it warmed up, threw on wet boots and hit the trail. Our biggest day yet, we hiked 20 miles, thru Spring gap and up Big Bald. It was the perfect day for hiking. Temperatures stayed around 65 and the sun shined on us all day. We took our time and hiked into the night until we arrived at the No business Knob shelter. From there it was an easy walk in to Erwin where we had all-u-can-eat pizza! Fantastic!
Sent from my iPhone
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Monday, April 11, 2011
Crossed a road this morning and followed a sign to "trail magic."We got a three course meal from Hercules and his wife. Both former thru hikers in 99, They came within 6 miles of finishing the trail and snow closed the park for the season! Hope I get there well before that. Belgian waffles, chicken soup, and our choice between hot fudge sundae or banana splits. No expense was spared. We listened to a little Jesus talk and received some literature and left with a full stomach.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Leaving Hot springs was harder then we thought it would be. Combination of hangovers n the temptations of greasy diner food lead to a LATE start. We camped a couple miles out of town by the beautiful French Broad River. Today was a tough climb up Rich Mt. Nice views from fire tower. Fished at a small pond using earthworms but couldn't get a bite. All together beautiful and hot day!
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Forgot what this feels like....
Last night was fun, had some drinks with all the hikers....feeling it this morning. I had almost forgotten what a hangover feels like. Oh well, guess ill go hike 12 miles. Hope you enjoy the pics!
Friday, April 8, 2011
Hotsprings NC!
Walked into Hot Springs yesterday afternoon. A small town where the mullet is still all the rage and everything is locked up tight by 5. Rented a room at the Hot springs Resort, washed cloths and consumed copious amounts of red meat at the Country Diner.
We hiked 33 miles in two days and our legs are feeling the usual stiffness. This we are getting used to. We have finally recieved our "trail legs" as they are referred to. There is a noticeable difference in the speed we move up and down mountains now. I would compare our legs to that of a the Nepalese Mountain Goat, we are strong and agile. But once we stop for the day, we are immediately transformed into old men. An hour after our legs have cooled down, we are hobbling around camp like we should be using a cane.
Todays "zero" day is much needed for our legs to do some healing. "Boot Camp" is officially over. We have hiked some of the toughest terrain we will see until New Hampshire and Maine. Statistics say 25% have dropped off the trail already....so it appears were doing something right. I weighed in at the outfitters scale this morning, lost 12 pounds since leaving Va. That's amazing considering everything I eat during the day is chosen because it has the MOST calories possible.
The "Squirrel Flu," as we have named it, is running rampant thru our group. Squirrel passed it to me, now Sabretooth and Bluegrass are showing symptoms. The symptoms include excess mucus and cough. One useful skill Ive picked up on the trail, blowing "snot rockets" at full hiking speed. This is not just a handy skill, it is essential to keep a good pace!
And now its time to check out the local tavern....wish us luck! Resupply in 5 days in Elaine, TN. 67 miles
We hiked 33 miles in two days and our legs are feeling the usual stiffness. This we are getting used to. We have finally recieved our "trail legs" as they are referred to. There is a noticeable difference in the speed we move up and down mountains now. I would compare our legs to that of a the Nepalese Mountain Goat, we are strong and agile. But once we stop for the day, we are immediately transformed into old men. An hour after our legs have cooled down, we are hobbling around camp like we should be using a cane.
Todays "zero" day is much needed for our legs to do some healing. "Boot Camp" is officially over. We have hiked some of the toughest terrain we will see until New Hampshire and Maine. Statistics say 25% have dropped off the trail already....so it appears were doing something right. I weighed in at the outfitters scale this morning, lost 12 pounds since leaving Va. That's amazing considering everything I eat during the day is chosen because it has the MOST calories possible.
The "Squirrel Flu," as we have named it, is running rampant thru our group. Squirrel passed it to me, now Sabretooth and Bluegrass are showing symptoms. The symptoms include excess mucus and cough. One useful skill Ive picked up on the trail, blowing "snot rockets" at full hiking speed. This is not just a handy skill, it is essential to keep a good pace!
And now its time to check out the local tavern....wish us luck! Resupply in 5 days in Elaine, TN. 67 miles
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
The Great Smokey Mountains
After walking across Fontana Dam, the largest dam east of the Mississippi River, we trudged up into the Smokies. A long uphill climb thru Hemlock and hardwood forest. The Smokies were living up to there name with a dense fog surrounding us all day. Mid-afternoon the fog gave way to a light rain and we hit Russell Feild Shelter just in time. We settled into a our coldest night yet. Temps dropped to 26 degrees. We woke that morning to find a dusting of snow and ice covering the forest. I tried to wash out breakfast dishes but my camelback was frozen! The hike was spectacular. The woods were frozen solid and we made bad time because of all the picture taking. My one regret is not buying a new camera. My pictures will never do these mountains justice. By noon, We summited Rocky Top Mountain, TN. Great views of the frozen woods. you could look north down the ridgeline and see eastern slopes were clearing of the snow while the western slopes were still a solid white. It was a clear line between the two sides, Sparkling white and dreary brown on the other side. We pushed hard late that afternoon to the base of Clingmans dome and made camp at Silers Bald Shelter. The shelters in the park are pretty decent which is good because we are required to stay in them. No cowboy camping here! The shelters are built of stone, three sides, the fourth sid is loosl covered by a tarp. The roof is made of tin with the occasional plexiglass skylights and all have a indoor firplace. They are by no means air tight. A roaring fire does little for anyone sleeping in there. That night in the shelter with us was Rocket Girl, Spaceman, Gidget, Caps and Rango. The latter three were all from Norther Va. The forcast was for 2 inches of snow that night but we ended up with a some snow and a lot of hail. All night the roar of hail hitting the tin roof was deafening. For the most part I slept well. Its amazing the sleeping situations Im getting used to. Sabortooths snoring is a good example. It used to bother me now its just another noise in the night.
The next morning we left the shelter and surprised two deer outside. They were unafraid and hiked along with us for over 200 yards. The hike to Clingmans was great. As we entered the higher elevations we walked in the spruce-fir forest. Huge frasir firs and red spruce covered the mountain sides. The forest floor was covered in a mixture of moss and snow. It was the prettiest forest ive ever walked thru. We were lucky to have spectacular views from the summit. The area is surprisingly heavily polluted and views are normally obscured, but we could easily see 20 miles to Fontana Resivior. The cold wind chased us off the observation tower rather quickly. Walking thru a heavily trafficked tourist area on a saturday we were getting stares from all directions. We looked pretty haggered I suppose. A family from Indiana were very interested. They took our pictures and asked us all kinds of questions. they were a little puzzeled at why someone would want to walk 2,000 miles in the woods. I asked them if they had a cheeseburger, they laughed and offered us Mountian Dew. We graciousy accepted. My "yogi" skills are getting pretty good. We enjoyed our beverages and then it was back to the woods. a short 4 miles to the Mt. Collins Shelter and we were home for the night. Shutter finally caught back up to us and he bragged about his toasty 15 degree sleeping bag as Blugrass and Sabortooth glared from a distance as they warmed there sleeping bag rocks in the fire.
The next two days were excellent hiking days. We made our way thru Newfound Gap, a road crossing, where we got some trail magic in the form of homemade chilli. Shutter headed into Gatlinburg for resupply we were back in the woods. I led the group thru a particular nice stretch of woods when Sabortooth formed a snow ball and knocked me upside the head. This was enjoyed by the whole clan but little does he know revenge will be swift. First chance i get, Im sneaking 10 pounds of rocks in his pack.
Hiking the final two days along the ridges all above 5,500 ft, "Lord of The Rings type shit" as Squirrel So eloquently put it, we were feeling pretty accomplished having nearly completed the trek of the smokies. Then before we could make it to the Firetower for some stealth camping a huge black croud formed behind us. We barley made it to Cosby shelter before the storm came thru. Woke up the next morning to find 2 inches of snow! The smokies had the last laugh. It was a rather miserable trek those first couple miles up Mt. Cammerer. But we all enjoyed the long downhill, criss crossing the Pigeon River. It was way above normal levels which made crossing it a challenge. Sabortooth crossed one section using a particularly high downed tree. We all ended up wet but made it saftly to Standing bear hostel.(where im currently paying $2.00/15 mins for internet) So please excuse spelling and grammer! Living the dream!
The next morning we left the shelter and surprised two deer outside. They were unafraid and hiked along with us for over 200 yards. The hike to Clingmans was great. As we entered the higher elevations we walked in the spruce-fir forest. Huge frasir firs and red spruce covered the mountain sides. The forest floor was covered in a mixture of moss and snow. It was the prettiest forest ive ever walked thru. We were lucky to have spectacular views from the summit. The area is surprisingly heavily polluted and views are normally obscured, but we could easily see 20 miles to Fontana Resivior. The cold wind chased us off the observation tower rather quickly. Walking thru a heavily trafficked tourist area on a saturday we were getting stares from all directions. We looked pretty haggered I suppose. A family from Indiana were very interested. They took our pictures and asked us all kinds of questions. they were a little puzzeled at why someone would want to walk 2,000 miles in the woods. I asked them if they had a cheeseburger, they laughed and offered us Mountian Dew. We graciousy accepted. My "yogi" skills are getting pretty good. We enjoyed our beverages and then it was back to the woods. a short 4 miles to the Mt. Collins Shelter and we were home for the night. Shutter finally caught back up to us and he bragged about his toasty 15 degree sleeping bag as Blugrass and Sabortooth glared from a distance as they warmed there sleeping bag rocks in the fire.
The next two days were excellent hiking days. We made our way thru Newfound Gap, a road crossing, where we got some trail magic in the form of homemade chilli. Shutter headed into Gatlinburg for resupply we were back in the woods. I led the group thru a particular nice stretch of woods when Sabortooth formed a snow ball and knocked me upside the head. This was enjoyed by the whole clan but little does he know revenge will be swift. First chance i get, Im sneaking 10 pounds of rocks in his pack.
Hiking the final two days along the ridges all above 5,500 ft, "Lord of The Rings type shit" as Squirrel So eloquently put it, we were feeling pretty accomplished having nearly completed the trek of the smokies. Then before we could make it to the Firetower for some stealth camping a huge black croud formed behind us. We barley made it to Cosby shelter before the storm came thru. Woke up the next morning to find 2 inches of snow! The smokies had the last laugh. It was a rather miserable trek those first couple miles up Mt. Cammerer. But we all enjoyed the long downhill, criss crossing the Pigeon River. It was way above normal levels which made crossing it a challenge. Sabortooth crossed one section using a particularly high downed tree. We all ended up wet but made it saftly to Standing bear hostel.(where im currently paying $2.00/15 mins for internet) So please excuse spelling and grammer! Living the dream!
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Friday, April 1, 2011
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