March Journals
In Route to Georgia
Day T-2: 3/11/00
Today's Miles: 0
Total Miles: 0
I am grateful for loving and supporting friends and family.
Well, here I sit on the runway in Sacramento after trying to find the best way to get to Atlanta tonight. I'm on stand-by tickets with my fingers crossed that I get on to the 11:50 a.m. plane to Atlanta. No expectations - No Problems.
I have to admit, I am emotionally and mentally exhausted. I am really now ready to be physically exhausted. In only a seven day period I was given four going away parties. I am truly a lucky person to have so many people that care so much about me. Family, friends, co-workers, and students (old and current) all put so much thought and effort into making my send-off extra special.
It seemed like tonight would never come. I have been counting down for so long, I just kind of got use to the counting. I guess the reality of not counting didn't truly hit until today. Tough day. Bitter sweet. I am so excited that my dream is about to become a reality. I am also saddened that I will miss so many special days with the special people in my life back home. As this plane out of Sacramento lifts off I can only imagine the adventures I am going to have.
Thank you all for being such important pieces in my puzzle. You all fit in...somehow. Without each and everyone of you I could not be complete.
12:10 A.M.- Hey great news!!! I made it onto to plane to Atlanta!!! I am right on track...Everything works out as it should....Springer Mountain here I come!
Peace, Love, Courage.
:)
Adam
GA-ME
Georgia
Day T-1: 3/12/00
Today's Miles: 0
Total Miles: 0
Well, I am sitting in the sun room at the Amicolola State Park Lodge. I have not been able to check into my room yet but I can tell you that I am in the lap of luxury here. So, wanna hear about my day? Ok! I got off the air bus in Atlanta and grubbed out on some "Famous southern food." I ordered a cheese biscuit and an order of home fries. It's lucky I didn't get the grits too (I love grits thanks to my in-laws), because my eyes were much bigger than my stomach. After figuring out how to use the token machine, I boarded the MARTA train to downtown Atlanta, took a bus to the Martin Luther King Center, and soaked up the positive energy of MLK. I have always admired this man and only now, do I have a complete understanding of who he was. What an amazing and spiritual man. If you haven't learned about him in the past, be sure to spend some quality time reflecting on his beliefs and ideas.
"Life's most urgent question is, What are you doing for others?"
-Martin Luther King Jr.
After the center, while sitting in the 38 degree sunny day at the bus stop, a car stopped beside me and asked me how to find downtown. This made me laugh for two reasons: One, why would a scruffy guy with a backpack be able to give any directions. And two, I was actually able to give him directions because I was making a subliminal note on the way to the King Center.
After a bus and a train, Russell picked me up. Russell is a trail maintainer on the Benton MacKaye Trail and gives hikers rides from Atlanta to Springer for a donation to his trail maintenance club. We first stopped at REI so I could buy a new stove, fuel bottle, fuel, and a mini thermometer. Then we made the 1.5 hour drive to Springer.
Upon our arrival we stopped at the visitor center so I could officially register as a Thru-Hiker and so I could weigh my pack. I was happy to see that even without my stove and fuel my packed weighed 41 pounds. The two hikers who had registered before me today had packs weighing over 60 pounds! Russell dropped me off a mile up from the visitor center at the lodge.
As I sit here in the sun room I have met Sven. He is a 60 something year old man who is half German and half Central American. His wife is Cherokee. He is fascinated by my trip and shares a story with me about a man just featured in the media who has pulled a cross behind him for over 20,000 miles. He was my first true spontaneous interaction and it was great. And ready for this? Trail Magic has shown its beautiful face on the day BEFORE my hike has even begun. About 20 minutes after Sven and his wife disappeared, she returned with 3 postcards she had bought at the gift shop. All three were of the Appalachian Trail. She smiled, wished my luck and safety on my journey and she was off once more.
Was just interrupted by Scott and Porcha who are from Colorado but living here for the last year. They talked all about the trail with me and even wrote down my web site....Interesting people around every corner!!!!
One more crazy thing just happened. As I was walking to the elevator after checking in, a man came up to me and asked if I was starting tomorrow. He introduced himself as Merle and said he was from Maine. I mentioned that I had followed the journal entries (and read them to my class of 4th graders) of a man from Maine. He immediately said, with a smile, "Tim Hewitt or Paddler." He said Tim (the hiker I followed) was a close friend of his and he would tell him that I said, "Hi". Our connection was made. We smiled and parted with the knowledge that we would meet again.
There are literally hundreds of Ladybugs in my hotel room. I have always heard that finding a Ladybug is good luck. If that's the case....I feel pretty lucky! Went to dinner at the restaurant tonight. My last great meal for a while. So sleeeeeeeeepy.......
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Adam
GA-ME
Georgia
Day 1: 3/13/00
Today's Miles: 5.0 (with approach trail: 12.25)
Total Miles: 5.0
I am grateful for John Muir. He had a love for nature that helped give our nation the look and feel of the present.
Today started off at 5:30 with me awake and ready to go. The only problem - The sun wasn't up yet and it was in the low 20's. I waited till 7:15 and I could wait no more. I paid my bill and set off 150 yards on the paved road to the A.T. approach trail. It was 28 degrees. The trees were asleep. They didn't even give a hint of spring. The 7.25 miles to the top of Springer took 3 hours, according to Grasshopper, and wasn't as difficult as I had expected. I stopped at the shelter on the top of the mountain and had lunch with him. He is from Virginia and hurt his knee on his first day out. Now he is resting it at the shelter for a couple days. There are 3 sided shelters about every 8-12 miles on the A.T. I don't plan to stay in many...too many people and too many mice. I also met Happy Jack (from Atlanta) on the trail. He was hiking south and had been for about 5 days. After talking with him for a few minutes, he said he was going to entertain me. He pulled out 3 balls and began to make up a story about the trail and meeting me. He told the story juggling the balls. Sometimes using one, sometimes, two, sometimes all three (each ball represented a hiker). Happy Jack is very happy indeed. Also met Caveman a few times on the trail...no juggling from him.
When I arrived atop Springer at the southern terminus plaque, I had a tough time getting a picture of myself. After about 5 minutes of trying every rock and tree limb with my mini tripod, I was about to give up. A man and his son walked up and saw my efforts were in vain. Needless to say they offered to take my picture at the official starting point.
The trees and plants here are so different from the Sierra Nevadas. The trail started filled with dormant Red Oaks and Poplars. Later, large Holly trees, some still with red berries mixed in. Still later, the green and budding rhododendrons started appearing. And finally, the Hemlock trees took over the forest. Hemlocks look similar to coastal California pine forests.
I felt great today. It was cold but I warmed as I hiked. My body felt good. I walked a little farther than I had planned because of it. We will see how I feel in the morning. I am camped at Long Falls. I'm all alone in this beautiful place. Just as I wanted it my first night on the A.T.
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer (My chosen trail name)
GA-ME
Georgia
Day 2: 3/14/00
Today's Miles: 15ish (6 on A.T.)
Total A.T. Miles: 11
I am grateful for Old Ridge Runner.
What a day...Couldn't sleep...too cold at 18 degrees. Tonight I have a hot water bottle in my bag. Ended up on a side trail this morning. It had white diamond…white is white right? Wrong...It wasn't till 4 miles on that trail that I came to the first trail sign. Old Ridge Runner was resting by it. To make a very long story short, I hiked back the 4 miles to the A.T. with my new friend. He'd hiked the A.T. in '86 and only has Maine to finish from his ‘97 Thru-Hike. Eight miles off the A.T. got me behind today. If I want to be at Neels Gap on Wednesday as planned I have to do a 19.7 mile day tomorrow...I can't commit to that so I may fall a day behind....Oh well...Hard day mentally and physically...very tired...hope I sleep...
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Georgia
Day 3: 3/15/00
Today's Miles: 20
Total A.T. Miles: 30.7
I am grateful that my body held up over 11.5 hours so that I could walk the 20 miles here.
I slept!!! It's 3:45 right now and I just awoke from a glorious sleep...Gonna now begin preparation to get on the trail...check in later.
Here I sit at the Goose Creek Campground and cabins. I had planned to camp but the owner had a cabin reserved for me...Ted and Derek are sharing the room that has two beds and a couch. They are from NC and pretty novice hikers. They have 60 pound packs that I have helped them get down significantly. I also will send some things home tomorrow - hacky sac, candle, some unneeded first aide stuff, and an extra holder for my Tel-Mail that I worked so hard finding. Tough but rewarding day today. I really wanted to make up for my mistake yesterday...I made it and I am tired but otherwise feel great. It warms the cockles of my heart to know that I can do a 20 mile day this soon.
Met lots of interesting people on the trail today. Even met some female Thru-Hikers for the first time.
Blood Mountain was my final 3 miles of the day. Going up was long but not too hard. Coming down was very difficult. I have found that I really like ups a lot more than downs. I started with one hiking stick that I named B, after a former student of mine, picked up a second stick yesterday that I named Shirley...just because it was the first name I though of. Shirley broke my heart today. She snapped in half. I picked another stick, but by the end of the day I was getting blisters on both hands from the sticks. Tomorrow I will buy hiking poles at the Walasi-Yi Center that caters to us hikers.
Wildlife - Saw squirrels every day. Many different bird sightings...still no Hawks. A mouse ran across the trail in front of me yesterday. And 3 White Tail deer ran though the woods right next to me first thing this morning.
The owner of the Goose Creek place I'm at will do your laundry, and even run to town to pick up pizza orders for you. So...here is what I've eaten in the last few hours off the trail: 3 ice cold apple juices, 2 bananas, 1 apple, 1 Sprite, 1 deluxe (hahaha) salad and 3/4 of a cheese pizza, and 3/4 of a vegi pizza (had to order two pizzas from this place...Georgia's answer to pizza pizza). Eyes are shutting and my roomies are already asleep...Won’t be at another phone for about week....so....see ya soon, and Happy Trails to you all, wherever they take you...
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Georgia
Day 4: 3/16/00
Today's Miles: 7.3
Total A.T. Miles: 38
I am grateful for the beauty after a rain storm.
7:30 A.M. Just woke up in my cabin in the woods....more like a Ted Kazinsky cabin. The rain is gently falling and it sounds beautiful. My first of many days walking in the rain...it should be quite the learning experience. Gonna catch a few more zzzzz's...eat my left over pizza...get my clean laundry (they wash for $5...you’d have to give me a lot more than $5 to come anywhere near hiker laundry...yick), pack up, get a ride back to the Walasi-Yi Center and the trail, buy my hiking poles, send a box home and start a walkin'. Lots to do....see ya later.
6:54 P.M. Let me paint the picture for you. I am sitting in my tent with the awning up. I just got finished cooking and eating dinner during some pretty hard rain. But now...it has stopped raining, it's dusk with a bluish fog setting in for the night. The only sounds I hear are the drops of water falling from the trees and landing on the leaf covered forest floor. And every so often, if I'm quiet enough and lucky enough, I will hear a rumble of thunder far, far away. I tell you about all this beauty because I had to pay for it. I didn't get out of Walasi-Yi till 12:00 and I walked till 4:30. Four and a half hours to walk 8 miles. It was hard. I am now officially an A.T. hiker. Not only did I just get off a 20 mile day; not only did I receive a 7 day food drop (16 more lbs. on my back), but it rained all day. Ever see a nice dry trail with softball sized rocks in the summer and think, "Boy this must be a river in the winter." Well, let me tell you, the trail disappears. It is either a river your are fighting though (up-hill) or a river you are riding (downhill), or a lake to paddle through. A beautiful sight but very hard walking with a 50+ lb. pack on. I learned some very valuable lessons today. 1- No matter what combination of clothes you wear in the rain YOU WILL BE WET. 2- Nothing is more beautiful than the calm after the hard rain. 3- Did I mention YOU WILL BE WET?
At Hogpen Gap there was a ziplock with a note to Thru-Hikers saying that we have a long way to go, but here was a goodie for us. Apparently I had come across it when it had been there a while. All that was left; 1 lighter, 1 pack of Starburst, 7 cans of Milwaukee’s Best. I took the Starburst...hehehe
Well as my best friend says, "I might be late, but I'm way ahead of schedule." I will do a few extra miles here and there to try to catch up to my plan...But if not...Oh well...No Rules out here right?
Ohhh scary, a tree just fell not too far from me.
Peace, Love, Courage.....
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Georgia
Day 5: 3/17/00
Today's Miles: 16.3
Total A.T. Miles: 54.3
I am grateful for the song "What a difference a day makes...," because I sang it all day.
It's late....I am camping at the old Cheese Factory Site. In the mid 1800's a dairy operated where I am camped. For several years an eccentric New England man ran the dairy very successfully. Nothing is here today but a spring. I am camped here with "W Squared" and three guys from Kentucky. All of us are Thru-Hikers.
What a day. Thought it was gonna rain again so I put on all my wet clothes. No reason to put nice dry ones on if they were just gonna get wet again. Well it was misty and very windy all morning, but no rain. A couple of times I thought the sun would come out but it hid from me. Saw almost no one on the trail today. Guess they were waiting out the weather. I keep asking what next and then I get my answer. From 8-10 I was cold and miserable. But then the wind stopped and my clothes started drying from my body heat. It was absolutely beautiful. The mist hanging everywhere. Then about 1 the sun came out for about an hour. Not enough to change clothes. Then at 3 it came out again for good. I took off my rain jacket and my tights and I was a happy man!!!! Hiked over Blue Mountain, then Rocky Mountain humming the song to Rocky the movie. Still a little behind my schedule, but catching my shadow. Suppose to have sun Saturday and rain Sunday....all pieces of the puzzle.
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Georgia
Day 6: 3/18/00
Today's Miles: 12.5
Total A.T. Miles: 66.8
I am grateful for pick-up trucks and loose laws in the south that allow riding in the rear.
Well, after this California boy went looking for cheese at the Cheese Factory site he couldn't sleep again because of the cold. Gonna have to do something about that. Hiking was hard today.
Here is my physical status:
Knees- Awesome. Ankles-Perfect. Feet- Ouch...swollen and filled with hot spots (blisters to be).
Right Hip- Very sore...probably because of the way my pack is packed.
I decided to take tonight in the town of Hiawassee. I met Nomad on the trail a couple times today. He looks a lot like Santa Claus. He had lots of good advice about my hip for me and raised my low spirits.
I hiked to Dicks Creek Gap today and stood for 40 minutes waiting to hitch to town. While waiting I met a guy from Napa just driving around the U.S. He was my age and we talked for a while as I had my thumb out.
Nomad then walked up and we decided to hitch together and room together. So we stuck our thumbs out...about 10 minutes later a pick-up stopped. The truck had 6 bales of hay in the back. Nomad got inside the cab and I sat in the back in about 12 inches, between the hay and the tailgate. It was a cold and fast ride. After days on foot, a vehicle was like a rocket ride. We checked into a smoking room at the Hiawassee Inn. Not a five star hotel people. But it had what it needed. A roof and a warm bed.
I went to Subway and had a 6 inch vegi sandwich, a 6 inch tuna sandwich, a large bag of chips and a large lemonade. Then, on to the Texaco station for my 4 bottles of apple juice. That's right…juice…not beer. My craving on the trail is juice. Nothing more than juice.
I went back to the room and talked with Nomad for hours. He is such an interesting man. Old retired Navy guy who just travels. He hiked the trail in '98 and is doing it again this year. He said he went to his 40th high school reunion last year...does that give a hint of his age? He is a fountain of wisdom both about the trail and about life. I am truly lucky to be spending time with him. I am taking tomorrow off no matter what the weather is. I am listening to my body and it says, "Take a rest!" Nomad may or may not take the day off. Nomad's rule is: When on the trail, if the weather is bad, take a day off at a shelter. When in town, if the weather is bad, take one more day in town. I will let that sink into my soul.
Tomorrow, to the gear shop for a sleeping bag liner, and some dry bags...the laundry mat to get the stinkies out and some rest for the mind and body. I will get my backpack in working order for days to come.
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Georgia
Day 7: 3/19/00
Today's Miles: 0
I am grateful for a roof over my head during this "serious winter storm."
Today was a down day. And how grateful I am. I went to the local outfitter 4 times today! I ended up buying a new stuff sack, a new water bottle, and most importantly, a fleece sleeping bag liner. Hopefully this will enable me to sleep at night and keep away from hypothermic conditions at night. The liner that I bought was very expensive and it really hurt to spend the money after how much the trekking poles cost a few days ago. But if it keeps me safe and gets me to Maine...so be it. The liner I bought can be used as a sleeping bag this summer.
Today…
Slept like a rock...zzzzz…
Soaked up Nomad's aura....
Did laundry at the mat...dryer had no heat...
Went to Ingles (grocery store) got a few supplies...
Lunch at grocery...mashed potatoes...creamed corn...pizza…
Bought postcards at RiteAid...
Outfitter 4 times in between all...
Dinner at Daniel's Steak House...$5 AYCE buffet...boy I ate...
Sending a few more things home from P.O. in the morn....
At 12:30 there was a sudden traffic jam in town. Bumper to bumper traffic…I didn't get it. Well Nomad informed me that all the Baptist Churches had just let out. Ahhhhhh…now I get it..
Terrible storms here...will see if it's safe to leave in the morning. Weather channel just flashed tornado warnings for southeastern Georgia...none near here, but still scary.
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
North Carolina
Day 8: 3/20/00
Today's Miles: 11.6
Total A.T. Miles: 78.4
I am grateful for the state of North Carolina because it is state number 2 of 14!
Well, here I am at the Muskrat Shelter. I'm not actually in the shelter, I am tenting just 50 yards or so away. My first night near a shelter. I am starting to enjoy the social aspect of the trail more. After spending two days in town with Nomad, I have really changed my perspective on some things. First...screw my schedule...I will listen to my heart and my body. I will not be foolish with mother nature. I will honor my intuition.
Woke up this morning to sun…yes sun. Walked to the P.O. and sent home a few more non-essentials. Then walked back to the hotel just in time for then 9:00 shuttle back to the trail. The ride was very nice. I was INSIDE a vehicle this time!!! Upon arrival at the trail I said goodbye to Nomad...our hiking speeds and distances are quite different and I may not see him again this trip. Our car had 4 hikers and another truck showed up at the trail from the Blueberry Patch Hostel at the same time with 6 more hikers. That meant 10 of us hit the trail at the same time! It was a traffic jam for the first couple miles with hikers passing hikers and finding their paces. I met back up with Doctor. I had camped with him and his two buddies Matt and Roger at the Cheese Factory Site a few days ago. He had let them go ahead and was trying to catch them. I also met back with Snoopy (Tim's friend from Maine). The three of us hiked all day together. My first day of hiking with others. It was nice. We talked when the hiking allowed it and at rest stops. Both are great guys. We caught Doctor's friends here at the shelter. I may be hiking with this group for a while. Our paces are about the same and we all get along quite well. I may drop my miles to 12-14 till the weather warms up a bit. It’s too cold to start much before 8 and I like having some down time in the afternoon. So hiking for now will be 8-4 and later I will try 6ish till 4ish. Met a group of about 15 kids on the trail today ages 14-16. They are in a treatment program for drugs, alcohol, and abuse. Very nice kids. They are out for a 7 day hike. Great kids!!
Big news of the day...I am in North Carolina!!! The state welcomed us with the two hardest hills that I have climbed so far. Also met the first southbounder of the year. He started 9 months ago in June from Katahdin and is going to summit Springer in a week or so. Wow - good for him!!!
Beautiful weather to hike in today...hope it lasts. I am ready for the cold tonight with my new sleeping bag liner...yea....
Weird thing...I guess I am one of the only tent hikers that is hanging their food. All others are sleeping with theirs....I am the only one from California that really has any bear experience. Also I am getting better at judging safe water that doesn't need to be filtered. Natural springs coming out of the ground at high altitudes are safe to drink without filtering...Will probably start drinking some of these without filtering.
Thank you all for the many e-mails. I have tried to respond to as many as possible. I am getting soooo many well wishes...For those I have not responded to...Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your kind words.
I read another hiker's journal before I left the "real world" and the hiker was dedicating a state to a person as they entered it. I would like to dedicate this state to a friend named Becky. Becky has HIV and is very sick as I write this. I send her my love and light that she gets well soon.
Peace, Love, Courage...Becky...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
North Carolina
Day 9: 3/21/00
Today's Miles: 16.2
Total A.T. Miles: 94.6
I am grateful for my beautiful and loving wife who supports me in every step that I take.
Another great day on the A.T.! Left Muskrat Shelter at 8:10 this morning with Snoopy, Doctor, Matt, and Roger. Matt and Roger have a lightning pace and Snoopy (56 years old) and I kept up. Doctor got left in the dust. The big climb today was Standing Indian Mountain at 5498 feet high. Doesn't sound high in California terms but back here when you start at 3500 feet and go up to 5498 it is an ass kicker. Remember....straight up and down...very few if any switchbacks.
Ate lunch atop Standing Indian and while sitting there the kids from the treatment center joined us. A big crowd made for a quick lunch and some pictures before heading on. Still no sign of Doctor.
Stopped at Carter Gap Shelter and took our packs off to rest. Found Doctor lounging in the shelter. Stone Man (carver of slate), who we had seen on the trail a couple of times that day was also in the shelter. The 3 of us decided to push on to this place. Betty Gap Camp. Just a creek by the side of the trail and silence. It was nice to put the extra miles in. Gave me my average of 16 miles for the day.
Highlights today...
-N.C. is so much greener than Georgia
-Roger is a Geologist and showed us pieces of garnet, muscovite, and shale.
-Matt is a botanist but also knows lots about birds and trees…saw a Downey Woodpecker
-Early in the morning…3 a.m. heard 5-10 coyotes howling..
Decided not to shave for a while...we will see if I still get rides.
Gotta take the duct tape off me feet...see ya.
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
North Carolina
Day 10: 3/22/00
Today's Miles: 15.9
Total A.T. Miles: 110.5
I am grateful for duct tape. It keeps my heels free from growing blisters.
Well, today was a day...It started with a climb up Albert...or Fat Albert. The hardest climb yet I think. Hand over hand at times and very rocky. It paid off with a stop at the fire tower on the top. Didn't sleep very well again last night...don't know when the sleeping will get better...I'm warm now…that's not the problem…I just can't sleep.
The next 6ish miles were the easiest of the trip so far. Winding ups and downs that just flew by. Stopped at the Rock Gap Shelter for lunch at about 12:00. Met members Nantahala Hiking Club. They were building a privy at the shelter and breaking for lunch also. They let us know that in the spring just below the shelter were ice cold sodas and oranges. I helped myself to an orange and it must have been the sweetest orange that I've ever tasted!! The next eight miles were hell! Up, up, up, on a full stomach with my hip belt digging into my gut. Maybe the hardest 8 miles of the trip.
We hit and crossed the hundred mile mark today!! Only 21 more of those to cover...wow...
I'm at a shelter tonight with Snoopy. We are the only two in the shelter as of 6:30 p.m. Caveman and Candyman are tenting and hanging out at the table writing in their journals also. We will see how bad the mice are in the shelter. I had really sworn off shelters, but with the Silver Bald Shelter empty, I really couldn't pass it up. Two short days the next two days into the Nantahala Outdoor Center where my next drop is. To get to the NOC it's 6 mile 4000 foot drop. To get out of the NOC it's a 7 mile 4500 foot ascent! Should be interesting.
Had a great dinner tonight which consisted of mashed potatoes and dehydrated veggies. Breakfast consists of an oatmeal cookie every morning made by my terrific brother-in-law. Also for breakfast, a packet of vitamins. Lunch consists of mini snacks. I eat GORP, energy bar, peanut butter, Wheat Thins, and string cheese on those really special occasions...hehehe.
Dinner consist of about 9 different things that I rotate. My favorite so far is the pizza--I use two Bobolis, dehydrated pizza sauce, dehydrated veggies, and string cheese. Other dinners include-Broccoli Cheese Soup, Rice and Beans, Sloppy Joe (soy mix), Stove Top, and some more stuff that I can't think of cause I'm tired.
To end today, I would like to say Hi to the best 4th graders in the world and their tireless leaders Ms. Swesey and Mrs. Wentworth who are working their hardest to keep it all going. Goodnight to all.....zzzzzzzz
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
North Carolina
Day 11: 3/23/00
Today's Miles: 14.3
Total A.T. Miles: 124.8
I am grateful for sunsets because they are truly awe inspiring.
Kick ass day!!! This was going to be a 12 mile short day but Snoopy and I decided to make it 14 miler at the last minute. The first six miles were very hard for me today. I was playing a mental game with myself and I didn't feel really well either. Lots of foot pain today...and I still have not been sleeping well. I sleep for about two hours at a time and then toss and turn for an hour or so...this pattern goes on and on throughout the night. Maybe I'm just not working hard enough during the day to sufficiently knock me out...can't really figure it out.
Stopped at Wayah Bald today for lunch. Great grassy area and a really cool lookout to climb. Camped at a spring just 8 miles from the NOC. Just Snoopy and I...very relaxing. The last three days we have started hiking about 8:15 and finished about 4:30. Great sunset tonight. My first of the trip. Took lots of pictures…hope some come out. Been stopping at more shelters to read and write in the registers. The registers are just notebooks that someone leaves there and when they are full, someone leaves a new one. Reading what other people have to say is really interesting. It also let's me see who is ahead of me and how far.
Tomorrow into NOC for my mail drop, laundry, a shower, some greasy food and a few misc. supplies. Two or three more days till Smokey Mountain National Park...yipeee...can't wait!!!!!
Gonna do some reading....bye for now.
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
North Carolina
Day 12: 3/24/00
Today's Miles-11.3
Total A.T. Miles-136.1
I am grateful for showers!! My first in a very long time came today.
Gratifying day...9.3 miles to the NOC...primarily a white water rafting resort, but they also cater to hikers. The last eight miles dropped from 4600 feet to 1600 feet with very few if any switchbacks. Climbed Wesser Bald and walked up the stairs of the old fire tower, which is now a lookout, and looked at the 360 degree view. Wow!!! That was definitely the highlight of the trail today! Wildflowers started appearing on the downhill to the NOC. Buttercups, Pansies, and Johnny Jumpups all were popping through the dry leaves.
Once at the NOC I sent my e-mail and received all of yours, did laundry, opened my drop, cookie box, and new stuff sack, and made some phone calls...and took a long wonderful two dollar shower.
Ate at a restaurant...ready??? Eight glasses of ice tea (yes…a dry county A.C. staff), A large salad, chips and salsa, a sandwich and fries...still no Ben and Jerry's...doesn't sound good...was I full??? Nope, but it was time to hike on...and up. That's right, the almost 3000 feet we had to come down we had to go up too. We only went about 2000 feet, 2 miles, and set up camp under an interesting looking cave...will explore in the daylight.
Still hiking with Snoopy...interesting sidenote is that our start dates and end dates are exactly the same!!! Yet, he is a day and a half ahead of his schedule and I am two days behind mine...the one I threw away last week…hehehehehe
Weighed my pack at the outdoor center and they said that I had the heaviest pack of the week...I am carrying more food than most so I don't have to stop as much.
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
North Carolina
Day 13: 3/25/00
Today's Miles: 14
Total A.T. Miles: 150.1
I am grateful that I don't have to wait for the recess bell to use the bathroom. There are trees everywhere...
Today was the hardest yet. I am at the Brown Fork Gap Shelter with Candyman, Snoopy, Caveman, Michael, Mark, and his dog, Chaka. Everyone agrees that this was the toughest day yet. One of the reasons that the day was so tough for me was because my pack is about 20 pounds heavier than it was just two days ago. Too much food!! I have food for the next 7 days and my shoulders feel it! Started from below the cave today...didn't explore it cause I was a little fearful of rattlesnakes with the sun on the rocks and the warm weather. Today and yesterday got up to 70 degrees with morning lows only in the high 30's...Things are warming up. Once I am through the Smokies, I should be able to send home all my winter clothes and my sleeping bag. At that time it should be warm enough to sleep in my new fleece liner which only weighs 1.4 lbs. My pack, with summer gear and only 3-4 days of food, should weigh about 20 lbs. less...I can't wait!!
Some very steep ups and downs today. So steep that at times you could touch the ground just by reaching out in front of you. Yes, that's steep...steeper than any mountains I have every climbed.
Saw some local weekend backpackers out today...Carrying half the gear I was and looking like they were about to have a coronary right there on the trail. One was holding up a tree as he let me pass him on the trail...hehe
Tomorrow it's into the town of Fontana. Fontana boasts the highest dam in the eastern United States. I am gonna split a room in Fontana with Snoopy so we can both go to the P.O. when it opens at 8:30 on Monday. I am planning on sending a little food a few days ahead and Snoopy has a food drop to pick up. In Neels Gap 25% of Thru-Hikers call it quits...that was day 4 for me. At Fontana the dropout rate is up 50%...After the climb out of NOC to here I can see why. No dropout plans in my horizons.
Many more switchbacks here in NC. Roger commented while walking though Georgia that he now knew why the South lost the war...the trails...hehehe. Well the same cannot be said about NC when it comes to switchbacks, but I have never seen such crazy planning of trails. The trail goes up every mountain, ridge, hill, knoll...many times for no reason. Most times the forest is so dense on top there is no view, so why go to the top of every hill you ask...hmmmm...we all ask the same think on a daily basis. I will send all these tomorrow from Fontana. Into the Smokey Mountains Monday and to the top of Clingman's Dome on Wednesday. The Dome is the highest place on the A.T....over 6000 feet...not high to a westerner but remember, straight up and straight down.
11:10 P.M....I'm up listening to the wind in the forest and writing a little When the wind blows in the woods here it sounds more like a wave in the ocean that starts really far away and comes closer and closer till it sounds like it breaks on you and then rolls away through the forest to crash down on a different part of the woods. The sound is like a wave...the way it gets closer and closer and then farther away is similar to a train coming towards you on the tracks.
Gonna try to get some sleep in all this beauty.
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
North Carolina
Day 14: 3/26/00
Today's Miles: 11.6
Total A.T. Miles: 161.7
I am grateful for the Fontana Village Inn with it's buffet, sauna, indoor pool, and T.V. to watch the Kings game. hehehe
Hiked down...down...down to the Fontana Dam today...with a little bit of a heavier pack. Saw many new wildflowers on the way down the trail today. Didn't sleep well again last night. This morning heard an owl hooting towards the morning sun. Chaka didn't like the owl much and barked non-stop at the hooting. It was pretty funny. The walk was much easier than the last two days, but by no means easy.
Walked with Chaka a lot today and I really missed Jager, my pooch.
Got to Hwy. 28 at about 1:30 and picked up the shuttle phone and called the Fontana Village shuttle. Van arrived in minutes...Fontana is a village, not a town that is a summer resort. There are no people yet due to weather, so it's all ours...Thru-Hiker Heaven. Did laundry, postcards, buffet, indoor pool, sauna, and now two beers have arrived in my room from another Thru-Hiker...The beers are special because of the three towns I have gone through so far they have all been dry counties...yes Rononna...dry....
Sitting here watching the Kings game...seconds left and the Kings are up by 2...waiting…waiting...timeout...anyway this place is great. Hiking is great. Life is great. Ok, game on...booo…Kings down by 1 and 6.5 seconds left. Commercial...Smokies tomorrow and I am really excited. It's suppose to rain most days in the Smokies so I guess I've gotta be ready for rain. Game on…damn..Kings lose...man I can't stand Shaq... Won't be out a phone for about a week...see ya soon...
Had my first fall today...coming down a mountain a little too fast and my hiking poles got caught up in my legs. Forward and down the side of a steep cliff I went...luckily some weeds and a bush caught my backpack. I was like a turtle caught upside down. I unhooked my pack and Snoopy helped pull me up. Nothing major, just a reminder to slow down on the downhills. As I fell my left knee popped…an old injury last Cinco De Mayo weekend during a snow storm backpacking trip flashed in front of my eyes. I hiked another 6 miles on it with NO problems at all. Soaked it a lot tonight and took lots of Vitamin I (Ibuprofen)…little sore tonight but I am confident that all will be ok. That's life on the trail...always the unexpected...till next time rolls around...smile…smile...smile...
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
North Carolina/Tennessee
Day 15: 3/27/00
Today's Miles: 14
Total A.T. Miles: 175.7
I am grateful for the shelter I'm in because it's got a fireplace to keep us all cozy.
Woke up this morning and had a greasy breakfast at the restaurant before going to the P.O. to send some food ahead and some gear home.
Hit the trail about 11:30 in the pouring rain. Hiked about 8 miles in the cold rain before it finally stopped. Then walked wet for the rest of the day. Hard day when you are wet and cold all day.
Not much to say about today except it was cold, wet, and easier terrain.
Thanks for the "millions" of e-mails that I have been getting lately. I have tried to answer as many as possible and will continue to when I can. There are 8 of us in the shelter tonight. You have to stay in the shelter in the Smokies and there is a chain link fence with a gate on the open side of the shelter. This entire arrangement is to keep the bears out of the shelter. Hope it works...hehehe
Tomorrow is a 15 mile day to the base of Clingman's Dome. The highest on the trail. Not suppose to rain tomorrow but it is suppose to rain Wednesday through Friday. All pieces of the puzzle...
Well, I am now in Tennessee. Actually the trail goes in and out of TN and NC for a couple weeks. I would like to dedicate my first steps into the state of Tennessee to a good friend named Bill. I was sure to get a smile and a laugh each time that I saw Bill. He was a kind soul who loved making others feel happy. Bill took his own life last week and I will truly miss him.
Peace, Love, Courage Bill...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
North Carolina
Day 16: 3/28/00
Today's Miles: 16.2
Total A.T. Miles: 192.6
I am grateful for prescription strength Motrin....it's a real lifesaver!
Started out this morning watching Snoopy pack up in the hail. Quite a sight to watch him dodging pea size chunks of ice. Everyone said that the Smokies go cold and they weren't kidding. Didn't look at the thermometer but it was damn cold. The terrain was not that difficult, but there are new pains to contend with as the older ones subside. I have great feet, ankles, and knees. My hip is generally pretty good. Now it's beginning to be my shoulders. Gonna go to an outfitter and maybe a doctor to see why I am having such pain. Think they will tell me it's because I am carrying a 50-60 pound pack 8+ hours a day up and down hills?
I am in the Double Spring shelter tonight with about 12 other people. We are behind the bear fence with a cozy fire going to keep us all warm. Up in the Smokies we have to stay in the shelters....it's the rule. If the shelter is completely full all gear has to be put in the fence and only you and your tent can be outside the fence.
Thru-Hikers are discussing down days, food, injuries, gear, the weather, and philosophy. What an interesting group of people. There are even a group of 4 college soccer playing women here at the shelter. People keep changing seats around the fire to keep warm. I am kinda holdin' my spot as long as I can. Now the camp songs are starting....boy there are some interesting singing voices in here...hehehehehe
Well...over Clingman's Dome tomorrow. The highest mountain on the trail. Three more days in the Smokies...bye
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
North Carolina
Day 17: 3/29/00
Today's Miles: 13.9
Total A.T. Miles: 206.4
I am grateful for the fact that I only have two more days in the Smokies.
Staying in these shelters is a real pain in the ass. There are 28 people in a shelter that holds 20 comfortably. Most are spring breakers and they are loud and wild. We Thru-Hikers have no
priority in the shelters. We do not get to make reservations the way weekenders do. So whatever space is left we get. Kinda stinks!!! Can't wait to be out of the Smokies and on my own again. The crowds here remind me of Yosemite.
I felt generally better today than most of the more recent days. As we started to hike today the trail was white from the sleet that had been falling most of the night. The climb up Clingman’s was not as bad as I had thought it was going to be. We were the only ones (Snoopy, Michael, and I) there. This was surprising because there is a road to the top which most people drive up to get a view from the tower that looks a little like the Space Needle. Walked through a large spruce forest today which was a big contrast from the birch forests that I have been traveling through.
It's about 7 p.m. right now and some of the 28 are sleeping, some are cooking, some are huddled around the cozy fire. An interesting sight 5,000 feet up in the 20 something degree mountains.
I'm trying to put off sleep as long as possible so that I can come as close to sleeping through the night as possible.
We are literally in the clouds right now. You can't see more than 30-feet in front of you, I have moved into the post position next to Michael in front of the fire.
Walked up from Newfound Gap today in the pounding sleet...It was quite the experience. Forecast tomorrow....rain, sleet, snow...hmmmm what's next????
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
North Carolina
Day 18: 3/30/00
Today's Miles: 20.3
Total A.T. Miles: 226
I am grateful that tonight is my last night in the shelters in Smokies...It's so cramped and loud.
Today was the most beautiful scenery of the trail thus far. Woke up and was one of the first out of shelter which was overfilled. It was cold and misty as Snoopy and I started hiking. We soon caught up to Candyman and hiked throughout the day with him. Mark also hiked with us on and off. His new trail name as of yesterday is Guman. The reason...he thrives on GU. GU is a liquid that many athletes swear by. It's nothing but empty calories if you ask me but it keeps Guman, yes like Newman from Seinfield, going longer and farther than most other Thru-hikers.
Now, about the bubble phenomenon. Groups of Thru-Hikers make up bubbles and those bubbles tend to move at about the same rates. Most are independent of each other and never meet, other than reading about each other in the trail journals. The bubble that I have been traveling with seems to be one of the fastest moving bubbles on the trail. We know this because we meet new people that we read about in the registers who are ahead of us. Last night I met Sarge, a retired Navy Sargent from New Orleans who was hiking the trail for the second time at the age of 68. Tonight, Moses...a 69 year old Thru-Hiker that carries a 30 pound backpack with a sign on the back that says "Jesus Loves You."
Back to the trail...It was full of Fir trees (Christmas Trees) everywhere you looked. Also, the clouds rolling in and out gave the day an erie, mystical feeling. I took many pictures, some in the sun, some in the fog, and some in the pouring rain.
We decided to do the 20+ miles to be closer to Mountain Mama’s and only two days away from Hot Springs. Mountain Mama’s means a small food drop, a shower, and some greasy fries. And Hot Springs means Elmer’s (an inn specializing in vegetarian cuisine), and the outfitter to work on how my pack is affecting my shoulder...I am soooo ready to tent again...hehehehe
5:30 a.m. can't sleep cause of the chorus of snorers in this shelter...thank god I am out of the shelters and back into my tent tomorrow...these may have been the longest 4 nights ever. At least I was nice and toasty.
I will send all these entries from Mountain Mama’s then move towards Hot Springs....
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
North Carolina/Tennessee
Day 19: 3/31/00
Today's Miles: 17.6
Total A.T. Miles: 244.3
I am grateful…
8.0 from the shelter to Davenport Gap and then 1.2 to Mountain Mama’s. Got a ride back to the trail and did an additional 9.6 more miles to Deep Gap Shelter. We are camping a ways from the shelter and have a raging fire going. It's Snoopy, Mike, Stone Man, and myself around the warm fire just yards from our beautiful tents. It's so nice to have our own space again and be able to use our tents. Went a little crazy today and yesterday with miles but my body feels good and only another couple more days to Hot Springs and a day off.
Beautiful hiking today (is there anything different??). Very rocky and rooty terrain today and hard on the feet for much of the morning, but afternoon hiking proved much easier on the feet and knees. Hiked into Mountain Mama's at about 10:30 and spent about an hour getting my mail drop for the next two days, eating a grilled cheese and fries, and finishing it all off with a chocolate ice cream cone.
Then...another 9.6 miles which burned off the grease I ate in about the first few miles.
Two interesting things in the last couple days. We found part of a wing of an airplane a little off the trail yesterday. And today we heard a humming while walking up Snow Bird Mountain....as we got closer to the top it got louder and louder. After hiking to the top we found a FAA radio transmitter that looked as though it helped track airplanes in the East Coast.
Hiking with Mike, Snoopy, and Stone Man has been really a lot of fun. We hike on and off with each other and apart for most of the day. But at night we hook up and hang out talking about the trail, life, and our lives. Very interesting people and a lot of positive energy to feed off of and into. Should be with them for a while at this rate. Enjoying their companionship a lot...
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
North Carolina
Day 20: 4/1/00
Today's Miles: 19.6
Total A.T. Miles: 263.9
I am grateful for the wind in the trees because it is nature speaking to me.
Started early this morning, but didn't get walking till about 8 am. Max Patch was the goal today. Max Patch is an amazing bald in N.C. No one really knows why these balds exist. Some think that over grazing may have stunted the growth of trees and plants, some think Native Americans may have cleared the tops of these mountains for farming. Others think massive fires made it impossible for things to grow on these mountaintops. Whatever the reason this bald was amazing. Short green, almost manicured grass covered the mountaintop. This stands out so strongly against the dense forest all around. Many Thru-Hikers were relaxing on top of the bald getting some sun. A Frisbee was even being thrown around as if it was a community park. It was amazing! The four of us did lots of miles today. We hiked on late into the afternoon, not stopping till after 6 p.m. when we finally found a campsite that didn't have such uneven ground that we would be sliding all night. We did so many miles today that we only have 6.4 miles into Hot Springs tomorrow. At the rate we have been hiking we should be in town around 9 or 10. This will give us almost two full days in town to rest our weary bodies. Check out this statistic that I just figured out.
In the last 7 days I hiked over 125 miles...Today and today alone, I hiked over 10,000 vertical feet. They say hiking the A.T. is like climbing Mt. Everest 16 times (in elevation). I am starting to believe that. Tomorrow into Hot Springs for a stay at Elmer’s.
Also, one more interesting fact....an average hiking speed is about 2 miles per hour...Today on one 5 mile stretch off of Max Patch, it took us one hour and 15 minutes...we were moving!!!!!
Elmer runs an inn for hikers and he is a former Thru-Hiker himself. He is also a gourmet vegetarian cook....yummmmmm
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
North Carolina
Day 21: 4/2/00
Today's Miles: 6.4
Total A.T. Miles: 270
I am grateful for my tent because it keeps me dry when it's wet outside.
It's 6:21 A.M. and it has been raining hard for hours. I have been listening to the rain pelt my tent enjoying the rhythmic beat it's making. Now comes the hard part...when it's light enough I will have to pack up in the rain. Not a fun activity. I can basically pack everything while inside my tent, and then get out and quickly pack my tent. I am glad I only have a little over 6 miles to walk this morning. It's always hard starting out in the rain...you can bet it will be a fast 6+ miles!!!!
1:30 P.M. Well it was a fast 6.4 miles indeed...a little too fast, but we are in Hot Springs. Laundry is done, $5 all you can eat breakfast eaten, shower taken and now I am sitting on the porch at Elmer’s watching the rain come down on Main Street.
Elmer’s, or the Sunnybank Inn, dates back to 1840. Originally it was two smaller structures, a farmhouse and another building. The hotel was used to board wives of some of the 2700 German Naval Officers captured at the beginning of WWI. Sometime after 1912 the Gentry family took over the boarding house and housed teachers for the Presbyterian school of Appalachian girls.
Elmer Hall bought the Inn in 1976 from the Gentry family. And in 1980 the Inn was placed in the National Register of Historic places by the US Dept. of Interior.
Elmer will cook a gourmet vegetarian dinner for us a 7:00 P.M. Till then, nothing to do but hang out in the library, common room, music room, or just right here on the porch and let my tired body rest and heal in anticipation for more miles to come...
Dinner was absolutely amazing...one of the best meals I have ever had in my life!!! Started with an amazing soup, followed by a salad that had everything under the sun in it. The main course was a casserole style meal with pasta, mushrooms, peppers, tomatoes, and all kinds of other veggies with a mustard-curry flavoring. Wow!! Dessert was a banana cake with chocolate frosting and fresh strawberries on top coupled with Spearmint tea with some honey dripped into it.
We sat at a table that seated 11 of us. Two were the cooks and Elmer ate with us also. The meal began with each of us telling our real name, trail name, home town, and occupation. Then the question of the night was, "If you could be any fruit what would you be?" We then went around the table and gave our answers. My fruit was a pineapple by the way...hehehehe
Eight hikers from different parts of the nation, sitting down for dinner and talking about everything from gear, to weight, to food, to religion, to hobbies, to anything you could imagine. It was truly an amazing experience. I am looking forward to getting many tasks done tomorrow...till then...
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
North Carolina
Day 22: 4/3/00
Today's Miles: 0
Total A.T. Miles: 270
I am grateful all the terrific letters and quotes that people are sending me in e-mail and in my drops. All make me smile, laugh, and cry.
Well, today was a day of errands....It has taken till 4:30 p.m. for me actually sit down on the porch and relax. I was planning to spend some time off my feet today, but so much for plans...What did I do today you ask? Well...I did one more load of laundry, walked to the post office three times to get packages and send twice, ate a $4.74 great lunch at the Apple Basket Cafe, spent almost two hours at the outfitter working on my backpack to reduce the pain that I am having in my shoulder, toured the grocery store and bought some cheese for the next week and some Oreo's for today, walked to the pay phones two or three times to make calls, packed my backpack, walked to the forest service to get some maps and see what else they had....getting tired yet?? Being in town is more exhausting than walking 20 miles on the trail!!! Looking forward to dinner tonight cooked by Elmer and his fabulous staff. Sitting in the porch swing watching the rain come down and watching traffic go by...Tomorrow back on the trail, back into the mountains, back into the real world....
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
North Carolina
Day 23: 4/4/00
Today's Miles: 19.6
Total A.T. Miles: 289.6
I am grateful for snow because you don't get wet while hiking in it.
First of all, I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to my sister Lenore and my brother-in-law Dusty in regards to their upcoming kiddo. I am so happy for both of them and know that they will be excellent parents! Congrats!!!
My day you ask....hmmm. Well Stone Man said we should get a job for the Post Office today. Why? Well, the day started out in the cold pouring rain. As our elevation rose, the rain turned to sleet. Five miles later the sleet turned to hail. About an hour after the hail began it started to snow. Then the snow got harder and harder until the ground became white. Later in the day the sun came out and the cold wind ran right through our clothes and chilled us more than any other part of the day.
We didn't dare stop walking for fear of hypothermia. But we are here at Laurel Creek Shelter and we are warm and dry. The shelter was full when we got here so we set up our tents. I set up the awning that my tent creates and went to work cooking dinner. The first course - miso soup which was followed by two quesadillas made by melting cheese into Rula's awesome pita bread. The queso was followed up by the main course - Stove Top stuffing...yummmmmm. And now I am having dessert while I write - hot chocolate. So, the life of Dreamer.
At diner last night I was sitting across from Guman. Now Guman likes to eat while on the trail and much more Gu. He is always the first to raid the hiker's box wherever we go. (The hiker's box is the box where hikers put extra stuff-mostly food- that they don't want). He was telling us that walking around Hot Springs, watching all the hikers walk into and out of town he heard a good analogy. He told us that (remember people this is a joke) there is only one difference between a homeless person wandering the streets and a hiker....that difference is Gore-Tex.
Hard cold day of hiking but the interesting weather made the day very entertaining. Stopped at Spring Mountain Shelter for a quick lunch. In reading the register I found that all the entries from the last two days talked about mysterious black dog that followed hikers on this part of the trail. Two hours after seeing the register who should come running up the trail you ask...Sparky...that's what I named her. Well, Sparky hiked with us for the next three hours- sometimes in front of us and sometimes behind. At this moment Sparky is curled up outside my tent sleeping. I feel a little sorry for her because my thermometer says 28 degrees and Snoopy's weather radio said the mountain wind I'm feeling is 20-30 mph. That brings the temperature outside down to between 3 degrees and -2 degrees depending on how strong the wind is. Wonder if my water and food will freeze tonight. Behind a tree, in my tent, in most of my clothes, in my sleeping bag liner, in my sleeping bag...I am toasty warm. It is only 8:48 right now so it should get even colder. Should make for an interesting night.
Oh yea, one more thing...Mike stayed at Elmer's for the next three days to do a work in exchange for room and board deal. It was just Snoopy, Stone Man, and myself hiking today. We decided we would be the Three Amigos. From time to time we would count off in the order we were hiking...It sounded like this,"Uno!!!....Dos!!!!......Tres!!!!!!.....” (Once Sparky began hiking with us I kept figuring that I would, after hearing the Tres..hear..."Woof!!!!" I never did though....Did I just hear you ask if I was losing my mind???? Well....no, I'm not!!! Just having free, silly fun....hehehehe
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
North Carolina
Day 24: 4/5/00
Today's Miles: 21.3
Total A.T. Miles: 311.4
I am grateful for the ability to laugh. I have been laughing nonstop for two days with Stone Man and Snoopy.
Well, today was the biggest day. Why? Not because we planned it that way, but because the campsite and water that was suppose to exist at mile 19.4 didn't exist. We use a Data Book that shows where all the water, roads, campsites, shelters, grocery, P.O., lodging, and meals are. Well most of them! The one tonight didn't exist. Thankfully, we have an extra hour of light. We needed it pulling into the shelter about 7:15 p.m. The shelter was full again so we set up our tents. The shelters are always full because most people do 12-15 miles and stop at a shelter at a decent hour. Not the Three Amigos though. We lay in our tents at night looking at our Data Books and talk about where we might stop the next day. We always leave it that we will see how we get when we get to .... at about 13-14 miles. Then we all start laughing because we usually have 13-14 miles in at about 3:00 and that's simply just not a full days of work. Is it? So the next day comes and we seem to stick right around 20 miles again. Go figure!
Went by some beautiful waterfalls and green hills today. Even walked over some interesting balds.
Interesting final thought. We have passed some 10-20 gravesites during the trip. Many headstones next to the trail. Some are dawned with flowers and a fancy stone. While others are simply a piece of concrete with writing that looks like someone used a stick. I wasn't aware that people could just be buried wherever they want. At least I've never seen a gravestone next to the trail in the Sierras...hummmmmm
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
North Carolina
Day 25: 4/6/00
Today's Miles: 15.3
Total A.T. Miles: 326.7
I am grateful for the beautiful meadow that we are camped in tonight.
Well, the miles caught up with us this morning and we all moved like slugs for a while. Decided we wouldn't push it too hard today and we would take lots of breaks. All the people at the shelter decided to hitch into town at Sam's Gap to a breakfast place. Sparky left with them and we hiked out about 30 minutes after they did. In about an hour we reached the road, which was under heavy construction, and saw none of the 8 or so hikers. We assumed they hitched in. But where was Sparky? As we stopped to adjust our packs we saw 6 highway workers up on a hill next to the highway, away from the construction, digging. Snoopy had me convinced that they must be burying Sparky on this, the most dangerous highway crossing we have faced yet. Crossing the road was a little bit like playing Frogger. We were to far away and it was too dangerous to try to get to the workers and talk to them so we somberly hiked on.
About 30 minutes into the hike we saw Geezer up ahead. He had also stayed at the shelter the night before. Who should be with him??? Sparky!!! Alive and well. Sparky hiked with us for the rest of the day and is again lounging in front of my tent.
Tomorrow we hike into Nolichucky Hostel. We are debating hitching into the nearby town of Erwin to the Animal Shelter to try to get Sparky a home and some food. We have been feeding her as much as we can, but she isn't getting nearly enough food to eat. The Sparky saga will continue....
Great day of hiking even though we were all a bit spent. We relaxed for a glorious hour on the top of Big Bald. It was beautiful! I actually cooked lunch for the first time and then did nothing but lay in the sun for a while. It was beautiful. I could see for 50 miles in a 360 degree landscape. Walked through beautiful spring forest floors today that were as green as the trees will be soon. And now we are here in this amazing campspot. It's all ours. It looks like a farmer’s field which is used for hay in the summer. It is directly next to a beautiful creek and shaped like an oval. It's dusk right now. The stars should be amazing tonight...Another wonderful day on the A.T......
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
In Route to Georgia
Day T-2: 3/11/00
Today's Miles: 0
Total Miles: 0
I am grateful for loving and supporting friends and family.
Well, here I sit on the runway in Sacramento after trying to find the best way to get to Atlanta tonight. I'm on stand-by tickets with my fingers crossed that I get on to the 11:50 a.m. plane to Atlanta. No expectations - No Problems.
I have to admit, I am emotionally and mentally exhausted. I am really now ready to be physically exhausted. In only a seven day period I was given four going away parties. I am truly a lucky person to have so many people that care so much about me. Family, friends, co-workers, and students (old and current) all put so much thought and effort into making my send-off extra special.
It seemed like tonight would never come. I have been counting down for so long, I just kind of got use to the counting. I guess the reality of not counting didn't truly hit until today. Tough day. Bitter sweet. I am so excited that my dream is about to become a reality. I am also saddened that I will miss so many special days with the special people in my life back home. As this plane out of Sacramento lifts off I can only imagine the adventures I am going to have.
Thank you all for being such important pieces in my puzzle. You all fit in...somehow. Without each and everyone of you I could not be complete.
12:10 A.M.- Hey great news!!! I made it onto to plane to Atlanta!!! I am right on track...Everything works out as it should....Springer Mountain here I come!
Peace, Love, Courage.
:)
Adam
GA-ME
Georgia
Day T-1: 3/12/00
Today's Miles: 0
Total Miles: 0
Well, I am sitting in the sun room at the Amicolola State Park Lodge. I have not been able to check into my room yet but I can tell you that I am in the lap of luxury here. So, wanna hear about my day? Ok! I got off the air bus in Atlanta and grubbed out on some "Famous southern food." I ordered a cheese biscuit and an order of home fries. It's lucky I didn't get the grits too (I love grits thanks to my in-laws), because my eyes were much bigger than my stomach. After figuring out how to use the token machine, I boarded the MARTA train to downtown Atlanta, took a bus to the Martin Luther King Center, and soaked up the positive energy of MLK. I have always admired this man and only now, do I have a complete understanding of who he was. What an amazing and spiritual man. If you haven't learned about him in the past, be sure to spend some quality time reflecting on his beliefs and ideas.
"Life's most urgent question is, What are you doing for others?"
-Martin Luther King Jr.
After the center, while sitting in the 38 degree sunny day at the bus stop, a car stopped beside me and asked me how to find downtown. This made me laugh for two reasons: One, why would a scruffy guy with a backpack be able to give any directions. And two, I was actually able to give him directions because I was making a subliminal note on the way to the King Center.
After a bus and a train, Russell picked me up. Russell is a trail maintainer on the Benton MacKaye Trail and gives hikers rides from Atlanta to Springer for a donation to his trail maintenance club. We first stopped at REI so I could buy a new stove, fuel bottle, fuel, and a mini thermometer. Then we made the 1.5 hour drive to Springer.
Upon our arrival we stopped at the visitor center so I could officially register as a Thru-Hiker and so I could weigh my pack. I was happy to see that even without my stove and fuel my packed weighed 41 pounds. The two hikers who had registered before me today had packs weighing over 60 pounds! Russell dropped me off a mile up from the visitor center at the lodge.
As I sit here in the sun room I have met Sven. He is a 60 something year old man who is half German and half Central American. His wife is Cherokee. He is fascinated by my trip and shares a story with me about a man just featured in the media who has pulled a cross behind him for over 20,000 miles. He was my first true spontaneous interaction and it was great. And ready for this? Trail Magic has shown its beautiful face on the day BEFORE my hike has even begun. About 20 minutes after Sven and his wife disappeared, she returned with 3 postcards she had bought at the gift shop. All three were of the Appalachian Trail. She smiled, wished my luck and safety on my journey and she was off once more.
Was just interrupted by Scott and Porcha who are from Colorado but living here for the last year. They talked all about the trail with me and even wrote down my web site....Interesting people around every corner!!!!
One more crazy thing just happened. As I was walking to the elevator after checking in, a man came up to me and asked if I was starting tomorrow. He introduced himself as Merle and said he was from Maine. I mentioned that I had followed the journal entries (and read them to my class of 4th graders) of a man from Maine. He immediately said, with a smile, "Tim Hewitt or Paddler." He said Tim (the hiker I followed) was a close friend of his and he would tell him that I said, "Hi". Our connection was made. We smiled and parted with the knowledge that we would meet again.
There are literally hundreds of Ladybugs in my hotel room. I have always heard that finding a Ladybug is good luck. If that's the case....I feel pretty lucky! Went to dinner at the restaurant tonight. My last great meal for a while. So sleeeeeeeeepy.......
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Adam
GA-ME
Georgia
Day 1: 3/13/00
Today's Miles: 5.0 (with approach trail: 12.25)
Total Miles: 5.0
I am grateful for John Muir. He had a love for nature that helped give our nation the look and feel of the present.
Today started off at 5:30 with me awake and ready to go. The only problem - The sun wasn't up yet and it was in the low 20's. I waited till 7:15 and I could wait no more. I paid my bill and set off 150 yards on the paved road to the A.T. approach trail. It was 28 degrees. The trees were asleep. They didn't even give a hint of spring. The 7.25 miles to the top of Springer took 3 hours, according to Grasshopper, and wasn't as difficult as I had expected. I stopped at the shelter on the top of the mountain and had lunch with him. He is from Virginia and hurt his knee on his first day out. Now he is resting it at the shelter for a couple days. There are 3 sided shelters about every 8-12 miles on the A.T. I don't plan to stay in many...too many people and too many mice. I also met Happy Jack (from Atlanta) on the trail. He was hiking south and had been for about 5 days. After talking with him for a few minutes, he said he was going to entertain me. He pulled out 3 balls and began to make up a story about the trail and meeting me. He told the story juggling the balls. Sometimes using one, sometimes, two, sometimes all three (each ball represented a hiker). Happy Jack is very happy indeed. Also met Caveman a few times on the trail...no juggling from him.
When I arrived atop Springer at the southern terminus plaque, I had a tough time getting a picture of myself. After about 5 minutes of trying every rock and tree limb with my mini tripod, I was about to give up. A man and his son walked up and saw my efforts were in vain. Needless to say they offered to take my picture at the official starting point.
The trees and plants here are so different from the Sierra Nevadas. The trail started filled with dormant Red Oaks and Poplars. Later, large Holly trees, some still with red berries mixed in. Still later, the green and budding rhododendrons started appearing. And finally, the Hemlock trees took over the forest. Hemlocks look similar to coastal California pine forests.
I felt great today. It was cold but I warmed as I hiked. My body felt good. I walked a little farther than I had planned because of it. We will see how I feel in the morning. I am camped at Long Falls. I'm all alone in this beautiful place. Just as I wanted it my first night on the A.T.
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer (My chosen trail name)
GA-ME
Georgia
Day 2: 3/14/00
Today's Miles: 15ish (6 on A.T.)
Total A.T. Miles: 11
I am grateful for Old Ridge Runner.
What a day...Couldn't sleep...too cold at 18 degrees. Tonight I have a hot water bottle in my bag. Ended up on a side trail this morning. It had white diamond…white is white right? Wrong...It wasn't till 4 miles on that trail that I came to the first trail sign. Old Ridge Runner was resting by it. To make a very long story short, I hiked back the 4 miles to the A.T. with my new friend. He'd hiked the A.T. in '86 and only has Maine to finish from his ‘97 Thru-Hike. Eight miles off the A.T. got me behind today. If I want to be at Neels Gap on Wednesday as planned I have to do a 19.7 mile day tomorrow...I can't commit to that so I may fall a day behind....Oh well...Hard day mentally and physically...very tired...hope I sleep...
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Georgia
Day 3: 3/15/00
Today's Miles: 20
Total A.T. Miles: 30.7
I am grateful that my body held up over 11.5 hours so that I could walk the 20 miles here.
I slept!!! It's 3:45 right now and I just awoke from a glorious sleep...Gonna now begin preparation to get on the trail...check in later.
Here I sit at the Goose Creek Campground and cabins. I had planned to camp but the owner had a cabin reserved for me...Ted and Derek are sharing the room that has two beds and a couch. They are from NC and pretty novice hikers. They have 60 pound packs that I have helped them get down significantly. I also will send some things home tomorrow - hacky sac, candle, some unneeded first aide stuff, and an extra holder for my Tel-Mail that I worked so hard finding. Tough but rewarding day today. I really wanted to make up for my mistake yesterday...I made it and I am tired but otherwise feel great. It warms the cockles of my heart to know that I can do a 20 mile day this soon.
Met lots of interesting people on the trail today. Even met some female Thru-Hikers for the first time.
Blood Mountain was my final 3 miles of the day. Going up was long but not too hard. Coming down was very difficult. I have found that I really like ups a lot more than downs. I started with one hiking stick that I named B, after a former student of mine, picked up a second stick yesterday that I named Shirley...just because it was the first name I though of. Shirley broke my heart today. She snapped in half. I picked another stick, but by the end of the day I was getting blisters on both hands from the sticks. Tomorrow I will buy hiking poles at the Walasi-Yi Center that caters to us hikers.
Wildlife - Saw squirrels every day. Many different bird sightings...still no Hawks. A mouse ran across the trail in front of me yesterday. And 3 White Tail deer ran though the woods right next to me first thing this morning.
The owner of the Goose Creek place I'm at will do your laundry, and even run to town to pick up pizza orders for you. So...here is what I've eaten in the last few hours off the trail: 3 ice cold apple juices, 2 bananas, 1 apple, 1 Sprite, 1 deluxe (hahaha) salad and 3/4 of a cheese pizza, and 3/4 of a vegi pizza (had to order two pizzas from this place...Georgia's answer to pizza pizza). Eyes are shutting and my roomies are already asleep...Won’t be at another phone for about week....so....see ya soon, and Happy Trails to you all, wherever they take you...
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Georgia
Day 4: 3/16/00
Today's Miles: 7.3
Total A.T. Miles: 38
I am grateful for the beauty after a rain storm.
7:30 A.M. Just woke up in my cabin in the woods....more like a Ted Kazinsky cabin. The rain is gently falling and it sounds beautiful. My first of many days walking in the rain...it should be quite the learning experience. Gonna catch a few more zzzzz's...eat my left over pizza...get my clean laundry (they wash for $5...you’d have to give me a lot more than $5 to come anywhere near hiker laundry...yick), pack up, get a ride back to the Walasi-Yi Center and the trail, buy my hiking poles, send a box home and start a walkin'. Lots to do....see ya later.
6:54 P.M. Let me paint the picture for you. I am sitting in my tent with the awning up. I just got finished cooking and eating dinner during some pretty hard rain. But now...it has stopped raining, it's dusk with a bluish fog setting in for the night. The only sounds I hear are the drops of water falling from the trees and landing on the leaf covered forest floor. And every so often, if I'm quiet enough and lucky enough, I will hear a rumble of thunder far, far away. I tell you about all this beauty because I had to pay for it. I didn't get out of Walasi-Yi till 12:00 and I walked till 4:30. Four and a half hours to walk 8 miles. It was hard. I am now officially an A.T. hiker. Not only did I just get off a 20 mile day; not only did I receive a 7 day food drop (16 more lbs. on my back), but it rained all day. Ever see a nice dry trail with softball sized rocks in the summer and think, "Boy this must be a river in the winter." Well, let me tell you, the trail disappears. It is either a river your are fighting though (up-hill) or a river you are riding (downhill), or a lake to paddle through. A beautiful sight but very hard walking with a 50+ lb. pack on. I learned some very valuable lessons today. 1- No matter what combination of clothes you wear in the rain YOU WILL BE WET. 2- Nothing is more beautiful than the calm after the hard rain. 3- Did I mention YOU WILL BE WET?
At Hogpen Gap there was a ziplock with a note to Thru-Hikers saying that we have a long way to go, but here was a goodie for us. Apparently I had come across it when it had been there a while. All that was left; 1 lighter, 1 pack of Starburst, 7 cans of Milwaukee’s Best. I took the Starburst...hehehe
Well as my best friend says, "I might be late, but I'm way ahead of schedule." I will do a few extra miles here and there to try to catch up to my plan...But if not...Oh well...No Rules out here right?
Ohhh scary, a tree just fell not too far from me.
Peace, Love, Courage.....
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Georgia
Day 5: 3/17/00
Today's Miles: 16.3
Total A.T. Miles: 54.3
I am grateful for the song "What a difference a day makes...," because I sang it all day.
It's late....I am camping at the old Cheese Factory Site. In the mid 1800's a dairy operated where I am camped. For several years an eccentric New England man ran the dairy very successfully. Nothing is here today but a spring. I am camped here with "W Squared" and three guys from Kentucky. All of us are Thru-Hikers.
What a day. Thought it was gonna rain again so I put on all my wet clothes. No reason to put nice dry ones on if they were just gonna get wet again. Well it was misty and very windy all morning, but no rain. A couple of times I thought the sun would come out but it hid from me. Saw almost no one on the trail today. Guess they were waiting out the weather. I keep asking what next and then I get my answer. From 8-10 I was cold and miserable. But then the wind stopped and my clothes started drying from my body heat. It was absolutely beautiful. The mist hanging everywhere. Then about 1 the sun came out for about an hour. Not enough to change clothes. Then at 3 it came out again for good. I took off my rain jacket and my tights and I was a happy man!!!! Hiked over Blue Mountain, then Rocky Mountain humming the song to Rocky the movie. Still a little behind my schedule, but catching my shadow. Suppose to have sun Saturday and rain Sunday....all pieces of the puzzle.
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Georgia
Day 6: 3/18/00
Today's Miles: 12.5
Total A.T. Miles: 66.8
I am grateful for pick-up trucks and loose laws in the south that allow riding in the rear.
Well, after this California boy went looking for cheese at the Cheese Factory site he couldn't sleep again because of the cold. Gonna have to do something about that. Hiking was hard today.
Here is my physical status:
Knees- Awesome. Ankles-Perfect. Feet- Ouch...swollen and filled with hot spots (blisters to be).
Right Hip- Very sore...probably because of the way my pack is packed.
I decided to take tonight in the town of Hiawassee. I met Nomad on the trail a couple times today. He looks a lot like Santa Claus. He had lots of good advice about my hip for me and raised my low spirits.
I hiked to Dicks Creek Gap today and stood for 40 minutes waiting to hitch to town. While waiting I met a guy from Napa just driving around the U.S. He was my age and we talked for a while as I had my thumb out.
Nomad then walked up and we decided to hitch together and room together. So we stuck our thumbs out...about 10 minutes later a pick-up stopped. The truck had 6 bales of hay in the back. Nomad got inside the cab and I sat in the back in about 12 inches, between the hay and the tailgate. It was a cold and fast ride. After days on foot, a vehicle was like a rocket ride. We checked into a smoking room at the Hiawassee Inn. Not a five star hotel people. But it had what it needed. A roof and a warm bed.
I went to Subway and had a 6 inch vegi sandwich, a 6 inch tuna sandwich, a large bag of chips and a large lemonade. Then, on to the Texaco station for my 4 bottles of apple juice. That's right…juice…not beer. My craving on the trail is juice. Nothing more than juice.
I went back to the room and talked with Nomad for hours. He is such an interesting man. Old retired Navy guy who just travels. He hiked the trail in '98 and is doing it again this year. He said he went to his 40th high school reunion last year...does that give a hint of his age? He is a fountain of wisdom both about the trail and about life. I am truly lucky to be spending time with him. I am taking tomorrow off no matter what the weather is. I am listening to my body and it says, "Take a rest!" Nomad may or may not take the day off. Nomad's rule is: When on the trail, if the weather is bad, take a day off at a shelter. When in town, if the weather is bad, take one more day in town. I will let that sink into my soul.
Tomorrow, to the gear shop for a sleeping bag liner, and some dry bags...the laundry mat to get the stinkies out and some rest for the mind and body. I will get my backpack in working order for days to come.
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Georgia
Day 7: 3/19/00
Today's Miles: 0
I am grateful for a roof over my head during this "serious winter storm."
Today was a down day. And how grateful I am. I went to the local outfitter 4 times today! I ended up buying a new stuff sack, a new water bottle, and most importantly, a fleece sleeping bag liner. Hopefully this will enable me to sleep at night and keep away from hypothermic conditions at night. The liner that I bought was very expensive and it really hurt to spend the money after how much the trekking poles cost a few days ago. But if it keeps me safe and gets me to Maine...so be it. The liner I bought can be used as a sleeping bag this summer.
Today…
Slept like a rock...zzzzz…
Soaked up Nomad's aura....
Did laundry at the mat...dryer had no heat...
Went to Ingles (grocery store) got a few supplies...
Lunch at grocery...mashed potatoes...creamed corn...pizza…
Bought postcards at RiteAid...
Outfitter 4 times in between all...
Dinner at Daniel's Steak House...$5 AYCE buffet...boy I ate...
Sending a few more things home from P.O. in the morn....
At 12:30 there was a sudden traffic jam in town. Bumper to bumper traffic…I didn't get it. Well Nomad informed me that all the Baptist Churches had just let out. Ahhhhhh…now I get it..
Terrible storms here...will see if it's safe to leave in the morning. Weather channel just flashed tornado warnings for southeastern Georgia...none near here, but still scary.
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
North Carolina
Day 8: 3/20/00
Today's Miles: 11.6
Total A.T. Miles: 78.4
I am grateful for the state of North Carolina because it is state number 2 of 14!
Well, here I am at the Muskrat Shelter. I'm not actually in the shelter, I am tenting just 50 yards or so away. My first night near a shelter. I am starting to enjoy the social aspect of the trail more. After spending two days in town with Nomad, I have really changed my perspective on some things. First...screw my schedule...I will listen to my heart and my body. I will not be foolish with mother nature. I will honor my intuition.
Woke up this morning to sun…yes sun. Walked to the P.O. and sent home a few more non-essentials. Then walked back to the hotel just in time for then 9:00 shuttle back to the trail. The ride was very nice. I was INSIDE a vehicle this time!!! Upon arrival at the trail I said goodbye to Nomad...our hiking speeds and distances are quite different and I may not see him again this trip. Our car had 4 hikers and another truck showed up at the trail from the Blueberry Patch Hostel at the same time with 6 more hikers. That meant 10 of us hit the trail at the same time! It was a traffic jam for the first couple miles with hikers passing hikers and finding their paces. I met back up with Doctor. I had camped with him and his two buddies Matt and Roger at the Cheese Factory Site a few days ago. He had let them go ahead and was trying to catch them. I also met back with Snoopy (Tim's friend from Maine). The three of us hiked all day together. My first day of hiking with others. It was nice. We talked when the hiking allowed it and at rest stops. Both are great guys. We caught Doctor's friends here at the shelter. I may be hiking with this group for a while. Our paces are about the same and we all get along quite well. I may drop my miles to 12-14 till the weather warms up a bit. It’s too cold to start much before 8 and I like having some down time in the afternoon. So hiking for now will be 8-4 and later I will try 6ish till 4ish. Met a group of about 15 kids on the trail today ages 14-16. They are in a treatment program for drugs, alcohol, and abuse. Very nice kids. They are out for a 7 day hike. Great kids!!
Big news of the day...I am in North Carolina!!! The state welcomed us with the two hardest hills that I have climbed so far. Also met the first southbounder of the year. He started 9 months ago in June from Katahdin and is going to summit Springer in a week or so. Wow - good for him!!!
Beautiful weather to hike in today...hope it lasts. I am ready for the cold tonight with my new sleeping bag liner...yea....
Weird thing...I guess I am one of the only tent hikers that is hanging their food. All others are sleeping with theirs....I am the only one from California that really has any bear experience. Also I am getting better at judging safe water that doesn't need to be filtered. Natural springs coming out of the ground at high altitudes are safe to drink without filtering...Will probably start drinking some of these without filtering.
Thank you all for the many e-mails. I have tried to respond to as many as possible. I am getting soooo many well wishes...For those I have not responded to...Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your kind words.
I read another hiker's journal before I left the "real world" and the hiker was dedicating a state to a person as they entered it. I would like to dedicate this state to a friend named Becky. Becky has HIV and is very sick as I write this. I send her my love and light that she gets well soon.
Peace, Love, Courage...Becky...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
North Carolina
Day 9: 3/21/00
Today's Miles: 16.2
Total A.T. Miles: 94.6
I am grateful for my beautiful and loving wife who supports me in every step that I take.
Another great day on the A.T.! Left Muskrat Shelter at 8:10 this morning with Snoopy, Doctor, Matt, and Roger. Matt and Roger have a lightning pace and Snoopy (56 years old) and I kept up. Doctor got left in the dust. The big climb today was Standing Indian Mountain at 5498 feet high. Doesn't sound high in California terms but back here when you start at 3500 feet and go up to 5498 it is an ass kicker. Remember....straight up and down...very few if any switchbacks.
Ate lunch atop Standing Indian and while sitting there the kids from the treatment center joined us. A big crowd made for a quick lunch and some pictures before heading on. Still no sign of Doctor.
Stopped at Carter Gap Shelter and took our packs off to rest. Found Doctor lounging in the shelter. Stone Man (carver of slate), who we had seen on the trail a couple of times that day was also in the shelter. The 3 of us decided to push on to this place. Betty Gap Camp. Just a creek by the side of the trail and silence. It was nice to put the extra miles in. Gave me my average of 16 miles for the day.
Highlights today...
-N.C. is so much greener than Georgia
-Roger is a Geologist and showed us pieces of garnet, muscovite, and shale.
-Matt is a botanist but also knows lots about birds and trees…saw a Downey Woodpecker
-Early in the morning…3 a.m. heard 5-10 coyotes howling..
Decided not to shave for a while...we will see if I still get rides.
Gotta take the duct tape off me feet...see ya.
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
North Carolina
Day 10: 3/22/00
Today's Miles: 15.9
Total A.T. Miles: 110.5
I am grateful for duct tape. It keeps my heels free from growing blisters.
Well, today was a day...It started with a climb up Albert...or Fat Albert. The hardest climb yet I think. Hand over hand at times and very rocky. It paid off with a stop at the fire tower on the top. Didn't sleep very well again last night...don't know when the sleeping will get better...I'm warm now…that's not the problem…I just can't sleep.
The next 6ish miles were the easiest of the trip so far. Winding ups and downs that just flew by. Stopped at the Rock Gap Shelter for lunch at about 12:00. Met members Nantahala Hiking Club. They were building a privy at the shelter and breaking for lunch also. They let us know that in the spring just below the shelter were ice cold sodas and oranges. I helped myself to an orange and it must have been the sweetest orange that I've ever tasted!! The next eight miles were hell! Up, up, up, on a full stomach with my hip belt digging into my gut. Maybe the hardest 8 miles of the trip.
We hit and crossed the hundred mile mark today!! Only 21 more of those to cover...wow...
I'm at a shelter tonight with Snoopy. We are the only two in the shelter as of 6:30 p.m. Caveman and Candyman are tenting and hanging out at the table writing in their journals also. We will see how bad the mice are in the shelter. I had really sworn off shelters, but with the Silver Bald Shelter empty, I really couldn't pass it up. Two short days the next two days into the Nantahala Outdoor Center where my next drop is. To get to the NOC it's 6 mile 4000 foot drop. To get out of the NOC it's a 7 mile 4500 foot ascent! Should be interesting.
Had a great dinner tonight which consisted of mashed potatoes and dehydrated veggies. Breakfast consists of an oatmeal cookie every morning made by my terrific brother-in-law. Also for breakfast, a packet of vitamins. Lunch consists of mini snacks. I eat GORP, energy bar, peanut butter, Wheat Thins, and string cheese on those really special occasions...hehehe.
Dinner consist of about 9 different things that I rotate. My favorite so far is the pizza--I use two Bobolis, dehydrated pizza sauce, dehydrated veggies, and string cheese. Other dinners include-Broccoli Cheese Soup, Rice and Beans, Sloppy Joe (soy mix), Stove Top, and some more stuff that I can't think of cause I'm tired.
To end today, I would like to say Hi to the best 4th graders in the world and their tireless leaders Ms. Swesey and Mrs. Wentworth who are working their hardest to keep it all going. Goodnight to all.....zzzzzzzz
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
North Carolina
Day 11: 3/23/00
Today's Miles: 14.3
Total A.T. Miles: 124.8
I am grateful for sunsets because they are truly awe inspiring.
Kick ass day!!! This was going to be a 12 mile short day but Snoopy and I decided to make it 14 miler at the last minute. The first six miles were very hard for me today. I was playing a mental game with myself and I didn't feel really well either. Lots of foot pain today...and I still have not been sleeping well. I sleep for about two hours at a time and then toss and turn for an hour or so...this pattern goes on and on throughout the night. Maybe I'm just not working hard enough during the day to sufficiently knock me out...can't really figure it out.
Stopped at Wayah Bald today for lunch. Great grassy area and a really cool lookout to climb. Camped at a spring just 8 miles from the NOC. Just Snoopy and I...very relaxing. The last three days we have started hiking about 8:15 and finished about 4:30. Great sunset tonight. My first of the trip. Took lots of pictures…hope some come out. Been stopping at more shelters to read and write in the registers. The registers are just notebooks that someone leaves there and when they are full, someone leaves a new one. Reading what other people have to say is really interesting. It also let's me see who is ahead of me and how far.
Tomorrow into NOC for my mail drop, laundry, a shower, some greasy food and a few misc. supplies. Two or three more days till Smokey Mountain National Park...yipeee...can't wait!!!!!
Gonna do some reading....bye for now.
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
North Carolina
Day 12: 3/24/00
Today's Miles-11.3
Total A.T. Miles-136.1
I am grateful for showers!! My first in a very long time came today.
Gratifying day...9.3 miles to the NOC...primarily a white water rafting resort, but they also cater to hikers. The last eight miles dropped from 4600 feet to 1600 feet with very few if any switchbacks. Climbed Wesser Bald and walked up the stairs of the old fire tower, which is now a lookout, and looked at the 360 degree view. Wow!!! That was definitely the highlight of the trail today! Wildflowers started appearing on the downhill to the NOC. Buttercups, Pansies, and Johnny Jumpups all were popping through the dry leaves.
Once at the NOC I sent my e-mail and received all of yours, did laundry, opened my drop, cookie box, and new stuff sack, and made some phone calls...and took a long wonderful two dollar shower.
Ate at a restaurant...ready??? Eight glasses of ice tea (yes…a dry county A.C. staff), A large salad, chips and salsa, a sandwich and fries...still no Ben and Jerry's...doesn't sound good...was I full??? Nope, but it was time to hike on...and up. That's right, the almost 3000 feet we had to come down we had to go up too. We only went about 2000 feet, 2 miles, and set up camp under an interesting looking cave...will explore in the daylight.
Still hiking with Snoopy...interesting sidenote is that our start dates and end dates are exactly the same!!! Yet, he is a day and a half ahead of his schedule and I am two days behind mine...the one I threw away last week…hehehehehe
Weighed my pack at the outdoor center and they said that I had the heaviest pack of the week...I am carrying more food than most so I don't have to stop as much.
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
North Carolina
Day 13: 3/25/00
Today's Miles: 14
Total A.T. Miles: 150.1
I am grateful that I don't have to wait for the recess bell to use the bathroom. There are trees everywhere...
Today was the hardest yet. I am at the Brown Fork Gap Shelter with Candyman, Snoopy, Caveman, Michael, Mark, and his dog, Chaka. Everyone agrees that this was the toughest day yet. One of the reasons that the day was so tough for me was because my pack is about 20 pounds heavier than it was just two days ago. Too much food!! I have food for the next 7 days and my shoulders feel it! Started from below the cave today...didn't explore it cause I was a little fearful of rattlesnakes with the sun on the rocks and the warm weather. Today and yesterday got up to 70 degrees with morning lows only in the high 30's...Things are warming up. Once I am through the Smokies, I should be able to send home all my winter clothes and my sleeping bag. At that time it should be warm enough to sleep in my new fleece liner which only weighs 1.4 lbs. My pack, with summer gear and only 3-4 days of food, should weigh about 20 lbs. less...I can't wait!!
Some very steep ups and downs today. So steep that at times you could touch the ground just by reaching out in front of you. Yes, that's steep...steeper than any mountains I have every climbed.
Saw some local weekend backpackers out today...Carrying half the gear I was and looking like they were about to have a coronary right there on the trail. One was holding up a tree as he let me pass him on the trail...hehe
Tomorrow it's into the town of Fontana. Fontana boasts the highest dam in the eastern United States. I am gonna split a room in Fontana with Snoopy so we can both go to the P.O. when it opens at 8:30 on Monday. I am planning on sending a little food a few days ahead and Snoopy has a food drop to pick up. In Neels Gap 25% of Thru-Hikers call it quits...that was day 4 for me. At Fontana the dropout rate is up 50%...After the climb out of NOC to here I can see why. No dropout plans in my horizons.
Many more switchbacks here in NC. Roger commented while walking though Georgia that he now knew why the South lost the war...the trails...hehehe. Well the same cannot be said about NC when it comes to switchbacks, but I have never seen such crazy planning of trails. The trail goes up every mountain, ridge, hill, knoll...many times for no reason. Most times the forest is so dense on top there is no view, so why go to the top of every hill you ask...hmmmm...we all ask the same think on a daily basis. I will send all these tomorrow from Fontana. Into the Smokey Mountains Monday and to the top of Clingman's Dome on Wednesday. The Dome is the highest place on the A.T....over 6000 feet...not high to a westerner but remember, straight up and straight down.
11:10 P.M....I'm up listening to the wind in the forest and writing a little When the wind blows in the woods here it sounds more like a wave in the ocean that starts really far away and comes closer and closer till it sounds like it breaks on you and then rolls away through the forest to crash down on a different part of the woods. The sound is like a wave...the way it gets closer and closer and then farther away is similar to a train coming towards you on the tracks.
Gonna try to get some sleep in all this beauty.
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
North Carolina
Day 14: 3/26/00
Today's Miles: 11.6
Total A.T. Miles: 161.7
I am grateful for the Fontana Village Inn with it's buffet, sauna, indoor pool, and T.V. to watch the Kings game. hehehe
Hiked down...down...down to the Fontana Dam today...with a little bit of a heavier pack. Saw many new wildflowers on the way down the trail today. Didn't sleep well again last night. This morning heard an owl hooting towards the morning sun. Chaka didn't like the owl much and barked non-stop at the hooting. It was pretty funny. The walk was much easier than the last two days, but by no means easy.
Walked with Chaka a lot today and I really missed Jager, my pooch.
Got to Hwy. 28 at about 1:30 and picked up the shuttle phone and called the Fontana Village shuttle. Van arrived in minutes...Fontana is a village, not a town that is a summer resort. There are no people yet due to weather, so it's all ours...Thru-Hiker Heaven. Did laundry, postcards, buffet, indoor pool, sauna, and now two beers have arrived in my room from another Thru-Hiker...The beers are special because of the three towns I have gone through so far they have all been dry counties...yes Rononna...dry....
Sitting here watching the Kings game...seconds left and the Kings are up by 2...waiting…waiting...timeout...anyway this place is great. Hiking is great. Life is great. Ok, game on...booo…Kings down by 1 and 6.5 seconds left. Commercial...Smokies tomorrow and I am really excited. It's suppose to rain most days in the Smokies so I guess I've gotta be ready for rain. Game on…damn..Kings lose...man I can't stand Shaq... Won't be out a phone for about a week...see ya soon...
Had my first fall today...coming down a mountain a little too fast and my hiking poles got caught up in my legs. Forward and down the side of a steep cliff I went...luckily some weeds and a bush caught my backpack. I was like a turtle caught upside down. I unhooked my pack and Snoopy helped pull me up. Nothing major, just a reminder to slow down on the downhills. As I fell my left knee popped…an old injury last Cinco De Mayo weekend during a snow storm backpacking trip flashed in front of my eyes. I hiked another 6 miles on it with NO problems at all. Soaked it a lot tonight and took lots of Vitamin I (Ibuprofen)…little sore tonight but I am confident that all will be ok. That's life on the trail...always the unexpected...till next time rolls around...smile…smile...smile...
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
North Carolina/Tennessee
Day 15: 3/27/00
Today's Miles: 14
Total A.T. Miles: 175.7
I am grateful for the shelter I'm in because it's got a fireplace to keep us all cozy.
Woke up this morning and had a greasy breakfast at the restaurant before going to the P.O. to send some food ahead and some gear home.
Hit the trail about 11:30 in the pouring rain. Hiked about 8 miles in the cold rain before it finally stopped. Then walked wet for the rest of the day. Hard day when you are wet and cold all day.
Not much to say about today except it was cold, wet, and easier terrain.
Thanks for the "millions" of e-mails that I have been getting lately. I have tried to answer as many as possible and will continue to when I can. There are 8 of us in the shelter tonight. You have to stay in the shelter in the Smokies and there is a chain link fence with a gate on the open side of the shelter. This entire arrangement is to keep the bears out of the shelter. Hope it works...hehehe
Tomorrow is a 15 mile day to the base of Clingman's Dome. The highest on the trail. Not suppose to rain tomorrow but it is suppose to rain Wednesday through Friday. All pieces of the puzzle...
Well, I am now in Tennessee. Actually the trail goes in and out of TN and NC for a couple weeks. I would like to dedicate my first steps into the state of Tennessee to a good friend named Bill. I was sure to get a smile and a laugh each time that I saw Bill. He was a kind soul who loved making others feel happy. Bill took his own life last week and I will truly miss him.
Peace, Love, Courage Bill...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
North Carolina
Day 16: 3/28/00
Today's Miles: 16.2
Total A.T. Miles: 192.6
I am grateful for prescription strength Motrin....it's a real lifesaver!
Started out this morning watching Snoopy pack up in the hail. Quite a sight to watch him dodging pea size chunks of ice. Everyone said that the Smokies go cold and they weren't kidding. Didn't look at the thermometer but it was damn cold. The terrain was not that difficult, but there are new pains to contend with as the older ones subside. I have great feet, ankles, and knees. My hip is generally pretty good. Now it's beginning to be my shoulders. Gonna go to an outfitter and maybe a doctor to see why I am having such pain. Think they will tell me it's because I am carrying a 50-60 pound pack 8+ hours a day up and down hills?
I am in the Double Spring shelter tonight with about 12 other people. We are behind the bear fence with a cozy fire going to keep us all warm. Up in the Smokies we have to stay in the shelters....it's the rule. If the shelter is completely full all gear has to be put in the fence and only you and your tent can be outside the fence.
Thru-Hikers are discussing down days, food, injuries, gear, the weather, and philosophy. What an interesting group of people. There are even a group of 4 college soccer playing women here at the shelter. People keep changing seats around the fire to keep warm. I am kinda holdin' my spot as long as I can. Now the camp songs are starting....boy there are some interesting singing voices in here...hehehehehe
Well...over Clingman's Dome tomorrow. The highest mountain on the trail. Three more days in the Smokies...bye
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
North Carolina
Day 17: 3/29/00
Today's Miles: 13.9
Total A.T. Miles: 206.4
I am grateful for the fact that I only have two more days in the Smokies.
Staying in these shelters is a real pain in the ass. There are 28 people in a shelter that holds 20 comfortably. Most are spring breakers and they are loud and wild. We Thru-Hikers have no
priority in the shelters. We do not get to make reservations the way weekenders do. So whatever space is left we get. Kinda stinks!!! Can't wait to be out of the Smokies and on my own again. The crowds here remind me of Yosemite.
I felt generally better today than most of the more recent days. As we started to hike today the trail was white from the sleet that had been falling most of the night. The climb up Clingman’s was not as bad as I had thought it was going to be. We were the only ones (Snoopy, Michael, and I) there. This was surprising because there is a road to the top which most people drive up to get a view from the tower that looks a little like the Space Needle. Walked through a large spruce forest today which was a big contrast from the birch forests that I have been traveling through.
It's about 7 p.m. right now and some of the 28 are sleeping, some are cooking, some are huddled around the cozy fire. An interesting sight 5,000 feet up in the 20 something degree mountains.
I'm trying to put off sleep as long as possible so that I can come as close to sleeping through the night as possible.
We are literally in the clouds right now. You can't see more than 30-feet in front of you, I have moved into the post position next to Michael in front of the fire.
Walked up from Newfound Gap today in the pounding sleet...It was quite the experience. Forecast tomorrow....rain, sleet, snow...hmmmm what's next????
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
North Carolina
Day 18: 3/30/00
Today's Miles: 20.3
Total A.T. Miles: 226
I am grateful that tonight is my last night in the shelters in Smokies...It's so cramped and loud.
Today was the most beautiful scenery of the trail thus far. Woke up and was one of the first out of shelter which was overfilled. It was cold and misty as Snoopy and I started hiking. We soon caught up to Candyman and hiked throughout the day with him. Mark also hiked with us on and off. His new trail name as of yesterday is Guman. The reason...he thrives on GU. GU is a liquid that many athletes swear by. It's nothing but empty calories if you ask me but it keeps Guman, yes like Newman from Seinfield, going longer and farther than most other Thru-hikers.
Now, about the bubble phenomenon. Groups of Thru-Hikers make up bubbles and those bubbles tend to move at about the same rates. Most are independent of each other and never meet, other than reading about each other in the trail journals. The bubble that I have been traveling with seems to be one of the fastest moving bubbles on the trail. We know this because we meet new people that we read about in the registers who are ahead of us. Last night I met Sarge, a retired Navy Sargent from New Orleans who was hiking the trail for the second time at the age of 68. Tonight, Moses...a 69 year old Thru-Hiker that carries a 30 pound backpack with a sign on the back that says "Jesus Loves You."
Back to the trail...It was full of Fir trees (Christmas Trees) everywhere you looked. Also, the clouds rolling in and out gave the day an erie, mystical feeling. I took many pictures, some in the sun, some in the fog, and some in the pouring rain.
We decided to do the 20+ miles to be closer to Mountain Mama’s and only two days away from Hot Springs. Mountain Mama’s means a small food drop, a shower, and some greasy fries. And Hot Springs means Elmer’s (an inn specializing in vegetarian cuisine), and the outfitter to work on how my pack is affecting my shoulder...I am soooo ready to tent again...hehehehe
5:30 a.m. can't sleep cause of the chorus of snorers in this shelter...thank god I am out of the shelters and back into my tent tomorrow...these may have been the longest 4 nights ever. At least I was nice and toasty.
I will send all these entries from Mountain Mama’s then move towards Hot Springs....
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
North Carolina/Tennessee
Day 19: 3/31/00
Today's Miles: 17.6
Total A.T. Miles: 244.3
I am grateful…
8.0 from the shelter to Davenport Gap and then 1.2 to Mountain Mama’s. Got a ride back to the trail and did an additional 9.6 more miles to Deep Gap Shelter. We are camping a ways from the shelter and have a raging fire going. It's Snoopy, Mike, Stone Man, and myself around the warm fire just yards from our beautiful tents. It's so nice to have our own space again and be able to use our tents. Went a little crazy today and yesterday with miles but my body feels good and only another couple more days to Hot Springs and a day off.
Beautiful hiking today (is there anything different??). Very rocky and rooty terrain today and hard on the feet for much of the morning, but afternoon hiking proved much easier on the feet and knees. Hiked into Mountain Mama's at about 10:30 and spent about an hour getting my mail drop for the next two days, eating a grilled cheese and fries, and finishing it all off with a chocolate ice cream cone.
Then...another 9.6 miles which burned off the grease I ate in about the first few miles.
Two interesting things in the last couple days. We found part of a wing of an airplane a little off the trail yesterday. And today we heard a humming while walking up Snow Bird Mountain....as we got closer to the top it got louder and louder. After hiking to the top we found a FAA radio transmitter that looked as though it helped track airplanes in the East Coast.
Hiking with Mike, Snoopy, and Stone Man has been really a lot of fun. We hike on and off with each other and apart for most of the day. But at night we hook up and hang out talking about the trail, life, and our lives. Very interesting people and a lot of positive energy to feed off of and into. Should be with them for a while at this rate. Enjoying their companionship a lot...
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
North Carolina
Day 20: 4/1/00
Today's Miles: 19.6
Total A.T. Miles: 263.9
I am grateful for the wind in the trees because it is nature speaking to me.
Started early this morning, but didn't get walking till about 8 am. Max Patch was the goal today. Max Patch is an amazing bald in N.C. No one really knows why these balds exist. Some think that over grazing may have stunted the growth of trees and plants, some think Native Americans may have cleared the tops of these mountains for farming. Others think massive fires made it impossible for things to grow on these mountaintops. Whatever the reason this bald was amazing. Short green, almost manicured grass covered the mountaintop. This stands out so strongly against the dense forest all around. Many Thru-Hikers were relaxing on top of the bald getting some sun. A Frisbee was even being thrown around as if it was a community park. It was amazing! The four of us did lots of miles today. We hiked on late into the afternoon, not stopping till after 6 p.m. when we finally found a campsite that didn't have such uneven ground that we would be sliding all night. We did so many miles today that we only have 6.4 miles into Hot Springs tomorrow. At the rate we have been hiking we should be in town around 9 or 10. This will give us almost two full days in town to rest our weary bodies. Check out this statistic that I just figured out.
In the last 7 days I hiked over 125 miles...Today and today alone, I hiked over 10,000 vertical feet. They say hiking the A.T. is like climbing Mt. Everest 16 times (in elevation). I am starting to believe that. Tomorrow into Hot Springs for a stay at Elmer’s.
Also, one more interesting fact....an average hiking speed is about 2 miles per hour...Today on one 5 mile stretch off of Max Patch, it took us one hour and 15 minutes...we were moving!!!!!
Elmer runs an inn for hikers and he is a former Thru-Hiker himself. He is also a gourmet vegetarian cook....yummmmmm
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
North Carolina
Day 21: 4/2/00
Today's Miles: 6.4
Total A.T. Miles: 270
I am grateful for my tent because it keeps me dry when it's wet outside.
It's 6:21 A.M. and it has been raining hard for hours. I have been listening to the rain pelt my tent enjoying the rhythmic beat it's making. Now comes the hard part...when it's light enough I will have to pack up in the rain. Not a fun activity. I can basically pack everything while inside my tent, and then get out and quickly pack my tent. I am glad I only have a little over 6 miles to walk this morning. It's always hard starting out in the rain...you can bet it will be a fast 6+ miles!!!!
1:30 P.M. Well it was a fast 6.4 miles indeed...a little too fast, but we are in Hot Springs. Laundry is done, $5 all you can eat breakfast eaten, shower taken and now I am sitting on the porch at Elmer’s watching the rain come down on Main Street.
Elmer’s, or the Sunnybank Inn, dates back to 1840. Originally it was two smaller structures, a farmhouse and another building. The hotel was used to board wives of some of the 2700 German Naval Officers captured at the beginning of WWI. Sometime after 1912 the Gentry family took over the boarding house and housed teachers for the Presbyterian school of Appalachian girls.
Elmer Hall bought the Inn in 1976 from the Gentry family. And in 1980 the Inn was placed in the National Register of Historic places by the US Dept. of Interior.
Elmer will cook a gourmet vegetarian dinner for us a 7:00 P.M. Till then, nothing to do but hang out in the library, common room, music room, or just right here on the porch and let my tired body rest and heal in anticipation for more miles to come...
Dinner was absolutely amazing...one of the best meals I have ever had in my life!!! Started with an amazing soup, followed by a salad that had everything under the sun in it. The main course was a casserole style meal with pasta, mushrooms, peppers, tomatoes, and all kinds of other veggies with a mustard-curry flavoring. Wow!! Dessert was a banana cake with chocolate frosting and fresh strawberries on top coupled with Spearmint tea with some honey dripped into it.
We sat at a table that seated 11 of us. Two were the cooks and Elmer ate with us also. The meal began with each of us telling our real name, trail name, home town, and occupation. Then the question of the night was, "If you could be any fruit what would you be?" We then went around the table and gave our answers. My fruit was a pineapple by the way...hehehehe
Eight hikers from different parts of the nation, sitting down for dinner and talking about everything from gear, to weight, to food, to religion, to hobbies, to anything you could imagine. It was truly an amazing experience. I am looking forward to getting many tasks done tomorrow...till then...
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
North Carolina
Day 22: 4/3/00
Today's Miles: 0
Total A.T. Miles: 270
I am grateful all the terrific letters and quotes that people are sending me in e-mail and in my drops. All make me smile, laugh, and cry.
Well, today was a day of errands....It has taken till 4:30 p.m. for me actually sit down on the porch and relax. I was planning to spend some time off my feet today, but so much for plans...What did I do today you ask? Well...I did one more load of laundry, walked to the post office three times to get packages and send twice, ate a $4.74 great lunch at the Apple Basket Cafe, spent almost two hours at the outfitter working on my backpack to reduce the pain that I am having in my shoulder, toured the grocery store and bought some cheese for the next week and some Oreo's for today, walked to the pay phones two or three times to make calls, packed my backpack, walked to the forest service to get some maps and see what else they had....getting tired yet?? Being in town is more exhausting than walking 20 miles on the trail!!! Looking forward to dinner tonight cooked by Elmer and his fabulous staff. Sitting in the porch swing watching the rain come down and watching traffic go by...Tomorrow back on the trail, back into the mountains, back into the real world....
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
North Carolina
Day 23: 4/4/00
Today's Miles: 19.6
Total A.T. Miles: 289.6
I am grateful for snow because you don't get wet while hiking in it.
First of all, I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to my sister Lenore and my brother-in-law Dusty in regards to their upcoming kiddo. I am so happy for both of them and know that they will be excellent parents! Congrats!!!
My day you ask....hmmm. Well Stone Man said we should get a job for the Post Office today. Why? Well, the day started out in the cold pouring rain. As our elevation rose, the rain turned to sleet. Five miles later the sleet turned to hail. About an hour after the hail began it started to snow. Then the snow got harder and harder until the ground became white. Later in the day the sun came out and the cold wind ran right through our clothes and chilled us more than any other part of the day.
We didn't dare stop walking for fear of hypothermia. But we are here at Laurel Creek Shelter and we are warm and dry. The shelter was full when we got here so we set up our tents. I set up the awning that my tent creates and went to work cooking dinner. The first course - miso soup which was followed by two quesadillas made by melting cheese into Rula's awesome pita bread. The queso was followed up by the main course - Stove Top stuffing...yummmmmm. And now I am having dessert while I write - hot chocolate. So, the life of Dreamer.
At diner last night I was sitting across from Guman. Now Guman likes to eat while on the trail and much more Gu. He is always the first to raid the hiker's box wherever we go. (The hiker's box is the box where hikers put extra stuff-mostly food- that they don't want). He was telling us that walking around Hot Springs, watching all the hikers walk into and out of town he heard a good analogy. He told us that (remember people this is a joke) there is only one difference between a homeless person wandering the streets and a hiker....that difference is Gore-Tex.
Hard cold day of hiking but the interesting weather made the day very entertaining. Stopped at Spring Mountain Shelter for a quick lunch. In reading the register I found that all the entries from the last two days talked about mysterious black dog that followed hikers on this part of the trail. Two hours after seeing the register who should come running up the trail you ask...Sparky...that's what I named her. Well, Sparky hiked with us for the next three hours- sometimes in front of us and sometimes behind. At this moment Sparky is curled up outside my tent sleeping. I feel a little sorry for her because my thermometer says 28 degrees and Snoopy's weather radio said the mountain wind I'm feeling is 20-30 mph. That brings the temperature outside down to between 3 degrees and -2 degrees depending on how strong the wind is. Wonder if my water and food will freeze tonight. Behind a tree, in my tent, in most of my clothes, in my sleeping bag liner, in my sleeping bag...I am toasty warm. It is only 8:48 right now so it should get even colder. Should make for an interesting night.
Oh yea, one more thing...Mike stayed at Elmer's for the next three days to do a work in exchange for room and board deal. It was just Snoopy, Stone Man, and myself hiking today. We decided we would be the Three Amigos. From time to time we would count off in the order we were hiking...It sounded like this,"Uno!!!....Dos!!!!......Tres!!!!!!.....” (Once Sparky began hiking with us I kept figuring that I would, after hearing the Tres..hear..."Woof!!!!" I never did though....Did I just hear you ask if I was losing my mind???? Well....no, I'm not!!! Just having free, silly fun....hehehehe
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
North Carolina
Day 24: 4/5/00
Today's Miles: 21.3
Total A.T. Miles: 311.4
I am grateful for the ability to laugh. I have been laughing nonstop for two days with Stone Man and Snoopy.
Well, today was the biggest day. Why? Not because we planned it that way, but because the campsite and water that was suppose to exist at mile 19.4 didn't exist. We use a Data Book that shows where all the water, roads, campsites, shelters, grocery, P.O., lodging, and meals are. Well most of them! The one tonight didn't exist. Thankfully, we have an extra hour of light. We needed it pulling into the shelter about 7:15 p.m. The shelter was full again so we set up our tents. The shelters are always full because most people do 12-15 miles and stop at a shelter at a decent hour. Not the Three Amigos though. We lay in our tents at night looking at our Data Books and talk about where we might stop the next day. We always leave it that we will see how we get when we get to .... at about 13-14 miles. Then we all start laughing because we usually have 13-14 miles in at about 3:00 and that's simply just not a full days of work. Is it? So the next day comes and we seem to stick right around 20 miles again. Go figure!
Went by some beautiful waterfalls and green hills today. Even walked over some interesting balds.
Interesting final thought. We have passed some 10-20 gravesites during the trip. Many headstones next to the trail. Some are dawned with flowers and a fancy stone. While others are simply a piece of concrete with writing that looks like someone used a stick. I wasn't aware that people could just be buried wherever they want. At least I've never seen a gravestone next to the trail in the Sierras...hummmmmm
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
North Carolina
Day 25: 4/6/00
Today's Miles: 15.3
Total A.T. Miles: 326.7
I am grateful for the beautiful meadow that we are camped in tonight.
Well, the miles caught up with us this morning and we all moved like slugs for a while. Decided we wouldn't push it too hard today and we would take lots of breaks. All the people at the shelter decided to hitch into town at Sam's Gap to a breakfast place. Sparky left with them and we hiked out about 30 minutes after they did. In about an hour we reached the road, which was under heavy construction, and saw none of the 8 or so hikers. We assumed they hitched in. But where was Sparky? As we stopped to adjust our packs we saw 6 highway workers up on a hill next to the highway, away from the construction, digging. Snoopy had me convinced that they must be burying Sparky on this, the most dangerous highway crossing we have faced yet. Crossing the road was a little bit like playing Frogger. We were to far away and it was too dangerous to try to get to the workers and talk to them so we somberly hiked on.
About 30 minutes into the hike we saw Geezer up ahead. He had also stayed at the shelter the night before. Who should be with him??? Sparky!!! Alive and well. Sparky hiked with us for the rest of the day and is again lounging in front of my tent.
Tomorrow we hike into Nolichucky Hostel. We are debating hitching into the nearby town of Erwin to the Animal Shelter to try to get Sparky a home and some food. We have been feeding her as much as we can, but she isn't getting nearly enough food to eat. The Sparky saga will continue....
Great day of hiking even though we were all a bit spent. We relaxed for a glorious hour on the top of Big Bald. It was beautiful! I actually cooked lunch for the first time and then did nothing but lay in the sun for a while. It was beautiful. I could see for 50 miles in a 360 degree landscape. Walked through beautiful spring forest floors today that were as green as the trees will be soon. And now we are here in this amazing campspot. It's all ours. It looks like a farmer’s field which is used for hay in the summer. It is directly next to a beautiful creek and shaped like an oval. It's dusk right now. The stars should be amazing tonight...Another wonderful day on the A.T......
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Tennessee
Day 26: 4/7/00
Today's Miles: 11.1
Total A.T. Miles: 337.8
I am grateful for Miss Janet because she seems to show up any time she is needed.
Got out of camp at 7:40 a.m. and hiked beautiful Hemlock strewn trails till 12:11 p.m. when we stepped off the trail and 60 feet later we were at the Nolichucky Hostel. Johnny, the owner, gave us towels to get clean before checking in...smart man...hehehe
I got showered, got my maildrop and choose the cabin over the bunkhouse for $2.50 more. The cabin has three bunks for Snoopy, Stone, and myself. By the way, I had stated the Snoopy was 58..he is actually a young spry 56. And you would never believe he was that old.
As soon as we got into our cabin Miss Janet told us she was going to town if we wanted a ride. Miss Janet runs into town for Johnny and give rides to hikers for a donation. We quickly got into the station wagon and headed into the town of Erwin. Erwin is spread out over 8 miles…not a friendly walking town. Miss Janet dropped us off at the far end of the 8 mile town at the Pizza Hut. We walked in at 1:28 p.m., just in time for the 1:30 p.m. end of the all you can eat buffet. Yes we pigged out...for over an hour we inhaled salad, pizza, and pink lemonade. Went to the dollar store and picked up 3 candy bars for $1 and then to the grocery for my weekly hunk of cheese. Started walking toward the middle of the town with our thumbs out and who should drive by??? Miss Janet...she quickly picked us up and gave us a ride to the middle part of town where we went to the library and the pharmacy. We then walked into the groovy Erwin Burrito Company filled with Bob Marley music...everything's irie maaaaaannnn. What? Time to eat again? Ok...Give me a large cheese quesadilla and a coke...mmmmmm. Right now sitting in the window on a stool watching traffic go by eating and sipping my Coke....mmmmm. Stone Man just commented to me that "This is the best burrito I've ever eaten!!" While sitting here Miss Janet walked in and asked if we needed a ride back. Snoopy said he would go back so now Stone and I are the Two Amigos for a while. Till later...
P.S. The news around town...The biggest snow storm in years that should hit tonight and tomorrow. It's 70 degrees today...go figure....
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Tennessee
Day 27: 4/8/00
Today's Miles: 0
Total A.T. Miles: 337.8
I am grateful for heaters.
Well, waking up this morning was cold and wet. Yesterday it was in the high 70s and today the temperature has dropped into the 30s. The 30s is on the valley floor. In the mountains the temperature is more like the teens. The weather service is calling for accumulations of 5-10 inches of snow in the elevations which begin only a few miles outside the Nolichucky Hostel.
So what did I decide to do? The only sensible thing! I am taking an additional day off and waiting for the better weather that is predicted for tomorrow. With 5 months out here, what is one more down day to stay safe from the dangerous weather? So does this greatly effect my schedule? YES!! Since I have an upcoming maildrop in Damascus on a Saturday, I now have to bust ass to get to Damascus before the P.O. closes. Here is my schedule for this coming week:
Sun-16.4 miles
Mon-14 miles
Tue-14.6 miles
Wed-20.1 miles
Th-21.4 miles
Fr-19.2 miles
Sat-10 miles before 10:30 when the P.O. closes
Should be rough. I was planning on taking a zero day in Damascus...I will have to see how my body feels to make that decision...
Went to an amazing free Bluegrass Festival tonight. It was in an old produce barn type building. There were 4 different bands playing all kinds of different instruments....Wow...incredible...Later in the night, an announcer told the crowd that a group of A.T. hikers were in the crowd and asked us to stand up. We were immediate celebrities...people were asking us questions and talking to us about our adventure. Rocky Top Tennessee was a crowd favorite and got most of the audience up and or clapping. What a great night...what an adventure...The snow is piling up in front of the door outside...should be interesting...
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Tennessee
Day 28: 4/9/00
Today's Miles: 16.4
Total A.T. Miles: 354.7
I am grateful for the beauty of snow.
Woke up to temperatures in the mid 20's and a clear sky. Snow covered the surrounding mountains...it was beautiful. Hiked out at 7:40 a.m. and began the 2 mile nearly flat mile hike towards the 2 mile 2000 foot ascent. Beautiful walking all day through patchy to 3 inch high snow. The trees were covered with snow and as the sun warmed the air, the trees dropped their water and small bombs of melting snow. Walked over Unaka Mountain today. It was amazing. The mountain was covered with fir trees as most of Maine is. It was a hint of things to come... All the trees were flocked in sparkling white snow...wow...this California guy was awe struck.
Sparky update....Got to Nolichucky Hostel the other day and put Sparky on a leash to get her into town. I don't think Sparky has ever been on a leash...She freaked out, got off the leash and took off. That was the last we saw of her. A day and a half in Erwin and we never saw her. We hiked 16.4 miles today. At mile 15, Sparky came running up the mountain towards us...Now she wasn't on the trail, she was just running up the mountain at us. Sparky is laying outside my tent right now...the Sparky saga continues....
Mike caught up with us tonight and has rejoined us. It sounds like he will probably be hiking with us till Damascus where he will take a couple days off with his parents. Nice to have him with us again.
Tomorrow we get to go over Roan Mountain...The highest mountain till I get to New Hampshire. I am planning on camping on the top and it should be mighty cold....
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Tennessee
Day 29: 4/10/00
Today's Miles: 21.2
Total A.T. Miles: 375.9
I am grateful for the barn that I am staying in tonight!
A much bigger day than I had planned. Roan Mountain was the hardest thing that I've had to climb since I got on the trail. 3,000 feet in three miles. Basically straight up. And to make matters a little more tricky, the trail was covered in snow, ice, or ankle deep mud from the melting snow and ice. It was a very hard climb, but when I reached the top I suddenly had a burst of energy. I had been told by Mike about a barn just off the trail that had been remodeled for a movie with Kurt Douglas. The barn is now a shelter for hikers. We started hiking at 9:00 A.M. and got to the barn at 8:30 P.M....long day...the 3 miles up Roan took forever.
The barn is amazing...There are two sleeping areas that look out into a valley and then up towards Yellow Mountain (this is where I am lying now). There is room for more hikers in a loft above me. It is very peaceful here. I can hear the river down below, a few Hoot Owls, and even some coyote howling in the distance.
The Sparky saga is over for tonight. There are 3-4 stray "trail dogs" on the trail and Sparky is just one of them. There are also some people with dogs hiking the trail that are in our bubble. All of these dogs together spell trouble. It's nice to be away from all the dogs. I only have 8 miles to do tomorrow to US 19 to meet Bev, my sister's long time friend who is bringing me a mail drop and a 12 pack of beer. I am camping at a shelter just .5 miles before the road. I plan to set up my tent and walk to the road to meet Bev by 2:30 P.M....Looking forward to a lazy morning around the barn. Mike and Rickoshey will be leaving early for a big mile day which will leave the barn to Snoopy, Stone Man, and myself...life is good...
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Tennessee/North Carolina
Day 30: 4/11/00
Today's Miles: 13.0
Total A.T. Miles: 388.9
I am grateful that I am over Roan Mountain.
Well, it's about 1:30 and I'm an hour early for my meeting with Bev here at Highway 19. Bev is a long-time friend of my sister, Lenore. They have been pen-pals since I think 1980. Snoopy and Stone Man just hitched a ride in under 5 minutes to the town of Roan Mountain. I will either meet them in town or back at the trail. Bev is bringing me a 12 pack of beer that the three of us will split when we get back to the trail. I think we will then walk another 5-10 miles with our night lights so we have less than a 20 miles day into the next hostel. I plan to just stay the night there before doing two 20 mile days followed by a 10 mile morning to get me into the P.O. before it closes in Damascus. In only 3 more days I will put N.C. and T.N. behind me and I will enter my fourth state, Virginia. Virginia has more trail miles than any state...almost 500...I will be in Virginia for a mighty long time.
9:00 P.M.
So full from the Onion Ring-Mozzarella Stick-Fried Mushroom Appetizer, followed by the trip to the huge salad bar, followed by the Tuna Salad Sandwich with curly fries, all washed down with 4-5 Sprites...and the two quick beers before hitting the trail...made walking a little sketchy. Note to self....less fried food before hiking.
Met Bev's mom who made the drive up from Raleigh with Bev to see me. We drove to Boone, about 25 miles in about 30 minutes on curvy mountain roads...it takes me more than a day to hike that far!!! Went to a great restaurant for lunch an then drove back to the trail by way of the Blue Ridge Parkway...WOW...It was so beautiful...I can't wait till Shenandoah National Park...I really enjoyed my time with them.
The 4.3 miles here were hard on me. It started raining and got pretty dark....we couldn't find anywhere flat to camp so here we are camped right smack on the trail....no one will be by tonight and we get up so early that no one will be by before we pack up.
Sparky update…Hiked 6 miles past Sparky, and the other strays....and didn't see Sparky again last night or this morning, (during the night while we wee sleeping at the barn...oh yea...the barn was used for the 1988 movie “Winter People”...anyway...a basset hound came running up to the barn trying to jump on Stone Man...just whining. It quietly hung out till morning and then disappeared). In the van on the way back with Bev and her mom, I saw Zippidy walking back from town and who was following him??? Sparky and one of the other strays....Turns out Zip hitched into town and went into the store. When he came out of the store...who was at the door? Sparky and the other dog. No idea how they got the 5 miles into town or how they found Zip. Zippidy tried to hitch back to the trail but no one would pick up a hiker with two dogs...he walked back the 5 miles and that's when I saw Sparky following him. Who did Sparky follow from the highway?? Us....Where is he sleeping right now???? Outside my tent...
Sleeeeeeeppppppppyyyyy....zzzzz
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Tennessee
Day 31: 4/12/00
Today's Miles: 14.8
Total A.T. Miles: 403.7
I am grateful for ups and downs of the trail because I would not be able to appreciate the level days without those up and down days.
Today was very hard. The elevation profile showed a pretty level trail, but it only shows elevation changes of 50 feet or more. Hence the 49 foot rule. The trail can go up or down 49 feet without ever showing up on the maps. Today was a 49 foot day. A roller coaster ride all day long. The trail was never level....never.
We got up at 7:30 and hiked till 3:30. And here we are at the Laurel Creek Lodge. What a place!!! For $12 I get a small cabin with bunks for Snoopy, Stone, and myself. The payment includes a shower and free use of either of the two hot tubs...Yes, hot tubs...Wow they felt great!!! Took a shower, did my laundry, got in the hot tub, took another shower, and then made a gourmet pasta meal in the hikers kitchen...real stove, pots, pans, and silverware. Going to go do some writing and then get some rest. 21 miles tomorrow...
Sparky update...She us here at the lodge, hanging out with everybody else’s dog....will she hike out with us???? hmmmmm
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Tennessee
Day 32: 4/13/00
Today's Miles: 0
Total A.T. Miles: 403.7
I am grateful my new backpack because my shoulder pain will stop when using it.
Decided to take my zero day here rather than in Damascus. It is cold and raining and I love the place that I am in so I said to myself, "Self...follow your gut feeling." That feeling told me to get a ride to Damascus and pick up all 4 of my boxes so that I wouldn't have to mess with the P.O. hours. So...Jimmy drove Stone, Snoopy, and I to Damascus. It took one hour. It will take 3 days to hike there starting tomorrow. The drive was the most terrifying automobile experience of my life…and yes, I have ridden with Rob Melvin...heheheh This man, in his 60s, had trouble staying on the road in the 4-Runner that he was driving. We repeatedly asked him to slow down and to watch the road better. Mountain roads, too much speed, an older man with slower reflexes, all equal possible disaster!!! I do feel very lucky to be able to type this entry to you at this time.
Got to Damascus and picked up 3 of 4 packages...they did not have the fourth...the fourth was the most important…my change out backpack built from parts of my wife’s pack and parts of my friend Mike's pack. Got to the outfitter to drop off the packages and the phone rang. The P.O. was on the other end telling the store owner that they had found my fourth package...yippppeeee. Went back to the P.O. and brought my pack back to the lodge. (We were driven back by Dennis the owner of the Laurel Creek Lodge...some of the friendliest people on the trail.) I worked on my pack and it actually feels like a backpack. The same weight feels like 10-15 pounds less. I am so excited!!! I will be ready to hit the trail tomorrow...Yipppppppeeeeeee!
Gonna do some major eating today before I use the Hot Tub. Don't tell my mom, but I have lost 15 lbs.....hehehehe
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Tennessee
Day 33: 4/14/00
Today's Miles: 28.8
Total A.T. Miles: 432.5
I am grateful for the moon because it lit up my hike tonight.
Very tired....Hiked from 8:00A.M. to 10:00P.M....The last 2 hours or so were by moonlight. This morning started out with a beautiful sunny sky. Dennis drove us the .4 miles to the trailhead and we set out into Laurel Fork George...wow...amazing...waterfalls, bridges, rock walls, and it was soooo green. Took many pictures. The trail then climbed up 2200 feet to Pond Flats before dropping down to the other side and to the shores of Watuga Lake. The Tennessee Valley Authority built this lake in the 30s. It’s over 900 feet long and 318 feet deep. The dam is an earthen dam which means it's made entirely of rock and dirt. Quite a site.
At 4:30 we got to the Vandaventer Shelter...17 miles in...Snoopy decided to call it a day (as it started to rain) while Stone and I continued to Iron Mountain Shelter for an hour long dinner...24 miles...after eating we set back out on the trail wanting to see how far we would get (IT WAS 51 MILES FROM THE START OF THE DAY TO DAMASCUS)...we got 4 .8 more miles before deciding that we were both very tired and should call it quits. Only 21 miles to Damascus tomorrow.....easssssssyyyyy day...hehehehe
Sparky update...since Dennis took us to the trailhead, Sparky did not get to follow....she is not with us anymore...But don't count her out!!!
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Virginia
Day 34: 4/15/00
Today's Miles: 21.8
Total A.T. Miles: 454.3
I am grateful for meeting new people like Mike's parents.
We did the crazy two days....51 miles over two days...wow....at this rate I could be done sooner than I thought. Woke up to Sunny Days (Thru-Hiker from years back) who was dropping off Sargent for a slack pack for the day. Sunny Days had a soda for Stone and I. After the caffeine rush, we set out for another big day. We hiked from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and managed to stay out of the rain most of the day. Wild flowers are getting abundant on the lower slopes.
Crossed the Virginia boarder today and I am finally out of TN and NC. Virginia is the longest trail state with over 500 miles of A.T. I would like to dedicate my crossing into Virginia to the most important piece of my puzzle, my wife, Paula. Without Paula's love, support, and belief in me and my dreams, I might not be here today. Thank you Paula, you're the best!!!
Got to Damascus and went to the outfitter to pick up my drop, bounce, and cookie box. Went to the Hostel (The Place-a hostel run by the city church) and unpacked before a nice hot shower. It’s a $3 donation to stay here and get use of the shower. The hostel is basically a gutted Victorian with bunks in all the rooms.
Right to dinner after the shower with Northwind (an 18 year old hiker from Maine) and Stone Man. Started with all you can eat Salad Bar, followed by an amazing calzone, then a baked potato, and all washed down with about 10 glasses of lemonade. Mike and his parents came in to the restaurant about half way through and joined us. Mike is taking a couple days off the trail to spend with his parents. It was neat to meet them since they have been following my journal pretty closely. Mike's mom had made brownies for us and after dinner we ate them for dessert with a pint of Ben and Jerry's for each of us. MMMMM....Gotta gain some weight!!
As I type there is a banjo being played in another room by a hiker and another hiker is singing some bluegrass....lots of culture...lots of fun!!!
Gonna try to hike out tomorrow to get a head start on Mount Rogers, the last big range I will hike over till New Hampshire...Looking forward to getting the high and colder stuff over....Till next time....Adios.
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Virginia
Day 35: 4/16/00
Today's Miles: 0
Total A.T. Miles: 454.3
I am grateful for zero days because they enable the mind and body to rest and heal.
Weather was nice today and I actually decided to take a zero day and soak up the sunshine. All other zero days have been on bad weather days and today I sat on the grass at The Place. Snoopy caught up to us today...great to see him again...I really missed him. We have been hiking together so long, things seemed out of place without him.
Did laundry early this morning while eating breakfast at Cowboys. Cowboys is the only restaurant open on Sunday mornings in the buckle of the bible belt that we are now hiking through. Cowboys is actually an Exxon Station that has a breakfast and lunch menu. Yes...an Exxon station.
Went to the outfitters a few times today to send a couple boxes out and pick up a couple quick things. Other than that I have been relaxing more than any other zero day yet....Big miles planned for the next couple weeks...I would like to maybe start making up some of those "lost" days...maybe...we'll see...
Hiking out early tomorrow...see y’all in 4-5 days...
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Virginia
Day 36: 4/17/00
Today's Miles: 21.4
Total A.T. Miles: 475.7
I am grateful that I don't have to sit on mountain in a thunderstorm everyday!
Here's the deal...I am on Whitetop Mountain at about 5300 feet at 6:50 P.M. I am in the middle of an amazing lighting/thunder storm. My tent lights up every few minutes and the sky yells out in anger. It is not safe to be here. It is not safe to move on. Snoopy and I have no choice but to hunker down in our tents and hope that we are not a statistic tomorrow.
The rain is coming down so hard at times, that I think it's going to rip a hole in my tent. Why am a here you ask? hmmmm...Let me start from the beginning....Last night there were sirens all night. We had no idea what they were about, and I still don't know for sure. Woke up to a crystal clear sky and heard through the grapevine that a convict escaped in the mountains and all authorities were looking. Hmmmm
Left town with Snoopy(Stone had to wait for the P.O. to open for a drop) at about 8. For the first couple hours hiking was normal....then we started seeing a helicopter every 30 minutes or so flying low and appearing to be looking for something. Great...now we lost Sparky finally and may gain a convict?
About 10:30 a.m. the first thunderstorm hit. We were at a low elevation and kept hiking through the rain. No lighting came near us cause we were so low. About 30 minutes into the storm the sun came out and dried our raingearless wet clothes. About 1:30 the exact same thing happened again at low elevation. So...at 4:00 we started climbing our last high mountain till New Hampshire. At 4:45 it hit...we were already 2000 feet up and could see the storm coming right at us. We found a large rock and decided to take cover under it till the danger of lightning blew over. The storm hit with a bang....lighting everywhere!! After about 30 minutes under the rock it sounded like the storm had moved over us. We came out to a clouded over mountain. We couldn't see more than 30 yards in any direction. We began hiking towards the top of the mountain that appeared to be out of the center of the storm. The rain grew harder and the wind blew hard enough to make it very difficult to walk. With our rain gear in our packs we grew colder and colder. We got to a spring and road at the same time that the lighting, rain, and wind became very dangerous. We had not choice but to set up our tents. The gusting wind and our now numb fingers made it.....well...hard as hell.
Finally got in the tent, changed clothes, and here I sit...Dreamer...sitting duck...hoping the lighting that is now directly overhead, decides to hit anything other than these two tents.
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Virginia
Day 37: 4/18/00
Today's Miles: 11.8
Total A.T. Miles: 487.3
I am grateful for the tough days like today, because they make the easier days seem so great.
9:54 A.M. The lightening didn't get me but the torrential rains that have been falling for about 16 hours now may. Lots of water in the form of condensation in my tent. I have whipped it up numerous times last night and today. I am dry. My sleeping bag is dry. And my clothes, other than yesterday's outfit, are dry. Snoopy's weather radio says the rain should stop later this morning. We are holding tight looking for a break. Packing up now would mean an immediate soaking. Since we have very little up hill to do today, it will be very hard to stay warm if we are wet....safety first...more later....
11:10 A.M. Stone and Northwind just walked up to our tent...They said of the 40 or so hikers at The Place yesterday, we were the only four that walked out of town. They said the news was calling for very strong storms in the mountains with possible flooding, hail, and very high winds (I can verify that the weather service was right on track this time!). All hikers decided to take an extra day off due to the weather...Snoopy and I never heard that report, we left town too early.
Northwind and Stone are headed for a shelter about 18 miles from here. There is also a shelter at the 7 mile mark. We have decided to leave at 12...if we choose the 18 mile shelter that should get us in at about 8 tonight....late day, but if the weather gets better (which it hasn't yet) it will be well worth it....till later.
7:25 P.M. We are at the Wise Shelter in Grayson Highlands State Park tonight. The shelter is large enough to hold about 8, but there are only four of us here tonight. Snoopy, myself, Eagle Eye, and Grizzly. The rain fell for about the first two hours as we walked today and then it turned into a soupy mist for the remainder of the day. Mount Rogers was not a very hard climb, but the trail was a river in some area and a lake in others. We then entered Grayson Highlands, home of the many wild ponies. The fog broke a couple times and we did see 5 or 6 beautiful ponies. We decided to stop at Wise Shelter because 1. There was room; 2. We were very cold and wet; and 3. It is a very nice shelter.
With averaging about 20 miles per day we should be in Pearisburg next Monday. That is two days faster than my schedule says, so I will make up 2 of my 3 days that I am "behind schedule." Virginia Rocks!!! The trail, bridges, and signs, are the best yet. Tomorrow I hit the 500 mark.....wow...
Found out from Grizzly what all the sirens in Damascus were. A man shot his wife, then a cop, then fled into the mountains. The helicopter we saw many times yesterday was searching for him. They did catch him later in the day...Life is NEVER dull on the A.T....
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Virginia
Day 38: 4/19/00
Today's Miles: 27.2
Total A.T. Miles: 514.5
I am grateful for sunsets, because they always bring a smile to my face.
Great day today!! I feel stronger than ever. The uphills are great! The downhills pound on my feet and knees. Woke up to a crystal clear sky. But, that changed fast! Within the first 30 minutes I was walking through soupy clouds again. I completely missed Grayson Highlands. I hear it's a 50/50 chance that there will be sun in the park. Grayson Highlands will be the first place I hit when I come back. Yes, I said come back! What I would really like to do is to take my yearly summer trip with my wife here. I would like to share with her my favorite parts of the trip as well as hit ones that I may have missed (like the Highlands). I would also like to give back some of the magic that has been bestowed upon me during this first 1/4 of my trip.
About 1 P.M., after leaving Grayson, the sun broke through for the rest of the day and evening. It was a beautiful day and so nice to see the sun again. Stopped at a creek in the sun to pump some water and have some lunch, then hiked to the 20 mile mark and stopped at a shelter to have dinner and dry out all of our gear from the rain storm two days ago. We tied a rope to two trees and hung EVERYTHING!! In 1 1/2 hours all chores were done and we were back on the trail for more miles. Got a little over 7 more miles in before the sun started setting and we found a place to pitch our tents for the night. Into Atkins tomorrow for our mail drops and maybe a stay at the cheapo hotel.
Last night at the shelter, saw 4 white tailed deer and a bunny. More wildlife in the past 24 hours than in the last month....
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Virginia
Day 39: 4/20/00
Today's Miles: 15.8
Total A.T. Miles: 530.3
I am grateful for times when the trail comes out onto the road with a shower!
Today was a pretty easy day almost all downhill but very rocky!! Stopped at the Village Motel for my mail drop, a shower and a bed. Ahhhhh a shower...All else is just not important. Staying in a room with North, Stone, and Snoopy...Cheap with 4 people. Also did laundry...As the weather warms up the clothes get smellier. Big days planed with some full moon hiking planned over the next few days. May or may not take a zero day in Pearisburg. Thinking about maybe taking one in the mountains on a nice sunny day. Nap, read, nap some more. Paula, my wife, comes in 22 days to pull me off the trail in Shenandoah. Yea...can't wait...
Had a cheapo dinner tonight at the Village Restaurant, connected to the hotel. $4 Salmon Cakes, (came with a salad mmm...and a basket of about 50 packages of crackers...that I ate most of), $1 large side order of fries, and a $.75 chocolate ice cream cone to go. Mmmmmmm... The best $5.75 meal yet!!!! The restaurant looked a little like Mt. Rogers the other day. The room was filled with a soupy fog made of cigarette smoke....
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Virginia
Day 40: 4/21/00
Today's Miles: 12.2
Total A.T. Miles: 542.5
I am grateful for the Ceres Ruritan Club picnic gazebo.
Tonight we are camped under a picnic gazebo which has these rules posted:
HIKERS!!!!!!!
1. Do not sit, walk, or sleep on the tables.
2. Do not walk on benches.
3. Clean up when you leave.
We are sleeping on the ground, which in my opinion breaks none of the above rules. Short day today.... Snoopy took off about 7:30 a.m., the rest of us didn't feel very inspired. We didn't leave until we were asked to at 11:02, 2 minutes after checkout time. We started off really slowly and sped up as the rainy day went on. Looks like I will only get one day knocked out instead of two....
Okay we are in our bags at 7:10 staying warm and hoping that no cars decide to stop and harass us....here is what we are discussing as we lay here...
What are some things you won't hear in the south…
-Alcohol and guns don't mix son.
-No grits, thanks.
-Those tires are too big.
-That looks like enough barbed wire.
-I need a new muffler.
-That looks like too much lard, Sally.
-Let's play chess instead of getting’ drunk and shootin' road signs.
Just some hiker trash humor. Have I mentioned that we are known as hiker trash? Well... most regular folk see us as dirty, smelly walking things that should stay in the woods... hmmmm...wonder what they thought as they heard Northwind singing 60s and 70s tunes for hours on end in the woods today...(Steve, this guy would give you a run for your money and he's only 18).
Gonna stop in the town of Bastian on Sunday were a fella there usually is tearing up the neighborhood on his fiddle. It's a 2 mile hitch into town for the "show" and a stop at the market for an extra day of food since we are a day slower with our short day today. Hoping that it clears up tonight so that we can get up and start hiking at about 3:00 A.M....The moon was full last night and it would be great to watch the sunrise on Chestnut Mountain...
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Virginia
Day 41: 4/22/00
Today's Miles: 20.9
Total A.T. Miles: 563.4
I am grateful for the fact that I sent my winter clothes home a day before an ice storm. hehehehe
Today's weather was a colllllllld wild ice storm atop of Chestnut Mountain. A climb to 4500 proved to be cold and windy. Yes, I sent my winter clothes home yesterday with the hope that winter was over...hmmmmm…I guess I was wrong. We descended later in the day to 2000 feet and are here in a warm cozy shelter with Grizzly and Eagle Eye. Shelters are o.k. when they aren't full to capacity and the mice aren't on a rampage.
Sleep last night was at a minimum. Most of the night was spent watching locals pull into the lot in front of the gazebo. They would pull in and sit with either an idling engine, or by turning off their engine. After watching us for a few minutes they would pull out and drive away slowly. Think they were just checking us out or trying to scare us away.
Gonna skip Bastain and hike a couple 23 mile days followed by a 9 miler into Pearisburg.
Got calls to make to North Face and Vasque in Pearisburg as well as some time spent at the Super WalMart. Hopefully the weather will get better....
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Virginia
Day 42: 4/23/00
Today's Miles: 26.1
Total A.T. Miles: 589.5
I am grateful for trail magic!!!
Today was a beautiful day!!! Waterboy caught us last night and stayed in the shelter. He was planning an enormous day today!! My day started with a climb up Brushy Mtn. #1. We climbed 3 Brushy Mtn.'s today and will climb a fourth tomorrow. After the first Brushy Mountain we had the choice of taking the High Water Trail (Blue Blaze) or the actual A.T. I seriously considered blue blazing because the lower trail crossed the creek over 15 times with no bridge! For those of you who know me, I don't do well with creek crossings. Well I chose the lower trail and I gained more self confidence from the challenge than I would have imagined. I crossed all 15 times on rocks, logs, and sticks with not one slip or fall into the water. I was alone because Stone and North left a little before me. No wet feet! Yea me!!!
Took 3 extended breaks today because the weather was so great. Each break was about 30 minutes and we still did the 26 miles from 7:40-5:30.
Trail magic anyone??? Well, about halfway through our day we found a cooler with a note. Billboard's (fellow hiker) mother left the cooler full of Apples and Easter chocolate. We were the first to find the cooler and boy it was terrific!
Here's the plan...got the alarm set for 2:30 A.M. and I am planning on walking 30.1 miles into Pearisburg by 3-4 tomorrow afternoon. If I make it I will take a zero day the next day. Wish me luck!!!
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Virginia
Day 43: 4/24/00
Today's Miles: 29.8
Total A.T. Miles: 618.3
I am grateful that today is over and I am not walking right now.
Well, got up at 2:00 A.M. and on the trail by 2:30 A.M. Hiked in the dark by the moonlight with Stone Man and watched the sunrise later in the morning. Walked through something that smelled like honeysuckle this morning and the sweet smell filled the air for what seemed like hours. It didn't start raining until 10:30. It rained off and on for the next 6 or so hours. What a day! I felt great until the last 3 miles. They were some of the hardest miles of the trip. Hiked into Pearisburg down a 2000 foot decline in the pouring rain! Met up with Mo' Miles (the hiker formally known as Potusa, Water Boy, or just Mike) at about 9:00 and hiked on and off with him all day. Staying in a hotel with Stone and Mo' Miles and taking a zero day tomorrow. The mountains and city we are in are supposed to get 3 inches of rain tonight. Good night to have a roof and a bed. Gonna get some rest...what a day....life is still great on the A.T....
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Virginia
Day 44: 4/25/00
Today's Miles: 0
Total A.T. Miles: 618.3
I am grateful for the weather channel because it helps me prepare for the ongoing rain.
Zero days are exhausting!!! Errands, errands, errands. I did raid the RiteAid of quite a bit of their 50% off Easter candy…hehehehe
Spent some time at the library today on the internet getting some gear information, made a ton of phone calls, tried to eat as much as possible, cleaned all my mud covered gear off, and tried to get some rest. This entry will be short so I can get some more. I will be slowing down a little over the next 2 1/2 weeks so that I meet up with Paula in the spot that we planned within the Shenandoah National Park. I will have days between 21 miles and 13 miles between now and then so that I end up at nice campsites. Weather Channel says some rain, some shine over the next week. Some shine is better than no shine!!! Yippeeee the California kid may see a little sun yet....
Funny Story...
At the Post Office yesterday I stepped out for a minute and left Stone Man sitting on his mail drop box behind a table. The woman behind the counter couldn't see Stone when she said to another P.O. worker who could see Stone, "Boy, those guys stink!!" The P.O. worker that could see Stone looked over at him and replied to her co-worker, "They sure do!" Hey...I know we stink, that's one of the pieces of the puzzle.
The moral of this story is that next time you come across a "smelly person" don't place immediate judgement. He/She may just may be a 4th grade teacher out on an adventure of a lifetime taking literally hundreds of people with him/her via the internet.
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Virginia
Day 45: 4/26/00
Today's Miles: 24.5
Total A.T. Miles: 642.8
I am grateful for the wonderful things that I can't take pictures of.
Today was a painful day. Leaving town was difficult, as it always is. Laying in bed watching the weather channel update one more time, with a piece of fruit, dry, warm, clean....it's hard to put the pack on and get motivated to walk. To make matters even tougher, the first 30 minutes were road walks on highways that were under noisy, dirty construction. And yes, don't forget that all towns are built about 1500 feet under the elevation that we walk at…so...yup...you guessed it, we had to climb right back up to the higher elevation. Tough. And to top off the tough day, I have an injured foot. I think I must have hurt it coming down that never ending mountain into Pearisburg. I had a lot of pain today and Vitamin I, or Ibuprofen, did little to nothing for the pain. I hiked with Mo' Miles (Mike) today and we lived up to his name quite well, doing many more miles than we had planned.
There are some things I haven't mentioned or been able to take pictures of out here. They are some truly magical things.
Imagine a hillside of boulders covered in moss...the trail traverses over these rocks...as you walk over the rocks you can hear a soft trickle of water from underneath the rocks...an underground stream…there are many on the trail.
Imagine that same boulder field. You are walking from rock to rock, some the size of basketballs and some as big as your dining room table. As you step on a rock that is probably nearly 400 pounds, the rock shifts, startling you and sending a booming echo through the canyon.
Imagine a Ruffed Grouse, or Partridge as they call them in the north. You never see them, but you feel them. When they beat on their chest you feel it in your head. It was scary at first, and you thought you were very ill. But I am now used to the feeling of the partridge beating on it's chest.
Imagine the feeling of a cool breeze flowing up a mountain and cooling the heavy sweat pouring off your face as you are climbing a near vertical mountain.
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Virginia
Day 46: 4/27/00
Today's Miles: 20
Total A.T. Miles: 662.8
I am grateful for the days that I feel good, they balance out the days that I feel bad.
Today was one of the more difficult days that I have had in a while. I am having trouble with the foot and I was very weak today. I think that I may have been bitten by a spider. It is very sore. I am also not feeling well today. I have been eating more candy lately and I have not eaten any up till now. Most hikers eat a ton of candy on the trail for quick energy. I thought I would try some. Since I started, I have not been feeling very well. I am now off the candy. Hopefully that will help me feel better.
We had a very hard up at the end of the day. I thought this one might just do me in. We didn't get started till 9 again this morning...too late for me. We hiked till 7:30 to get our 20 in. A much earlier start is the plan for tomorrow.
The plan tomorrow...Hike past the Audie Murphy Monument...he was the most decorated soldier in WW2, and his single handed capture of a large number of German Soldiers made him a legend. He became an actor after the war and stared in many B-grade westerns. He died in 1971 in a plane crash near the monument spot. We will then continue our 21 mile hike to VA 624 and the Catawaba Grocery. We will walk the .3 miles to VA 31 and hitch to The Homeplace in Catawaba. They are a restaurant with a $9 AYCE meal (less for veg heads like me). Most hikers have said it's the best meal that they have had on the trail. After the meal we will hitch back and hopefully be able to camp next to the store...if not we will walk into the woods a bit and find a campsite.
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Virginia
Day 47: 4/28/00
Today's Miles: 21
Total A.T. Miles: 683.5
I am grateful for good cooking like the cooking at the Homeplace Restaurant.
Another hard day today...the funk is gone. I feel hungry and strong. But my foot got much worse today. For the first 5-6 miles I was feeling O.K., but once the downhills started I began to really suffer. It got so bad that I really didn't think I would make it to Catawaba for dinner. What a day...It started with a light rain on my tent about 5 A.M. that only lasted about 30 minutes and was dry before the beautiful sunrise began from the ridge we were camped upon. We packed up and hit the trail at 7:05. We descended a nice trail and somehow picked up three hunting dogs...we called them the alien dogs because they had small antennas around their necks. At the first shelter, we found an outdoor adventure group and tried to get the dogs to hook up with them. No luck!! The dogs stayed with us for the next 2 miles. We descended to a road and on the descent heard a truck engine start at the road. At the road a man got out of the truck, called the dogs, the dogs hopped into the back of the truck, he asked us if we were hiking all the way through, and got into his truck to wait for his 3rd dog to come out of the woods. No thank you or anything. The climb up to Audie Murphy was great. 1500 feet of some of the best graded trail I have seen. It was 3.8 miles to the top and it was all switchbacks. What a pleasure!!!! The down was what started the rough day. Massive pain in the foot made he descent very hard. The next up was a 1 mile 1000 foot climb as opposite as could be from the last climb. It was straight up!! It led to a ridge where it started raining. We sat down for some lunch and decided that the rain wasn't that bad after the last two days of beautiful sun. The only two days in a row we have had in weeks!
After lunch we started walking on the ridge towards Dragon's Tooth. My foot was really hurting by now. About 20 minutes into the walk I noticed I was getting very wet on the back of my shorts. I thought that my rain fly on my backpack must be dripping onto me. I kept walking. A few minutes later I was getting even wetter. I thought, "Oh shit...is my water bladder leaking in my pack.” I threw off my pack but it was too late. The bladder had leaked almost 2 full liters of water into the lower part of my backpack and then onto my shorts and legs. I was now in pain, wet, and furious!!!
I would now be wet for the next few hours. The climb up the Tooth was very hard but it was the climb down I was worried about. The Hiker's Companion warned that this was a very difficult section and should be avoided with wind and rain. It was now windy AND rainy!! The descent didn't let me down. It was hand over hand at places and very slippery. Nothing but rock. A dangerous, wet, painful walk. Are we having fun yet?? hmmmmm....
Ok...now I am off the mountain…walking the .3 and then .1 to the Grocery. I am standing in the rain trying to hitch a ride into town. I don't look that scary!!! Pick me up!! Ok I am now lunging myself into the back of a pickup truck and my foot is killing me. I hope this guy slows down!! And I wish it would stop raining. The driver took us right to the Homeplace Restaurant. The Hiker's Companion says that even though this restaurant is fancy, they "like having hikers...it creates ambiance."
The meal was AYCE. Your table decided on ham or roast beef. The meat eaters had roast beef. There was a plate of fried chicken, green beans, mashed potatoes, gravy, coleslaw, beans, the most amazing hot biscuits ever, spinach, ice tea, and lemonade. Every time a plate was getting low, the waitress would bring another. Two hours into our meal we were ready for our bottomless bowls of ice cream. Wow...
And while we were eating, what did we get to watch while looking out of the window....Geese that were attacking cows when the cows got too close to the pond. It was hilarious!!! Right now I am typing from the porch of the Homeplace Restaurant. That's right, the owner lets hikers sleep in the 3 gazebos or on the porch...What a great end to a pretty rough and at times miserable day. Fingers are crossed for the foot. Doctor in Troutville in two days.
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Virginia
Day 48: 4/29/00
Today's Miles: 0
Total A.T. Miles: 683.5
I am grateful for kind people. They truly make the world a happy place.
No walking today. Couldn't sleep last night because the pain in my foot was so bad. Miles and North said they would not let me hike. Thank you friends!! Decided to hitch to the I-81 Interchange where my book said there was a med clinic I could visit. It was very hard watching North and Miles hitch back in the opposite direction on the way back to the trail. I knew I shouldn't walk any further today, but I so wanted to be back on the trail. Before they got their ride we made a reservation at the Best Western at the Interchange. They would walk the 25 miles there and I would hitch. As we were standing talking a car pulled up and a woman hopped out while the driver pulled away. She was excited to see hikers because she had hiked the A.T. in 1982 and the PCT in 1996. She was full of questions and very jealous of us!!! She asked what our plans were and I told her about my injury and my plan. She said she would be driving by in a while and if I hadn't gotten a ride she may be able to take me. I waited about 20 minutes and had only a few cars pass me. No one would stop. Then...here she came. She picked me up and we drove the 17 miles of backroads to the interchange. She was a very nice woman who went out of her way to provide some magic to my day. She dropped me off at the AAMCO Station (Gas) and I asked where the med clinic was. I started walking the .5 miles to the clinic and saw my magic giver drive back towards me on the other side of the highway and yell, "You left your money." She did a U-turn and gave me my ziplock with not only my money but also my ID, Credit Card, ATM card, and last phone card. Thanks again for the magic!!!!
Continued the highway walk (YICK) to the med clinic. Once I arrived at the clinic I was told not only do they not do x-rays on weekends, but they are not accepting new patients. In other words, NO HIKER TRASH!!!!!
Back to the Best Western to see if I can get into my room for tonight at 10 A.M. No such luck!! Back to the AAMACO station to use their pay phone. I called a man my book listed as a trail angel who would help hikers in the area who were in need. No answer!! Darn. Asked the guy working at the AAMCO station where the nearest hospital was. He told me Roanoke - 30 miles away!! He and another woman working at the station decided they would help me get to the hospital. After a few different tries they suggested that I call the Sheriff's office and ask for the Rescue Team. hmmmm...ok... The Sheriff's office was very nice and asked many questions before they told me that the Rescue Team would be right out to get me and take me to a hospital. The AAMCO station people told me that the Rescue Team were volunteers. 15 minutes and a half a bag of chips later, an ambulance with all its lights and sirens pulled into the AAMCO. hehehe. Yes, I did laugh a lot too. Two plain clothes people about my age (guy and girl) hopped out and put me in the back of the ambulance with the doors open. As I laid on the stretcher and they asked me a million questions and twisted and turned me, I watched hikers go back and forth across the busy highway. I giggled again. I was working hard to not be down and see the positive and or the comical.
The ambulance, thank god, didn't turn it's lights or sirens back on to take me the 30 minutes back to the hospital. I had a nice conversation with the EMT in the back about the trail, his family, my family, and travel. Oh, and Dad, it was a very smooth ride...hehehe. Got to the hospital and put my boots and ½ bag of chips on the gurney with me as they rolled me into this hospital set up for trauma...hehehehe
I then realized that one of those two volunteers would have to carry my backpack in...hehehehe
I was rolled into 1B and moved onto a new bed.
I felt a little bad that I was so dirty and smelly, but after all this is a trauma center in a city of 500,000 +. An intern came out from around the corner and said, "So...we got a bear bite do we?" And so the morning went. I joked and commented with hospital workers about everything from the trail, to my silly tan lines, to my % of body fat for the next hour or while I waited for my x-ray. My only worry at that point would be how I would get the 30 miles back to the Interchange.
Good news!!! No break, fracture, or sprain!!! Basically it's like carpal tunnel of the foot. It needs constant Vitamin I, rest and some strong pain pills. They will give me two of the three of those.
Just talked to an ER guy and asked how to get back to the Interchange. He is gonna make a couple calls for me. Seems to want to help. Virginia people have been so kind while I have been traveling though this state. Now...the waiting begins....
Yea...just got a hold of Delwood...the trail angel that helps out hikers. Apparently word had traveled about me and he not only knew about me, but had driving the streets of the Interchange looking for me and called the local hospitals. He said he was worried because he couldn't find me. Well, we found each other and he should be here in about 20 minutes to take me back to the Best Western. Yea!!! Things are going my way!!!
4:30 p.m. Doing Laundry between power outages...showered...got my mail drop...Going to get a ride from Delwood, my trail angel, back to Catawaba and the trail tomorrow. Delwood is a part-time trail angel who asks for nothing in exchange for the helping hand that he gives out to hikers. He has a hiker register in his car that has literally hundreds of hikers and their words of thanks to him. Delwood loves what he does and I love him for it. Thanks again Delwood!!!
Going to do a shorter day of 16 tomorrow and see how I feel....Life is goooooooddddd.
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Virginia
Day 49: 4/30/00
Today's Miles: 16.1
Total A.T. Miles: 699.6
I am grateful that I was able to walk 16 miles today. I wanted to walk more, but common sense kicked in.
Awesome continental breakfast at the Best Western. Bagels, English Muffins, Cereal, Fruit, Pastries, and tons of juice. Delwood picked me up at 8:30 and had me to the trail by 9. It was very nice hiking alone today. I saw many day hikers as the 25 mile section I am in is heavily used by hikers other than thru-hikers.
Spring has sprung! Over Dragon's Tooth I saw three rhododendron bushes with blooms on them. It's about a month early, but these plants just seemed to want to shine. Today I saw Columbines, Azalyas, Johnny Jump-Ups, and May Apples. The hike over McAfee Knob was beautiful!! Everything I expected and more. Awe inspiring views. The other climb of the day was up Tinker Cliffs. Huge boulders covered the cliff and formed amazing outcroppings. Many incredible views and pictures. Saw many lizards, a bright green snake, and a wild turkey.
The injury hurt, but never as bad as the other day. The Motrin is getting into my system and hopefully helping. Slowing down was the main thing that helped today. I figure I can walk decent miles if I start early and walk a little longer and slower. Decided to stop at the Lambert’s Meadow Shelter because when I stopped to read the journal, I met three thru-hikers who I ended up talking to for about 45 minutes. I decided not to walk the .3 more miles and tent. (Hikers can only camp in designated campsites in this 25 mile section).
Met Munch tonight at the shelter. I haven't caught him till now. He is notorious for writing poems in the registers. He has given me an old one for me to post...
"I write each day and try to say
the feelings in my head
sometimes I succeed with deed
as a thing that can be read
it's always true what I write to you
the emotion I feel inside
but it can be a part of me
my inner self I confide
now I don't lie but always try
to let my pen flow
sometimes it will and I write until
I simply let it go."
Thanks Munch....
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
April Journals
Virginia
Day 50: 5/1/00
Today's Miles: 9.4
Total A.T. Miles: 709.0
I am grateful for common sense. It told me to stop after 9 miles and rest and ice my injury.
Very relaxing night at the shelter. Saw many deer around the shelter last night and this morning. Munch inspired me to write some poetry...maybe I will post some. Read about a feisty black rat at the shelter that liked hiker gear...hmmmm I thought. When we all went to sleep our sandals were all right next to us (for those night time bathroom visits). When we woke up, all of our sandals were against the back wall of the shelter...hmmmm black rat huh??
Hiked by Stone Man today. He had hiked past the shelter I was in at midnight and camped a bit further. Great seeing him and catching up. He was still in his tent so I hiked on.
Got to Troutville (again!) went to the AAMCO station to thank the workers, got my mail drop at the Best Western and headed across the street to see if Snoopy was at the Econolodge. He was! I have missed hiking with Snoopy. Our pace, outlook, everything jives so well together. I am very happy to have caught him again. Taking the rest of the day to ice the injury and let it rest. Then tomorrow I need to try to average 21 miles per day to get to Waynesboro on the day that I would like to so that I can meet up with Mo’ Miles. Planing on walking longer but slower. I think that is truly the key to my health.
8:00 P.M. Great dinner and now sitting on the deck watching the storm roll in. Hittin’ the trail in the morn....
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Virginia
Day 51: 5/2/00
Today's Miles: 24.5
Total A.T. Miles: 733.5
I am grateful that I have remembered why I came out here.
I'm here to hike. Pure and simple. As I remember, that's what the bio on the web page says. Well, I think that I, as well as many people out here, got caught up in the race. We forgot to stop and smell the flowers. Well, I smelled some flowers today! I hiked at a decent pace of about 2 1/2 miles per hour today. Not the speed hiking that I was doing. Snoopy and I have a very comparable pace and I am very glad to be back hiking with him. We have so much fun together. Now, the others we have been hiking with are in front of us and it's fun to read their entries. Stone and Mo' Miles are only 8 miles in front of us tonight.
We did big miles today. But, we did them at a decent pace. For that reason I feel pretty good. The left foot feels the best it's felt in a week. I am convinced it is because I iced it most of the day yesterday. But....now the right foot is beginning to get the same pain. I remember how it started in my left foot and now that same pain is starting in the right foot. It's probably because I am favoring the right foot and putting more weight on it. Oh well...I know what it is and I know it will get better with slower miles.
Big event of the day....We hit the Blue Ridge Parkway today. We walk above, below, or next to it for the next 200 miles or so. I don't mind being close to THIS road. Very few cars are on it and the cars that are on it, are out here for the beauty. No trucks!!!! Many wildflowers today...May Apples, Wild Strawberries mmmm, Wild Blueberries…not ripe yet boooo, some Rhododendrons, many Azaleas, Magnolias, and more. The smell in the air was so sweet all day long. Yes, the bubble boy could smell them!!
Tonight we walked a few extra miles because a southbound section hiker told us that this shelter was empty. EMPTY!!! Shelters are rarely empty so when they are I must take advantage of it. As I lay here typing and the light is fading after a beautiful sunset, I hear mice all over and under the shelter. Should be an interesting night.....hmmmm inspiring...
Mice
Here little mouse, here little mouse,
after all this really is his house.
All he wants is just a little crumb,
but instead I feel him on my thumb.
As I feel him I throw my arm,
I hope caused him little harm.
All this mouse wants is to survive,
I wonder how long he'll be alive.
If other hikers have it their way,
that little mouse won’t live one more day.
It's a shame that hikers and mice,
can't live together and just be nice.
For if they could each might see,
just how cheesy life can be.
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Virginia
Day 52: 5/03/00
Today's Miles: 17.2
Total A.T. Miles: 750.7
I am grateful that Apple Hill Mountain is behind me.
First...Happy Anniversary to Snoopy and his wife, Janet!!! Today was an up and down day. 9,300 vertical feet in only 17.2 miles. Hard day with still SIX days of food in the pack. I haven't had this much food in the pack since NOC in N.C. I am really feeling the weight difference of 3-4 extra days of food. Stopped at the Thunderhill Shelter because it was either stop there or hike on 8 more miles. With the vertical climbs of today I wasn't prepared to push it on my foot. The injured foot was decent and, knock on wood…there's lots out here to knock on, the right foot that was beginning to give me trouble yesterday is now ok.
At this shelter with Snoopy and Stone Man. Stone Man did 10 miles today and was here when we got here....he was "done for the day." Apple Hill was the last climb of the day...1300 feet of hot climbing. Every time we climb a mountain, we reach elevations that don't know spring yet. That means no shade from the sun. That's right...we have gone from cold snow and ice a week ago, to temps in the high 70's and low 80's....hot stuff.
Well, not sure when I will get to Waynesboro. Every day the plan changes. It depends on...the weather, how my body is feeling, the terrain, and my desire to hike. The terrain is the trickiest because the map and elevation profiles will show how steep the mountain is, but won't tell me if the trail has switchbacks, rocks, roots, stairs, etc. So the guessing game continues...
Stay tuned for the next episode of.....Dreamer hikes the A.T.....
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Virginia
Day 53: 5/04/00
Today's Miles: 23
Total A.T. Miles: 773.7
I am grateful for the fact that I am extremely dirty. It makes the times that I am clean so much nicer.
First, I want to wish a belated congratulations to my good friends, Steve and Kathy, on the new edition to their family. I can't wait to meet Emma!!
Another hot hard day. The temperature reached 80 degrees today and is supposed to get into the 90's for the next 3 days.
Woke up to a beautiful morning and walked through fields of May Apple and Trillium before starting the first climb of the day. Ouch...it was straight up. The trail for the next 6 miles or so was very gradual. That is until it dropped 500 feet to the James River so that we could then climb 2000 feet back up. The next two days should be real challenges. Tomorrow will dish me a 3000 foot climb and the next day will dish out a 4000 foot ascent. Should be tough in the hot weather. Stone Man just passed us and is heading the 3.1 miles to the next shelter (he sent his tent home today so he can become a "shelter rat"). Mo' Miles showed up right as Stone was walking out. I was happy to see Miles as he is slowing down dramatically to meet his girlfriend in Waynesboro on the 12th. I won't see him again on the trail. He has been a great friend and hiking companion. Good luck to you Mo' Miles!! Off to bed.....tirrrrrreed.
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Virginia
Day 54: 5/5/00
Today's Miles: 25.8
Total A.T. Miles: 799.5
I am grateful for James Taylor because I sang his songs to myself all day long.
Ahhhhh....Another longgggg day. Started hiking at 6:30 A.M. and continued until 7:00 P.M. I don't even go to work that many hours!! hehehe I asked Snoopy how we can hike almost 13 hours and only go 25.8 miles. He is so wise. He pointed out that we had a 3000 foot climb today. Oh yea, he's right...how could I have forgotten about that. Now remember folks at home...a 3000 foot climb is basically walking up 300 flights of stairs in a 300 story building. Oh yea. Don't forget to put a 40 pound backpack on. And oh yea. Let's put some rocks, roots and yes....some small streams to cross. Oh, and one more little thing. We will make it 85 degrees with humidity of about 70%.
A couple times up the mountain, Snoopy and I asked each other when we signed up for THIS.
I can only tell you of the feeling of joy upon reaching the top of a monster like this. 500, even 1000 foot climbs take very little time and don't work on the mind as much. But, take a 3000 footer like today or a 4000 footer like tomorrow....and it'll mess with your mind.
At a campsite next to the North Piney River tonight. Relaxing to hear the water running just 30 feet away. When I got to the site I was about 15 minutes ahead of Snoopy and I decided to take a dip in the creek and to wash out my clothes. I feel so clean!! Wow! I guess this will last about 8 hours till I put my backpack on and almost immediately start sweating.
If I sound like I am complaining - I AM NOT. This is just the hardest thing that I have ever done in my life and it doesn't get much easier even after 799.5 miles.
The foot hurts but it still works. I have taken off the brace because it was damaging my boot. I am still pumping the Vitamin I. Taking a zero in Waynesboro on the 8th and a short day on the 12th followed by zeros on the 13th and 14th should help me heal. Till tomorrow's entry about the 4000 foot climb and how it went......
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Virginia
Day 55: 5/6/00
Today's Miles: 28.9
Total A.T. Miles: 828.4
I am grateful that I felt stronger today than any other day on the trail.
Happy Birthday Janet!! (Snoopy's wife)
PUD's....pointless ups and downs. Some days are full of them. The ups and downs today had meaning. We started the day with a small 500 foot climb over Maintop Mtn. and then a 700 foot climb up The Priest. HA!! We then dropped 3000 feet to the Tye River only to cross the bridge and climb 3000 feet back up to Three Ridges. I felt great! My strongest ups since Springer. Stopped and had dinner at Maupin Shelter and decided to hike on a bit to shorten my day into Waynesboro tomorrow. I ended up doing 6.5 more miles. Long day. Some days are strong out here and some days are not. For everyone. Today was a tougher day for Snoopy. I left him on the climb up from the Tye River to find his own pace and not be tied to mine. He arrived at Maupin shelter an hour after I did and was very tired. Consequently, he stayed back and will meet me in Waynesboro tomorrow.
Saw some deer, rabbits, toads, and boy scouts on the trail today.
P.S. I just want to apologize for telling all of you the same thing multiple times. I never go back and read or change journal entries so not to ruin the spontaneity of them.....
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Virginia
Day 56: 5/7/00
Today's Miles: 13.6
Total A.T. Miles: 842
I am grateful fresh fruits and vegetables...mmm gooooddd
A pretty easy day today into town. Very humid!!!! Got to town and drank 4 apple juices as quickly as I could. Walked to the Colony House Hotel for my mail drop and a couple other boxes. Then hitched to the outfitter for a couple things.
Got to the Comfort Inn, took a shower and walked to the grocery store. Bought gooodd health food. mmm Hummus, crackers, Rye bread, tomato, cucumber, avocado, beer, and popcorn.
Gonna hang low and ice the foot in the air conditioning and watch the tube.
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Virginia
Day 57: 5/8/00
Today's Miles: 0
Total A.T. Miles: 842
I am grateful for apple juice because it's mmmm mmmm good.
I've now had close to 50 ounces of apple juice in the past 30 minutes. I bought three 64 ounce bottles for the day. I'm at the Laundromat right now doing my laundry. My only errands today are a trip out for lunch, one to the P.O., and one out for dinner. I will rest and ice my foot the rest of the day. My foot continues to get stronger and stronger. I have three days of hiking out of here till I meet Paula. Then I will be taking another 2 1/2 days of the trail with her. That time off will hopefully get me back to 100%.
During the past three days I have had more trouble with the black flies than the actual hiking. Black flies are smaller than house flies but the bite. Some people are allergic to the bite and some are not. Bites affect people differently just as mosquito bites do in the west. Well...this bubble boy is, of course, highly allergic to black fly bites and I swell up and itch much more than I do even with mosquito bites. The bites on my arms and legs don't bother me half as much as the bites and constant flies on my ears, neck and face. I put my bug lotion in my bounce box (which I don't get till I see Paula) because there were no bugs at all. That changed this week when the temperatures shot up. The black flies hatched from their eggs and they are hungry. I bought some bug stuff yesterday to last me for the 3 days till Paula. Black flies...hmmm a poem?
Black Fly
Black fly, black fly don't bite me
Black fly, black fly can't you see
I am not meant to be food,
Black fly, black fly, com'on dude
Mr. Silverstein I am not but hey...it's fun...
6:00 P.M. Did a lot of nothing today...lots of rest for the foot. The MOB stayed in the room next door last night. They have been hiking about 2 -5 days in front of me for weeks and I caught them here. Very nice three. Mushroom, Orion, and Bombadil. Orion is the she and the other two are the he’s. They are all in their early 20's and a lot of fun. They were not staying the night tonight, but it was so hot that they didn't want to head out at the 12:00 check out time. The three hung out in our room for a few hours and then headed out about 3:00. Stone Man also headed out about that time. Snoopy and I took the rest of the day to resssssst. Goin' out for all you can eat Chinese food right now....mmm...mmm good..
So....after the incredible AYCE Chinese dinner we went to the Kroger Supermarket so Snoopy could pick up a few things and I could score some Ben & Jerry’s. The scene was set. I slowly opened the freezer door to closely inspect the flavors available. I was immediately hit with a blast of cold air which caused me to quickly close the door. The door immediately fogged up and obstructed my impending view. Drat...I thought. Stifled! I worked up the courage to open the door again, and after the blast hit me and I acclimated, I began to read the flavors.....hmmm I thought. Urban Jungle---Coconut Almond Fudge Chip meets New York Super Fudge Chunk.....sounds like the one for me.
I grabbed the frosted over pint of heaven and walked to the checkout line. When it was my turn, the cashier asked if this flavor was any good. I said, "I'll tell ya in a second." I let him know I needed no bag. As he was opening the cash drawer to put my money in and give me change, I pulled my trusty spoon from my pocket and began to eat. He turned and smiled as I told him that, "Yes, this flavor is very good." He laughed and said people tell him all the time they will let him know if things are any good and no one ever really does. I continued eating my ice cream as I walked outside and sat down in the parking lot to wait for Snoopy. By the time Snoopy came out, most of the pint had been devoured, and by the time we had reached the hotel I had finished the pint. To all of you who have written saying I look thin.....I'm a workin' on it!!!
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Virginia
Day: 5/9/00
Today's Miles: 27.4
Total A.T. Miles: 869.4
I am grateful for the Loft Mountain Campground.
Great day. Started a little confusing. We were suppose to get a wake-up call from Snoopy's wife. She tried calling many times but somehow our phone was off the hook. We woke up at 6:30 wondering what happened. We had arranged a cab ride ($6) back to he trail at 7:00 but now had to call and make it 7:30. We got to the trail at about 8 and hiked the .8 miles to the backcounty permit trail. We had read that we had to walk .2 miles off the A.T. to register for a permit. To our surprise, when we reached the trail there was a kiosk there to self register. No extra walking....yea! Snoopy and I walked the next 8 miles until the trail entered the Shenandoah National Park. The trail immediately changed. They have actually taken the majority of the rocks off the trail. Some smart person actually had the idea that it would be a more joyful walk if a hiker's feet would touch the soil instead of only rocks. Wow!!!
Walked 20 miles to the Blackrock Hut. (Shelters are called Huts in the park) I felt great, and after a short rest with Snoopy and The MOB who had stopped for the night, I headed on. I hiked another 7+ miles aiming for The Loft Mountain Campground which I heard was closed but available for Thru-Hikers. I also heard that they had a phone. My goal was to get to that phone in time to wish my wife, Paula, good luck on her last final of her second year of law school. Well...I got to the phone and there was another hiker using it....Darn!!! I waited 30 minutes and finally got to use the phone. I caught her!! Yea... Wished her good luck and only talked to her for a few minutes since I will see her in a few days. I will use the phone to send today's entry.....
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Virginia
Day 59: 5/10/00
Today's Miles: 31
Total A.T. Miles: 900.4
I am grateful for all the beautiful deer that I am seeing in the park.
Well two milestones today....I finally did a thirtysomethng day and I hit the 900 mile mark....yea.....
Had an up and down day. I started feeling good and put in 14.8 miles by my 12:00 lunch. After lunch I was not on the ball again till about 5. The hours in between were rough. The ticks are out and I took at least 5 off my legs today. It had me paranoid most of the afternoon and I kept looking for more. I felt pretty weak after lunch today. The thunder heads started rolling in about 2. By 3 the sky was angry and thunder rocked the trail. I put my rain cover on before it even started and boy was I lucky. As they say...the heavens opened up. I decided not to put my rain jacket on because it was so hot. I thought I would dry the minute it was over. The rain started and started hard! The biggest drops that I have ever seen. The rain turned into hail the size of marbles. With my short sleeve shirt and shorts I looked around for something to hide under. Nothing! I decided to keep walking and just tuck my arms under my new wide brimmed hat. It worked ok but I was pelted none the less. It only lasted about 10 minutes but it hurt.
Stopped at the Lewis Campground which was also closed. I had hoped that the water would be turned on. Drats!! It was off. The sign said only one mile to the hut I was aiming for at 26.5 miles for the day. I instantly felt energized. I got to the shelter in minutes, pumped some water, signed the register, visited with some section hikers, and I was off. The clouds had cleared and now there was a VERY strong wind. That wind is still with me as I typed this from atop Hazelnut Mountain. Don't know how far I will hike tomorrow...will see how I feel.
Seeing many deer in the park. Early in the morning and at dust. They are so beautiful.
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Virginia
Day 60: 5/11/00
Today's Miles: 28.9
Total A.T. Miles: 929.3
I am grateful that the next three days are zero days. My body needs it after almost 90 miles in three days.
I'm done...at least for the next few days. I am so excited to see Paula...yippppeeeee
People keep asking what we are going to do and where we are going to go. I have no plans except to rest and spend time with the greatest wife in the world.
Today started a bit later than the last two days (6:30 A.M.) and ended earlier than the last few days (6:30 P.M.) I had about the same type of terrain but no lack of energy for the afternoon hours. Coming up Stony Mountain I passed 18 senior citizens between the ages of 71 and 92. They were truckin' along. They were also pretty spread out so I had a mini conversation with almost every one of them. Very nice group. At about 12:00, Floater caught up with me. I let him pass and walked with him for about an hour. Floater is a 49 year old that doesn't look much older than myself. His daughter hiked with him for a while through Tennessee and into Virginia and his son will be hiking with him later on. He and I have been playing leapfrog for a couple of weeks. Later, I caught Gypsy Girl and Woodchuck. They have been in front of me for weeks and it was nice to get to meet them. They said they were heading for a picnic area just 2 miles before my meeting place with Paula. I thanked them for the idea and hiked ahead. I then met The Colonel who I am camped with tonight. The Colonel...where do I start? I had heard about him but not met him till now. I talked with him for a few minutes on the trail and then walked ahead. He too was headed for the picnic area. I arrived and cooked a quick and light super. Gypsy Girl and Woodchuck walked up shortly afterwards. They walked up a hill in the picnic area and camped. I felt uneasy because we weren’t supposed to be camping here...We really can't camp much anywhere and you have to be a mathematician to figure out where you are allowed to camp...listen to these rules:
NO CAMPING...
-Within 30 yards from a steam
-Within 1/2 mile of a paved park road
-Within 1/2 mile of any park facility
-Within 30 yards of any park trail
Those are just a few of the rules....
Anyway, the Colonel showed up and we walked up the Wayside and store. He bought some soda out of the machine and I called Paula to tell her I would not be walking the 2 more miles. I would be at the Wayside writing postcards and eating from their grill. The Colonel and I started talking and that's when I learned about his trip. He is served 5 terms in Vietnam as a pilot. He came back all right from the war but it always troubled him that so many war vets didn't. He sounded as though he had always been looking for a way to help. Years ago a third tomb was added to the other two for the unknown soldier killed in Vietnam. For fourteen years an unknown soldier occupied that tomb. Twenty-six years after that pilot died in action, his remains were identified using DNA testing and he was found to be First Lt. Michael J. Blassie, USAF Fighter pilot who had died in on May 11, 1972. Ms. Lou Adams Pennebaker met the young student pilot while she was in college in Mississippi. The two had planned to marry upon his return from Vietnam. The Memory Tree Foundation was formed as a result of her story. The foundation is trying to get connected with schools across America. To learn more about the foundation go to: www.tv2430.com. Very interesting man and a very interesting story. I'm now exhausted from telling it and I must zzzzzzzzzz.....
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Virginia
Day 61: 5/12/00
Today's Miles: 0
Total A.T. Miles: 929.3
I am grateful for the nights that I get a good night sleep.
4:26 A.M.- "I couldn't sleep at all last night...doooot... .deeee..deee. .dooot..doooooo.."
I woke up all night long itching. These black fly bites are the worst. I will be picking up a trusty bottle of Caladril and basically bathing in it while I am of the trail for the next 3 days. If I can get the bites I have now under control, I get my bug net and better bug repellent today at the hotel. I need to figure out the best way not to be completely covered in bites. I seem to be having more trouble with the bites than most....yea.. yea...Bubble Boy syndrome...I know...
I am in my tent waiting for enough light to break down my tent and head the .2 miles north to the Wayside and Store. Neither opens till 9:00 A.M. but there are picnic tables and beautiful green lawns up there to lie on. I don't know exactly when Paula will be showing up but I have plenty to do while waiting. Clean up my gear, write postcards, and eat…eat...eat....
Should be another great day. Everyday out here is great...some are more difficult than others, but everyday is great. They are great because I can carry everything I need for five months, comfortably, on my back. Days are also great because I am constantly reminded of how infinitesimal we really are on this planet. The enormity of the things I see on daily basis still boggles my mind. Things like the distance I can travel still amaze me. The fact that in three days I have walked from Sacramento to San Francisco with a lot more elevation change than is between those two cities. The fact that in terms of elevation, I have now climbed Mt. Everest 9 times and will climb it another 7 before I am done. Or the fact that I can walk more distance each day than I can see when I look south from a mountain top. Wow....I am still amazed!!!
8:08 A.M.
Just finished my hot chocolate and about an hour talk with the Colonel. We spoke about his career and then about teaching and teachers. He had some of the kindest words to say about teachers that I have ever heard spoken. He truly made me feel like a very special person. He gets off the trail tomorrow to go to Washington DC to visit a school that has been involved in his journey. I hope our paths cross again.
11:00 P.M.
Wow...what a food day...here is what I ingested:
-Two grilled cheese sandwiches + 2 large fries + 2 7-UP's
-Three bagels with cream cheese and lox
-A tuna sandwich with an order of onion rings
-Brownies from Rob's package, Kelly's package, and Santa's package.
-Half of Santa's salmon she had for dinner, veggie brioche, Caesar salad, crab cake appetizer, yogurt covered pretzels, a soft serve ice cream....
I guess I am full hehehehehe
Went to a great restaurant in the town of Stanley called The Jordan Hill Farmhouse…mmmmmmmmm
Had an interesting night after doing laundry...boy that was fun...
Santa, Paula, and I came back to the hotel they proceeded to attempt to put my hair in dreadlocks....yes, I said dreadlocks..... Well...they used quite a bit of wax that Paula's hair dresser, Michael, sent for me, but it was no use...Mom you can breathe again....my hair was just not made for dreads...It washed out just fine, but it was about the hardest the three of us have laughed in a very long time.
Looks like we are going to Harper's Ferry tomorrow to go sightseeing....we may also drop of some trail magic on the way.....
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Virginia
Day 62: 5/13/00
Today's Miles: 0
Total A.T. Miles: 929.3
I am grateful for the company of Paula and Santa all day today!
A day like no other in the last two months. Actually slept in past 6:30 for the first time in 61 days. Slept till 8!!! Went to the P.O. to pick up my mail drop then to lunch at a really cool place in Luray called "A Moment to Remember" Great food! Then on to the Super Walmart to buy Moon Pies, Nutty Bars, Brownies, Fruit Snacks, Apples, and Oranges for 5 trailside acts of magic. It was so much fun bagging up all the goodies and driving through the mountains dropping them off at various locations. After dropping them off we headed for Harper's Ferry. On the way there the National Weather Service came on the radio multiple times with severe thunderstorm warnings with dangerous hail and winds. We drove right through hard rain and incredible thunder and lightning, but no hail. The weather was beautiful in Harper's Ferry. We looked around the town at the many buildings left from the 1700's...amazing history. Also stopped by the outfitters to get a new bottle of fuel for my stove.
Now we are driving home and the radio keeps interrupting with warnings of severe rain, hail the size of golf balls, flooding, and even tornadoes. The weather is just to the east of us and we can see the chaos out there. Most of the weather originated in the mountains that I would be in if I had not stopped for these 3 days and now it's over the area that we drove through on the way to Harper's Ferry.
I've had a little trouble being in a car. Even at the speed limit it seems like we are diving at very unsafe speeds. After two months at 2 1/2 miles per hour....60 MPH seems a little extreme to me.
What's that? Time for another meal...hmmmm ok...Dinner time...
P.S. At the Super Walmart I weighed myself and I weighed in at 150...yep...that's right...Buck Fifty Boy is back.....hehehe....Lower body is bigger than ever...upper body....well....it's gotten me 900 miles...right?...hehehehe
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Virginia
Day 63: 5/14/00
Today's Miles: 0
Total A.T. Miles: 923.9
I am grateful popcorn with lots of butter on it. hehehehe
Relaxing day....Breakfast, then a drive to Harrisonburg for a movie. Saw Erin Brokovich. It was a good movie about setting a personal goal and seeing it through. Quite appropriate. It's a true story and I highly recommend it!!! Driving back to the hotel for some more R&R.
10:00 P.M.
Great Italian diner....can't believe the few days has gone so fast...Knew it would....ready to hit the trail, get out of Virginia, and hit 1000 miles. It will be tough to say goodbye to Paula tomorrow, but she will be back in 6 weeks...
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Virginia
Day 64: 5/15/00
Today's Miles: 22.3
Total A.T. Miles: 946.2
I am grateful for the time that I was able to spend with my wife.
Lethargic day today...My body felt well rested and the only thing that hurt were my feet from breaking in the new boots, but I felt out of it most of the day. Breaking in the new boots was a pain in the ass. I’ve already got some pretty good hot spots on my heals. Moleskin and duct tape tomorrow.
It was very hard saying goodbye again to Paula. I love my adventure, but I miss her terribly at times. As the day went on I felt better and better. It's odd to think that Paula is just 60 miles from here in D.C right now. So close and yet sooooooo far.
I am camped at a small one person camp site with my very own spring. I got here as the sun was setting and had to eat in the dark....not so bad. I met some vacationers on the trail today and also met No Whey. She is from Boston but has been living in S.F. for the last three years. Hiked on and off with her during the day. Stopped at a shelter 6 miles back and met 4 section hikers that proceeded to tell me how awful Pennsylvania will be for me. Rocks, rocks, rocks.....Oh well.....just gotta get the boots broken in by then....Two 21 mile days the next two days...should be able to take my time a little more....yea....Cold front came in today...no humidity and it's supposed to be in the high 30's tonight...burrrrr.
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Virginia
Day 65: 5/16/00
Today's Miles: 20.8
Total A.T. Miles: 967.0
I am grateful that my trail magic benefited so many people.
Good day...aren't they all? Hiked the 2 miles to the shelter this morning and used the privy. When I arrived who did I find? No...not Sparky! The MOB and some other hikers that I hadn't met yet. I hung out for about half an hour to catch up on trail talk, then headed back out on the trail ahead of all the hikers that stayed at that shelter. A few minutes later Commodore caught up to me just in time to find about 12 sodas floating in a spring. Ahhhhh trail magic. We hiked together for about 30 minutes then I set off on my own when Commodore stopped to talk to a section hiker. About two hours later I stopped at a shelter to read the register and see where Snoopy is. (He is 10 miles in front of me with a sore left foot.) There I met Vegas....who is from…you guessed it, Vegas. I hiked on and stopped for lunch at a creek where Commodore had stopped. We ate together and hiked the next 8.5 miles together. He is an Attorney, one of many on the trail. He has decided to get off for good in Harper’s Ferry because, "It just isn't fun anymore." He is a great guy and I enjoyed his company. Stopped at 4 P.M. today, because I could, at a shelter for the night. I haven't stopped this early in weeks. The two of us were the first at a shelter that promises to be full.
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Virginia
Day 66: 5/17/00
Today's Miles: 17.5
Total A.T. Miles: 984.5
I am grateful for the two amazing hostels that I spent time at today.
Wow....a great day today!! One of the best on the trail. Today's section of the trail was called "The Rollercoaster". There were 11 500 foot climbs over the 18 mile period. The climbs were some of the hardest of the last 3 weeks. The hiking was great. I hiked with Commodore all day and talked about everything from racism to the FBI to insurance fraud. The miles went by in no time.
At 12 we stopped at Bear's Den Hostel. This place looks like a castle!! It's a 26 bunk hostel. It sits on 180 acres of beautiful land. A doctor from D.C. married an opera singer who wanted a chalet built. Hence the hostel, that was later purchased by the PATC.
The PATC center I'm at was built in 1907. It's on 97 acres and was bought by the PATC in 1981. In the past five years they have put the kitchen in the back, raised the roof six feet to make room bunkhouses upstairs. The rent out the bunks and use them for inner city kids, leave no trace kids, outreach groups, etc... Just sitting here with Bob who is the caretaker of this facility. He is sharing the history of this place as well as the area.
I'm also sitting here with Segway, Mike (of The Four Dutchmen), and Commodore. The other three Dutchmen are not here yet. I have been traveling with them off and on for a couple days. Two of them are brothers and the other two are cousins. They are Mennonite farmers from PA. I have learned a lot about Mennonites (who are similar to the Amish). This hiking thing is easy work for them seeing as though they have worked on a farm for years and years. Very interesting people.
Tomorrow I head 12 miles into Harper's Ferry and then out of town. Miles are flying by and the next 125 miles or so are suppose to be relatively easy. The PA rocks start there, in Port Clinton. So the goal is to do bigger miles till there and then slow down a bit. That's the plan as of now at least...hehehehe
Hello to everyone at A.C. and to especially to room 9. I miss you all and think about you a lot.
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Day 26: 4/7/00
Today's Miles: 11.1
Total A.T. Miles: 337.8
I am grateful for Miss Janet because she seems to show up any time she is needed.
Got out of camp at 7:40 a.m. and hiked beautiful Hemlock strewn trails till 12:11 p.m. when we stepped off the trail and 60 feet later we were at the Nolichucky Hostel. Johnny, the owner, gave us towels to get clean before checking in...smart man...hehehe
I got showered, got my maildrop and choose the cabin over the bunkhouse for $2.50 more. The cabin has three bunks for Snoopy, Stone, and myself. By the way, I had stated the Snoopy was 58..he is actually a young spry 56. And you would never believe he was that old.
As soon as we got into our cabin Miss Janet told us she was going to town if we wanted a ride. Miss Janet runs into town for Johnny and give rides to hikers for a donation. We quickly got into the station wagon and headed into the town of Erwin. Erwin is spread out over 8 miles…not a friendly walking town. Miss Janet dropped us off at the far end of the 8 mile town at the Pizza Hut. We walked in at 1:28 p.m., just in time for the 1:30 p.m. end of the all you can eat buffet. Yes we pigged out...for over an hour we inhaled salad, pizza, and pink lemonade. Went to the dollar store and picked up 3 candy bars for $1 and then to the grocery for my weekly hunk of cheese. Started walking toward the middle of the town with our thumbs out and who should drive by??? Miss Janet...she quickly picked us up and gave us a ride to the middle part of town where we went to the library and the pharmacy. We then walked into the groovy Erwin Burrito Company filled with Bob Marley music...everything's irie maaaaaannnn. What? Time to eat again? Ok...Give me a large cheese quesadilla and a coke...mmmmmm. Right now sitting in the window on a stool watching traffic go by eating and sipping my Coke....mmmmm. Stone Man just commented to me that "This is the best burrito I've ever eaten!!" While sitting here Miss Janet walked in and asked if we needed a ride back. Snoopy said he would go back so now Stone and I are the Two Amigos for a while. Till later...
P.S. The news around town...The biggest snow storm in years that should hit tonight and tomorrow. It's 70 degrees today...go figure....
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Tennessee
Day 27: 4/8/00
Today's Miles: 0
Total A.T. Miles: 337.8
I am grateful for heaters.
Well, waking up this morning was cold and wet. Yesterday it was in the high 70s and today the temperature has dropped into the 30s. The 30s is on the valley floor. In the mountains the temperature is more like the teens. The weather service is calling for accumulations of 5-10 inches of snow in the elevations which begin only a few miles outside the Nolichucky Hostel.
So what did I decide to do? The only sensible thing! I am taking an additional day off and waiting for the better weather that is predicted for tomorrow. With 5 months out here, what is one more down day to stay safe from the dangerous weather? So does this greatly effect my schedule? YES!! Since I have an upcoming maildrop in Damascus on a Saturday, I now have to bust ass to get to Damascus before the P.O. closes. Here is my schedule for this coming week:
Sun-16.4 miles
Mon-14 miles
Tue-14.6 miles
Wed-20.1 miles
Th-21.4 miles
Fr-19.2 miles
Sat-10 miles before 10:30 when the P.O. closes
Should be rough. I was planning on taking a zero day in Damascus...I will have to see how my body feels to make that decision...
Went to an amazing free Bluegrass Festival tonight. It was in an old produce barn type building. There were 4 different bands playing all kinds of different instruments....Wow...incredible...Later in the night, an announcer told the crowd that a group of A.T. hikers were in the crowd and asked us to stand up. We were immediate celebrities...people were asking us questions and talking to us about our adventure. Rocky Top Tennessee was a crowd favorite and got most of the audience up and or clapping. What a great night...what an adventure...The snow is piling up in front of the door outside...should be interesting...
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Tennessee
Day 28: 4/9/00
Today's Miles: 16.4
Total A.T. Miles: 354.7
I am grateful for the beauty of snow.
Woke up to temperatures in the mid 20's and a clear sky. Snow covered the surrounding mountains...it was beautiful. Hiked out at 7:40 a.m. and began the 2 mile nearly flat mile hike towards the 2 mile 2000 foot ascent. Beautiful walking all day through patchy to 3 inch high snow. The trees were covered with snow and as the sun warmed the air, the trees dropped their water and small bombs of melting snow. Walked over Unaka Mountain today. It was amazing. The mountain was covered with fir trees as most of Maine is. It was a hint of things to come... All the trees were flocked in sparkling white snow...wow...this California guy was awe struck.
Sparky update....Got to Nolichucky Hostel the other day and put Sparky on a leash to get her into town. I don't think Sparky has ever been on a leash...She freaked out, got off the leash and took off. That was the last we saw of her. A day and a half in Erwin and we never saw her. We hiked 16.4 miles today. At mile 15, Sparky came running up the mountain towards us...Now she wasn't on the trail, she was just running up the mountain at us. Sparky is laying outside my tent right now...the Sparky saga continues....
Mike caught up with us tonight and has rejoined us. It sounds like he will probably be hiking with us till Damascus where he will take a couple days off with his parents. Nice to have him with us again.
Tomorrow we get to go over Roan Mountain...The highest mountain till I get to New Hampshire. I am planning on camping on the top and it should be mighty cold....
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Tennessee
Day 29: 4/10/00
Today's Miles: 21.2
Total A.T. Miles: 375.9
I am grateful for the barn that I am staying in tonight!
A much bigger day than I had planned. Roan Mountain was the hardest thing that I've had to climb since I got on the trail. 3,000 feet in three miles. Basically straight up. And to make matters a little more tricky, the trail was covered in snow, ice, or ankle deep mud from the melting snow and ice. It was a very hard climb, but when I reached the top I suddenly had a burst of energy. I had been told by Mike about a barn just off the trail that had been remodeled for a movie with Kurt Douglas. The barn is now a shelter for hikers. We started hiking at 9:00 A.M. and got to the barn at 8:30 P.M....long day...the 3 miles up Roan took forever.
The barn is amazing...There are two sleeping areas that look out into a valley and then up towards Yellow Mountain (this is where I am lying now). There is room for more hikers in a loft above me. It is very peaceful here. I can hear the river down below, a few Hoot Owls, and even some coyote howling in the distance.
The Sparky saga is over for tonight. There are 3-4 stray "trail dogs" on the trail and Sparky is just one of them. There are also some people with dogs hiking the trail that are in our bubble. All of these dogs together spell trouble. It's nice to be away from all the dogs. I only have 8 miles to do tomorrow to US 19 to meet Bev, my sister's long time friend who is bringing me a mail drop and a 12 pack of beer. I am camping at a shelter just .5 miles before the road. I plan to set up my tent and walk to the road to meet Bev by 2:30 P.M....Looking forward to a lazy morning around the barn. Mike and Rickoshey will be leaving early for a big mile day which will leave the barn to Snoopy, Stone Man, and myself...life is good...
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Tennessee/North Carolina
Day 30: 4/11/00
Today's Miles: 13.0
Total A.T. Miles: 388.9
I am grateful that I am over Roan Mountain.
Well, it's about 1:30 and I'm an hour early for my meeting with Bev here at Highway 19. Bev is a long-time friend of my sister, Lenore. They have been pen-pals since I think 1980. Snoopy and Stone Man just hitched a ride in under 5 minutes to the town of Roan Mountain. I will either meet them in town or back at the trail. Bev is bringing me a 12 pack of beer that the three of us will split when we get back to the trail. I think we will then walk another 5-10 miles with our night lights so we have less than a 20 miles day into the next hostel. I plan to just stay the night there before doing two 20 mile days followed by a 10 mile morning to get me into the P.O. before it closes in Damascus. In only 3 more days I will put N.C. and T.N. behind me and I will enter my fourth state, Virginia. Virginia has more trail miles than any state...almost 500...I will be in Virginia for a mighty long time.
9:00 P.M.
So full from the Onion Ring-Mozzarella Stick-Fried Mushroom Appetizer, followed by the trip to the huge salad bar, followed by the Tuna Salad Sandwich with curly fries, all washed down with 4-5 Sprites...and the two quick beers before hitting the trail...made walking a little sketchy. Note to self....less fried food before hiking.
Met Bev's mom who made the drive up from Raleigh with Bev to see me. We drove to Boone, about 25 miles in about 30 minutes on curvy mountain roads...it takes me more than a day to hike that far!!! Went to a great restaurant for lunch an then drove back to the trail by way of the Blue Ridge Parkway...WOW...It was so beautiful...I can't wait till Shenandoah National Park...I really enjoyed my time with them.
The 4.3 miles here were hard on me. It started raining and got pretty dark....we couldn't find anywhere flat to camp so here we are camped right smack on the trail....no one will be by tonight and we get up so early that no one will be by before we pack up.
Sparky update…Hiked 6 miles past Sparky, and the other strays....and didn't see Sparky again last night or this morning, (during the night while we wee sleeping at the barn...oh yea...the barn was used for the 1988 movie “Winter People”...anyway...a basset hound came running up to the barn trying to jump on Stone Man...just whining. It quietly hung out till morning and then disappeared). In the van on the way back with Bev and her mom, I saw Zippidy walking back from town and who was following him??? Sparky and one of the other strays....Turns out Zip hitched into town and went into the store. When he came out of the store...who was at the door? Sparky and the other dog. No idea how they got the 5 miles into town or how they found Zip. Zippidy tried to hitch back to the trail but no one would pick up a hiker with two dogs...he walked back the 5 miles and that's when I saw Sparky following him. Who did Sparky follow from the highway?? Us....Where is he sleeping right now???? Outside my tent...
Sleeeeeeeppppppppyyyyy....zzzzz
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Tennessee
Day 31: 4/12/00
Today's Miles: 14.8
Total A.T. Miles: 403.7
I am grateful for ups and downs of the trail because I would not be able to appreciate the level days without those up and down days.
Today was very hard. The elevation profile showed a pretty level trail, but it only shows elevation changes of 50 feet or more. Hence the 49 foot rule. The trail can go up or down 49 feet without ever showing up on the maps. Today was a 49 foot day. A roller coaster ride all day long. The trail was never level....never.
We got up at 7:30 and hiked till 3:30. And here we are at the Laurel Creek Lodge. What a place!!! For $12 I get a small cabin with bunks for Snoopy, Stone, and myself. The payment includes a shower and free use of either of the two hot tubs...Yes, hot tubs...Wow they felt great!!! Took a shower, did my laundry, got in the hot tub, took another shower, and then made a gourmet pasta meal in the hikers kitchen...real stove, pots, pans, and silverware. Going to go do some writing and then get some rest. 21 miles tomorrow...
Sparky update...She us here at the lodge, hanging out with everybody else’s dog....will she hike out with us???? hmmmmm
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Tennessee
Day 32: 4/13/00
Today's Miles: 0
Total A.T. Miles: 403.7
I am grateful my new backpack because my shoulder pain will stop when using it.
Decided to take my zero day here rather than in Damascus. It is cold and raining and I love the place that I am in so I said to myself, "Self...follow your gut feeling." That feeling told me to get a ride to Damascus and pick up all 4 of my boxes so that I wouldn't have to mess with the P.O. hours. So...Jimmy drove Stone, Snoopy, and I to Damascus. It took one hour. It will take 3 days to hike there starting tomorrow. The drive was the most terrifying automobile experience of my life…and yes, I have ridden with Rob Melvin...heheheh This man, in his 60s, had trouble staying on the road in the 4-Runner that he was driving. We repeatedly asked him to slow down and to watch the road better. Mountain roads, too much speed, an older man with slower reflexes, all equal possible disaster!!! I do feel very lucky to be able to type this entry to you at this time.
Got to Damascus and picked up 3 of 4 packages...they did not have the fourth...the fourth was the most important…my change out backpack built from parts of my wife’s pack and parts of my friend Mike's pack. Got to the outfitter to drop off the packages and the phone rang. The P.O. was on the other end telling the store owner that they had found my fourth package...yippppeeee. Went back to the P.O. and brought my pack back to the lodge. (We were driven back by Dennis the owner of the Laurel Creek Lodge...some of the friendliest people on the trail.) I worked on my pack and it actually feels like a backpack. The same weight feels like 10-15 pounds less. I am so excited!!! I will be ready to hit the trail tomorrow...Yipppppppeeeeeee!
Gonna do some major eating today before I use the Hot Tub. Don't tell my mom, but I have lost 15 lbs.....hehehehe
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Tennessee
Day 33: 4/14/00
Today's Miles: 28.8
Total A.T. Miles: 432.5
I am grateful for the moon because it lit up my hike tonight.
Very tired....Hiked from 8:00A.M. to 10:00P.M....The last 2 hours or so were by moonlight. This morning started out with a beautiful sunny sky. Dennis drove us the .4 miles to the trailhead and we set out into Laurel Fork George...wow...amazing...waterfalls, bridges, rock walls, and it was soooo green. Took many pictures. The trail then climbed up 2200 feet to Pond Flats before dropping down to the other side and to the shores of Watuga Lake. The Tennessee Valley Authority built this lake in the 30s. It’s over 900 feet long and 318 feet deep. The dam is an earthen dam which means it's made entirely of rock and dirt. Quite a site.
At 4:30 we got to the Vandaventer Shelter...17 miles in...Snoopy decided to call it a day (as it started to rain) while Stone and I continued to Iron Mountain Shelter for an hour long dinner...24 miles...after eating we set back out on the trail wanting to see how far we would get (IT WAS 51 MILES FROM THE START OF THE DAY TO DAMASCUS)...we got 4 .8 more miles before deciding that we were both very tired and should call it quits. Only 21 miles to Damascus tomorrow.....easssssssyyyyy day...hehehehe
Sparky update...since Dennis took us to the trailhead, Sparky did not get to follow....she is not with us anymore...But don't count her out!!!
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Virginia
Day 34: 4/15/00
Today's Miles: 21.8
Total A.T. Miles: 454.3
I am grateful for meeting new people like Mike's parents.
We did the crazy two days....51 miles over two days...wow....at this rate I could be done sooner than I thought. Woke up to Sunny Days (Thru-Hiker from years back) who was dropping off Sargent for a slack pack for the day. Sunny Days had a soda for Stone and I. After the caffeine rush, we set out for another big day. We hiked from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and managed to stay out of the rain most of the day. Wild flowers are getting abundant on the lower slopes.
Crossed the Virginia boarder today and I am finally out of TN and NC. Virginia is the longest trail state with over 500 miles of A.T. I would like to dedicate my crossing into Virginia to the most important piece of my puzzle, my wife, Paula. Without Paula's love, support, and belief in me and my dreams, I might not be here today. Thank you Paula, you're the best!!!
Got to Damascus and went to the outfitter to pick up my drop, bounce, and cookie box. Went to the Hostel (The Place-a hostel run by the city church) and unpacked before a nice hot shower. It’s a $3 donation to stay here and get use of the shower. The hostel is basically a gutted Victorian with bunks in all the rooms.
Right to dinner after the shower with Northwind (an 18 year old hiker from Maine) and Stone Man. Started with all you can eat Salad Bar, followed by an amazing calzone, then a baked potato, and all washed down with about 10 glasses of lemonade. Mike and his parents came in to the restaurant about half way through and joined us. Mike is taking a couple days off the trail to spend with his parents. It was neat to meet them since they have been following my journal pretty closely. Mike's mom had made brownies for us and after dinner we ate them for dessert with a pint of Ben and Jerry's for each of us. MMMMM....Gotta gain some weight!!
As I type there is a banjo being played in another room by a hiker and another hiker is singing some bluegrass....lots of culture...lots of fun!!!
Gonna try to hike out tomorrow to get a head start on Mount Rogers, the last big range I will hike over till New Hampshire...Looking forward to getting the high and colder stuff over....Till next time....Adios.
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Virginia
Day 35: 4/16/00
Today's Miles: 0
Total A.T. Miles: 454.3
I am grateful for zero days because they enable the mind and body to rest and heal.
Weather was nice today and I actually decided to take a zero day and soak up the sunshine. All other zero days have been on bad weather days and today I sat on the grass at The Place. Snoopy caught up to us today...great to see him again...I really missed him. We have been hiking together so long, things seemed out of place without him.
Did laundry early this morning while eating breakfast at Cowboys. Cowboys is the only restaurant open on Sunday mornings in the buckle of the bible belt that we are now hiking through. Cowboys is actually an Exxon Station that has a breakfast and lunch menu. Yes...an Exxon station.
Went to the outfitters a few times today to send a couple boxes out and pick up a couple quick things. Other than that I have been relaxing more than any other zero day yet....Big miles planned for the next couple weeks...I would like to maybe start making up some of those "lost" days...maybe...we'll see...
Hiking out early tomorrow...see y’all in 4-5 days...
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Virginia
Day 36: 4/17/00
Today's Miles: 21.4
Total A.T. Miles: 475.7
I am grateful that I don't have to sit on mountain in a thunderstorm everyday!
Here's the deal...I am on Whitetop Mountain at about 5300 feet at 6:50 P.M. I am in the middle of an amazing lighting/thunder storm. My tent lights up every few minutes and the sky yells out in anger. It is not safe to be here. It is not safe to move on. Snoopy and I have no choice but to hunker down in our tents and hope that we are not a statistic tomorrow.
The rain is coming down so hard at times, that I think it's going to rip a hole in my tent. Why am a here you ask? hmmmm...Let me start from the beginning....Last night there were sirens all night. We had no idea what they were about, and I still don't know for sure. Woke up to a crystal clear sky and heard through the grapevine that a convict escaped in the mountains and all authorities were looking. Hmmmm
Left town with Snoopy(Stone had to wait for the P.O. to open for a drop) at about 8. For the first couple hours hiking was normal....then we started seeing a helicopter every 30 minutes or so flying low and appearing to be looking for something. Great...now we lost Sparky finally and may gain a convict?
About 10:30 a.m. the first thunderstorm hit. We were at a low elevation and kept hiking through the rain. No lighting came near us cause we were so low. About 30 minutes into the storm the sun came out and dried our raingearless wet clothes. About 1:30 the exact same thing happened again at low elevation. So...at 4:00 we started climbing our last high mountain till New Hampshire. At 4:45 it hit...we were already 2000 feet up and could see the storm coming right at us. We found a large rock and decided to take cover under it till the danger of lightning blew over. The storm hit with a bang....lighting everywhere!! After about 30 minutes under the rock it sounded like the storm had moved over us. We came out to a clouded over mountain. We couldn't see more than 30 yards in any direction. We began hiking towards the top of the mountain that appeared to be out of the center of the storm. The rain grew harder and the wind blew hard enough to make it very difficult to walk. With our rain gear in our packs we grew colder and colder. We got to a spring and road at the same time that the lighting, rain, and wind became very dangerous. We had not choice but to set up our tents. The gusting wind and our now numb fingers made it.....well...hard as hell.
Finally got in the tent, changed clothes, and here I sit...Dreamer...sitting duck...hoping the lighting that is now directly overhead, decides to hit anything other than these two tents.
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Virginia
Day 37: 4/18/00
Today's Miles: 11.8
Total A.T. Miles: 487.3
I am grateful for the tough days like today, because they make the easier days seem so great.
9:54 A.M. The lightening didn't get me but the torrential rains that have been falling for about 16 hours now may. Lots of water in the form of condensation in my tent. I have whipped it up numerous times last night and today. I am dry. My sleeping bag is dry. And my clothes, other than yesterday's outfit, are dry. Snoopy's weather radio says the rain should stop later this morning. We are holding tight looking for a break. Packing up now would mean an immediate soaking. Since we have very little up hill to do today, it will be very hard to stay warm if we are wet....safety first...more later....
11:10 A.M. Stone and Northwind just walked up to our tent...They said of the 40 or so hikers at The Place yesterday, we were the only four that walked out of town. They said the news was calling for very strong storms in the mountains with possible flooding, hail, and very high winds (I can verify that the weather service was right on track this time!). All hikers decided to take an extra day off due to the weather...Snoopy and I never heard that report, we left town too early.
Northwind and Stone are headed for a shelter about 18 miles from here. There is also a shelter at the 7 mile mark. We have decided to leave at 12...if we choose the 18 mile shelter that should get us in at about 8 tonight....late day, but if the weather gets better (which it hasn't yet) it will be well worth it....till later.
7:25 P.M. We are at the Wise Shelter in Grayson Highlands State Park tonight. The shelter is large enough to hold about 8, but there are only four of us here tonight. Snoopy, myself, Eagle Eye, and Grizzly. The rain fell for about the first two hours as we walked today and then it turned into a soupy mist for the remainder of the day. Mount Rogers was not a very hard climb, but the trail was a river in some area and a lake in others. We then entered Grayson Highlands, home of the many wild ponies. The fog broke a couple times and we did see 5 or 6 beautiful ponies. We decided to stop at Wise Shelter because 1. There was room; 2. We were very cold and wet; and 3. It is a very nice shelter.
With averaging about 20 miles per day we should be in Pearisburg next Monday. That is two days faster than my schedule says, so I will make up 2 of my 3 days that I am "behind schedule." Virginia Rocks!!! The trail, bridges, and signs, are the best yet. Tomorrow I hit the 500 mark.....wow...
Found out from Grizzly what all the sirens in Damascus were. A man shot his wife, then a cop, then fled into the mountains. The helicopter we saw many times yesterday was searching for him. They did catch him later in the day...Life is NEVER dull on the A.T....
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Virginia
Day 38: 4/19/00
Today's Miles: 27.2
Total A.T. Miles: 514.5
I am grateful for sunsets, because they always bring a smile to my face.
Great day today!! I feel stronger than ever. The uphills are great! The downhills pound on my feet and knees. Woke up to a crystal clear sky. But, that changed fast! Within the first 30 minutes I was walking through soupy clouds again. I completely missed Grayson Highlands. I hear it's a 50/50 chance that there will be sun in the park. Grayson Highlands will be the first place I hit when I come back. Yes, I said come back! What I would really like to do is to take my yearly summer trip with my wife here. I would like to share with her my favorite parts of the trip as well as hit ones that I may have missed (like the Highlands). I would also like to give back some of the magic that has been bestowed upon me during this first 1/4 of my trip.
About 1 P.M., after leaving Grayson, the sun broke through for the rest of the day and evening. It was a beautiful day and so nice to see the sun again. Stopped at a creek in the sun to pump some water and have some lunch, then hiked to the 20 mile mark and stopped at a shelter to have dinner and dry out all of our gear from the rain storm two days ago. We tied a rope to two trees and hung EVERYTHING!! In 1 1/2 hours all chores were done and we were back on the trail for more miles. Got a little over 7 more miles in before the sun started setting and we found a place to pitch our tents for the night. Into Atkins tomorrow for our mail drops and maybe a stay at the cheapo hotel.
Last night at the shelter, saw 4 white tailed deer and a bunny. More wildlife in the past 24 hours than in the last month....
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Virginia
Day 39: 4/20/00
Today's Miles: 15.8
Total A.T. Miles: 530.3
I am grateful for times when the trail comes out onto the road with a shower!
Today was a pretty easy day almost all downhill but very rocky!! Stopped at the Village Motel for my mail drop, a shower and a bed. Ahhhhh a shower...All else is just not important. Staying in a room with North, Stone, and Snoopy...Cheap with 4 people. Also did laundry...As the weather warms up the clothes get smellier. Big days planed with some full moon hiking planned over the next few days. May or may not take a zero day in Pearisburg. Thinking about maybe taking one in the mountains on a nice sunny day. Nap, read, nap some more. Paula, my wife, comes in 22 days to pull me off the trail in Shenandoah. Yea...can't wait...
Had a cheapo dinner tonight at the Village Restaurant, connected to the hotel. $4 Salmon Cakes, (came with a salad mmm...and a basket of about 50 packages of crackers...that I ate most of), $1 large side order of fries, and a $.75 chocolate ice cream cone to go. Mmmmmmm... The best $5.75 meal yet!!!! The restaurant looked a little like Mt. Rogers the other day. The room was filled with a soupy fog made of cigarette smoke....
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Virginia
Day 40: 4/21/00
Today's Miles: 12.2
Total A.T. Miles: 542.5
I am grateful for the Ceres Ruritan Club picnic gazebo.
Tonight we are camped under a picnic gazebo which has these rules posted:
HIKERS!!!!!!!
1. Do not sit, walk, or sleep on the tables.
2. Do not walk on benches.
3. Clean up when you leave.
We are sleeping on the ground, which in my opinion breaks none of the above rules. Short day today.... Snoopy took off about 7:30 a.m., the rest of us didn't feel very inspired. We didn't leave until we were asked to at 11:02, 2 minutes after checkout time. We started off really slowly and sped up as the rainy day went on. Looks like I will only get one day knocked out instead of two....
Okay we are in our bags at 7:10 staying warm and hoping that no cars decide to stop and harass us....here is what we are discussing as we lay here...
What are some things you won't hear in the south…
-Alcohol and guns don't mix son.
-No grits, thanks.
-Those tires are too big.
-That looks like enough barbed wire.
-I need a new muffler.
-That looks like too much lard, Sally.
-Let's play chess instead of getting’ drunk and shootin' road signs.
Just some hiker trash humor. Have I mentioned that we are known as hiker trash? Well... most regular folk see us as dirty, smelly walking things that should stay in the woods... hmmmm...wonder what they thought as they heard Northwind singing 60s and 70s tunes for hours on end in the woods today...(Steve, this guy would give you a run for your money and he's only 18).
Gonna stop in the town of Bastian on Sunday were a fella there usually is tearing up the neighborhood on his fiddle. It's a 2 mile hitch into town for the "show" and a stop at the market for an extra day of food since we are a day slower with our short day today. Hoping that it clears up tonight so that we can get up and start hiking at about 3:00 A.M....The moon was full last night and it would be great to watch the sunrise on Chestnut Mountain...
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Virginia
Day 41: 4/22/00
Today's Miles: 20.9
Total A.T. Miles: 563.4
I am grateful for the fact that I sent my winter clothes home a day before an ice storm. hehehehe
Today's weather was a colllllllld wild ice storm atop of Chestnut Mountain. A climb to 4500 proved to be cold and windy. Yes, I sent my winter clothes home yesterday with the hope that winter was over...hmmmmm…I guess I was wrong. We descended later in the day to 2000 feet and are here in a warm cozy shelter with Grizzly and Eagle Eye. Shelters are o.k. when they aren't full to capacity and the mice aren't on a rampage.
Sleep last night was at a minimum. Most of the night was spent watching locals pull into the lot in front of the gazebo. They would pull in and sit with either an idling engine, or by turning off their engine. After watching us for a few minutes they would pull out and drive away slowly. Think they were just checking us out or trying to scare us away.
Gonna skip Bastain and hike a couple 23 mile days followed by a 9 miler into Pearisburg.
Got calls to make to North Face and Vasque in Pearisburg as well as some time spent at the Super WalMart. Hopefully the weather will get better....
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Virginia
Day 42: 4/23/00
Today's Miles: 26.1
Total A.T. Miles: 589.5
I am grateful for trail magic!!!
Today was a beautiful day!!! Waterboy caught us last night and stayed in the shelter. He was planning an enormous day today!! My day started with a climb up Brushy Mtn. #1. We climbed 3 Brushy Mtn.'s today and will climb a fourth tomorrow. After the first Brushy Mountain we had the choice of taking the High Water Trail (Blue Blaze) or the actual A.T. I seriously considered blue blazing because the lower trail crossed the creek over 15 times with no bridge! For those of you who know me, I don't do well with creek crossings. Well I chose the lower trail and I gained more self confidence from the challenge than I would have imagined. I crossed all 15 times on rocks, logs, and sticks with not one slip or fall into the water. I was alone because Stone and North left a little before me. No wet feet! Yea me!!!
Took 3 extended breaks today because the weather was so great. Each break was about 30 minutes and we still did the 26 miles from 7:40-5:30.
Trail magic anyone??? Well, about halfway through our day we found a cooler with a note. Billboard's (fellow hiker) mother left the cooler full of Apples and Easter chocolate. We were the first to find the cooler and boy it was terrific!
Here's the plan...got the alarm set for 2:30 A.M. and I am planning on walking 30.1 miles into Pearisburg by 3-4 tomorrow afternoon. If I make it I will take a zero day the next day. Wish me luck!!!
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Virginia
Day 43: 4/24/00
Today's Miles: 29.8
Total A.T. Miles: 618.3
I am grateful that today is over and I am not walking right now.
Well, got up at 2:00 A.M. and on the trail by 2:30 A.M. Hiked in the dark by the moonlight with Stone Man and watched the sunrise later in the morning. Walked through something that smelled like honeysuckle this morning and the sweet smell filled the air for what seemed like hours. It didn't start raining until 10:30. It rained off and on for the next 6 or so hours. What a day! I felt great until the last 3 miles. They were some of the hardest miles of the trip. Hiked into Pearisburg down a 2000 foot decline in the pouring rain! Met up with Mo' Miles (the hiker formally known as Potusa, Water Boy, or just Mike) at about 9:00 and hiked on and off with him all day. Staying in a hotel with Stone and Mo' Miles and taking a zero day tomorrow. The mountains and city we are in are supposed to get 3 inches of rain tonight. Good night to have a roof and a bed. Gonna get some rest...what a day....life is still great on the A.T....
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Virginia
Day 44: 4/25/00
Today's Miles: 0
Total A.T. Miles: 618.3
I am grateful for the weather channel because it helps me prepare for the ongoing rain.
Zero days are exhausting!!! Errands, errands, errands. I did raid the RiteAid of quite a bit of their 50% off Easter candy…hehehehe
Spent some time at the library today on the internet getting some gear information, made a ton of phone calls, tried to eat as much as possible, cleaned all my mud covered gear off, and tried to get some rest. This entry will be short so I can get some more. I will be slowing down a little over the next 2 1/2 weeks so that I meet up with Paula in the spot that we planned within the Shenandoah National Park. I will have days between 21 miles and 13 miles between now and then so that I end up at nice campsites. Weather Channel says some rain, some shine over the next week. Some shine is better than no shine!!! Yippeeee the California kid may see a little sun yet....
Funny Story...
At the Post Office yesterday I stepped out for a minute and left Stone Man sitting on his mail drop box behind a table. The woman behind the counter couldn't see Stone when she said to another P.O. worker who could see Stone, "Boy, those guys stink!!" The P.O. worker that could see Stone looked over at him and replied to her co-worker, "They sure do!" Hey...I know we stink, that's one of the pieces of the puzzle.
The moral of this story is that next time you come across a "smelly person" don't place immediate judgement. He/She may just may be a 4th grade teacher out on an adventure of a lifetime taking literally hundreds of people with him/her via the internet.
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Virginia
Day 45: 4/26/00
Today's Miles: 24.5
Total A.T. Miles: 642.8
I am grateful for the wonderful things that I can't take pictures of.
Today was a painful day. Leaving town was difficult, as it always is. Laying in bed watching the weather channel update one more time, with a piece of fruit, dry, warm, clean....it's hard to put the pack on and get motivated to walk. To make matters even tougher, the first 30 minutes were road walks on highways that were under noisy, dirty construction. And yes, don't forget that all towns are built about 1500 feet under the elevation that we walk at…so...yup...you guessed it, we had to climb right back up to the higher elevation. Tough. And to top off the tough day, I have an injured foot. I think I must have hurt it coming down that never ending mountain into Pearisburg. I had a lot of pain today and Vitamin I, or Ibuprofen, did little to nothing for the pain. I hiked with Mo' Miles (Mike) today and we lived up to his name quite well, doing many more miles than we had planned.
There are some things I haven't mentioned or been able to take pictures of out here. They are some truly magical things.
Imagine a hillside of boulders covered in moss...the trail traverses over these rocks...as you walk over the rocks you can hear a soft trickle of water from underneath the rocks...an underground stream…there are many on the trail.
Imagine that same boulder field. You are walking from rock to rock, some the size of basketballs and some as big as your dining room table. As you step on a rock that is probably nearly 400 pounds, the rock shifts, startling you and sending a booming echo through the canyon.
Imagine a Ruffed Grouse, or Partridge as they call them in the north. You never see them, but you feel them. When they beat on their chest you feel it in your head. It was scary at first, and you thought you were very ill. But I am now used to the feeling of the partridge beating on it's chest.
Imagine the feeling of a cool breeze flowing up a mountain and cooling the heavy sweat pouring off your face as you are climbing a near vertical mountain.
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Virginia
Day 46: 4/27/00
Today's Miles: 20
Total A.T. Miles: 662.8
I am grateful for the days that I feel good, they balance out the days that I feel bad.
Today was one of the more difficult days that I have had in a while. I am having trouble with the foot and I was very weak today. I think that I may have been bitten by a spider. It is very sore. I am also not feeling well today. I have been eating more candy lately and I have not eaten any up till now. Most hikers eat a ton of candy on the trail for quick energy. I thought I would try some. Since I started, I have not been feeling very well. I am now off the candy. Hopefully that will help me feel better.
We had a very hard up at the end of the day. I thought this one might just do me in. We didn't get started till 9 again this morning...too late for me. We hiked till 7:30 to get our 20 in. A much earlier start is the plan for tomorrow.
The plan tomorrow...Hike past the Audie Murphy Monument...he was the most decorated soldier in WW2, and his single handed capture of a large number of German Soldiers made him a legend. He became an actor after the war and stared in many B-grade westerns. He died in 1971 in a plane crash near the monument spot. We will then continue our 21 mile hike to VA 624 and the Catawaba Grocery. We will walk the .3 miles to VA 31 and hitch to The Homeplace in Catawaba. They are a restaurant with a $9 AYCE meal (less for veg heads like me). Most hikers have said it's the best meal that they have had on the trail. After the meal we will hitch back and hopefully be able to camp next to the store...if not we will walk into the woods a bit and find a campsite.
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Virginia
Day 47: 4/28/00
Today's Miles: 21
Total A.T. Miles: 683.5
I am grateful for good cooking like the cooking at the Homeplace Restaurant.
Another hard day today...the funk is gone. I feel hungry and strong. But my foot got much worse today. For the first 5-6 miles I was feeling O.K., but once the downhills started I began to really suffer. It got so bad that I really didn't think I would make it to Catawaba for dinner. What a day...It started with a light rain on my tent about 5 A.M. that only lasted about 30 minutes and was dry before the beautiful sunrise began from the ridge we were camped upon. We packed up and hit the trail at 7:05. We descended a nice trail and somehow picked up three hunting dogs...we called them the alien dogs because they had small antennas around their necks. At the first shelter, we found an outdoor adventure group and tried to get the dogs to hook up with them. No luck!! The dogs stayed with us for the next 2 miles. We descended to a road and on the descent heard a truck engine start at the road. At the road a man got out of the truck, called the dogs, the dogs hopped into the back of the truck, he asked us if we were hiking all the way through, and got into his truck to wait for his 3rd dog to come out of the woods. No thank you or anything. The climb up to Audie Murphy was great. 1500 feet of some of the best graded trail I have seen. It was 3.8 miles to the top and it was all switchbacks. What a pleasure!!!! The down was what started the rough day. Massive pain in the foot made he descent very hard. The next up was a 1 mile 1000 foot climb as opposite as could be from the last climb. It was straight up!! It led to a ridge where it started raining. We sat down for some lunch and decided that the rain wasn't that bad after the last two days of beautiful sun. The only two days in a row we have had in weeks!
After lunch we started walking on the ridge towards Dragon's Tooth. My foot was really hurting by now. About 20 minutes into the walk I noticed I was getting very wet on the back of my shorts. I thought that my rain fly on my backpack must be dripping onto me. I kept walking. A few minutes later I was getting even wetter. I thought, "Oh shit...is my water bladder leaking in my pack.” I threw off my pack but it was too late. The bladder had leaked almost 2 full liters of water into the lower part of my backpack and then onto my shorts and legs. I was now in pain, wet, and furious!!!
I would now be wet for the next few hours. The climb up the Tooth was very hard but it was the climb down I was worried about. The Hiker's Companion warned that this was a very difficult section and should be avoided with wind and rain. It was now windy AND rainy!! The descent didn't let me down. It was hand over hand at places and very slippery. Nothing but rock. A dangerous, wet, painful walk. Are we having fun yet?? hmmmmm....
Ok...now I am off the mountain…walking the .3 and then .1 to the Grocery. I am standing in the rain trying to hitch a ride into town. I don't look that scary!!! Pick me up!! Ok I am now lunging myself into the back of a pickup truck and my foot is killing me. I hope this guy slows down!! And I wish it would stop raining. The driver took us right to the Homeplace Restaurant. The Hiker's Companion says that even though this restaurant is fancy, they "like having hikers...it creates ambiance."
The meal was AYCE. Your table decided on ham or roast beef. The meat eaters had roast beef. There was a plate of fried chicken, green beans, mashed potatoes, gravy, coleslaw, beans, the most amazing hot biscuits ever, spinach, ice tea, and lemonade. Every time a plate was getting low, the waitress would bring another. Two hours into our meal we were ready for our bottomless bowls of ice cream. Wow...
And while we were eating, what did we get to watch while looking out of the window....Geese that were attacking cows when the cows got too close to the pond. It was hilarious!!! Right now I am typing from the porch of the Homeplace Restaurant. That's right, the owner lets hikers sleep in the 3 gazebos or on the porch...What a great end to a pretty rough and at times miserable day. Fingers are crossed for the foot. Doctor in Troutville in two days.
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Virginia
Day 48: 4/29/00
Today's Miles: 0
Total A.T. Miles: 683.5
I am grateful for kind people. They truly make the world a happy place.
No walking today. Couldn't sleep last night because the pain in my foot was so bad. Miles and North said they would not let me hike. Thank you friends!! Decided to hitch to the I-81 Interchange where my book said there was a med clinic I could visit. It was very hard watching North and Miles hitch back in the opposite direction on the way back to the trail. I knew I shouldn't walk any further today, but I so wanted to be back on the trail. Before they got their ride we made a reservation at the Best Western at the Interchange. They would walk the 25 miles there and I would hitch. As we were standing talking a car pulled up and a woman hopped out while the driver pulled away. She was excited to see hikers because she had hiked the A.T. in 1982 and the PCT in 1996. She was full of questions and very jealous of us!!! She asked what our plans were and I told her about my injury and my plan. She said she would be driving by in a while and if I hadn't gotten a ride she may be able to take me. I waited about 20 minutes and had only a few cars pass me. No one would stop. Then...here she came. She picked me up and we drove the 17 miles of backroads to the interchange. She was a very nice woman who went out of her way to provide some magic to my day. She dropped me off at the AAMCO Station (Gas) and I asked where the med clinic was. I started walking the .5 miles to the clinic and saw my magic giver drive back towards me on the other side of the highway and yell, "You left your money." She did a U-turn and gave me my ziplock with not only my money but also my ID, Credit Card, ATM card, and last phone card. Thanks again for the magic!!!!
Continued the highway walk (YICK) to the med clinic. Once I arrived at the clinic I was told not only do they not do x-rays on weekends, but they are not accepting new patients. In other words, NO HIKER TRASH!!!!!
Back to the Best Western to see if I can get into my room for tonight at 10 A.M. No such luck!! Back to the AAMACO station to use their pay phone. I called a man my book listed as a trail angel who would help hikers in the area who were in need. No answer!! Darn. Asked the guy working at the AAMCO station where the nearest hospital was. He told me Roanoke - 30 miles away!! He and another woman working at the station decided they would help me get to the hospital. After a few different tries they suggested that I call the Sheriff's office and ask for the Rescue Team. hmmmm...ok... The Sheriff's office was very nice and asked many questions before they told me that the Rescue Team would be right out to get me and take me to a hospital. The AAMCO station people told me that the Rescue Team were volunteers. 15 minutes and a half a bag of chips later, an ambulance with all its lights and sirens pulled into the AAMCO. hehehe. Yes, I did laugh a lot too. Two plain clothes people about my age (guy and girl) hopped out and put me in the back of the ambulance with the doors open. As I laid on the stretcher and they asked me a million questions and twisted and turned me, I watched hikers go back and forth across the busy highway. I giggled again. I was working hard to not be down and see the positive and or the comical.
The ambulance, thank god, didn't turn it's lights or sirens back on to take me the 30 minutes back to the hospital. I had a nice conversation with the EMT in the back about the trail, his family, my family, and travel. Oh, and Dad, it was a very smooth ride...hehehe. Got to the hospital and put my boots and ½ bag of chips on the gurney with me as they rolled me into this hospital set up for trauma...hehehehe
I then realized that one of those two volunteers would have to carry my backpack in...hehehehe
I was rolled into 1B and moved onto a new bed.
I felt a little bad that I was so dirty and smelly, but after all this is a trauma center in a city of 500,000 +. An intern came out from around the corner and said, "So...we got a bear bite do we?" And so the morning went. I joked and commented with hospital workers about everything from the trail, to my silly tan lines, to my % of body fat for the next hour or while I waited for my x-ray. My only worry at that point would be how I would get the 30 miles back to the Interchange.
Good news!!! No break, fracture, or sprain!!! Basically it's like carpal tunnel of the foot. It needs constant Vitamin I, rest and some strong pain pills. They will give me two of the three of those.
Just talked to an ER guy and asked how to get back to the Interchange. He is gonna make a couple calls for me. Seems to want to help. Virginia people have been so kind while I have been traveling though this state. Now...the waiting begins....
Yea...just got a hold of Delwood...the trail angel that helps out hikers. Apparently word had traveled about me and he not only knew about me, but had driving the streets of the Interchange looking for me and called the local hospitals. He said he was worried because he couldn't find me. Well, we found each other and he should be here in about 20 minutes to take me back to the Best Western. Yea!!! Things are going my way!!!
4:30 p.m. Doing Laundry between power outages...showered...got my mail drop...Going to get a ride from Delwood, my trail angel, back to Catawaba and the trail tomorrow. Delwood is a part-time trail angel who asks for nothing in exchange for the helping hand that he gives out to hikers. He has a hiker register in his car that has literally hundreds of hikers and their words of thanks to him. Delwood loves what he does and I love him for it. Thanks again Delwood!!!
Going to do a shorter day of 16 tomorrow and see how I feel....Life is goooooooddddd.
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Virginia
Day 49: 4/30/00
Today's Miles: 16.1
Total A.T. Miles: 699.6
I am grateful that I was able to walk 16 miles today. I wanted to walk more, but common sense kicked in.
Awesome continental breakfast at the Best Western. Bagels, English Muffins, Cereal, Fruit, Pastries, and tons of juice. Delwood picked me up at 8:30 and had me to the trail by 9. It was very nice hiking alone today. I saw many day hikers as the 25 mile section I am in is heavily used by hikers other than thru-hikers.
Spring has sprung! Over Dragon's Tooth I saw three rhododendron bushes with blooms on them. It's about a month early, but these plants just seemed to want to shine. Today I saw Columbines, Azalyas, Johnny Jump-Ups, and May Apples. The hike over McAfee Knob was beautiful!! Everything I expected and more. Awe inspiring views. The other climb of the day was up Tinker Cliffs. Huge boulders covered the cliff and formed amazing outcroppings. Many incredible views and pictures. Saw many lizards, a bright green snake, and a wild turkey.
The injury hurt, but never as bad as the other day. The Motrin is getting into my system and hopefully helping. Slowing down was the main thing that helped today. I figure I can walk decent miles if I start early and walk a little longer and slower. Decided to stop at the Lambert’s Meadow Shelter because when I stopped to read the journal, I met three thru-hikers who I ended up talking to for about 45 minutes. I decided not to walk the .3 more miles and tent. (Hikers can only camp in designated campsites in this 25 mile section).
Met Munch tonight at the shelter. I haven't caught him till now. He is notorious for writing poems in the registers. He has given me an old one for me to post...
"I write each day and try to say
the feelings in my head
sometimes I succeed with deed
as a thing that can be read
it's always true what I write to you
the emotion I feel inside
but it can be a part of me
my inner self I confide
now I don't lie but always try
to let my pen flow
sometimes it will and I write until
I simply let it go."
Thanks Munch....
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
April Journals
Virginia
Day 50: 5/1/00
Today's Miles: 9.4
Total A.T. Miles: 709.0
I am grateful for common sense. It told me to stop after 9 miles and rest and ice my injury.
Very relaxing night at the shelter. Saw many deer around the shelter last night and this morning. Munch inspired me to write some poetry...maybe I will post some. Read about a feisty black rat at the shelter that liked hiker gear...hmmmm I thought. When we all went to sleep our sandals were all right next to us (for those night time bathroom visits). When we woke up, all of our sandals were against the back wall of the shelter...hmmmm black rat huh??
Hiked by Stone Man today. He had hiked past the shelter I was in at midnight and camped a bit further. Great seeing him and catching up. He was still in his tent so I hiked on.
Got to Troutville (again!) went to the AAMCO station to thank the workers, got my mail drop at the Best Western and headed across the street to see if Snoopy was at the Econolodge. He was! I have missed hiking with Snoopy. Our pace, outlook, everything jives so well together. I am very happy to have caught him again. Taking the rest of the day to ice the injury and let it rest. Then tomorrow I need to try to average 21 miles per day to get to Waynesboro on the day that I would like to so that I can meet up with Mo’ Miles. Planing on walking longer but slower. I think that is truly the key to my health.
8:00 P.M. Great dinner and now sitting on the deck watching the storm roll in. Hittin’ the trail in the morn....
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Virginia
Day 51: 5/2/00
Today's Miles: 24.5
Total A.T. Miles: 733.5
I am grateful that I have remembered why I came out here.
I'm here to hike. Pure and simple. As I remember, that's what the bio on the web page says. Well, I think that I, as well as many people out here, got caught up in the race. We forgot to stop and smell the flowers. Well, I smelled some flowers today! I hiked at a decent pace of about 2 1/2 miles per hour today. Not the speed hiking that I was doing. Snoopy and I have a very comparable pace and I am very glad to be back hiking with him. We have so much fun together. Now, the others we have been hiking with are in front of us and it's fun to read their entries. Stone and Mo' Miles are only 8 miles in front of us tonight.
We did big miles today. But, we did them at a decent pace. For that reason I feel pretty good. The left foot feels the best it's felt in a week. I am convinced it is because I iced it most of the day yesterday. But....now the right foot is beginning to get the same pain. I remember how it started in my left foot and now that same pain is starting in the right foot. It's probably because I am favoring the right foot and putting more weight on it. Oh well...I know what it is and I know it will get better with slower miles.
Big event of the day....We hit the Blue Ridge Parkway today. We walk above, below, or next to it for the next 200 miles or so. I don't mind being close to THIS road. Very few cars are on it and the cars that are on it, are out here for the beauty. No trucks!!!! Many wildflowers today...May Apples, Wild Strawberries mmmm, Wild Blueberries…not ripe yet boooo, some Rhododendrons, many Azaleas, Magnolias, and more. The smell in the air was so sweet all day long. Yes, the bubble boy could smell them!!
Tonight we walked a few extra miles because a southbound section hiker told us that this shelter was empty. EMPTY!!! Shelters are rarely empty so when they are I must take advantage of it. As I lay here typing and the light is fading after a beautiful sunset, I hear mice all over and under the shelter. Should be an interesting night.....hmmmm inspiring...
Mice
Here little mouse, here little mouse,
after all this really is his house.
All he wants is just a little crumb,
but instead I feel him on my thumb.
As I feel him I throw my arm,
I hope caused him little harm.
All this mouse wants is to survive,
I wonder how long he'll be alive.
If other hikers have it their way,
that little mouse won’t live one more day.
It's a shame that hikers and mice,
can't live together and just be nice.
For if they could each might see,
just how cheesy life can be.
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Virginia
Day 52: 5/03/00
Today's Miles: 17.2
Total A.T. Miles: 750.7
I am grateful that Apple Hill Mountain is behind me.
First...Happy Anniversary to Snoopy and his wife, Janet!!! Today was an up and down day. 9,300 vertical feet in only 17.2 miles. Hard day with still SIX days of food in the pack. I haven't had this much food in the pack since NOC in N.C. I am really feeling the weight difference of 3-4 extra days of food. Stopped at the Thunderhill Shelter because it was either stop there or hike on 8 more miles. With the vertical climbs of today I wasn't prepared to push it on my foot. The injured foot was decent and, knock on wood…there's lots out here to knock on, the right foot that was beginning to give me trouble yesterday is now ok.
At this shelter with Snoopy and Stone Man. Stone Man did 10 miles today and was here when we got here....he was "done for the day." Apple Hill was the last climb of the day...1300 feet of hot climbing. Every time we climb a mountain, we reach elevations that don't know spring yet. That means no shade from the sun. That's right...we have gone from cold snow and ice a week ago, to temps in the high 70's and low 80's....hot stuff.
Well, not sure when I will get to Waynesboro. Every day the plan changes. It depends on...the weather, how my body is feeling, the terrain, and my desire to hike. The terrain is the trickiest because the map and elevation profiles will show how steep the mountain is, but won't tell me if the trail has switchbacks, rocks, roots, stairs, etc. So the guessing game continues...
Stay tuned for the next episode of.....Dreamer hikes the A.T.....
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Virginia
Day 53: 5/04/00
Today's Miles: 23
Total A.T. Miles: 773.7
I am grateful for the fact that I am extremely dirty. It makes the times that I am clean so much nicer.
First, I want to wish a belated congratulations to my good friends, Steve and Kathy, on the new edition to their family. I can't wait to meet Emma!!
Another hot hard day. The temperature reached 80 degrees today and is supposed to get into the 90's for the next 3 days.
Woke up to a beautiful morning and walked through fields of May Apple and Trillium before starting the first climb of the day. Ouch...it was straight up. The trail for the next 6 miles or so was very gradual. That is until it dropped 500 feet to the James River so that we could then climb 2000 feet back up. The next two days should be real challenges. Tomorrow will dish me a 3000 foot climb and the next day will dish out a 4000 foot ascent. Should be tough in the hot weather. Stone Man just passed us and is heading the 3.1 miles to the next shelter (he sent his tent home today so he can become a "shelter rat"). Mo' Miles showed up right as Stone was walking out. I was happy to see Miles as he is slowing down dramatically to meet his girlfriend in Waynesboro on the 12th. I won't see him again on the trail. He has been a great friend and hiking companion. Good luck to you Mo' Miles!! Off to bed.....tirrrrrreed.
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Virginia
Day 54: 5/5/00
Today's Miles: 25.8
Total A.T. Miles: 799.5
I am grateful for James Taylor because I sang his songs to myself all day long.
Ahhhhh....Another longgggg day. Started hiking at 6:30 A.M. and continued until 7:00 P.M. I don't even go to work that many hours!! hehehe I asked Snoopy how we can hike almost 13 hours and only go 25.8 miles. He is so wise. He pointed out that we had a 3000 foot climb today. Oh yea, he's right...how could I have forgotten about that. Now remember folks at home...a 3000 foot climb is basically walking up 300 flights of stairs in a 300 story building. Oh yea. Don't forget to put a 40 pound backpack on. And oh yea. Let's put some rocks, roots and yes....some small streams to cross. Oh, and one more little thing. We will make it 85 degrees with humidity of about 70%.
A couple times up the mountain, Snoopy and I asked each other when we signed up for THIS.
I can only tell you of the feeling of joy upon reaching the top of a monster like this. 500, even 1000 foot climbs take very little time and don't work on the mind as much. But, take a 3000 footer like today or a 4000 footer like tomorrow....and it'll mess with your mind.
At a campsite next to the North Piney River tonight. Relaxing to hear the water running just 30 feet away. When I got to the site I was about 15 minutes ahead of Snoopy and I decided to take a dip in the creek and to wash out my clothes. I feel so clean!! Wow! I guess this will last about 8 hours till I put my backpack on and almost immediately start sweating.
If I sound like I am complaining - I AM NOT. This is just the hardest thing that I have ever done in my life and it doesn't get much easier even after 799.5 miles.
The foot hurts but it still works. I have taken off the brace because it was damaging my boot. I am still pumping the Vitamin I. Taking a zero in Waynesboro on the 8th and a short day on the 12th followed by zeros on the 13th and 14th should help me heal. Till tomorrow's entry about the 4000 foot climb and how it went......
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Virginia
Day 55: 5/6/00
Today's Miles: 28.9
Total A.T. Miles: 828.4
I am grateful that I felt stronger today than any other day on the trail.
Happy Birthday Janet!! (Snoopy's wife)
PUD's....pointless ups and downs. Some days are full of them. The ups and downs today had meaning. We started the day with a small 500 foot climb over Maintop Mtn. and then a 700 foot climb up The Priest. HA!! We then dropped 3000 feet to the Tye River only to cross the bridge and climb 3000 feet back up to Three Ridges. I felt great! My strongest ups since Springer. Stopped and had dinner at Maupin Shelter and decided to hike on a bit to shorten my day into Waynesboro tomorrow. I ended up doing 6.5 more miles. Long day. Some days are strong out here and some days are not. For everyone. Today was a tougher day for Snoopy. I left him on the climb up from the Tye River to find his own pace and not be tied to mine. He arrived at Maupin shelter an hour after I did and was very tired. Consequently, he stayed back and will meet me in Waynesboro tomorrow.
Saw some deer, rabbits, toads, and boy scouts on the trail today.
P.S. I just want to apologize for telling all of you the same thing multiple times. I never go back and read or change journal entries so not to ruin the spontaneity of them.....
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Virginia
Day 56: 5/7/00
Today's Miles: 13.6
Total A.T. Miles: 842
I am grateful fresh fruits and vegetables...mmm gooooddd
A pretty easy day today into town. Very humid!!!! Got to town and drank 4 apple juices as quickly as I could. Walked to the Colony House Hotel for my mail drop and a couple other boxes. Then hitched to the outfitter for a couple things.
Got to the Comfort Inn, took a shower and walked to the grocery store. Bought gooodd health food. mmm Hummus, crackers, Rye bread, tomato, cucumber, avocado, beer, and popcorn.
Gonna hang low and ice the foot in the air conditioning and watch the tube.
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Virginia
Day 57: 5/8/00
Today's Miles: 0
Total A.T. Miles: 842
I am grateful for apple juice because it's mmmm mmmm good.
I've now had close to 50 ounces of apple juice in the past 30 minutes. I bought three 64 ounce bottles for the day. I'm at the Laundromat right now doing my laundry. My only errands today are a trip out for lunch, one to the P.O., and one out for dinner. I will rest and ice my foot the rest of the day. My foot continues to get stronger and stronger. I have three days of hiking out of here till I meet Paula. Then I will be taking another 2 1/2 days of the trail with her. That time off will hopefully get me back to 100%.
During the past three days I have had more trouble with the black flies than the actual hiking. Black flies are smaller than house flies but the bite. Some people are allergic to the bite and some are not. Bites affect people differently just as mosquito bites do in the west. Well...this bubble boy is, of course, highly allergic to black fly bites and I swell up and itch much more than I do even with mosquito bites. The bites on my arms and legs don't bother me half as much as the bites and constant flies on my ears, neck and face. I put my bug lotion in my bounce box (which I don't get till I see Paula) because there were no bugs at all. That changed this week when the temperatures shot up. The black flies hatched from their eggs and they are hungry. I bought some bug stuff yesterday to last me for the 3 days till Paula. Black flies...hmmm a poem?
Black Fly
Black fly, black fly don't bite me
Black fly, black fly can't you see
I am not meant to be food,
Black fly, black fly, com'on dude
Mr. Silverstein I am not but hey...it's fun...
6:00 P.M. Did a lot of nothing today...lots of rest for the foot. The MOB stayed in the room next door last night. They have been hiking about 2 -5 days in front of me for weeks and I caught them here. Very nice three. Mushroom, Orion, and Bombadil. Orion is the she and the other two are the he’s. They are all in their early 20's and a lot of fun. They were not staying the night tonight, but it was so hot that they didn't want to head out at the 12:00 check out time. The three hung out in our room for a few hours and then headed out about 3:00. Stone Man also headed out about that time. Snoopy and I took the rest of the day to resssssst. Goin' out for all you can eat Chinese food right now....mmm...mmm good..
So....after the incredible AYCE Chinese dinner we went to the Kroger Supermarket so Snoopy could pick up a few things and I could score some Ben & Jerry’s. The scene was set. I slowly opened the freezer door to closely inspect the flavors available. I was immediately hit with a blast of cold air which caused me to quickly close the door. The door immediately fogged up and obstructed my impending view. Drat...I thought. Stifled! I worked up the courage to open the door again, and after the blast hit me and I acclimated, I began to read the flavors.....hmmm I thought. Urban Jungle---Coconut Almond Fudge Chip meets New York Super Fudge Chunk.....sounds like the one for me.
I grabbed the frosted over pint of heaven and walked to the checkout line. When it was my turn, the cashier asked if this flavor was any good. I said, "I'll tell ya in a second." I let him know I needed no bag. As he was opening the cash drawer to put my money in and give me change, I pulled my trusty spoon from my pocket and began to eat. He turned and smiled as I told him that, "Yes, this flavor is very good." He laughed and said people tell him all the time they will let him know if things are any good and no one ever really does. I continued eating my ice cream as I walked outside and sat down in the parking lot to wait for Snoopy. By the time Snoopy came out, most of the pint had been devoured, and by the time we had reached the hotel I had finished the pint. To all of you who have written saying I look thin.....I'm a workin' on it!!!
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Virginia
Day: 5/9/00
Today's Miles: 27.4
Total A.T. Miles: 869.4
I am grateful for the Loft Mountain Campground.
Great day. Started a little confusing. We were suppose to get a wake-up call from Snoopy's wife. She tried calling many times but somehow our phone was off the hook. We woke up at 6:30 wondering what happened. We had arranged a cab ride ($6) back to he trail at 7:00 but now had to call and make it 7:30. We got to the trail at about 8 and hiked the .8 miles to the backcounty permit trail. We had read that we had to walk .2 miles off the A.T. to register for a permit. To our surprise, when we reached the trail there was a kiosk there to self register. No extra walking....yea! Snoopy and I walked the next 8 miles until the trail entered the Shenandoah National Park. The trail immediately changed. They have actually taken the majority of the rocks off the trail. Some smart person actually had the idea that it would be a more joyful walk if a hiker's feet would touch the soil instead of only rocks. Wow!!!
Walked 20 miles to the Blackrock Hut. (Shelters are called Huts in the park) I felt great, and after a short rest with Snoopy and The MOB who had stopped for the night, I headed on. I hiked another 7+ miles aiming for The Loft Mountain Campground which I heard was closed but available for Thru-Hikers. I also heard that they had a phone. My goal was to get to that phone in time to wish my wife, Paula, good luck on her last final of her second year of law school. Well...I got to the phone and there was another hiker using it....Darn!!! I waited 30 minutes and finally got to use the phone. I caught her!! Yea... Wished her good luck and only talked to her for a few minutes since I will see her in a few days. I will use the phone to send today's entry.....
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Virginia
Day 59: 5/10/00
Today's Miles: 31
Total A.T. Miles: 900.4
I am grateful for all the beautiful deer that I am seeing in the park.
Well two milestones today....I finally did a thirtysomethng day and I hit the 900 mile mark....yea.....
Had an up and down day. I started feeling good and put in 14.8 miles by my 12:00 lunch. After lunch I was not on the ball again till about 5. The hours in between were rough. The ticks are out and I took at least 5 off my legs today. It had me paranoid most of the afternoon and I kept looking for more. I felt pretty weak after lunch today. The thunder heads started rolling in about 2. By 3 the sky was angry and thunder rocked the trail. I put my rain cover on before it even started and boy was I lucky. As they say...the heavens opened up. I decided not to put my rain jacket on because it was so hot. I thought I would dry the minute it was over. The rain started and started hard! The biggest drops that I have ever seen. The rain turned into hail the size of marbles. With my short sleeve shirt and shorts I looked around for something to hide under. Nothing! I decided to keep walking and just tuck my arms under my new wide brimmed hat. It worked ok but I was pelted none the less. It only lasted about 10 minutes but it hurt.
Stopped at the Lewis Campground which was also closed. I had hoped that the water would be turned on. Drats!! It was off. The sign said only one mile to the hut I was aiming for at 26.5 miles for the day. I instantly felt energized. I got to the shelter in minutes, pumped some water, signed the register, visited with some section hikers, and I was off. The clouds had cleared and now there was a VERY strong wind. That wind is still with me as I typed this from atop Hazelnut Mountain. Don't know how far I will hike tomorrow...will see how I feel.
Seeing many deer in the park. Early in the morning and at dust. They are so beautiful.
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Virginia
Day 60: 5/11/00
Today's Miles: 28.9
Total A.T. Miles: 929.3
I am grateful that the next three days are zero days. My body needs it after almost 90 miles in three days.
I'm done...at least for the next few days. I am so excited to see Paula...yippppeeeee
People keep asking what we are going to do and where we are going to go. I have no plans except to rest and spend time with the greatest wife in the world.
Today started a bit later than the last two days (6:30 A.M.) and ended earlier than the last few days (6:30 P.M.) I had about the same type of terrain but no lack of energy for the afternoon hours. Coming up Stony Mountain I passed 18 senior citizens between the ages of 71 and 92. They were truckin' along. They were also pretty spread out so I had a mini conversation with almost every one of them. Very nice group. At about 12:00, Floater caught up with me. I let him pass and walked with him for about an hour. Floater is a 49 year old that doesn't look much older than myself. His daughter hiked with him for a while through Tennessee and into Virginia and his son will be hiking with him later on. He and I have been playing leapfrog for a couple of weeks. Later, I caught Gypsy Girl and Woodchuck. They have been in front of me for weeks and it was nice to get to meet them. They said they were heading for a picnic area just 2 miles before my meeting place with Paula. I thanked them for the idea and hiked ahead. I then met The Colonel who I am camped with tonight. The Colonel...where do I start? I had heard about him but not met him till now. I talked with him for a few minutes on the trail and then walked ahead. He too was headed for the picnic area. I arrived and cooked a quick and light super. Gypsy Girl and Woodchuck walked up shortly afterwards. They walked up a hill in the picnic area and camped. I felt uneasy because we weren’t supposed to be camping here...We really can't camp much anywhere and you have to be a mathematician to figure out where you are allowed to camp...listen to these rules:
NO CAMPING...
-Within 30 yards from a steam
-Within 1/2 mile of a paved park road
-Within 1/2 mile of any park facility
-Within 30 yards of any park trail
Those are just a few of the rules....
Anyway, the Colonel showed up and we walked up the Wayside and store. He bought some soda out of the machine and I called Paula to tell her I would not be walking the 2 more miles. I would be at the Wayside writing postcards and eating from their grill. The Colonel and I started talking and that's when I learned about his trip. He is served 5 terms in Vietnam as a pilot. He came back all right from the war but it always troubled him that so many war vets didn't. He sounded as though he had always been looking for a way to help. Years ago a third tomb was added to the other two for the unknown soldier killed in Vietnam. For fourteen years an unknown soldier occupied that tomb. Twenty-six years after that pilot died in action, his remains were identified using DNA testing and he was found to be First Lt. Michael J. Blassie, USAF Fighter pilot who had died in on May 11, 1972. Ms. Lou Adams Pennebaker met the young student pilot while she was in college in Mississippi. The two had planned to marry upon his return from Vietnam. The Memory Tree Foundation was formed as a result of her story. The foundation is trying to get connected with schools across America. To learn more about the foundation go to: www.tv2430.com. Very interesting man and a very interesting story. I'm now exhausted from telling it and I must zzzzzzzzzz.....
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Virginia
Day 61: 5/12/00
Today's Miles: 0
Total A.T. Miles: 929.3
I am grateful for the nights that I get a good night sleep.
4:26 A.M.- "I couldn't sleep at all last night...doooot... .deeee..deee. .dooot..doooooo.."
I woke up all night long itching. These black fly bites are the worst. I will be picking up a trusty bottle of Caladril and basically bathing in it while I am of the trail for the next 3 days. If I can get the bites I have now under control, I get my bug net and better bug repellent today at the hotel. I need to figure out the best way not to be completely covered in bites. I seem to be having more trouble with the bites than most....yea.. yea...Bubble Boy syndrome...I know...
I am in my tent waiting for enough light to break down my tent and head the .2 miles north to the Wayside and Store. Neither opens till 9:00 A.M. but there are picnic tables and beautiful green lawns up there to lie on. I don't know exactly when Paula will be showing up but I have plenty to do while waiting. Clean up my gear, write postcards, and eat…eat...eat....
Should be another great day. Everyday out here is great...some are more difficult than others, but everyday is great. They are great because I can carry everything I need for five months, comfortably, on my back. Days are also great because I am constantly reminded of how infinitesimal we really are on this planet. The enormity of the things I see on daily basis still boggles my mind. Things like the distance I can travel still amaze me. The fact that in three days I have walked from Sacramento to San Francisco with a lot more elevation change than is between those two cities. The fact that in terms of elevation, I have now climbed Mt. Everest 9 times and will climb it another 7 before I am done. Or the fact that I can walk more distance each day than I can see when I look south from a mountain top. Wow....I am still amazed!!!
8:08 A.M.
Just finished my hot chocolate and about an hour talk with the Colonel. We spoke about his career and then about teaching and teachers. He had some of the kindest words to say about teachers that I have ever heard spoken. He truly made me feel like a very special person. He gets off the trail tomorrow to go to Washington DC to visit a school that has been involved in his journey. I hope our paths cross again.
11:00 P.M.
Wow...what a food day...here is what I ingested:
-Two grilled cheese sandwiches + 2 large fries + 2 7-UP's
-Three bagels with cream cheese and lox
-A tuna sandwich with an order of onion rings
-Brownies from Rob's package, Kelly's package, and Santa's package.
-Half of Santa's salmon she had for dinner, veggie brioche, Caesar salad, crab cake appetizer, yogurt covered pretzels, a soft serve ice cream....
I guess I am full hehehehehe
Went to a great restaurant in the town of Stanley called The Jordan Hill Farmhouse…mmmmmmmmm
Had an interesting night after doing laundry...boy that was fun...
Santa, Paula, and I came back to the hotel they proceeded to attempt to put my hair in dreadlocks....yes, I said dreadlocks..... Well...they used quite a bit of wax that Paula's hair dresser, Michael, sent for me, but it was no use...Mom you can breathe again....my hair was just not made for dreads...It washed out just fine, but it was about the hardest the three of us have laughed in a very long time.
Looks like we are going to Harper's Ferry tomorrow to go sightseeing....we may also drop of some trail magic on the way.....
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Virginia
Day 62: 5/13/00
Today's Miles: 0
Total A.T. Miles: 929.3
I am grateful for the company of Paula and Santa all day today!
A day like no other in the last two months. Actually slept in past 6:30 for the first time in 61 days. Slept till 8!!! Went to the P.O. to pick up my mail drop then to lunch at a really cool place in Luray called "A Moment to Remember" Great food! Then on to the Super Walmart to buy Moon Pies, Nutty Bars, Brownies, Fruit Snacks, Apples, and Oranges for 5 trailside acts of magic. It was so much fun bagging up all the goodies and driving through the mountains dropping them off at various locations. After dropping them off we headed for Harper's Ferry. On the way there the National Weather Service came on the radio multiple times with severe thunderstorm warnings with dangerous hail and winds. We drove right through hard rain and incredible thunder and lightning, but no hail. The weather was beautiful in Harper's Ferry. We looked around the town at the many buildings left from the 1700's...amazing history. Also stopped by the outfitters to get a new bottle of fuel for my stove.
Now we are driving home and the radio keeps interrupting with warnings of severe rain, hail the size of golf balls, flooding, and even tornadoes. The weather is just to the east of us and we can see the chaos out there. Most of the weather originated in the mountains that I would be in if I had not stopped for these 3 days and now it's over the area that we drove through on the way to Harper's Ferry.
I've had a little trouble being in a car. Even at the speed limit it seems like we are diving at very unsafe speeds. After two months at 2 1/2 miles per hour....60 MPH seems a little extreme to me.
What's that? Time for another meal...hmmmm ok...Dinner time...
P.S. At the Super Walmart I weighed myself and I weighed in at 150...yep...that's right...Buck Fifty Boy is back.....hehehe....Lower body is bigger than ever...upper body....well....it's gotten me 900 miles...right?...hehehehe
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Virginia
Day 63: 5/14/00
Today's Miles: 0
Total A.T. Miles: 923.9
I am grateful popcorn with lots of butter on it. hehehehe
Relaxing day....Breakfast, then a drive to Harrisonburg for a movie. Saw Erin Brokovich. It was a good movie about setting a personal goal and seeing it through. Quite appropriate. It's a true story and I highly recommend it!!! Driving back to the hotel for some more R&R.
10:00 P.M.
Great Italian diner....can't believe the few days has gone so fast...Knew it would....ready to hit the trail, get out of Virginia, and hit 1000 miles. It will be tough to say goodbye to Paula tomorrow, but she will be back in 6 weeks...
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Virginia
Day 64: 5/15/00
Today's Miles: 22.3
Total A.T. Miles: 946.2
I am grateful for the time that I was able to spend with my wife.
Lethargic day today...My body felt well rested and the only thing that hurt were my feet from breaking in the new boots, but I felt out of it most of the day. Breaking in the new boots was a pain in the ass. I’ve already got some pretty good hot spots on my heals. Moleskin and duct tape tomorrow.
It was very hard saying goodbye again to Paula. I love my adventure, but I miss her terribly at times. As the day went on I felt better and better. It's odd to think that Paula is just 60 miles from here in D.C right now. So close and yet sooooooo far.
I am camped at a small one person camp site with my very own spring. I got here as the sun was setting and had to eat in the dark....not so bad. I met some vacationers on the trail today and also met No Whey. She is from Boston but has been living in S.F. for the last three years. Hiked on and off with her during the day. Stopped at a shelter 6 miles back and met 4 section hikers that proceeded to tell me how awful Pennsylvania will be for me. Rocks, rocks, rocks.....Oh well.....just gotta get the boots broken in by then....Two 21 mile days the next two days...should be able to take my time a little more....yea....Cold front came in today...no humidity and it's supposed to be in the high 30's tonight...burrrrr.
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Virginia
Day 65: 5/16/00
Today's Miles: 20.8
Total A.T. Miles: 967.0
I am grateful that my trail magic benefited so many people.
Good day...aren't they all? Hiked the 2 miles to the shelter this morning and used the privy. When I arrived who did I find? No...not Sparky! The MOB and some other hikers that I hadn't met yet. I hung out for about half an hour to catch up on trail talk, then headed back out on the trail ahead of all the hikers that stayed at that shelter. A few minutes later Commodore caught up to me just in time to find about 12 sodas floating in a spring. Ahhhhh trail magic. We hiked together for about 30 minutes then I set off on my own when Commodore stopped to talk to a section hiker. About two hours later I stopped at a shelter to read the register and see where Snoopy is. (He is 10 miles in front of me with a sore left foot.) There I met Vegas....who is from…you guessed it, Vegas. I hiked on and stopped for lunch at a creek where Commodore had stopped. We ate together and hiked the next 8.5 miles together. He is an Attorney, one of many on the trail. He has decided to get off for good in Harper’s Ferry because, "It just isn't fun anymore." He is a great guy and I enjoyed his company. Stopped at 4 P.M. today, because I could, at a shelter for the night. I haven't stopped this early in weeks. The two of us were the first at a shelter that promises to be full.
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Virginia
Day 66: 5/17/00
Today's Miles: 17.5
Total A.T. Miles: 984.5
I am grateful for the two amazing hostels that I spent time at today.
Wow....a great day today!! One of the best on the trail. Today's section of the trail was called "The Rollercoaster". There were 11 500 foot climbs over the 18 mile period. The climbs were some of the hardest of the last 3 weeks. The hiking was great. I hiked with Commodore all day and talked about everything from racism to the FBI to insurance fraud. The miles went by in no time.
At 12 we stopped at Bear's Den Hostel. This place looks like a castle!! It's a 26 bunk hostel. It sits on 180 acres of beautiful land. A doctor from D.C. married an opera singer who wanted a chalet built. Hence the hostel, that was later purchased by the PATC.
The PATC center I'm at was built in 1907. It's on 97 acres and was bought by the PATC in 1981. In the past five years they have put the kitchen in the back, raised the roof six feet to make room bunkhouses upstairs. The rent out the bunks and use them for inner city kids, leave no trace kids, outreach groups, etc... Just sitting here with Bob who is the caretaker of this facility. He is sharing the history of this place as well as the area.
I'm also sitting here with Segway, Mike (of The Four Dutchmen), and Commodore. The other three Dutchmen are not here yet. I have been traveling with them off and on for a couple days. Two of them are brothers and the other two are cousins. They are Mennonite farmers from PA. I have learned a lot about Mennonites (who are similar to the Amish). This hiking thing is easy work for them seeing as though they have worked on a farm for years and years. Very interesting people.
Tomorrow I head 12 miles into Harper's Ferry and then out of town. Miles are flying by and the next 125 miles or so are suppose to be relatively easy. The PA rocks start there, in Port Clinton. So the goal is to do bigger miles till there and then slow down a bit. That's the plan as of now at least...hehehehe
Hello to everyone at A.C. and to especially to room 9. I miss you all and think about you a lot.
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
May Journals
West Virginia
Day 67: 5/18/00
Today's Miles: 11.8
Total A.T. Miles: 1001 (somewhere I screwed up.... this is right)
I am grateful for my days with Commodore.
Wet day today...no, it didn't rain...It was so humid today that the ground was wet and so was my backpack. Things were as wet as if it HAD rained. Hiked Commodore’s last few miles today with him. He was bittersweet and I don't blame him. He WILL be back to finish. Made it into Harper's Ferry and went to the ATC center to have my picture taken as hiker number 75 to hike through this season. Good number...On my way to the center I found Snoopy who has the same injury that I had. Even the same foot. My heart goes out to him as I know the pain he is in.
Had lunch with Commodore and said goodbye him. Walked to the Comfort Inn and found Snoopy and our room. Working though some blisters to be with my new boots. That and the humidity have me taking a short day. Oh yea....the ATC center is sending a CD-ROM to my school which was made for kids. AT NO CHARGE!!!!
Forgot to say...Took a hot shower at the Bear's Den Yesterday and then a solar shower at the Blackburn Center that I stayed at. Another shower today made three in 2 days...wow...I'm a clean and happy camper!!!!
I nearly forgot that I have traveled into a new state and that it's dedication time...West Virginia is dedicated to my terrific parents. I know that I haven't been the easiest kiddo to raise, but they have done an amazing job! Thank you Sid and Nancy for all your love and support!!!
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Maryland
Day 68: 5/19/00
Today's Miles: 15.4
Total A.T. Miles: 1016.4
I am grateful for the warm rain that fell on me all day while hiking.
I would like to dedicate the state of Maryland to the original "Mr. Salinger's class" of students and their families. Just as I will not hit the 1000 mark again on this trip, there will never be another "first" class for me as a teacher. They know just how special they are to me.
Rain..rain..rain...A cloudy humid day turned into a day of drizzle and sometimes very hard rain. Snoopy and I took a cab the 3.5 miles to the trailhead this morning and took some fun photos of Harper's Ferry with no tourists in the streets. We then walked over the railroad bridge that crossed the Potomac River and entered Maryland. The first 3 miles was on the graded and completely flat C&O Canal Townpath. This historic path is where mules towed barges up the Potomac River. Construction on the canal began in 1829 and not ending until 1850. Investors hoped to connect the Chesapeake Bay with the frontier west of the Appalachians, but due to the length of time it took to complete it, the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad was completed first and took away from the economic success of the canal. In 1924 a storm damaged the canal so badly that shipping ceased. It stretches 185 miles from Washington D.C. to Cumberland, Maryland. Some A.T. hikers decided to hike to D.C. as some "extra miles."
During the 3 miles we saw huge catfish in the canal (yes, as big as the ones in the pond at the disc golf course in Stockton), and we also saw many Canadian Geese and their newborns hanging out on the trail. The next few miles climbed about 1000 feet and then dropped into the Gathland State park. Home of the only monument to war corespondents in the country. (Also home to a pay phone to say hi to Paula and a soda machine.)
Aiming for a campground at 17 miles but the rain convinced me to stop at the 15 mile shelter so I wouldn't have to set up or break down a tent in the rain. What a beautiful setting this is!!! A very small shelter that was built in 1940 with a picnic area, a great spring, and a swinging bench. Pictures will follow. The Mountain Laurel is amazing here. Mountain Laurel is a cousin to Rhododendron, but in my opinion much prettier.
Hail called for tonight...
Sat on the swing for a couple hours with Snoopy and talked and talked and talked...
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Maryland
Day 69: 5/20/00
Today's Miles: 15.4
Total A.T. Miles: 1031.8
I am grateful for the Dogpatch Tavern...hehehehe
Woke up to a steady rain and went back to sleep a couple times...back to the old hike philosophy... Woke up about 8 and packed up in time to head out by 9. We walked past the Reno Monument about 30 minutes into our hike. Here confederate soldiers in their late teens fought in a bloody battle just three weeks after being enlisted. Walked on in the drizzle and later passed the Washington Monument. This was the first monument ever built to honor George Washington. One is supposed to be able to see the Washington Monument in D.C. on a clear day..I could only see about 100 yards. Here's my question....Why can you see the D.C. Monument if the capital at the time was in Philadelphia. Is it just a coincidence? Maybe students at A.C. could research this and give me the answer...hmmmm I say..hmmmmm
Did someone say a four beer lunch? Dogpatch Tavern had great Coors Light on tap. I had three with my clam strips, two orders of fries, tuna sandwich, and grilled cheese sandwich. A local bought me a fourth. He also told me that this bar was meant for hiker trash, biker trash, and red necks. He was part of the third group I believe. He told me that this bar use to be the seen of quite a few fights. The new owners "ran off the trouble makers." He went on to tell me what a wild place it still was and that girls still never missed the chance to, "show their tits." The owner told me that she had worked for Head Start for the last eight years but needed a change. Her change was to buy a biker bar...hmmm...go figure. We walked out of the Tavern and back the .5 to the trail where we immediately climbed 500 feet. Yes...on four beers...
The shelter we were headed to had been torn down so we headed a couple extra miles to it's, unsigned, replacement. A beautiful shelter which could accommodate up to about 18 with only two section hikers plus Snoopy and I. Life is groooood. Heading into Pennsylvania tomorrow...yipppeeee...then only a couple more days till the actual halfway point and the half gallon club I will talk about more later. Lots of payphones just off the trail so I will try to send as often as possible...
As I lay here in my bag in this shelter, everything is a bit damp. It is really impossible to feel completely dry in this humidity. Hot or cold there is so much moisture in the air. I'm getting use to just feeling sticky all the time. I wont know what hit me when I get back into the CA dry air.
How about a poem????
The bird crying out,
the spring from the spout,
The plane high above,
they fit like a glove.
It's why I am here,
and I try not to fear,
the feeling I get,
when I pull a tick out,
or the seconds I count,
between lightening and thunder,
or the absence of hunger,
the pain in my feet,
or the strong smell of Deet,
a wet slippery rock,
or the smell of my socks,
but that's why I hike,
and that's what I like.
the challenge of this,
is something I'll miss,
so I'll try every day,
to find my own way,
one step at a time,
never missing a sign.
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Pennsylvania
Day 70: 5/21/00
Today's Miles: 17.5
Total A.T. Miles: 1050.3
I am grateful that the rain has stopped. Yea!!!!
“New York, New York” and “Sweet Georgia Brown” were the two closing songs of the Ray Birely Orchestra in Pen Mar Park on the Pennsylvania and Maryland border. We stopped for lunch and found an open snack bar and the opening day of the Big Band Summer Concert Series. The Pen Mar park was the Busch Gardens of the ‘20s and ‘30s. At the time there were roller coasters, carousels, lodging, fine dining, and music...music...music... What a beautiful park! It was first built by the Maryland Railroad to increase their ridership and create a cooler place to be in the hot summer months. Once the television and the automobile became standards in the American Household, the park saw many fewer visitors and eventually closed. The county took it back over in the 50's and brought it somewhat back to it's prime. The music still is great!!! I’ve done 9 miles to get to this park and it's getting late.....time to do about 8.5 more.....see ya....
Well the 8.5 went pretty fast and now I am here at Tumbling Run Shelters. Yes, shelters...There are two small shelters here and we are the only ones here (except for the 9 boarding school kids camped down near the spring). We passed two other shelters in the past 4 miles. At the first, just one section hiker was set up. At the second, there were two thru-hikers set up. At this one, it's just the two of us. The trail is not very busy with Thru-Hikers right now. Some are off for the annual Trail Days Festival in Damascus, some went into D.C., and still others got off for graduations and proms. It's very nice out here right now.
Got to the shelter and found a bag with some food hanging in the shelter. One of the prizes.....A zip lock bag of chocolate chips...mmm...mmm…good... I make hot chocolate every night and tonight a dumped a handful of chocolate chips into the pot....mmm…mmm…good...
Hit the state of Pennsylvania today and I would like to dedicate it to my Dodo...Dodo was my Great Aunt Doris. I couldn't pronounce her name as a child so I called her Dodo. Dodo was very special to me and inspired me in ways that I am even now still discovering. She helped me become who I am today and I thank her from the bottom of my heart for all her love and support.
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Pennsylvania
Day 71: 5/22/00
Today's Miles: 19.6
Total A.T. Miles: 1069.9
I am grateful for people that pick up hitch hikers.
Wet...wet...day... We hit the trail at 7 A.M. in cloudy but dry conditions. The drizzle started about 8. Just a slight drizzle that the leaves of the trees caught most of. After about an hour of drizzle, the saturated leaves started dropping bigger drops on our heads and bodies. We started to get wetter but still managed to keep mostly dry. Snoopy started the hike today with his anorak not his raincoat. I was only wearing a short sleeve shirt because my rain coat has not kept me the least bit dry. About 9:15 the sky opened up with thunder and lightening. This was the hardest rain we have walked in on this trip. Once the rain started, so did the boulders. Boulders with green moss made slippery by the rain blocked our path at every turn. I managed to spend the next hour climbing the slippery rocks without incident. Snoopy's foot started bothering him and he took a couple falls. We reached US 30 and had planned to walk the .5 north on the trail to Caldonia State Park for a hot shower. We were so wet that we decided that a hot shower would be great, but then we would be stuck putting our cold wet clothes back on. Hmmmmm...What to do. Our book told us that there was a pizza place .4 west on US 30. The road walk began. Yick! Semi after semi went by and....well...there was really no way to be any wetter. At last we arrived at the pizza place at 10:40. I looked at the hours and was happy that opening time was 11:00...just 20 minutes away. Yippee! That was until Snoopy showed me that the pizza place was closed on MONDAY!!!! Boo... Just then a man whipped into the parking lot and hopped out of his car to use the payphone. As he was dialing I asked him if the town of Fayetteville was down the hill. He said yes and then I asked if he was going that way. As he made his connection he nodded yes. I looked at Snoopy and smiled.....Hehehe...I'm getting better at this Yogi thing. The attempt to Yogi a ride was going well. He got of the phone I asked for a ride and he said, "Sure." We packed our wet gear and our wet bodies into the car and set off on the 3 mile ride. Some small talk followed as Snoopy and I talked about being dropped off at a restaurant. All of the sudden either Snoopy or I had the idea to get dropped off at the Laundromat instead. He dropped us at the mat and we walked in. Seconds later he followed us in and handed us some religious paraphernalia. Oh well...free ride. We spent the next hour washing and drying almost everything. I met a very interesting man who directs and produces at a local theater in the area. He offered a ride back to the trail, but we wanted to eat first. He even knew of the B Street Theater in Sacramento.
After laundry we went across the street to a restaurant. Snoopy had a big pasta plate while I had a Tuna Melt, fries and a salad....mmm...mmm...good...We walked across the street to the gas station where I called Antelope Creek and bought a couple Kit Kats. We walked out to the street and caught a hitch on the third car that passed us. A brand new all leather Ford Expedition. Pure heaven...Two hitches and neither one the back of a pick-up truck. Yipppeeee.. Back on the trail with no rain. Great hiking terrain. We heard thunder rumbling most of the time but the rain held off. That is...until...about 20 minutes before the shelter. At about mile 18.5 it started misting then drizzling then raining. I screamed at the sky to stop but it was no use. I knew how close we were to the shelter so I started jogging...then running as the sky opened up again. Arrived at the shelter pretty wet but by the time I had cooked I was pretty dry. Getting in the sleeping bag finishes the drying process.
Met a southbound section hiker today that told us that the hostel we are headed for tomorrow is only open until 9:30 am and opens again at 5:00 pm. Not good for us especially since Snoopy has a mail drop there. He also told us that the Pine Grove Furnace State Park store is not open on weekdays until the week after Memorial Day. That means we can't join the half gallon club! The half gallon club is for thru-hikers and we are challenged to eat a half gallon of ice cream with a wooden A.T. spoon washing it down only with coffee or soda. Looks like I won’t have the chance to show off my ice cream eating skills. Darn!!!!! Looks like rain for the next few days. We will hike out of here late tomorrow and do the 10 miles into the American Youth Hostel in the State Park. Gotta stay somewhat dry....
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Pennsylvania
Day 72: 5/23/00
Today's Miles: 10
Total A.T. Miles: 1079.9
I am grateful for the fact that my body is just about back to 100%.
I'm in the best shape of my life, but it's amazing how a small blister from a new pair of boots can slow me down. My boots are just about broken in and I should be a running at 100% in the next few days. Hiked 10, not AS wet miles into the AYH in Pine Grove Furnace. The store was closed as I had heard. We arrived about 12 and hung out on the porch till about 2 when the manager opened the building up, but none of the amenities were available to us. Nomad and The Crest showed up not long after us and opted for a work-board exchange. As I type they are meticulously scraping the paint off of the 200 or so boards on the front porch. I work hard enough out here already to scrape paint! Snoopy and I tried to hitch 6 miles to a restaurant. After 45 minutes and only about 6 cars we gave up. Walked back to the hotel and opened his maildrop. He got brownies...ymmmm...good...we just sat and ate.....mmmmm.
I am sitting in the hostel right now writing to you and imagining what it was like in 1827 when the mansion I'm in was used as a stop on the Underground Railroad. Wow...what history! The State Park marks the spot of an iron furnace and mining operation that produced firearms used in the Revolutionary War. We are staying here tonight and then the "plan" is this:
(Let's see how close I come to plan #1)
*Wednesday-19 miles to Boiling Springs to stay with a friend of Snoopy's
*Thursday-25 miles to the Doyle Hotel. This was one of the original Anheuser-Bush hotels. The restaurant and 60 cent beer room has been completely remodeled, but the rooms are in shambles. We will eat and drink and camp 1 mile out of town.
*Friday-Get my Duncannon mail drop and head out and do 74 miles by Sunday night. 74 miles gets us to Port Clinton and our next mail drop. We can camp in the pavilion in the middle of town.
*Monday-Friday-This is supposedly the rockiest section of the trail. We will do a total of 76 miles (15 miles a day) should be doable. This gets me to Delaware Water Gap on Friday, June 2 just in time to get picked up by Mom and Dad for two glorious days off the trail with them...
Now the fun part will be to watch how this best laid plan changes with the weather, the body, and the mind....hehehe
Met a woman named Kathy at the hostel tonight from Santa Cruz who is driving up the east coast. She took us to the Tag Run restaurant and we ate like kings and queens. The group was The Crest, Nomad, Gypsy Girl, Snoopy, and myself. At 6:10 p.m. my time I got to talk to each and everyone of my Do Something Captains. It was great to hear their voices and to get to congratulate on all of their hard work this year. Do Something is alive and well in Rocklin thanks to the work of the amazing captains and their fearless leader, Mrs. Jane DeLury. Thank you to all of them.
Sat on the pouch tonight with Gypsy Girl and a few others while Nomad played his guitar with another visitor at the hostel who has a banjo. Amazing music and an amazing experience!!!
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Pennsylvania
Day 73: 5/24/00
Today's Miles: 19.6
Total A.T. Miles: 1099.5
I am grateful for beautiful warm sunshine!!!
We had sun for all but 1 hour of the hike today. Yes, for that hour we had a pretty good thunder storm. But....we dried out and all was good. Hiked from 7 till 11 and stopped at the Green Mountain Store for possibly the best sub sandwich of my life. It's funny...we were just laughing about stopping in Georgia for lunch during the hike....NOT... Up north is a bit more civilized and there are eating possibilities most days...maybe I'll gain some weight...hehehehe
Hiked through some fun boulders today where we had to do some climbing...Different...Fun...
Got to Boiling Springs at about 3:30 and bought an apple juice, Sobe, Snapple, and a Coke. Had them all in my belly in 30 minutes.
Snoopy's friend Doug picked us up about 5. Went to his country house built in 1790 and took showers, did laundry, and went out to dinner. Ate an amazing seafood diner that Doug paid for! Thank you so much Doug!!! Weather is suppose to get better and better from here! Yippeeeee!!
Feet got pretty tired today...We will have to see how we do on the upcoming big mile days....
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Pennsylvania
Day 74: 5/25/00
Today's Miles: 26.7
Total A.T. Miles: 1127.2
I am grateful that a tough day can still end on a high note.
"Ahhhhh...It's over," he said with a smile on his face.
"What a long strange day it's been."
And with that he began to recount his day. That is as the 15 minute train went by. He began.
As I sit here and listen to the 20 minute train I smile as I think about the day. No, not because I really had fun, but because I can laugh about it. When I looked at the map this morning I saw 13 miles of flat follow by a moderate ridge walk and then down to town....ahhhh...was I wrong.
The flat - thirteen miles of, yes flat walk, but walk through farming fields. Corn, wheat, beans, and alfalfa. Yes, the bubble boy suffered. I started with sniffling, then moved into sneezing, then itchy eyes, then some wheezing, and finally moved into serious eye swelling. I went through it all and was a mess. Then it was up to the ridge where all started well and then...the rocks. Yes my friends, the rocks of Pennsylvania have started. Slowly...but they have started. And down I went...yep...just once through.
Stopped at Hawk Rock to see the annual hawk migration...not one damn hawk! Then down into the town of Duncannon to walk to the Clark Ferry Motel. The motel was all the way through town right past an ice cream shop. Yes we stopped! I got a chocolate malt. Then as we kept walking, we walked past the campground we thought was too far to get to the Clark Ferry TRUCK STOP. They were full for the night. Didn't even consider staying at the Doyle because of how bad we have heard it is. Walked back into town and by now we had walked another 2 miles on top of the 26.7. Paid our $3.50 each and set of our tents on an island above the mud. Headed into the bathroom and found a scary place. The shower floor had green stuff growing on the floor. As Snoopy got into the shower, I opted for a counter wash up. Finished and called Paula who immediately brought me back to a happier place.
Off the phone and a mile more walk back to town. (We are up to 29.7) Went to the Doyle for a pitcher of Bud. Ahhhhhh.... A local sat down with us and we had an interesting talk with him. He saw our maps and asked us where we were going. When we told him Maine, he started folding up our maps and explaining that he had a road atlas and he would get it out of his car in a minute and show us how to get there. We told him we were walking and he told us he was, "Leaving for Maine tomorrow and you two can ride with me if one of you sleeps in the sleeper while the other sits in the passenger seat." We tried to explain that we were hiking but he still insisted we ride with him. Something drew him to another table and we finished our pitcher and the waitress brought us our bill and a hiker register (just as a lot of hiker establishments have). As we handed her the bill and walked out we heard our table guest arguing with the waitress that he should be able to sign the register because he was going to Maine too!
Walked to the Pizza place and had 2 more beers and a calzone. Here is the classic part of dinner. While Bare Naked Ladies played on the juke box, he had finished his calzone. Another gentleman had been eating at a nearby table when we arrived. Well, the gentleman was gone for the evening, but he had about a quarter of his calzone left. While I was ordering some french fries, Snoopy was snaggin' the rest of the calzone. Don't we all always say that someone should grab the food that others leave? Snoopy did it alright! Walked back to the campground (Now up to 30.7) and just had to stop at the ice cream place before it closed. Single scoop of Rainbow sherbet, baby!!
Back to the campground to brush the teeth and write in the journal. Whoppppsss..the 20 minute train is here. Time to put in ear plugs for the night and get some sleep. Yes, the 20 minute train comes by every twenty minutes!!!
Oh yea...I've gotta walk south into town in the morning about 1.5 miles to the P.O. to get my mail drop. Then it's 1.5 back here before the 24ish planned for tomorrow. The only question...How bad will the rocks be???
7:00 A.M. the next day..... P.S.The kink in the planned miles to Port Clinton (besides the rocks) is that we were planning to get there Sunday night and pick up our mail drops on Monday morning. Snoopy's drop is at the Port Clinton Hotel...mine...at the P.O. Monday is a holiday and the P.O. is closed. I will try to work a miracle at the Duncannon P.O. this morning.
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Pennsylvania
Day 75: 5/26/00
Today's Miles: 21.3
Total A.T. Miles: 1148.5
I am grateful for the sound of a babbling brook at night.
There were no miracles at the Duncannon Post Office. As a matter of fact, the Postal Worker was down right mean to me. She basically refused to help me at all. My only choice was to fill out a change of address and have my drop sent to Allentown where I will be spending my days off with my parents. Later I called the Port Clinton P.O. myself and the worker there had no trouble forwarding it to the Port Clinton Hotel for me. DUNCANNON IS NOT A FRIENDLY HIKER TOWN!!! I forgot to mention the people that yelled out of their car window, "You'll never make it!" Or the carload of guys that yelled, "Hiker trash!" I won't be going back to Duncannon!!
Ouch…ooo...ahhh...my feeeeeeeet....The rocks are slowly but surely getting more abundant. The trick is not to get frustrated that you can't walk as fast and to just slow down and do less miles.
Didn't get out of The Town till 10 and we hiked till 6:30. Passed Goshawk and Roady. We have been on their heals for days. Good to see Goshawk again and nice to finally met Roady. Incredible views today. It was one of the clearest days in the last few weeks. They are calling for rain tomorrow night through Monday. Oh wellllllll....Just as I get dried out it's time to get wet again.
I have really enjoyed all the notes that people wrote and sealed before my trip. I have been getting them in maildrops and they always make me laugh, smile, or both. Thanks for all the love, encouragement, and support!
Walked on a .25 section of the trail today that allowed more than just hikers. First we saw two adults about my age with their two kids. One was about 6 and one about 4. Very cute. Minutes after that a heard a "beep…beep” behind me and two bikes with bells passed us. Minutes after we passed a Dad and Son on horses. This is the first section of the trail that allowed anything but hikers...
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Pennsylvania
Day 76: 5/27/00
Today's Miles: 23.3
Total A.T. Miles: 1171.8
I am grateful that my new boots only hurt like shit today and that they didn't rip through my heals.
OUCH!! Have I mentioned that no day is easy out here? Well, it isn't. Today was no exception. Rocky then smooth…then rockier then not as smooth...then even rockier then no more smooths. Today also included a creek crossing that required taking off the boots and putting the sandals on. Burrrr...the water was coooooolllddd.
The heels hurt more and more after they got wet in the creek. The rocks caused even more pain to the heels. Aimed for the Eckville Shelter. This is a beauty! It's run by the local trail maintenance crew. It's fully enclosed with sodas and ice cream for sale from the caretaker. He will also let hikers borrow his phone to get food delivered from the local town of Pine Grove. MMMMM YUM!!! It was nice after walking in the steady rain for the last 6 hours!!!
Going to try to make Port Clinton tomorrow if the weather, the heels, and the rocks cooperate. Wish me luck!!! If I make it I will need to average 15 miles a day Monday-Friday to Delaware Water Gap. Staying on track pretty well...
A Southbounder at the shelter with us told us that the rocks tomorrow are much worse than the rocks during the next 5 days or 75 miles to Delaware Water Gap...should be an interesting day tomorrow....
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Pennsylvania
Day 77: 5/28/00
Today's Miles: 23.7
Total A.T. Miles: 1195.5
I am grateful for the fish called Haddock. MMMMmmmm good.
Good day...ahhhh every day is good...really!!
Anyway, woke up to a windy cool and clear morning. The coolest of the trip so far. The rocks were overrated. Yes, they were sharp and yes they hurt, but they weren't that bad. Hiked 15 miles by 12:30 and stopped for lunch. Got into Port Clinton at 4:15. My mail drop was waiting at the Port Clinton Hotel but Snoopy's was not. He was not happy. The owners of the hotel said they would check the P.O. on Tuesday morning and then bring it to him at the road crossing that day. Hope it works out.
Got to the hotel and had a quick 3 beers followed by Haddock and a former thru-hiker joined us for dinner and made for nice conversation. He offered to pay for our dinner but we had already paid so he paid for the 3 more beers we had at dinner. Now I sit in the bar having another beer and munching on some free chips and pretzels cause I'm still hungry. Now that we made it here on schedule, we only have to do 15 miles a day for the next 5 days....yea!!!
Interesting animal encounter today...as I was hiking I heard a bunch of baby birds. I kept walking and all of the sudden a grouse (partridge) came running out of the bushes with it's wing fluttering and screeching. I had heard that coming close to a grouse nest alerted the mother to act wounded and try to get you to follow it. It was amazing...I was seeing it. Very cool!!
Pause...another beer....gotta go...hehehe
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Pennsylvania
Day 78: 5/29/00
Today's Miles: 15.2
Total A.T. Miles: 1210.7
I am grateful that I allowed myself to walk 15 miles each day this week.
I started out with a lot of energy today, but fizzled out as the day went on. Was it the 8 beers last night?? hmmmm...
Woke up at 6:30 and after having breakfast and getting ready, Snoopy told me that he had too much pain in his foot to walk today and that he was going to stay another day. So, at 8 a.m. I set off on my own again. Nice hiking and it did get rocky, but I think that the rocks are overrated by hikers that try to power through them instead of slowing down. Saw MANY day hikers on this Memorial Day. None were too talkative...oh well. Had lunch on The Pinnacle. Its panoramic view of the Pennsylvania farmland at about 1650 feet is said to be the best views of the state from the A.T. It was incredible. Overcast skies cut down my visibility a bit, but it was beautiful. I signed the register inside a mailbox attached to a tree and was off.
Here I am at the Eckville Shelter. A couple days ago I incorrectly said I was at the Eckville shelter when I was actually at the Pine Grove 501 shelter. At this, the Eckville Shelter, the Blue Ridge Eagle Climbing Club offers bunks for 6, water from a spigot, a privy, and soda/ice cream from a fridge on the porch on the honor system. Jerry, the caretaker, introduced himself and gave me the quick tour. I unpacked and sat down at the picnic table and started to journal. He came back out of his house and gave me a pile of pictures taken at Trail Days in Damascus. Each year the ATC holds Trail Days for past, future, and or current thru-hikers. It's one big party and many hikers get off the trail to attend. I decided not to because it was the 3 days after Paula came to see me and I didn't want to take that much time off. Anyway, I looked through all the pictures and I didn't recognize one person. I don't feel like a social misfit. I have met literally hundreds of people and I recognized no one. Well...I figure most of the people in the pictures are hikers that started way after me and are closer to Damascus to take the time off the trail.
The plan still says 15 miles a day, but maybe I will do more some days and less others. As long as I hit Delaware Water Gap and the New Jersey state line Friday, it doesn't really matter how I split up the 61.3 miles from here.
P.S. I just read the journal here and only 25 thru-hikers have signed in before me. This shelter sells sodas and ice cream so chances are that most hikers stop here and sign in. Rumor has it that 4000 hikers started this year and only 25 or so are ahead of me. Katydid and Simmer showed up tonight. Their ages are similar to Snoopy's and mine. It is fun to watch them interact with each other so comfortably. They are a lot of fun.
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Pennsylvania
Day 79 - 5/30/00
Today's Miles: 18.4
Total A.T. Miles: 1229.1
I am grateful that I'm getting better and better at listening to my body.
I'm still learning many things each day I'm lucky enough to be here. For instance, I learned to always recognize that when a point on the map has a name that it's for one of two reasons.
1. Amazing scenery.
2. Really god damn hard!
I've also learned that one should never throw a bear rope over a rotten branch.
Hmmm....What else have I learned? Oh yes! I also learned that the rocks will keep getting worse all the way to Katahdin. Oh yea and.....I learned one more thing about the rocks...the State of Pennsylvania employs small gnomes that come out only at night and sharpen the rocks for hikers.
Sound like an interesting day? (That was your anticipatory set teachers...hehehe)
Well, it was. Fun and difficult. Started with an immediate increase in rocks...size and number. That started over a 2 1/2 mile 1000 foot climb (100 flights of stairs). As I hiked the rocks got sharper by the step.
Some are rounded, but most are sharpened to a point or a long sharp edge. They are usually too close to step between, but too far from each other to get a rhythm. It took my the first 3 hours to do just 5 miles. I can usually do 8-9 in 3 hours. Then I got to "The Knife Edge." It was walking on 300-500 lb. rocks that were sharpened to an edge and thrust out of the ground on a ridge of a mountain at a 45 degree angle. It took me almost 40 minutes to walk the entire quarter mile. Then it was over an area called "Bear Rocks." The name says it all.
Mick at the Eckville shelter confirmed the other news of rocks not only continuing into New Jersey, but all the way through Maine. Shh...I think I hear a gnome at work.
I am getting pretty close to New Jersey now and that is supposedly the state with the most bears. I figured that they probably don't read border signs so I should probably start hanging my food now. First, it took me forever to find a high enough, long enough, and seemingly strong enough one. It was high enough, it was long enough, but as with the tree in my backyard, it was rotten. It was so rotten that as I began hoisting the bag up the branch snapped and the food and rotten piece of wood came flying down at me. They each missed to a different side of me.
Have I mentioned that this job is hard?
Aimed for the "Bake Oven Shelter" at 17 miles but when got their I saw all of the trash and read the register about the rattlesnake that lives in the wall of the shelter....and keeps the mice away. Decided to get water at the spring there and walk until I found a good campsite. Here I am....shhhhh....another gnome.
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Pennsylvania
Day 80: 5/31/00
Today's Miles: 22.5
Total A.T. Miles: 1251.6
I am grateful that I have learned not to believe everything I hear about the trail.
Today started with the 7.4 mile approach to Lehigh Gap. The walking was moderate. The vegetation started to thin as I hiked into Lehigh Furnace Gap. I got water at the George Outerbridge Shelter because the books told me that all the water for the next 20 miles is contaminated and unsafe to drink because the area is an EPA Superfund Site. More on that in a minute.
The Lehigh Gap climb wasssss a monster but not what it had been touted as. The trail followed a bolder and rock pile over half a mile and 1000 feet (100 flights of stairs). The climb is said to be really dangerous in rain and wind and very uncomfortable in extreme heat (as this time of the year usually has). The weather was perfect for my climb. Cloudy with a gentle breeze. The climb, which was hand over hand at times, was actually a lot of fun. When I got to the top I appeared to be standing in an area hit by a nuclear bomb. The area is a result of 82 years of Zinc smelting in the adjacent town of Palmerton. In 1982 the EPA shut down the site and put it on the Superfund cleanup list. It is a dead wasteland of brown rotting logs. Kinda scary. What they are doing is spreading a product called Ecoloam on the rocky slopes hoping to get things to regrow as fast as possible. Ecoloam is a combination Municipal Waste, sludge, fly ash, lime, fertilizer, and slopes. Ok...what is fly ash? Hmmm.... So after my vertical bolder climb I get to take a leisurely walk through a sea of fly ash? Anyway...Over the next 6 miles or so the vegetation reappeared and things were back to normal. I finally caught and met Popeye and Sunnybrook today. They have been just in front of me for days. They started February 27th. After talking with them for a few I walked by their lunch spot. About 3 miles north I stopped and they stopped to talk to me. We talked for about 30 minutes before walking on together. Soon Popeye and I were a ways ahead of Sunnybrook and he decided to wait for her. I hiked on. I had enjoyed their company so much I decided to hike the extra 6 miles to stay at the Leroy Smith Shelter. Can't pass out on an opportunity to meet new people. I got to the shelter about an hour before they did. I read and wrote in the register, got all my gear organized and started dinner. Had dinner with them and talked for a long time with them before I started typing.
The plan has changed again....surprised? Well... I am only 20 miles out of Delaware Water Gap and only 4 miles out of Wind Gap. I shall hike into Wind Gap and make some calls. I need to confirm my meeting place with the parents, call Paula, and call a few manufacturers to straighten out some things. Then maybe a Whopper at Burger King (without the meat....whatcha think...that I had become a carnivore again?) After my jobs are complete I will walk an additional 9 miles to the Kirkridge Shelter. Then Friday...7 rockless miles (as I've heard) to Delaware Water Gap.
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Pennsylvania
Day 81: 6/1/00
Today's Miles: 20.4
Total A.T. Miles: 1272
I am grateful for the Church of the Mountain Hostel for their treatment to thru-hikers.
Started with immediate rocks out of the Leroy Smith Shelter with the 5.1 mile hike into Wind Gap for many phone calls and my Whopper without meat. MMM...it tasted good going down. But....going up the 500 climb with the Whopper in the gut was very difficult.
Got off the trail and walked 1/4 mile the wrong way to the hotel that supposedly had a pay phone. Turned around and walked the .5 back to the hotel only to find out that they had not phone. The lady told me that a quarter mile down the road was a phone. Well the quarter mile turned out to be a mile and a quarter. I know that because it was a quarter mile past the P.O. that my book tells me is a mile off the trail. Made my million calls and asked the lady in the store how far B.K. was. She told me about a quarter mile. You would think I'd learn! After my mile walk I arrived at B.K. and ordered my Whopper without meat. The lady said, "Oh...you want the veggie burger?" This is their Whopper with tons of extra lettuce, pickles, tomatoes, onions, and cheese on it.
Inhaled the "burger" and fries and headed back for the 2+ mile road walk to the trailhead. Put my thumb out as I walked and was amazed when one of the first cars stopped. Turns out it was a woman that works at the P.O. and she gives hikers rides all the time. The hike was up and rocky. I caught up with Popeye and Sunnybrook about an hour into the walk. Walked with them to the 14 mile shelter and decided to walk on into Delaware Water Gap. Mom and Dad won’t be here till 8 p.m.ish tomorrow so I will head into Stroudsburg to catch "Mission Impossible II" Yippee...three zero days to rest the rock beaten feet...
Staying at the Church of the Mountain Hostel tonight. I’m not sure what denomination they are but they have a free hostel under the church for thru-hikers. The congregation does a pot luck every Thursday night that they invite hikers to attend. I arrived two hours too late....darn. The hostel has bunks for eight and a common room. I am sleeping on a couch in the common room because the beds are very soft. There are only the three of us here tonight. Pastor Karen says this is the "off season." It’s funny to think that I am hiking in the off season, but because of my early start and my hiking pace, I am now a pre-season hiker. Kinda cool...
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Pennsylvania
Day 82: 6/2/00
Today's Miles: 0
Total A.T. Miles: 1272
I am grateful this the first of three zero days in 18 days of hiking.
Woke up early as I always do (have trouble sleeping in out here). Sat around with Popeye and Sunnybrook for a couple of hours talking about many different things before heading out into the big city of Delaware Water Gap (hehehe...it's only two streets that are 3-4 blocks long.) Stopped at the payphone to send and received e-mail and then headed into the Village Farmer. This place is great! Their pull is a $1 special including a hot dog and a slice of fresh baked apple pie. Does this place sound American??? They also have every baked item under the sun. I am sitting outside in their garden area eating my cream cheese muffin and sipping on my orange juice....The outfitter opens in 20 minutes...ahhh. Life is great!!!
No matinees today...darn...just had to write some post cards and rest for the day in the cool hostel. Popeye and Sunnybrook were picked up a couple hours ago by her uncle for a couple rest days off the trail. There is a biker here at the hostel from Louisiana who is biking from Virginia to Vermont and a section hiker hiking from here to Vermont. Very interesting people to talk with. Only a few more hours till Ma and Pa get here...Heading off for more rest. It's nice to take my first zero in 18 days....yippppeeee
7:00 P.M.- Parents stuck in Chicago airport and I will try to get to Allentown.
8:30 P.M. Can't get to Allentown and will not hike tomorrow due to the fact there is no where until the 28 mile mark for a Mom and Dad to pick me up. I can't make 28 mile mark with the rocks continuing for about 40 miles...
Will sleep on it...
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Pennsylvania
Day 83: 6/3/00
Today's Miles: 0
Total A.T. Miles: 1272
I am grateful for a good nights sleep.
5:30 A.M. Well...yesterday I was a little troubled by the fact that I would now be taking four straight zero days and I was losing a day off my schedule. My good nights sleep warranted the response...SO WHAT...In an almost five month journey what is one extra day....nothing.
I will set out to the bus station early this morning to hopefully catch the first bus from Delaware Water Gap to Allentown. With any luck I will be there long before the 7 p.m. arrival time of my parents and I can maybe even see a movie in the big city...I will hit the trail again Tuesday...
"Don't worry about a thing...cause every little thing’s gonna be alright."
7:30 A.M.-Sitting here at the Martz Bus Station. Yea, they have a bus leaving at 8:30 to Allentown at 10:30. I have to take two busses but at least it will only take two hours. When I called last night to ask about a bus leaving then they told me that I could take a 12:20 A.M. bus that would get me to Allentown TEN hours later at 10:00 A.M. Allentown is only 55 miles away! What's up with that?
Got a ride from a ridge runner to the bus station two miles away. The ridge runner showed up late last night at the hostel. Have I told you what a ridge runner is? It's a person paid to backpack. Not bad work ehe? The ATC pays young men and women to "patrol" the trail by hiking it. They have no official power, but they are there to help out hikers in need, clear small blowdowns, and report any misuse of the trail.
So here I sit...looking at the bus board that tells me I can get to NYC in 30 minutes less time than I can get to Allentown...hmmmmm More later...
9:15 A.M. Bus Station in Easton...Just visited with a woman and her 1st grade grandson. She is such an interesting person...15 great grandchildren....wow...and 4 children all with doctorates working all over the world...Should be getting on the bus to Allentown soon...
10:00 A.M. Yippeee...on the bus to Allentown.
Took a cab to Mission Impossible 2 today...very scary ride...too fasssstttt...Mom and Dad got here just as I finished talking to Snoopy on the phone...I have been looking for him and asking fellow hikers about him for days...no one had seen him...I was beginning to get worried about him. I called his wife to ask about his whereabouts and was surprised when she told me he was home and gave him the phone. Apparently, when I left him in Port Clinton his foot was worse than we both had thought. To make a long story short he ended up taking a bus home and went to see his doctor who told him he had developed a very bad infection in his foot. He has been treating it all week and is much better. But...as the case is with so many people that go home for a visit or just a few days, Snoopy found it hard to leave the comforts of his home and family. It appears that Snoopy will not be finishing the trail this year. He expressed his desire to eventually finish...I sure will miss my hiking partner...we had some great times together...I was told once that hiking the trail for 5-6 months with a partner was equivalent to spending 35 years in a marriage. The time you spend with the person is very equivalent it seems. If that is true...Snoopy and I have spent about 19-20 years of marriage together...Thanks for the memories, Snoopy...I will never forget our times together...
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Pennsylvania
Day 84: 6/4/00
Today's Miles: 0
Total A.T. Miles: 1272
I am grateful for new opportunities.
It's odd that everyone I started hiking with I have either moved ahead of or they have gotten off the trail. Ten or twenty people that I had become very friendly with have simply disappeared. Many may be behind me while others have gotten off the trail. It's funny to think about it...but the people I formed such close friendships with at the beginning of the hike I just assumed would be around at the end of the hike. But as I continue to learn about this thing called long distance hiking I continue to understand that the fact is most people don't finish. I feel very lucky to have made it this far and hope my luck, attitude, and body let me continue.
In speaking with my father last night he mentioned that I should let people know about my gear changes. This may bore some of you and interest others. The fact is that almost everything on my back is new to me since Springer.
-Borrowing a backpack to replace the Mountainsmith that gave me so much pain.
-Bought a new 1 lb. 10 oz sleeping bag and 4 oz. silk liner to replace the 3.5 lb. sleeping bag that didn't keep me warm and the 1 lb. 6 oz. fleece liner that weighed so much.
-Replaced the MSR Whisperlite and white gas with the Primus using 70/30 fuel. It's more compact, lighter, and easier to use.
-Went through one pair of Vasque Skywalks and broke in a second pair that I am now wearing till hopefully the end of me hike.
-Have 2 Photon lights and now my headlight also for the possibility of any night hiking where the Photons don't have enough output.
-Getting rid of the water filter today because I rarely treat my water instead looking for safe, high elevation springs. I will purchase Aqua Mira, a new product that treats the water using two vials of liquid and 7 drops of each to purify the water in just 15 minutes not changing the taste or color whatsoever.
-Great new cool, lightweight hat for the warmer months.
-Only one hard plastic 32oz Nalgene that does not take on the taste of anything put inside. I use this for powdered drinks or carrying water over and above the four liter MSR Dromitory Water Bag with a drink tube. I usually hike with about 2 liters in the bag and the bottle empty.
I guess those are the major gear changes I have made in the past 84 days.
Decided not to head to Philadelphia today because of the big bike race held in the city streets. Just drove in to get me signed in on the rental car so I could drive. I felt fine behind the wheel but very nervous with others driving. On the way back from Phili we stopped at Valley Forge.
Washington choose this site for the American Army's winter encampment following the British capture of the American capital, Philadelphia . Valley Forge lay just 18 miles northwest of the city-distant enough to prevent a surprise attack by the British, but close enough to keep raiding and foraging parties out of the interior of the state. At Valley Forge 11,000 soldiers stayed in camp, and perhaps 3,000 died, there were 268 court martials, and a British Report of 1,134 desertions. General George Washington said during their stay, "We could all be considered...as one people, embarked in one cause...acting on the same principle and to one end." Sound like hikers on the A.T.? I think so....
Heading to dinner for some seafood....yummm....then maybe the end of the Laker/Portland game...
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Pennsylvania
Day 85: 6/5/00
Today's Miles: 0
Total A.T. Miles: 1272
I am grateful that I was able to see and experience so much of our nation’s history today.
Had breakfast at a Bob's Big Boy truck stops. Yep that's right...there are still Bob's out here but this one is an Allentown truckstop. Oh...yummmmm
Then we tried to do some errands but were not really successful. Headed to Valley Forge and went on the 90 minute tour or the over 3000 acres that 11,000 soldiers wintered at between 1777-1778. Very interesting tour.
Then on to Phili to Independence Hall for a tour. What an amazing place! Both the Declaration Of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were signed in those rooms. It was an amazing feeling to be in the same room as those important events which people like Madison, Jefferson, Adams, and of course George Washington. James Madison took 600 pages of notes during the constitutional convention so we would have a record of the activities. Does this make me the James Madison of the Appalachian Trail?
Heading to Book Binders for dinner. It is suppose to be one of the oldest most famous restaurants in Phili...Looking forward to the last super...mmmmmm
---Great dinner...But...too many people and too much noise in this world...need to move back to the mountains...looking forward to my first steps into New Jersey tomorrow.
It was great getting to talk to about half of my class on a conference call today...they sure sounded happy...
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Pennsylvania
Day 86: 6/6/00
Today's Miles: 0
Total A.T. Miles: 1272
I am grateful for deodorant. You never know how great the stuff is till it's too heavy to carry.
Ring....Ring...Hello...this is Dreamer and I need to call in for a mental health day. I need a sub to walk 15-20 miles in the wind and the rain over wet slippery rocks for 10-12 hours. Thanks...Bye...
Well...It's pouring and even though I really want to get back on the trail today (after 4 zero days...) I have to be sensible and safe in my decision to take another zero day. The rain is suppose to die out tonight with sunny, hot, and humid conditions coming in behind it. Wind chills are in the mid 30's today and I just don't see the sense in hiking out today. I would either only be able to hike 10 miles to a pseudo-hostel or 24 miles to a shelter. Otherwise I would have to pack up a wet tent tomorrow. Mom and Dad got me a hotel room for the night so that made staying a little easier. Gonna do some major resting today. The time off with my parents rested my feet and back with no hiking and no pack on. I had tons of fun with them. It turned out to be go go go kinda few days and I didn't get as much down time as my body is use to getting off the trail. In addition to that, the overstimulation from driving, traffic, directions, the mall, and just plain civilization was exhausting. Today will be just down time and sleep.
6:00 P.M. Had a relaxing day napping, watching T.V., and writing post cards. Walked over to the pizza place and got a pizza to go. Laid in bed watching Seinfeld and eating pizza....Life is good. Looking forward to hitting the trail tomorrow...yippppppeeeee!
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
West Virginia
Day 67: 5/18/00
Today's Miles: 11.8
Total A.T. Miles: 1001 (somewhere I screwed up.... this is right)
I am grateful for my days with Commodore.
Wet day today...no, it didn't rain...It was so humid today that the ground was wet and so was my backpack. Things were as wet as if it HAD rained. Hiked Commodore’s last few miles today with him. He was bittersweet and I don't blame him. He WILL be back to finish. Made it into Harper's Ferry and went to the ATC center to have my picture taken as hiker number 75 to hike through this season. Good number...On my way to the center I found Snoopy who has the same injury that I had. Even the same foot. My heart goes out to him as I know the pain he is in.
Had lunch with Commodore and said goodbye him. Walked to the Comfort Inn and found Snoopy and our room. Working though some blisters to be with my new boots. That and the humidity have me taking a short day. Oh yea....the ATC center is sending a CD-ROM to my school which was made for kids. AT NO CHARGE!!!!
Forgot to say...Took a hot shower at the Bear's Den Yesterday and then a solar shower at the Blackburn Center that I stayed at. Another shower today made three in 2 days...wow...I'm a clean and happy camper!!!!
I nearly forgot that I have traveled into a new state and that it's dedication time...West Virginia is dedicated to my terrific parents. I know that I haven't been the easiest kiddo to raise, but they have done an amazing job! Thank you Sid and Nancy for all your love and support!!!
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Maryland
Day 68: 5/19/00
Today's Miles: 15.4
Total A.T. Miles: 1016.4
I am grateful for the warm rain that fell on me all day while hiking.
I would like to dedicate the state of Maryland to the original "Mr. Salinger's class" of students and their families. Just as I will not hit the 1000 mark again on this trip, there will never be another "first" class for me as a teacher. They know just how special they are to me.
Rain..rain..rain...A cloudy humid day turned into a day of drizzle and sometimes very hard rain. Snoopy and I took a cab the 3.5 miles to the trailhead this morning and took some fun photos of Harper's Ferry with no tourists in the streets. We then walked over the railroad bridge that crossed the Potomac River and entered Maryland. The first 3 miles was on the graded and completely flat C&O Canal Townpath. This historic path is where mules towed barges up the Potomac River. Construction on the canal began in 1829 and not ending until 1850. Investors hoped to connect the Chesapeake Bay with the frontier west of the Appalachians, but due to the length of time it took to complete it, the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad was completed first and took away from the economic success of the canal. In 1924 a storm damaged the canal so badly that shipping ceased. It stretches 185 miles from Washington D.C. to Cumberland, Maryland. Some A.T. hikers decided to hike to D.C. as some "extra miles."
During the 3 miles we saw huge catfish in the canal (yes, as big as the ones in the pond at the disc golf course in Stockton), and we also saw many Canadian Geese and their newborns hanging out on the trail. The next few miles climbed about 1000 feet and then dropped into the Gathland State park. Home of the only monument to war corespondents in the country. (Also home to a pay phone to say hi to Paula and a soda machine.)
Aiming for a campground at 17 miles but the rain convinced me to stop at the 15 mile shelter so I wouldn't have to set up or break down a tent in the rain. What a beautiful setting this is!!! A very small shelter that was built in 1940 with a picnic area, a great spring, and a swinging bench. Pictures will follow. The Mountain Laurel is amazing here. Mountain Laurel is a cousin to Rhododendron, but in my opinion much prettier.
Hail called for tonight...
Sat on the swing for a couple hours with Snoopy and talked and talked and talked...
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Maryland
Day 69: 5/20/00
Today's Miles: 15.4
Total A.T. Miles: 1031.8
I am grateful for the Dogpatch Tavern...hehehehe
Woke up to a steady rain and went back to sleep a couple times...back to the old hike philosophy... Woke up about 8 and packed up in time to head out by 9. We walked past the Reno Monument about 30 minutes into our hike. Here confederate soldiers in their late teens fought in a bloody battle just three weeks after being enlisted. Walked on in the drizzle and later passed the Washington Monument. This was the first monument ever built to honor George Washington. One is supposed to be able to see the Washington Monument in D.C. on a clear day..I could only see about 100 yards. Here's my question....Why can you see the D.C. Monument if the capital at the time was in Philadelphia. Is it just a coincidence? Maybe students at A.C. could research this and give me the answer...hmmmm I say..hmmmmm
Did someone say a four beer lunch? Dogpatch Tavern had great Coors Light on tap. I had three with my clam strips, two orders of fries, tuna sandwich, and grilled cheese sandwich. A local bought me a fourth. He also told me that this bar was meant for hiker trash, biker trash, and red necks. He was part of the third group I believe. He told me that this bar use to be the seen of quite a few fights. The new owners "ran off the trouble makers." He went on to tell me what a wild place it still was and that girls still never missed the chance to, "show their tits." The owner told me that she had worked for Head Start for the last eight years but needed a change. Her change was to buy a biker bar...hmmm...go figure. We walked out of the Tavern and back the .5 to the trail where we immediately climbed 500 feet. Yes...on four beers...
The shelter we were headed to had been torn down so we headed a couple extra miles to it's, unsigned, replacement. A beautiful shelter which could accommodate up to about 18 with only two section hikers plus Snoopy and I. Life is groooood. Heading into Pennsylvania tomorrow...yipppeeee...then only a couple more days till the actual halfway point and the half gallon club I will talk about more later. Lots of payphones just off the trail so I will try to send as often as possible...
As I lay here in my bag in this shelter, everything is a bit damp. It is really impossible to feel completely dry in this humidity. Hot or cold there is so much moisture in the air. I'm getting use to just feeling sticky all the time. I wont know what hit me when I get back into the CA dry air.
How about a poem????
The bird crying out,
the spring from the spout,
The plane high above,
they fit like a glove.
It's why I am here,
and I try not to fear,
the feeling I get,
when I pull a tick out,
or the seconds I count,
between lightening and thunder,
or the absence of hunger,
the pain in my feet,
or the strong smell of Deet,
a wet slippery rock,
or the smell of my socks,
but that's why I hike,
and that's what I like.
the challenge of this,
is something I'll miss,
so I'll try every day,
to find my own way,
one step at a time,
never missing a sign.
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Pennsylvania
Day 70: 5/21/00
Today's Miles: 17.5
Total A.T. Miles: 1050.3
I am grateful that the rain has stopped. Yea!!!!
“New York, New York” and “Sweet Georgia Brown” were the two closing songs of the Ray Birely Orchestra in Pen Mar Park on the Pennsylvania and Maryland border. We stopped for lunch and found an open snack bar and the opening day of the Big Band Summer Concert Series. The Pen Mar park was the Busch Gardens of the ‘20s and ‘30s. At the time there were roller coasters, carousels, lodging, fine dining, and music...music...music... What a beautiful park! It was first built by the Maryland Railroad to increase their ridership and create a cooler place to be in the hot summer months. Once the television and the automobile became standards in the American Household, the park saw many fewer visitors and eventually closed. The county took it back over in the 50's and brought it somewhat back to it's prime. The music still is great!!! I’ve done 9 miles to get to this park and it's getting late.....time to do about 8.5 more.....see ya....
Well the 8.5 went pretty fast and now I am here at Tumbling Run Shelters. Yes, shelters...There are two small shelters here and we are the only ones here (except for the 9 boarding school kids camped down near the spring). We passed two other shelters in the past 4 miles. At the first, just one section hiker was set up. At the second, there were two thru-hikers set up. At this one, it's just the two of us. The trail is not very busy with Thru-Hikers right now. Some are off for the annual Trail Days Festival in Damascus, some went into D.C., and still others got off for graduations and proms. It's very nice out here right now.
Got to the shelter and found a bag with some food hanging in the shelter. One of the prizes.....A zip lock bag of chocolate chips...mmm...mmm…good... I make hot chocolate every night and tonight a dumped a handful of chocolate chips into the pot....mmm…mmm…good...
Hit the state of Pennsylvania today and I would like to dedicate it to my Dodo...Dodo was my Great Aunt Doris. I couldn't pronounce her name as a child so I called her Dodo. Dodo was very special to me and inspired me in ways that I am even now still discovering. She helped me become who I am today and I thank her from the bottom of my heart for all her love and support.
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Pennsylvania
Day 71: 5/22/00
Today's Miles: 19.6
Total A.T. Miles: 1069.9
I am grateful for people that pick up hitch hikers.
Wet...wet...day... We hit the trail at 7 A.M. in cloudy but dry conditions. The drizzle started about 8. Just a slight drizzle that the leaves of the trees caught most of. After about an hour of drizzle, the saturated leaves started dropping bigger drops on our heads and bodies. We started to get wetter but still managed to keep mostly dry. Snoopy started the hike today with his anorak not his raincoat. I was only wearing a short sleeve shirt because my rain coat has not kept me the least bit dry. About 9:15 the sky opened up with thunder and lightening. This was the hardest rain we have walked in on this trip. Once the rain started, so did the boulders. Boulders with green moss made slippery by the rain blocked our path at every turn. I managed to spend the next hour climbing the slippery rocks without incident. Snoopy's foot started bothering him and he took a couple falls. We reached US 30 and had planned to walk the .5 north on the trail to Caldonia State Park for a hot shower. We were so wet that we decided that a hot shower would be great, but then we would be stuck putting our cold wet clothes back on. Hmmmmm...What to do. Our book told us that there was a pizza place .4 west on US 30. The road walk began. Yick! Semi after semi went by and....well...there was really no way to be any wetter. At last we arrived at the pizza place at 10:40. I looked at the hours and was happy that opening time was 11:00...just 20 minutes away. Yippee! That was until Snoopy showed me that the pizza place was closed on MONDAY!!!! Boo... Just then a man whipped into the parking lot and hopped out of his car to use the payphone. As he was dialing I asked him if the town of Fayetteville was down the hill. He said yes and then I asked if he was going that way. As he made his connection he nodded yes. I looked at Snoopy and smiled.....Hehehe...I'm getting better at this Yogi thing. The attempt to Yogi a ride was going well. He got of the phone I asked for a ride and he said, "Sure." We packed our wet gear and our wet bodies into the car and set off on the 3 mile ride. Some small talk followed as Snoopy and I talked about being dropped off at a restaurant. All of the sudden either Snoopy or I had the idea to get dropped off at the Laundromat instead. He dropped us at the mat and we walked in. Seconds later he followed us in and handed us some religious paraphernalia. Oh well...free ride. We spent the next hour washing and drying almost everything. I met a very interesting man who directs and produces at a local theater in the area. He offered a ride back to the trail, but we wanted to eat first. He even knew of the B Street Theater in Sacramento.
After laundry we went across the street to a restaurant. Snoopy had a big pasta plate while I had a Tuna Melt, fries and a salad....mmm...mmm...good...We walked across the street to the gas station where I called Antelope Creek and bought a couple Kit Kats. We walked out to the street and caught a hitch on the third car that passed us. A brand new all leather Ford Expedition. Pure heaven...Two hitches and neither one the back of a pick-up truck. Yipppeeee.. Back on the trail with no rain. Great hiking terrain. We heard thunder rumbling most of the time but the rain held off. That is...until...about 20 minutes before the shelter. At about mile 18.5 it started misting then drizzling then raining. I screamed at the sky to stop but it was no use. I knew how close we were to the shelter so I started jogging...then running as the sky opened up again. Arrived at the shelter pretty wet but by the time I had cooked I was pretty dry. Getting in the sleeping bag finishes the drying process.
Met a southbound section hiker today that told us that the hostel we are headed for tomorrow is only open until 9:30 am and opens again at 5:00 pm. Not good for us especially since Snoopy has a mail drop there. He also told us that the Pine Grove Furnace State Park store is not open on weekdays until the week after Memorial Day. That means we can't join the half gallon club! The half gallon club is for thru-hikers and we are challenged to eat a half gallon of ice cream with a wooden A.T. spoon washing it down only with coffee or soda. Looks like I won’t have the chance to show off my ice cream eating skills. Darn!!!!! Looks like rain for the next few days. We will hike out of here late tomorrow and do the 10 miles into the American Youth Hostel in the State Park. Gotta stay somewhat dry....
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Pennsylvania
Day 72: 5/23/00
Today's Miles: 10
Total A.T. Miles: 1079.9
I am grateful for the fact that my body is just about back to 100%.
I'm in the best shape of my life, but it's amazing how a small blister from a new pair of boots can slow me down. My boots are just about broken in and I should be a running at 100% in the next few days. Hiked 10, not AS wet miles into the AYH in Pine Grove Furnace. The store was closed as I had heard. We arrived about 12 and hung out on the porch till about 2 when the manager opened the building up, but none of the amenities were available to us. Nomad and The Crest showed up not long after us and opted for a work-board exchange. As I type they are meticulously scraping the paint off of the 200 or so boards on the front porch. I work hard enough out here already to scrape paint! Snoopy and I tried to hitch 6 miles to a restaurant. After 45 minutes and only about 6 cars we gave up. Walked back to the hotel and opened his maildrop. He got brownies...ymmmm...good...we just sat and ate.....mmmmm.
I am sitting in the hostel right now writing to you and imagining what it was like in 1827 when the mansion I'm in was used as a stop on the Underground Railroad. Wow...what history! The State Park marks the spot of an iron furnace and mining operation that produced firearms used in the Revolutionary War. We are staying here tonight and then the "plan" is this:
(Let's see how close I come to plan #1)
*Wednesday-19 miles to Boiling Springs to stay with a friend of Snoopy's
*Thursday-25 miles to the Doyle Hotel. This was one of the original Anheuser-Bush hotels. The restaurant and 60 cent beer room has been completely remodeled, but the rooms are in shambles. We will eat and drink and camp 1 mile out of town.
*Friday-Get my Duncannon mail drop and head out and do 74 miles by Sunday night. 74 miles gets us to Port Clinton and our next mail drop. We can camp in the pavilion in the middle of town.
*Monday-Friday-This is supposedly the rockiest section of the trail. We will do a total of 76 miles (15 miles a day) should be doable. This gets me to Delaware Water Gap on Friday, June 2 just in time to get picked up by Mom and Dad for two glorious days off the trail with them...
Now the fun part will be to watch how this best laid plan changes with the weather, the body, and the mind....hehehe
Met a woman named Kathy at the hostel tonight from Santa Cruz who is driving up the east coast. She took us to the Tag Run restaurant and we ate like kings and queens. The group was The Crest, Nomad, Gypsy Girl, Snoopy, and myself. At 6:10 p.m. my time I got to talk to each and everyone of my Do Something Captains. It was great to hear their voices and to get to congratulate on all of their hard work this year. Do Something is alive and well in Rocklin thanks to the work of the amazing captains and their fearless leader, Mrs. Jane DeLury. Thank you to all of them.
Sat on the pouch tonight with Gypsy Girl and a few others while Nomad played his guitar with another visitor at the hostel who has a banjo. Amazing music and an amazing experience!!!
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Pennsylvania
Day 73: 5/24/00
Today's Miles: 19.6
Total A.T. Miles: 1099.5
I am grateful for beautiful warm sunshine!!!
We had sun for all but 1 hour of the hike today. Yes, for that hour we had a pretty good thunder storm. But....we dried out and all was good. Hiked from 7 till 11 and stopped at the Green Mountain Store for possibly the best sub sandwich of my life. It's funny...we were just laughing about stopping in Georgia for lunch during the hike....NOT... Up north is a bit more civilized and there are eating possibilities most days...maybe I'll gain some weight...hehehehe
Hiked through some fun boulders today where we had to do some climbing...Different...Fun...
Got to Boiling Springs at about 3:30 and bought an apple juice, Sobe, Snapple, and a Coke. Had them all in my belly in 30 minutes.
Snoopy's friend Doug picked us up about 5. Went to his country house built in 1790 and took showers, did laundry, and went out to dinner. Ate an amazing seafood diner that Doug paid for! Thank you so much Doug!!! Weather is suppose to get better and better from here! Yippeeeee!!
Feet got pretty tired today...We will have to see how we do on the upcoming big mile days....
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Pennsylvania
Day 74: 5/25/00
Today's Miles: 26.7
Total A.T. Miles: 1127.2
I am grateful that a tough day can still end on a high note.
"Ahhhhh...It's over," he said with a smile on his face.
"What a long strange day it's been."
And with that he began to recount his day. That is as the 15 minute train went by. He began.
As I sit here and listen to the 20 minute train I smile as I think about the day. No, not because I really had fun, but because I can laugh about it. When I looked at the map this morning I saw 13 miles of flat follow by a moderate ridge walk and then down to town....ahhhh...was I wrong.
The flat - thirteen miles of, yes flat walk, but walk through farming fields. Corn, wheat, beans, and alfalfa. Yes, the bubble boy suffered. I started with sniffling, then moved into sneezing, then itchy eyes, then some wheezing, and finally moved into serious eye swelling. I went through it all and was a mess. Then it was up to the ridge where all started well and then...the rocks. Yes my friends, the rocks of Pennsylvania have started. Slowly...but they have started. And down I went...yep...just once through.
Stopped at Hawk Rock to see the annual hawk migration...not one damn hawk! Then down into the town of Duncannon to walk to the Clark Ferry Motel. The motel was all the way through town right past an ice cream shop. Yes we stopped! I got a chocolate malt. Then as we kept walking, we walked past the campground we thought was too far to get to the Clark Ferry TRUCK STOP. They were full for the night. Didn't even consider staying at the Doyle because of how bad we have heard it is. Walked back into town and by now we had walked another 2 miles on top of the 26.7. Paid our $3.50 each and set of our tents on an island above the mud. Headed into the bathroom and found a scary place. The shower floor had green stuff growing on the floor. As Snoopy got into the shower, I opted for a counter wash up. Finished and called Paula who immediately brought me back to a happier place.
Off the phone and a mile more walk back to town. (We are up to 29.7) Went to the Doyle for a pitcher of Bud. Ahhhhhh.... A local sat down with us and we had an interesting talk with him. He saw our maps and asked us where we were going. When we told him Maine, he started folding up our maps and explaining that he had a road atlas and he would get it out of his car in a minute and show us how to get there. We told him we were walking and he told us he was, "Leaving for Maine tomorrow and you two can ride with me if one of you sleeps in the sleeper while the other sits in the passenger seat." We tried to explain that we were hiking but he still insisted we ride with him. Something drew him to another table and we finished our pitcher and the waitress brought us our bill and a hiker register (just as a lot of hiker establishments have). As we handed her the bill and walked out we heard our table guest arguing with the waitress that he should be able to sign the register because he was going to Maine too!
Walked to the Pizza place and had 2 more beers and a calzone. Here is the classic part of dinner. While Bare Naked Ladies played on the juke box, he had finished his calzone. Another gentleman had been eating at a nearby table when we arrived. Well, the gentleman was gone for the evening, but he had about a quarter of his calzone left. While I was ordering some french fries, Snoopy was snaggin' the rest of the calzone. Don't we all always say that someone should grab the food that others leave? Snoopy did it alright! Walked back to the campground (Now up to 30.7) and just had to stop at the ice cream place before it closed. Single scoop of Rainbow sherbet, baby!!
Back to the campground to brush the teeth and write in the journal. Whoppppsss..the 20 minute train is here. Time to put in ear plugs for the night and get some sleep. Yes, the 20 minute train comes by every twenty minutes!!!
Oh yea...I've gotta walk south into town in the morning about 1.5 miles to the P.O. to get my mail drop. Then it's 1.5 back here before the 24ish planned for tomorrow. The only question...How bad will the rocks be???
7:00 A.M. the next day..... P.S.The kink in the planned miles to Port Clinton (besides the rocks) is that we were planning to get there Sunday night and pick up our mail drops on Monday morning. Snoopy's drop is at the Port Clinton Hotel...mine...at the P.O. Monday is a holiday and the P.O. is closed. I will try to work a miracle at the Duncannon P.O. this morning.
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Pennsylvania
Day 75: 5/26/00
Today's Miles: 21.3
Total A.T. Miles: 1148.5
I am grateful for the sound of a babbling brook at night.
There were no miracles at the Duncannon Post Office. As a matter of fact, the Postal Worker was down right mean to me. She basically refused to help me at all. My only choice was to fill out a change of address and have my drop sent to Allentown where I will be spending my days off with my parents. Later I called the Port Clinton P.O. myself and the worker there had no trouble forwarding it to the Port Clinton Hotel for me. DUNCANNON IS NOT A FRIENDLY HIKER TOWN!!! I forgot to mention the people that yelled out of their car window, "You'll never make it!" Or the carload of guys that yelled, "Hiker trash!" I won't be going back to Duncannon!!
Ouch…ooo...ahhh...my feeeeeeeet....The rocks are slowly but surely getting more abundant. The trick is not to get frustrated that you can't walk as fast and to just slow down and do less miles.
Didn't get out of The Town till 10 and we hiked till 6:30. Passed Goshawk and Roady. We have been on their heals for days. Good to see Goshawk again and nice to finally met Roady. Incredible views today. It was one of the clearest days in the last few weeks. They are calling for rain tomorrow night through Monday. Oh wellllllll....Just as I get dried out it's time to get wet again.
I have really enjoyed all the notes that people wrote and sealed before my trip. I have been getting them in maildrops and they always make me laugh, smile, or both. Thanks for all the love, encouragement, and support!
Walked on a .25 section of the trail today that allowed more than just hikers. First we saw two adults about my age with their two kids. One was about 6 and one about 4. Very cute. Minutes after that a heard a "beep…beep” behind me and two bikes with bells passed us. Minutes after we passed a Dad and Son on horses. This is the first section of the trail that allowed anything but hikers...
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Pennsylvania
Day 76: 5/27/00
Today's Miles: 23.3
Total A.T. Miles: 1171.8
I am grateful that my new boots only hurt like shit today and that they didn't rip through my heals.
OUCH!! Have I mentioned that no day is easy out here? Well, it isn't. Today was no exception. Rocky then smooth…then rockier then not as smooth...then even rockier then no more smooths. Today also included a creek crossing that required taking off the boots and putting the sandals on. Burrrr...the water was coooooolllddd.
The heels hurt more and more after they got wet in the creek. The rocks caused even more pain to the heels. Aimed for the Eckville Shelter. This is a beauty! It's run by the local trail maintenance crew. It's fully enclosed with sodas and ice cream for sale from the caretaker. He will also let hikers borrow his phone to get food delivered from the local town of Pine Grove. MMMMM YUM!!! It was nice after walking in the steady rain for the last 6 hours!!!
Going to try to make Port Clinton tomorrow if the weather, the heels, and the rocks cooperate. Wish me luck!!! If I make it I will need to average 15 miles a day Monday-Friday to Delaware Water Gap. Staying on track pretty well...
A Southbounder at the shelter with us told us that the rocks tomorrow are much worse than the rocks during the next 5 days or 75 miles to Delaware Water Gap...should be an interesting day tomorrow....
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Pennsylvania
Day 77: 5/28/00
Today's Miles: 23.7
Total A.T. Miles: 1195.5
I am grateful for the fish called Haddock. MMMMmmmm good.
Good day...ahhhh every day is good...really!!
Anyway, woke up to a windy cool and clear morning. The coolest of the trip so far. The rocks were overrated. Yes, they were sharp and yes they hurt, but they weren't that bad. Hiked 15 miles by 12:30 and stopped for lunch. Got into Port Clinton at 4:15. My mail drop was waiting at the Port Clinton Hotel but Snoopy's was not. He was not happy. The owners of the hotel said they would check the P.O. on Tuesday morning and then bring it to him at the road crossing that day. Hope it works out.
Got to the hotel and had a quick 3 beers followed by Haddock and a former thru-hiker joined us for dinner and made for nice conversation. He offered to pay for our dinner but we had already paid so he paid for the 3 more beers we had at dinner. Now I sit in the bar having another beer and munching on some free chips and pretzels cause I'm still hungry. Now that we made it here on schedule, we only have to do 15 miles a day for the next 5 days....yea!!!
Interesting animal encounter today...as I was hiking I heard a bunch of baby birds. I kept walking and all of the sudden a grouse (partridge) came running out of the bushes with it's wing fluttering and screeching. I had heard that coming close to a grouse nest alerted the mother to act wounded and try to get you to follow it. It was amazing...I was seeing it. Very cool!!
Pause...another beer....gotta go...hehehe
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Pennsylvania
Day 78: 5/29/00
Today's Miles: 15.2
Total A.T. Miles: 1210.7
I am grateful that I allowed myself to walk 15 miles each day this week.
I started out with a lot of energy today, but fizzled out as the day went on. Was it the 8 beers last night?? hmmmm...
Woke up at 6:30 and after having breakfast and getting ready, Snoopy told me that he had too much pain in his foot to walk today and that he was going to stay another day. So, at 8 a.m. I set off on my own again. Nice hiking and it did get rocky, but I think that the rocks are overrated by hikers that try to power through them instead of slowing down. Saw MANY day hikers on this Memorial Day. None were too talkative...oh well. Had lunch on The Pinnacle. Its panoramic view of the Pennsylvania farmland at about 1650 feet is said to be the best views of the state from the A.T. It was incredible. Overcast skies cut down my visibility a bit, but it was beautiful. I signed the register inside a mailbox attached to a tree and was off.
Here I am at the Eckville Shelter. A couple days ago I incorrectly said I was at the Eckville shelter when I was actually at the Pine Grove 501 shelter. At this, the Eckville Shelter, the Blue Ridge Eagle Climbing Club offers bunks for 6, water from a spigot, a privy, and soda/ice cream from a fridge on the porch on the honor system. Jerry, the caretaker, introduced himself and gave me the quick tour. I unpacked and sat down at the picnic table and started to journal. He came back out of his house and gave me a pile of pictures taken at Trail Days in Damascus. Each year the ATC holds Trail Days for past, future, and or current thru-hikers. It's one big party and many hikers get off the trail to attend. I decided not to because it was the 3 days after Paula came to see me and I didn't want to take that much time off. Anyway, I looked through all the pictures and I didn't recognize one person. I don't feel like a social misfit. I have met literally hundreds of people and I recognized no one. Well...I figure most of the people in the pictures are hikers that started way after me and are closer to Damascus to take the time off the trail.
The plan still says 15 miles a day, but maybe I will do more some days and less others. As long as I hit Delaware Water Gap and the New Jersey state line Friday, it doesn't really matter how I split up the 61.3 miles from here.
P.S. I just read the journal here and only 25 thru-hikers have signed in before me. This shelter sells sodas and ice cream so chances are that most hikers stop here and sign in. Rumor has it that 4000 hikers started this year and only 25 or so are ahead of me. Katydid and Simmer showed up tonight. Their ages are similar to Snoopy's and mine. It is fun to watch them interact with each other so comfortably. They are a lot of fun.
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Pennsylvania
Day 79 - 5/30/00
Today's Miles: 18.4
Total A.T. Miles: 1229.1
I am grateful that I'm getting better and better at listening to my body.
I'm still learning many things each day I'm lucky enough to be here. For instance, I learned to always recognize that when a point on the map has a name that it's for one of two reasons.
1. Amazing scenery.
2. Really god damn hard!
I've also learned that one should never throw a bear rope over a rotten branch.
Hmmm....What else have I learned? Oh yes! I also learned that the rocks will keep getting worse all the way to Katahdin. Oh yea and.....I learned one more thing about the rocks...the State of Pennsylvania employs small gnomes that come out only at night and sharpen the rocks for hikers.
Sound like an interesting day? (That was your anticipatory set teachers...hehehe)
Well, it was. Fun and difficult. Started with an immediate increase in rocks...size and number. That started over a 2 1/2 mile 1000 foot climb (100 flights of stairs). As I hiked the rocks got sharper by the step.
Some are rounded, but most are sharpened to a point or a long sharp edge. They are usually too close to step between, but too far from each other to get a rhythm. It took my the first 3 hours to do just 5 miles. I can usually do 8-9 in 3 hours. Then I got to "The Knife Edge." It was walking on 300-500 lb. rocks that were sharpened to an edge and thrust out of the ground on a ridge of a mountain at a 45 degree angle. It took me almost 40 minutes to walk the entire quarter mile. Then it was over an area called "Bear Rocks." The name says it all.
Mick at the Eckville shelter confirmed the other news of rocks not only continuing into New Jersey, but all the way through Maine. Shh...I think I hear a gnome at work.
I am getting pretty close to New Jersey now and that is supposedly the state with the most bears. I figured that they probably don't read border signs so I should probably start hanging my food now. First, it took me forever to find a high enough, long enough, and seemingly strong enough one. It was high enough, it was long enough, but as with the tree in my backyard, it was rotten. It was so rotten that as I began hoisting the bag up the branch snapped and the food and rotten piece of wood came flying down at me. They each missed to a different side of me.
Have I mentioned that this job is hard?
Aimed for the "Bake Oven Shelter" at 17 miles but when got their I saw all of the trash and read the register about the rattlesnake that lives in the wall of the shelter....and keeps the mice away. Decided to get water at the spring there and walk until I found a good campsite. Here I am....shhhhh....another gnome.
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Pennsylvania
Day 80: 5/31/00
Today's Miles: 22.5
Total A.T. Miles: 1251.6
I am grateful that I have learned not to believe everything I hear about the trail.
Today started with the 7.4 mile approach to Lehigh Gap. The walking was moderate. The vegetation started to thin as I hiked into Lehigh Furnace Gap. I got water at the George Outerbridge Shelter because the books told me that all the water for the next 20 miles is contaminated and unsafe to drink because the area is an EPA Superfund Site. More on that in a minute.
The Lehigh Gap climb wasssss a monster but not what it had been touted as. The trail followed a bolder and rock pile over half a mile and 1000 feet (100 flights of stairs). The climb is said to be really dangerous in rain and wind and very uncomfortable in extreme heat (as this time of the year usually has). The weather was perfect for my climb. Cloudy with a gentle breeze. The climb, which was hand over hand at times, was actually a lot of fun. When I got to the top I appeared to be standing in an area hit by a nuclear bomb. The area is a result of 82 years of Zinc smelting in the adjacent town of Palmerton. In 1982 the EPA shut down the site and put it on the Superfund cleanup list. It is a dead wasteland of brown rotting logs. Kinda scary. What they are doing is spreading a product called Ecoloam on the rocky slopes hoping to get things to regrow as fast as possible. Ecoloam is a combination Municipal Waste, sludge, fly ash, lime, fertilizer, and slopes. Ok...what is fly ash? Hmmm.... So after my vertical bolder climb I get to take a leisurely walk through a sea of fly ash? Anyway...Over the next 6 miles or so the vegetation reappeared and things were back to normal. I finally caught and met Popeye and Sunnybrook today. They have been just in front of me for days. They started February 27th. After talking with them for a few I walked by their lunch spot. About 3 miles north I stopped and they stopped to talk to me. We talked for about 30 minutes before walking on together. Soon Popeye and I were a ways ahead of Sunnybrook and he decided to wait for her. I hiked on. I had enjoyed their company so much I decided to hike the extra 6 miles to stay at the Leroy Smith Shelter. Can't pass out on an opportunity to meet new people. I got to the shelter about an hour before they did. I read and wrote in the register, got all my gear organized and started dinner. Had dinner with them and talked for a long time with them before I started typing.
The plan has changed again....surprised? Well... I am only 20 miles out of Delaware Water Gap and only 4 miles out of Wind Gap. I shall hike into Wind Gap and make some calls. I need to confirm my meeting place with the parents, call Paula, and call a few manufacturers to straighten out some things. Then maybe a Whopper at Burger King (without the meat....whatcha think...that I had become a carnivore again?) After my jobs are complete I will walk an additional 9 miles to the Kirkridge Shelter. Then Friday...7 rockless miles (as I've heard) to Delaware Water Gap.
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Pennsylvania
Day 81: 6/1/00
Today's Miles: 20.4
Total A.T. Miles: 1272
I am grateful for the Church of the Mountain Hostel for their treatment to thru-hikers.
Started with immediate rocks out of the Leroy Smith Shelter with the 5.1 mile hike into Wind Gap for many phone calls and my Whopper without meat. MMM...it tasted good going down. But....going up the 500 climb with the Whopper in the gut was very difficult.
Got off the trail and walked 1/4 mile the wrong way to the hotel that supposedly had a pay phone. Turned around and walked the .5 back to the hotel only to find out that they had not phone. The lady told me that a quarter mile down the road was a phone. Well the quarter mile turned out to be a mile and a quarter. I know that because it was a quarter mile past the P.O. that my book tells me is a mile off the trail. Made my million calls and asked the lady in the store how far B.K. was. She told me about a quarter mile. You would think I'd learn! After my mile walk I arrived at B.K. and ordered my Whopper without meat. The lady said, "Oh...you want the veggie burger?" This is their Whopper with tons of extra lettuce, pickles, tomatoes, onions, and cheese on it.
Inhaled the "burger" and fries and headed back for the 2+ mile road walk to the trailhead. Put my thumb out as I walked and was amazed when one of the first cars stopped. Turns out it was a woman that works at the P.O. and she gives hikers rides all the time. The hike was up and rocky. I caught up with Popeye and Sunnybrook about an hour into the walk. Walked with them to the 14 mile shelter and decided to walk on into Delaware Water Gap. Mom and Dad won’t be here till 8 p.m.ish tomorrow so I will head into Stroudsburg to catch "Mission Impossible II" Yippee...three zero days to rest the rock beaten feet...
Staying at the Church of the Mountain Hostel tonight. I’m not sure what denomination they are but they have a free hostel under the church for thru-hikers. The congregation does a pot luck every Thursday night that they invite hikers to attend. I arrived two hours too late....darn. The hostel has bunks for eight and a common room. I am sleeping on a couch in the common room because the beds are very soft. There are only the three of us here tonight. Pastor Karen says this is the "off season." It’s funny to think that I am hiking in the off season, but because of my early start and my hiking pace, I am now a pre-season hiker. Kinda cool...
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Pennsylvania
Day 82: 6/2/00
Today's Miles: 0
Total A.T. Miles: 1272
I am grateful this the first of three zero days in 18 days of hiking.
Woke up early as I always do (have trouble sleeping in out here). Sat around with Popeye and Sunnybrook for a couple of hours talking about many different things before heading out into the big city of Delaware Water Gap (hehehe...it's only two streets that are 3-4 blocks long.) Stopped at the payphone to send and received e-mail and then headed into the Village Farmer. This place is great! Their pull is a $1 special including a hot dog and a slice of fresh baked apple pie. Does this place sound American??? They also have every baked item under the sun. I am sitting outside in their garden area eating my cream cheese muffin and sipping on my orange juice....The outfitter opens in 20 minutes...ahhh. Life is great!!!
No matinees today...darn...just had to write some post cards and rest for the day in the cool hostel. Popeye and Sunnybrook were picked up a couple hours ago by her uncle for a couple rest days off the trail. There is a biker here at the hostel from Louisiana who is biking from Virginia to Vermont and a section hiker hiking from here to Vermont. Very interesting people to talk with. Only a few more hours till Ma and Pa get here...Heading off for more rest. It's nice to take my first zero in 18 days....yippppeeee
7:00 P.M.- Parents stuck in Chicago airport and I will try to get to Allentown.
8:30 P.M. Can't get to Allentown and will not hike tomorrow due to the fact there is no where until the 28 mile mark for a Mom and Dad to pick me up. I can't make 28 mile mark with the rocks continuing for about 40 miles...
Will sleep on it...
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Pennsylvania
Day 83: 6/3/00
Today's Miles: 0
Total A.T. Miles: 1272
I am grateful for a good nights sleep.
5:30 A.M. Well...yesterday I was a little troubled by the fact that I would now be taking four straight zero days and I was losing a day off my schedule. My good nights sleep warranted the response...SO WHAT...In an almost five month journey what is one extra day....nothing.
I will set out to the bus station early this morning to hopefully catch the first bus from Delaware Water Gap to Allentown. With any luck I will be there long before the 7 p.m. arrival time of my parents and I can maybe even see a movie in the big city...I will hit the trail again Tuesday...
"Don't worry about a thing...cause every little thing’s gonna be alright."
7:30 A.M.-Sitting here at the Martz Bus Station. Yea, they have a bus leaving at 8:30 to Allentown at 10:30. I have to take two busses but at least it will only take two hours. When I called last night to ask about a bus leaving then they told me that I could take a 12:20 A.M. bus that would get me to Allentown TEN hours later at 10:00 A.M. Allentown is only 55 miles away! What's up with that?
Got a ride from a ridge runner to the bus station two miles away. The ridge runner showed up late last night at the hostel. Have I told you what a ridge runner is? It's a person paid to backpack. Not bad work ehe? The ATC pays young men and women to "patrol" the trail by hiking it. They have no official power, but they are there to help out hikers in need, clear small blowdowns, and report any misuse of the trail.
So here I sit...looking at the bus board that tells me I can get to NYC in 30 minutes less time than I can get to Allentown...hmmmmm More later...
9:15 A.M. Bus Station in Easton...Just visited with a woman and her 1st grade grandson. She is such an interesting person...15 great grandchildren....wow...and 4 children all with doctorates working all over the world...Should be getting on the bus to Allentown soon...
10:00 A.M. Yippeee...on the bus to Allentown.
Took a cab to Mission Impossible 2 today...very scary ride...too fasssstttt...Mom and Dad got here just as I finished talking to Snoopy on the phone...I have been looking for him and asking fellow hikers about him for days...no one had seen him...I was beginning to get worried about him. I called his wife to ask about his whereabouts and was surprised when she told me he was home and gave him the phone. Apparently, when I left him in Port Clinton his foot was worse than we both had thought. To make a long story short he ended up taking a bus home and went to see his doctor who told him he had developed a very bad infection in his foot. He has been treating it all week and is much better. But...as the case is with so many people that go home for a visit or just a few days, Snoopy found it hard to leave the comforts of his home and family. It appears that Snoopy will not be finishing the trail this year. He expressed his desire to eventually finish...I sure will miss my hiking partner...we had some great times together...I was told once that hiking the trail for 5-6 months with a partner was equivalent to spending 35 years in a marriage. The time you spend with the person is very equivalent it seems. If that is true...Snoopy and I have spent about 19-20 years of marriage together...Thanks for the memories, Snoopy...I will never forget our times together...
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Pennsylvania
Day 84: 6/4/00
Today's Miles: 0
Total A.T. Miles: 1272
I am grateful for new opportunities.
It's odd that everyone I started hiking with I have either moved ahead of or they have gotten off the trail. Ten or twenty people that I had become very friendly with have simply disappeared. Many may be behind me while others have gotten off the trail. It's funny to think about it...but the people I formed such close friendships with at the beginning of the hike I just assumed would be around at the end of the hike. But as I continue to learn about this thing called long distance hiking I continue to understand that the fact is most people don't finish. I feel very lucky to have made it this far and hope my luck, attitude, and body let me continue.
In speaking with my father last night he mentioned that I should let people know about my gear changes. This may bore some of you and interest others. The fact is that almost everything on my back is new to me since Springer.
-Borrowing a backpack to replace the Mountainsmith that gave me so much pain.
-Bought a new 1 lb. 10 oz sleeping bag and 4 oz. silk liner to replace the 3.5 lb. sleeping bag that didn't keep me warm and the 1 lb. 6 oz. fleece liner that weighed so much.
-Replaced the MSR Whisperlite and white gas with the Primus using 70/30 fuel. It's more compact, lighter, and easier to use.
-Went through one pair of Vasque Skywalks and broke in a second pair that I am now wearing till hopefully the end of me hike.
-Have 2 Photon lights and now my headlight also for the possibility of any night hiking where the Photons don't have enough output.
-Getting rid of the water filter today because I rarely treat my water instead looking for safe, high elevation springs. I will purchase Aqua Mira, a new product that treats the water using two vials of liquid and 7 drops of each to purify the water in just 15 minutes not changing the taste or color whatsoever.
-Great new cool, lightweight hat for the warmer months.
-Only one hard plastic 32oz Nalgene that does not take on the taste of anything put inside. I use this for powdered drinks or carrying water over and above the four liter MSR Dromitory Water Bag with a drink tube. I usually hike with about 2 liters in the bag and the bottle empty.
I guess those are the major gear changes I have made in the past 84 days.
Decided not to head to Philadelphia today because of the big bike race held in the city streets. Just drove in to get me signed in on the rental car so I could drive. I felt fine behind the wheel but very nervous with others driving. On the way back from Phili we stopped at Valley Forge.
Washington choose this site for the American Army's winter encampment following the British capture of the American capital, Philadelphia . Valley Forge lay just 18 miles northwest of the city-distant enough to prevent a surprise attack by the British, but close enough to keep raiding and foraging parties out of the interior of the state. At Valley Forge 11,000 soldiers stayed in camp, and perhaps 3,000 died, there were 268 court martials, and a British Report of 1,134 desertions. General George Washington said during their stay, "We could all be considered...as one people, embarked in one cause...acting on the same principle and to one end." Sound like hikers on the A.T.? I think so....
Heading to dinner for some seafood....yummm....then maybe the end of the Laker/Portland game...
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Pennsylvania
Day 85: 6/5/00
Today's Miles: 0
Total A.T. Miles: 1272
I am grateful that I was able to see and experience so much of our nation’s history today.
Had breakfast at a Bob's Big Boy truck stops. Yep that's right...there are still Bob's out here but this one is an Allentown truckstop. Oh...yummmmm
Then we tried to do some errands but were not really successful. Headed to Valley Forge and went on the 90 minute tour or the over 3000 acres that 11,000 soldiers wintered at between 1777-1778. Very interesting tour.
Then on to Phili to Independence Hall for a tour. What an amazing place! Both the Declaration Of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were signed in those rooms. It was an amazing feeling to be in the same room as those important events which people like Madison, Jefferson, Adams, and of course George Washington. James Madison took 600 pages of notes during the constitutional convention so we would have a record of the activities. Does this make me the James Madison of the Appalachian Trail?
Heading to Book Binders for dinner. It is suppose to be one of the oldest most famous restaurants in Phili...Looking forward to the last super...mmmmmm
---Great dinner...But...too many people and too much noise in this world...need to move back to the mountains...looking forward to my first steps into New Jersey tomorrow.
It was great getting to talk to about half of my class on a conference call today...they sure sounded happy...
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Pennsylvania
Day 86: 6/6/00
Today's Miles: 0
Total A.T. Miles: 1272
I am grateful for deodorant. You never know how great the stuff is till it's too heavy to carry.
Ring....Ring...Hello...this is Dreamer and I need to call in for a mental health day. I need a sub to walk 15-20 miles in the wind and the rain over wet slippery rocks for 10-12 hours. Thanks...Bye...
Well...It's pouring and even though I really want to get back on the trail today (after 4 zero days...) I have to be sensible and safe in my decision to take another zero day. The rain is suppose to die out tonight with sunny, hot, and humid conditions coming in behind it. Wind chills are in the mid 30's today and I just don't see the sense in hiking out today. I would either only be able to hike 10 miles to a pseudo-hostel or 24 miles to a shelter. Otherwise I would have to pack up a wet tent tomorrow. Mom and Dad got me a hotel room for the night so that made staying a little easier. Gonna do some major resting today. The time off with my parents rested my feet and back with no hiking and no pack on. I had tons of fun with them. It turned out to be go go go kinda few days and I didn't get as much down time as my body is use to getting off the trail. In addition to that, the overstimulation from driving, traffic, directions, the mall, and just plain civilization was exhausting. Today will be just down time and sleep.
6:00 P.M. Had a relaxing day napping, watching T.V., and writing post cards. Walked over to the pizza place and got a pizza to go. Laid in bed watching Seinfeld and eating pizza....Life is good. Looking forward to hitting the trail tomorrow...yippppppeeeee!
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
June Journals
New Jersey
Day 87: 6/7/00
Today's Miles: 24.6
Total A.T. Miles: 1296.6
I am grateful that my body allowed me to walk the distance that I walked today.
Well radio listeners...it's time for another dedication. This one (New Jersey) goes out to a very special person. My hiking partner for over two months...Snoopy...this state's for you!
The body hurt today. My knees were very sensitive and my feet just plain ached. I don't know if it's because I switched insoles or just because my feet have become a little wimpy over the last 5 days....but my puppies barked all day. Passed a beautiful glaciated pond called Sunfish Pond. It looked very similar to a Sierra Nevada lake. It was beautiful. As I hiked I looked for bears but had no luck today. The hike started for me at 6 A.M. and ended at 4:45 P.M. Not a fast pace, but solid enough for the first one back. Got to the shelter and found two older men. One had his tent up just in front of the shelter and one had his tent up IN the shelter. What's up with that? I was already going to tent so I could get an early start, but there wasn't much room in the shelter if I had wanted to sleep in there. These guys were ultra heavy section hikers. They had the most and the heaviest equipment yet. An example of one thing they were carrying? O.k. You know those citronella candles that supposedly keep the bugs away. O.k...now picture one in a half-gallon metal pale with a handle like the one you might have on the table in your backyard. If you have one stop right here and go pick it up...If you don't have one use your imagination. Nothing most people would carry through the woods...
Set up my tent and began cooking dinner when I heard a sound like a wind approaching very fast. Just as I looked up a glider went over my head not more than 200 feet up. Then, about 30 seconds later a second one! Wow...those things move. I will put my food in the provided bear box here. This is a metal box designed for hikers to store their food.
The Pine and Aspen trees appeared immediately after entering the state of New Jersey. I am walking on ridges as I did in PA, but here I have many views. The change in foliage is interesting and welcome. The rocks continue, but they are in stretches rather than miles and miles of never ending rocks. New Jersey is truly beautiful so far.
Gonna eat my dinner and do a little reading. I would love to be able to do 20-25 miles a day and still get into camp about 5 P.M. and have plenty of time to eat, write, and read.
What a life...Walk...Eat...Write...Read...Sleep. And repeat the process over and over again....
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
New Jersey
Day 88: 6/8/00
Today's Miles: 19.7
Total A.T. Miles: 1316.3
I am grateful for the cool breeze on a hot humid day.
Ok...Take the rocks from Pennsylvania and add hills o-plenty...Now you've got New Jersey. A beautiful and difficult state.
Had a nice surprise today. The day had been going slowly and the miles were not ticking by. I hadn't gone as far as I should of in the time which had passed. When I looked at my map I was surprised to see that I hadn't passed over two roads and thus I was two miles back from where I thought I should be. I walked in frustration for the next 10-15 minutes and then BAM!!! There was the shelter I was looking for. SURPRISE!!!! Yippee...Now I am ahead of schedule for the day...
Bears were on the mind today. As I passed a northbound section hiker I was told about a bear he had seen the day before. Caught The Colonel and he told me of a bear he had seen an hour before on trail I had just walked on. Then, on my way up to High Point Monument, a day hiker told me he had seen a bear north of me about 10 minutes ago. I walked and walked and walked.....did I see a bear? NO! I haven't even seen any scat since I got to this state!!
I'm at a shelter tonight with The Colonel, a section hiker, and tented outside is a ridgerunner, and three other newly met thru-hikers.
The knees are feeling good, but the feet are still sore and blistered. Need to do 20 miles to get my food drop tomorrow and then 2 miles up into the hills to a camp spot.
Walked through a wilderness preserve and saw 30-40 box turtles...other types of turtles, blue herons, ducks, geese, and marmots....
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
New Jersey
Day 89: 6/9/00
Today's Miles: 21.9
Total A.T. Miles: 1338.2
I am grateful for each new day.
3:45 p.m. Sitting here at Heaven Hill Farm letting my coke, two plums, two peaches, danish, and scoop of coconut swirl digest over my Country Time Lemonade. As I sit at a table in front of this place many have stopped to ask and talk about the trail. I have watched a black sky roll in and now a tamer looking one is above. Looks like I could get some rain this afternoon or tonight. Makes it even harder to get myself motivated to walk after going 19.7 miles by 2:45 when I arrived.
Get this...not only were people going out of their way to tell me bear stories the past few days, but today they were mean enough to put bear prints all over 20 miles of trail. A local asked how many I had seen a moment ago and when I replied, "None," he guaranteed me that I would see one in the next few miles north of here. We shall see. The sky is not going to be my friend tonight...The next shelter is 5.4 miles more tonight...about 2 1/2 hours...Not sure where I will end up tonight...I would rather tent, really don't want to pack up a wet tent in the morning...Oh well, it's been a long time since I've dealt with a wet tent...maybe I'm due...
6:00 p.m. Sky cleared up but I had already decided not to push to the shelter after the 1000 foot climb on that not-empty stomach. To say I felt great on the way up the hill would be nothing but a lie...
As I walked out of Heaven Hill Farm a woman I had been talking with earlier asked me if I needed a ride into the grocery and pharmacy...I thanked her a million times and explained that I just received my maildrop and had more than I needed....Very nice of her.
On the way up the mountain I decided that I would camp and bathe in the lake at the top. Unfortunately, I walked 1 mile past it. I was lucky and crossed a good size creek about .5 mile past the lake. Had a great bath and washed my clothes. They will be pretty dry by morning and they will finish drying on me...
New strategy…walk till I get tired...know where all water sources are...camp...stay away from crowded noisy shelters... Till I get tired has varied in time only. The miles haven't come out that different.
8:19 p.m. Update...Bombidil and Orion just hiked by me as I was cooking. Bombidil was facing me and all of the sudden he said..."Dreamer...there's a bear behind you." Well...can you imagine my first thought.....How FAR behind me??? We watched a bear check us out for about 10 minutes as it wandered around taking in the scent of my quesadillas. The bear was never closer than about 50 yards so there was no photo opportunity.. He/she was about 2-3 Jagers (my rottweiler)...so 200-300 lbs… My food (and everything else I have with a scent) is hanging high tonight on a nearby limb. I guess that local was right...I finally saw a bear.
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
New York
Day 90: 6/10/00
Today's Miles: 19
Total A.T. Miles: 1357.2
I am grateful for the beautiful dragon flies flying all around me.
And first for the dedication. I would like to dedicate the state of New York to my sister Lenore, her husband Dusty, and their soon to be beautiful child. Thanks for being great and thanks for breakfast! hehehe
Where to start on this day of all days. I made my first 3 miles in the cool morning to the next shelter to sign the register. It began to warm up at around 9:00 A.M....And let's just say that by 12 it was 95 degrees with the humidity at 90%. Dangerous hiking weather...stupid hiking weather. I learned those things the hard way. Not only was it impossible to take in enough water, but because I was growing dehydrated and exhausted, my stomach was cramping pretty badly. Oh yea...the sweaty feet create havoc for those blisters. Tough day...
By the time I hit the border...I was already becoming overheated. And then welcome to New York with 5 miles of walking on exposed rocky ridges...no shade at all...I was a mess by the end of that. I figured I would make it to the next road and hitch in for air conditioning and major hydration. When I got to the road I saw a "Phone" sign. "Where out HERE could there be a phone?" Upon closer examination I found a plastic box connected to a nearby telephone pole. I expected the box to say, "Emergencies," and when it didn't I opened it up. There was a wall phone like you or I would have in our home with directions saying local calls were free and one needed a calling card for long distance calls. I decided to send my e-mail and then I called Paula. By the time I did both of those things I had cooled off enough that I thought if I went and sat in the shade for a while (the phone was in the sun), that I would feel better and could walk the 5.9 miles to the top of Mombasha Overlook where supposedly one can see New York on a clear day and the sun reflecting off the windows in the high-rises at sunset. As I sat there Goshawk walked south towards me with no backpack. He had left his walking stick at this intersection and had walked 2 miles back to get it. I mentioned my camping spot and told him I would see him at the shelter for a quick break before being on my way. He left...I packed up and left also. It was not too tough till the end of the 2 miles when I hit another big section of exposed rock. Yick.... Got the shelter and had to take another 30 minute break. Goshawk was there with Seiko. Seiko has...get this...hiked the trail 11 times! hmmmm...One might ask WHY??? I sure have a lot other things I would like to do before I would ever hike the trail a second time. To each their own.
Left the shelter and had 3.7 miles more to go....ugggggg The first 1.7 lead me down to a waterfall where I met some interesting hikers out for the weekend from NYC. No water on the overlook so I had to carry 5 liters of water (each liter of water weighs 2.2 lbs...so that was an extra 11 pounds). The rocks, heat, weight, and 600 foot climb was enough to convince me that on hot days like this, I will hike from about 5-10 and from 4:30-8...that's the 8 1/2 hours I need to do good miles. I will sleep or hitch into a town for the time off...Gotta go getting tired..
Oh…by the way...Even though it's clear...I'll be damned if I can see NYC from here...
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
New York
Day 91: 6/11/00
Today's Miles: 10.5
Total A.T. Miles: 1367.7
I am grateful for rain.
Got to NY17 today at 9 a.m. and was so overheated that I was miserable. I promised myself yesterday that I wouldn't hike till I felt sick again. This road crossing had a phone so I sent e-mail and then called Paula. This was one of the toughest 3 hours on the trail since Georgia. At 6 when I started hiking, it was already 75 degrees and by 9 it was 85 degrees in the shade not to mention the humidity. With this kind of heat the bug juice I was using would wash away only minutes after putting it on from sweat. So here I am stopping every 15-20 minutes to put on more bug juice to fight off the swarms of mosquitoes that have appeared since I entered the marshy states of New Jersey and New York. Put the heat and bugs together with ups and downs over very difficult boulder terrain and you have a grim outlook. My spirits in just three hours had hit rock bottom. I was a mess...physically and mentally. I called Paula and bitched and moaned for awhile...I knew she would sympathetically listen to me...then decided to get off the trail for the rest of the morning and most of the afternoon and hopefully do some more miles tonight once it cools down.
So...I attempted to hitch. Many cars went by before I was finally picked up by a local from New Jersey going mountain biking for the day. I asked to be driven into Harriman...just 3.7 miles west of the trail. He took me to an outlet mall with an air conditioned food court...ahhh...He stayed with me for a while and we had some very interesting conversation. Once he left, the eating and drinking frenzy started. I wanted to get things into my belly and have plenty of time for it all to digest before I tried to hitch back out to the road to hike more of my day. So...here I sit...in a mall...with many good smelling people coming and going on what must be a regular weekend day for them. I think I have forgotten what a weekend day really is...
Well...I did 6 miles this morning and am not really sure what I have left in me for this afternoon...I do know that it sure is fun to watch people's faces as they try to figure out what the gaiters on my feet are...Time for more food...
9:00 P.M.....Very eventful few hours...It all started with my attempted hitchhike which the New York State Police told me was against the law...They drove away and the thumb went back out...I figured if they wanted to arrest me they would have to take me to New York City which was on the same route as back to the trail...hehehe About 30 minutes after I put my thumb back out, who should pull up??? Rusty, my ride on the way into town!!! We stopped at a gas station so he could get a soda and I stayed in the car. As I was sitting in the car I watched the same cops pull a car over...hehehe Got back to the trail and Rusty decided to hike in with me a bit. Just after starting to hike...who should I see?? Popeye, Sunnybrook and a friend of theirs, Jason. Hiked into Island Pond where Rusty bid us a farewell and hiked back to his car. We found a beach and went for a swim with all our clothes on for a clothes washing too. Then...back on the trail. My spirits were much higher finding three friends and having the thunderheads to block out the sun. On to the much looked forward to...Lemon Squeeze!!! The fit through it was very difficult and fun....Two of the four of us got stuck fitting through...I was one of those two...hehehe
Just as we stepped out...it hit!!! The biggest most violent thunderstorm yet. I had already hiked up out of the squeeze and took cover under a rock overhang for the next 20-30 minutes...The others hid in the squeeze. Just as we thought it was over (many times...) it would hit again with furry. When we finally thought it was over....we hiked out. Minutes later it hit again and continued for the next hour and a half to the shelter. Most of the time we were walking through the forest, but there were also times we were running over exposed ridges...scary but so beautiful...nature is amazing!!!!
I'm ready to get my food drop in Fort Montgomery and head on...the weather has finally COOLED OFF!!!!!
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
New York
Day 92: 6/12/00
Today's Miles: 18
Total A.T. Miles: 1385.7
I am grateful for wet feet. Yes...I am grateful for wet feet!! You see...if the feet are wet it means it's been raining...and if it's been raining I am not overheated or dehydrated…yippppppeee.
It rained off and on all day. The sun never won its battle with the clouds. I hiked out about 7:30 from a full shelter. Didn't use Moleskin or duct tape on the feet today and they felt better that way. I am still trying to find the right combination of insole and protection for my heels...maybe I have found it. I felt great mentally and physically today...no it wasn't easy...it's never easy silly!!!!
Climbed Bear Mountain and made my way into Fort Montgomery for my mail drop. The trail passed through a zoo today. Yes a zoo!! Hikers were exempt from paying the entrance fee. The zoo's elevation of 124 feet is the lowest place on the A.T. I'm not a big fan of zoos and this was no exception. The animals were in very small areas...smaller than other zoos I've seen. They had Red Wolves and Bobcats (even though they are extinct in the east). They also had bear, otter, birds, reptiles, etc...On the trail earlier in the day I saw a baby salamander and took it's picture. Yes, it smiled!! Hehehe
Out of the zoo and onto the highway where hitching was not legal or possible. I walked into town, found the P.O., sorted through my things, called Paula, ate, set up a visit with Mo' Miles parents in Connecticut, and headed out about 5:30. Walked till about 7:30 and found a decent campsite for the night. Mr. and Mrs. Wollenburg are visiting Mo' Miles this weekend and after they see him they have offered to take me off the trail for a day a rest, food and cleanliness...Yippee for me and a thank you in advance to the Wollenburgs....Getting tired....gotta get some sleep.
Oh, one more thing...since I am a pseudo vegetarian (no meat or birds) I try to eat a lot of veggies...well...as my parents told me I will now have a garden on my back. Starting tomorrow, I will begin growing a variety of sprouts in clear plastic jars so I have a fresh veggie all the time. It took me many years to begin to enjoy sprouts...The Stanton family and my good friend Bill helped me see the light...
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
New York
Day 93: 6/13/00
Today's Miles: 21.7
Total A.T. Miles: 1407.4
I am grateful that I was not able to eat lunch today.
It certainly wasn't hot today! The temp was in to low 60s for most of the day and the rain began about noon. It had rained very hard last night while I was camped. My tent did great, but is still a pain to pack up with a wet rainfly in the morning. Since it had rained, the trees and bushes were very wet. The trees dropped a constant drizzle of water and each bush I brushed against as I walked left my shorts wetter and wetter. I had been snacking nearly all morning and was trying to have a late lunch. I stopped at a road crossing to fill up my water out of a plastic pitcher that said, "Thru-Hiker H2O." Many people leave clean (filtered) water at road crossings for hikers. Pretty nice eh? As I got up to leave, Goshawk walked up and we talked for a bit.
Once the rain started the bushes got even wetter and trees dropped more and more water. I made the decision not to wear my rain jacket...I made the wrong choice. The rain turned cold and I was forced to walk faster to keep my body warm. Because I was on the verge of getting chilled, for 5 hours I snacked on everything I had in my hip belt pocket (crackers/cheese, ProMax bar, 2 Gus, an extra "Dusty's Famous Oatmeal Cookie", and 4 pieces of hard candy). I didn't dare stop to dig lunch out of my bag and sit and eat it. So...no lunch for me.
Hiked through incredible blooms of Mountain Laurel today and the past 2 days. Full bloom with their very delicate, almost unnoticeable, fragrance. Got to the RPH shelter about 4:30. This shelter is a building with one wall taken out to satisfy the National Park Service that this is a shelter. It has bunks for 8, plus a desk, a few chairs and a couple benches. When I arrived at the RPH, Mickey and Shadow were hanging out getting ready to head north to the next shelter 8 miles further. They had done 12 miles into the RPH. Spoke with them about pushing on, since the rain had stopped and the clothes were drying, and then Big John showed up. Big John showed me an Italian Restaurant menu and offered to call an order in for me when he got home (just down the street). Well that was it...I was stayin' for the night. I gave Big John my order of a Caesar Salad and a pizza with lots of veggies. Then I got my wet clothes off and stuff unpacked. As I type this my thermometer says 45 degrees...This east coast place is crazy!
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
New York
Day 95: 6/14/00
Today's Miles: 23
Total A.T. Miles: 1430.4
I am grateful for dry feet.
At home, if my shoes get wet, I change them. If for some crazy reason, my socks were soaked...I wouldn't keep them on, for heaven's sake. I would take them off. Seventy five hours ago my feet got soaked. Oh yea...I only wore them for three hours before taking the boots and socks off and getting in my sleeping bag. The next morning I put on wrung out socks and dripping wet boots...and left them on for 12 hours. And then....I did the same thing the next two days. When I take them off at night, my feet look like I stepped out of a pool I had been swimming in for an hour or so. TIMES 12!! Pretty scary looking.
The rest of me was dry today…Cold but dry. The cool wind dried the water from the leaves. And it never rained. Once, for about five minutes, it started misting...but it almost immediately stopped. The ground was very muddy. Most of the day I was walking in mud. At times, my boots sank just below the top of my boots.
Stopped at two shelters today. Neither one of them had registers. New York shelters aren't much to write home about. I would give them about a 1 on the scale.
Hiked by Nuclear Lake today. I had wanted to take a swim here, but today was way too cold. The lake got it's name because it was a nuclear-research facility that was shut down in 1972...hmmm just ten years before the Superfund Site at Lehigh Gap. Anyway...I saw lots of trout and none of them looked like they had two heads.
Tomorrow into Kent to send e-mail and get some fuel for the stove. Friday I will try to hit the P.O. in Falls Village before they close. And Saturday I get picked up in Salisbury, Connecticut by the Wollenburgs.
I hear it's suppose to start warming up tomorrow and by the weekend....be in the 80's....Sounds nice....I cross another border tomorrow....
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Connecticut
Day 95: 6/15/00
Today's Miles: 21
Total A.T. Miles: 1451.4
I am grateful that my feet are not molding yet.
The feet could not be wetter. Just when I think that they are going to begin to dry out...I come to a place that there's no way around the lakes of mud...sooo...gotta go right through it. And then the boots are soaked right through again...I did have the sense to take about an hour break in the middle of the day to cook a hot lunch and let my feet dry out.
A new state means a dedication. I would like to dedicate the state of Connecticut to a disc golf throwin', road trip takin', red hair growin' type of guy. Rob...thanks for being the best friend a guy could ask for.
The shelter I took a break at sat in front of a beautiful stream. Two young children were playing in the water. I talked with their father and them for a long time. Very nice people.
Hiking was slow going today. I had planned on taking a night in the town of Kent, when I went in to get fuel. Neither of those things happened. I decided to hike on instead. At about 5 I thought I could go no more. I sat, took a break and headed on. I was focused on getting close enough to Falls Village to hit the P.O. on time. Later in the day I had to descend The Ledges. This is an extremely steep rock staircase at times, and bolder field at other times. It took me a mighty long time to get to the bottom. But...getting to the bottom paid off. I walked along the Housatonic River for the next few miles. My first few miles are along the river tomorrow. Yipppeeeee
Got to this empty shelter at 7. I had planned on going further, but the peacefulness of this place sucked me in. I will just have to get up a little earlier.
The goal tomorrow is to get to Falls Village before the P.O. closes at 5:00 P.M. I'd like to make some calls, get some grub, and hike out a mile or two and camp. Then, it's just a few miles on Saturday to Salisbury where the Wollenburgs will pick me up.
That's about it for now....
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Connecticut
Day 96: 6/16/00
Today's Miles: 18.3
Total A.T. Miles: 1469.7
I am grateful for courage.
Beautiful morning walk next to the Housatonic River with the sun rising in the east. Yes...the sun actually came out today for the first time in 5 days. The morning air along the river was very humid, but as I moved into the mountains and began walking next to creeks, the air cooled down dramatically.
Had an interesting river crossing this morning. A posted sign told of an alternate route that could be taken. The Guinea River was running strong. The water was 5-6 feet deep with roaring rapids everywhere. It was about 50 feet across. There was a log across the river. Not a log smoothed into a bridge, but a downed tree. Everything was very slippery because of the humidity. At first I debated using the alternate route, and then I decided to go for it. I made my way out about 10 feet on the log and thought that I should go back to shore and evaluate this decision a little more. When I turned around to walk back, my knees started to wobble and I got very scared. I decided to take a deep breath and continue across. Seconds later I was on the other side having gained yet another experience to boost my hiking confidence.
As the day went on it got hotter and more humid. Rocks were wet and slippery. Everything got wetter and wetter. I stopped for a quick break around 10:30 and then pressed on. The hiking got harder and I felt weaker. I ate and drank as much as I could, but the miles grew harder. My goal was to get to the P.O. by 5 and to get a room in town to dry out my gear and take my first shower in FOUR STATES!!!! I got to town and found the Inn to just be a pizza joint. Went to the P.O. and hung out in the A.C. for about two hours while the postal workers tried to find a place for me to stay. They finally found a diner and cabin establishment that had been shut down, but knew the owner and made arrangements for her to meet me at the cabins. A third postal worker then offered to drive me the 1.5 miles back south on the trail. Got there just minutes before the owner. She took my $55, gave me a cabin with a bed, shower and cable T.V., along with a couple Gatorades out of her now closed diner.
I unpacked, called Paula, and walked the 1.5 miles back to town to the pizza joint for dinner. Met New Beginnings and his hiking partner and had a nice dinner with them. Walked the 1.5 miles back to the cabin...and ahhhhhh time to relax.
Tomorrow I will walk the 1.5 miles to the trail and then hike 8 miles to Salisbury to meet the Wollenburgs....
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Connecticut
Day 97: 6/17/00
Today's Miles: 8.1
Total A.T. Miles: 1477.8
I am grateful for eight mile daze.
Sat outside my cabin last night for about an hour watching the fire flies dance in the cool evening air. We don't have this kinda fun in Cali....
Nice 8.1 A.T. + 1.5 Road to Salisbury today. I walked out of the cabin in the cool 5:45 A.M. morning air. Hiked past "Great Falls" which is only falling when it has rained a lot. Hey guess what...It was falling! Hehehe
Then it was up about 1000 feet to the top of Mt. Prospect. This was a beautiful forest of fir trees mixed with many other varieties. I stayed up on that ridge until the steep descent into Salisbury.
Ok...made another decision today. For the next week or so I will start very early and try to get 10-12 miles in by 10:30 at the latest. Then I will eat, nap, read, eat, and nap again. I will hike again in the cooler evening air beginning about 5 and hiking into the night. I think it's the only way I'm going to be able to tolerate this heat. So far, the heat and humidity are the hardest parts of the A.T. for me. Harder than the mountains, rocks, cold, sleet, snow, blisters, bugs, etc....
Once I get into Vermont I should be back at elevations where the heat and humidity should be back in check....
Sittin' here in a park next to the P.O. watching Mickey and Shadow go through their maildrops...they are tired and worn out...I know how they feel. Right now I'm sitting in the shade with dry feet.....Life is good...
Thank you to all the people who have sent me supportive e-mails...They really help keep me northbound....Thanks!!!!
The Wolenburgs picked me up about 1:30 and the spoiling began. This is trail magic at it's best! Air conditioned car, lunch at a diner, no mosquitoes, a shower, laundry, a drive of about 30 minutes to an outfitter to get me more fuel, a home cooked lasagna and salad dinner, ice cream from the famous Churn, and oh yea...no mosquitoes. We ate dinner on their screened in porch and talked forever. It's so nice to just relax and visit. I am so grateful to Pat and Bob for their hospitality. They are truly special people. Mike is a lucky guy!
Tomorrow is sure to bring more fun as I am not going to be dropped off at the trail till about 5:00 P.M. for my 10 mile walk into the cool night. Father's day at the Wollenburgs....Yippee!!!
Kinda weird staying in Mo' Miles' room tonight...who woulda thought?
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Massachusetts
Day 98: 6/18/00
Today's Miles: 7.3
Total A.T. Miles: 1486.1
I am grateful that I have been able to journey 1486.1 miles on the A.T.
Nice day... Woke up at about 8:30 while Bob and Pat were at church. Warmed up some of that incredible lasagna for breakfast and watched a little TV. Very relaxing. Later in the morning other members of the family came over for a Sunday morning Father's Day brunch. It was fun talking trail with all of them. Pat's parents have been following my journal closely and were very knowledgeable about the trip so far. They are all such nice, laid back people. I really enjoyed spending the day with all of them. Bob and Pat drove me back to the trail about 4 and I started north on the trail at 5.
Hiked up...up...up...in the foggy weather. It had rained all morning, but was not raining when I was dropped off. I hiked past two shelters stopping at the second one. There I met Sideshow. He was the only one there. As we talked found out that he had started on the exact day that I did! It took almost 1500 miles for our paths to cross. It's wild! Someone can literally be minutes behind you or in front of you for weeks, or even months, or your paths may never cross. I hiked on.
Got to the top of Bear Mountain and began the grueling decent. Wet slippery rock, almost vertical for a mile. It took over an hour and two or three pretty scary slips to get to where it began to level out. It also started drizzling as I got to the bottom. That's where I hit the Massachusetts border. Yippeeeee!
I would like to dedicate the state of Massachusetts to Bob and Pat Wollenburg. I can't begin to thank them for inviting me into their home and treating me so well. They are a truly special family and I am a lucky person to have crossed paths with all four of them. Thanks again!!!
Got to the bottom and reached Sages Revine. It has a designated campsite, a privy, and a caretaker. The caretaker is a ridgerunner that works at this site for a week and then hikes the state of Connecticut the next week. We got to talking. His name was David. This was his first week on the job as a ridgerunner and he filled me in on some of the details of the job. I asked him where he was from and he told me that he was originally from Los Angeles. Hmmm...small world...so am I. He then told me he was from the Carthey Circle area....Hmmm...I went to Carthey Elementary School. Turns out he lived right near the school till he was five and then he moved away. One more year and he would of ended up at the same elementary school as I went to. Small world isn't it??
I was short a couple miles tonight. Oh well....I'll make it up in the coming days. I will hit a detour tomorrow in front of the Shays Rebellion Monument at US 7, where I have to walk on the road for a couple miles because the trail is badly flooded. It seems that the rain and the beavers have teamed up to flood out a section of the A.T. to the point where muddy water is knee to chest deep for over to miles....yick!!!
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Massachusetts
Day 99: 6/19/00
Today's Miles: 19.1
Total A.T. Miles: 1505.2
I am grateful for fir trees because they smell so good.
I woke to more rain. It had rained most of the night and when I woke up at 5 to start my day, it was raining once more. So...I rolled over and went back to sleep...Hey...there are no rules out here. I woke again after 6:30 and it had stopped. I packed up and hit the trail. I walked by an amazing orange mushroom last night and was tempted to go back to see it in more light...I took a picture last night so hopefully it comes out because I didn't walk back to see it.
Not long after starting, Sideshow came up from behind me and I let him pass by because he was moving much faster than I. A few hours later I passed him on a break and a couple hours after that he joined me on a break in a rocky overlook. We talked for a long time before getting up to hike on. I let him lead and we hiked the next 10 miles or so to the shelter. On the way we bypassed the flooded out area on two adjacent roads. Roads that had white blazes on the telephone poles. This was the original A.T. and it was moved into the "swamp" when the area was declared a Wetlands Area. Hiked up Mt. Everett today. Rocky ups and downs on still wet rock. Very slippery...only one fall today.
Got to the Tom Leonard Lean-To , as they are called in this state, and found Roady and AMATHOG there. Roady had been holding up because of not feeling well, and AMATHOG had arrived just before us. Good to see Roady again.
Set up my tent on this clear night and my rain fly is hanging up on a nearby tree to dry out from last night. Heading 21 miles to Upper Goose Pond Cabin tomorrow. They have bunks, a swimming area, kitchen privileges, a covered porch, and a canoe to carry water from the other side of the pond at the spring. So is Sideshow. Looks like I'll see him again for the next few days as our stopping points are the same.
Can you even believe that's it's really day 100 on the trail. Wow....
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Massachusetts
Day 100: 6/20/00
Today's Miles: 21.1
Total A.T. Miles: 1536.3
I am grateful for perfect weather because it comes along so rarely.
Great day of hiking and I even finished at 3:30. Tented last night in the cool evening air. It was beautiful! Great sleeping weather. Walked mostly in forest today. Not many views through the dense fir trees. I did walk through an area of maple trees that were all tapped for their syrup. Very interesting way of running tubes from tree to tree and then to central collection metal barrels. Later, I walked through the area that was hit by a bad tornado not very many years ago. The area had no trees, only low growing vegetation. A scary sight.
I walked with AMATHOG for about an hour and with Sideshow for the rest of the day. Sideshow is pretty fast on the up hills so I would catch him on the downhill much of the time.
Walked into Upper Goose Pond Cabin this afternoon. This cabin is a $3 donation to stay at. It's plush in thru-hiker standards! Took the canoe out with Sideshow to the island in the middle of the lake. We hung out on a sunny rock for a couple hours before paddling back. Cooked diner and tried to eat all of my extra food so I won’t have to carry it tomorrow. Hiking into Dalton tomorrow to camp on a local man's lawn who loves to host hikers.
Tomorrow is summer solstice. It's also naked hiking day on the A.T.....hmmmm
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Massachusetts
Day 101: 6/21/00
Today's Miles: 21
Total A.T. Miles: 1557.3
I am grateful for random acts of kindness like the one Sideshow has bestowed upon me.
Happy Birthday Mom!!!!!
A quick 21 miles today into the town of Dalton. Lots of mud, but pretty level terrain to walk on. A sunny morning of all you could eat pancakes at Upper Goose Cabin. I only ate about 7 or so. I wanted to make sure I could actually still hike this morning.
Oh yea...it was June 21 today so...it was official Naked Hiking Day on the A.T. Well....there sure were lots of mosquitoes out through the swamps of Massachusetts the last couple days so...decided not to hike naked. Except, that is over the bridge that crosses the Massachusetts Turnpike. There Sideshow and I stripped down to nothing (except my hat and boots) and walked proudly across the Turnpike. Traffic was thin...we were seen...and even honked at...hehehe...As Stone Man use to say...we couldn't pass up the chance for a good story!!!
Sideshow and I hoofed it to Dalton by 3 P.M, stopping at the "Cookie Lady's" house for some water from her hose and some homemade cookies that she usually leaves on her porch. Got the water...no cookies...boooo whooooo. Later, as we were walking into the town of Dalton, we stopped to talk to a gentleman trimming his hedge. He asked us all about our hike and asked us where we were heading tonight. Sideshow told him we were heading to a local's house that allowed hikers to camp on his lawn. He pointed to his house. There was an AT sign and the number of miles to Katahdin. We had found him. Or had he found us? We put our packs on his porch and were going to head to town to run a couple errands, when he asked if we would like some ice cream before we went in. Do we EVER turn food down???? He disappeared for what seemed like forever. What's taking this guy so long to grab a couple ice cream bars from the freezer? A few minutes later he showed back up with 3 of the most beautiful ice cream sundaes that I have ever seen. He took his and told us that one of the other was Pralines and Cream and the other was mint chocolate chip.....YUMMMMMMM The sundaes were a couple scoops of ice cream, whipped cream, and candy toppings. Wow! Ate, thanked him a million times and headed into town to the P.O., bank and then to eat. While I was on my errands, Sideshow had arranged for his dad to pick us up in 20 MINUTES! Wow... His dad showed up and treated us both to the best veggie burgers I have ever had. We then drove back to their home in Richmond, MA. It's a very small town of only about 2000 people. It is so beautiful...so green...so open... Sideshow took me to see the Furnace in the woods where the steel for the US Monitor was made. The historical society is working on getting the site access in to visitors. I like how it looks right now. Secluded in the woods with only a single track path leading to it.
Back at the house right now showered and happy. People are amazing aren't they. The things people will do for others. The trail really does help restore a sense of hope that if we are just a little kinder to each other and take just a few minutes out of our way to make someone else’s day...our world would truly be a happier, healthier place for all of us.
Thanks to Sideshow and his parents for taking me in and creating still a little more magic for this pilgrimage I am on.
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Massachusetts
Day 102: 6/22/00
Today's Miles: 17
Total A.T. Miles: 1574.7
I am grateful for the warm sunshine.
Great night sleep in a bed at Sideshow's home. A great bit of trail magic by a great guy and his family. Got back to the trail about 7 a.m. and started up, up, up to Cheshire for my mail drop. Made the 8.4 mile trip in just under three hours. We were movin'! We even stopped at The Cobbles overlook to get a look at the monster of a mountain we would be climbing in just a few hours. The 2,000 foot ascent up to the summit of Mt. Greylock was a 9 mile climb. It rocked! Sideshow hiked on ahead of me as he has been for the past few days. He takes the ups like a machine. Today he had no pack as his father was slacking him and picking him up on the back side of Greylock this afternoon. I really felt good on the up today. Took it at a fairly fast pace for me and summited about 2:00 P.M. I sat with Sideshow for a while and we said our farewells. I think he will probably be catching me in about a week. He is taking some days off and so am I next week.
I looked at my miles and decided to stay here tonight. Bascom Lodge sits atop Greylock and offers some different options to hikers. At $27 you can have a bunk and a shower. For $14 you can get dinner. Hikers also have the option of working off some to all of their cost. I have not done a work-stay on the trail yet, but since I felt so great upon my arrival I chose it. I will work for 2 hours (probably in the kitchen...good old Denny's days of college) and I will be allowed to sleep on the screened and windowed in porch for free. For 2 more hours of work I can get free dinner. Too many hours for me. I will pay the money for my Mexican Fiesta dinner and sleep/shower for free. More later after the work and eat...
Worked in the kitchen and dining room. Set tables and then helped put dinner together as well as serve and do dishes. Met some really nice people, both crew members at the lodge and guests. I was treated so well. One of the trail maintainers even made me a sack lunch for tomorrow!!! I worked so much longer than I had planned that I was given my room AND board for free. The work was fun and I didn't mind it one bit. Back to big miles tomorrow after this short day of 17...
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Vermont
Day 111: 7/1/00
Today's Miles: 0
Total A.T. Miles: 1714.3
I am grateful for relaxing days.
Ok....I did fail to tell you all about a few events during my three day trip with Breezy. I had a spill on day two. Not a really bad fall, but a fall that ended up muddy and on the ground with various body pains. Ok...that was number one.... Number two would come the very same day. It was late afternoon and raining. I was walking closely behind Breezy as she set our pace. My hat was wet and a little lower across my eyes than usual. Breezy said something to me that I couldn't make out and the very next moment I was holding my head and in extreme pain. I had walked into a large downed tree that Breezy fit under without even ducking. A large lump quickly formed over my eye and I had a pretty good headache for a while that day. That was number two.... Number three came on day three as we were only about 150 yards from the trailhead at Hwy. 12. We were walking through a farmer's field and came to a stile to climb over. There was a very low single string of barbed wire running on either side of the stile. Sometimes, stepping over the fence is easier and safer than climbing an old rotten wooden stile. Breezy's legs are a little short so I reached over to hold the barbed wire down as she stepped over. WHAM!!! I got an electrical shock from the electric barbed wire fence. 1700 miles and I have seen many electric fences, but never a barbed wire fence that was also electric!! Well....I was a little out of it for a while, but I don't think it did any permanent damage. All in all, I had a few small accidents, but all is well and I will hike on.
4:30 p.m. Great day so far...Drove past the Inn at the Long Trail and who was sitting in front? Grizzly, Eagle Eye, Mikey, Shadow, Roady, and all three members of The MOB. Talked with them for a while and Paula got to put faces with many of my trail friends. They will all be on the trail at about the point I get back on tomorrow. It's nice to know who will be just in front or behind me as I get back on tomorrow. Into Woodstock for a snack at the farmer's market from yesterday and then into the town of Woodstock to walk the town. From there we headed into Hanover, NH, where I will hike through in just two days. Great college town. It's home of Dartmouth College built in 1761. Hung out in town for a while and checked out the college before heading back slowly to Rutland. We stopped at some interesting stores and shops on our way back.
8:30 p.m. Great dinner at Tapas, an Italian restaurant here in Rutland. Had to follow it up with a trip to the local Ben & Jerry’s Scoop Shop. Back on the trail tomorrow around 1....
NH in a day and a half!!!!!
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Vermont
Day 112: 7/2/00
Today's Miles: 7.8
Total A.T. Miles: 1722.1
I am grateful for common sense.
Breezy and I had a terrific breakfast this morning and then headed to Calvin Coolidge State Park to just sit in the sun for an hour of so. I felt good. Very sad that Breezy was going home, but strong mentally and physically. That ended when I realized that my "wallet" (my ziplock with my $, ID, Credit Card, and ATM card) was missing. We looked everywhere. We called the restaurant from last night and the Inn. I was really upset! My togetherness was quickly unfolding on me. I was really upset that Breezy would now be cutting her flight close by trying to find it before her flight. She put me on the trail and I headed off as she drove away.
I never really got my rhythm today on the hike. Because of that, I just decided to cut the day short and stay here at Thistle Hill Shelter. There is a southbounder, that started at Katahdin, and two section hikers here also. The southbounder has really made the Whites more realistic to me. I feel much better about them and am sure that by tomorrow, if not the next day, I will be doing decent miles again.
Into Hanover, NH tomorrow. Maybe I will stay there...maybe I will push on.
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
New Jersey
Day 87: 6/7/00
Today's Miles: 24.6
Total A.T. Miles: 1296.6
I am grateful that my body allowed me to walk the distance that I walked today.
Well radio listeners...it's time for another dedication. This one (New Jersey) goes out to a very special person. My hiking partner for over two months...Snoopy...this state's for you!
The body hurt today. My knees were very sensitive and my feet just plain ached. I don't know if it's because I switched insoles or just because my feet have become a little wimpy over the last 5 days....but my puppies barked all day. Passed a beautiful glaciated pond called Sunfish Pond. It looked very similar to a Sierra Nevada lake. It was beautiful. As I hiked I looked for bears but had no luck today. The hike started for me at 6 A.M. and ended at 4:45 P.M. Not a fast pace, but solid enough for the first one back. Got to the shelter and found two older men. One had his tent up just in front of the shelter and one had his tent up IN the shelter. What's up with that? I was already going to tent so I could get an early start, but there wasn't much room in the shelter if I had wanted to sleep in there. These guys were ultra heavy section hikers. They had the most and the heaviest equipment yet. An example of one thing they were carrying? O.k. You know those citronella candles that supposedly keep the bugs away. O.k...now picture one in a half-gallon metal pale with a handle like the one you might have on the table in your backyard. If you have one stop right here and go pick it up...If you don't have one use your imagination. Nothing most people would carry through the woods...
Set up my tent and began cooking dinner when I heard a sound like a wind approaching very fast. Just as I looked up a glider went over my head not more than 200 feet up. Then, about 30 seconds later a second one! Wow...those things move. I will put my food in the provided bear box here. This is a metal box designed for hikers to store their food.
The Pine and Aspen trees appeared immediately after entering the state of New Jersey. I am walking on ridges as I did in PA, but here I have many views. The change in foliage is interesting and welcome. The rocks continue, but they are in stretches rather than miles and miles of never ending rocks. New Jersey is truly beautiful so far.
Gonna eat my dinner and do a little reading. I would love to be able to do 20-25 miles a day and still get into camp about 5 P.M. and have plenty of time to eat, write, and read.
What a life...Walk...Eat...Write...Read...Sleep. And repeat the process over and over again....
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
New Jersey
Day 88: 6/8/00
Today's Miles: 19.7
Total A.T. Miles: 1316.3
I am grateful for the cool breeze on a hot humid day.
Ok...Take the rocks from Pennsylvania and add hills o-plenty...Now you've got New Jersey. A beautiful and difficult state.
Had a nice surprise today. The day had been going slowly and the miles were not ticking by. I hadn't gone as far as I should of in the time which had passed. When I looked at my map I was surprised to see that I hadn't passed over two roads and thus I was two miles back from where I thought I should be. I walked in frustration for the next 10-15 minutes and then BAM!!! There was the shelter I was looking for. SURPRISE!!!! Yippee...Now I am ahead of schedule for the day...
Bears were on the mind today. As I passed a northbound section hiker I was told about a bear he had seen the day before. Caught The Colonel and he told me of a bear he had seen an hour before on trail I had just walked on. Then, on my way up to High Point Monument, a day hiker told me he had seen a bear north of me about 10 minutes ago. I walked and walked and walked.....did I see a bear? NO! I haven't even seen any scat since I got to this state!!
I'm at a shelter tonight with The Colonel, a section hiker, and tented outside is a ridgerunner, and three other newly met thru-hikers.
The knees are feeling good, but the feet are still sore and blistered. Need to do 20 miles to get my food drop tomorrow and then 2 miles up into the hills to a camp spot.
Walked through a wilderness preserve and saw 30-40 box turtles...other types of turtles, blue herons, ducks, geese, and marmots....
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
New Jersey
Day 89: 6/9/00
Today's Miles: 21.9
Total A.T. Miles: 1338.2
I am grateful for each new day.
3:45 p.m. Sitting here at Heaven Hill Farm letting my coke, two plums, two peaches, danish, and scoop of coconut swirl digest over my Country Time Lemonade. As I sit at a table in front of this place many have stopped to ask and talk about the trail. I have watched a black sky roll in and now a tamer looking one is above. Looks like I could get some rain this afternoon or tonight. Makes it even harder to get myself motivated to walk after going 19.7 miles by 2:45 when I arrived.
Get this...not only were people going out of their way to tell me bear stories the past few days, but today they were mean enough to put bear prints all over 20 miles of trail. A local asked how many I had seen a moment ago and when I replied, "None," he guaranteed me that I would see one in the next few miles north of here. We shall see. The sky is not going to be my friend tonight...The next shelter is 5.4 miles more tonight...about 2 1/2 hours...Not sure where I will end up tonight...I would rather tent, really don't want to pack up a wet tent in the morning...Oh well, it's been a long time since I've dealt with a wet tent...maybe I'm due...
6:00 p.m. Sky cleared up but I had already decided not to push to the shelter after the 1000 foot climb on that not-empty stomach. To say I felt great on the way up the hill would be nothing but a lie...
As I walked out of Heaven Hill Farm a woman I had been talking with earlier asked me if I needed a ride into the grocery and pharmacy...I thanked her a million times and explained that I just received my maildrop and had more than I needed....Very nice of her.
On the way up the mountain I decided that I would camp and bathe in the lake at the top. Unfortunately, I walked 1 mile past it. I was lucky and crossed a good size creek about .5 mile past the lake. Had a great bath and washed my clothes. They will be pretty dry by morning and they will finish drying on me...
New strategy…walk till I get tired...know where all water sources are...camp...stay away from crowded noisy shelters... Till I get tired has varied in time only. The miles haven't come out that different.
8:19 p.m. Update...Bombidil and Orion just hiked by me as I was cooking. Bombidil was facing me and all of the sudden he said..."Dreamer...there's a bear behind you." Well...can you imagine my first thought.....How FAR behind me??? We watched a bear check us out for about 10 minutes as it wandered around taking in the scent of my quesadillas. The bear was never closer than about 50 yards so there was no photo opportunity.. He/she was about 2-3 Jagers (my rottweiler)...so 200-300 lbs… My food (and everything else I have with a scent) is hanging high tonight on a nearby limb. I guess that local was right...I finally saw a bear.
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
New York
Day 90: 6/10/00
Today's Miles: 19
Total A.T. Miles: 1357.2
I am grateful for the beautiful dragon flies flying all around me.
And first for the dedication. I would like to dedicate the state of New York to my sister Lenore, her husband Dusty, and their soon to be beautiful child. Thanks for being great and thanks for breakfast! hehehe
Where to start on this day of all days. I made my first 3 miles in the cool morning to the next shelter to sign the register. It began to warm up at around 9:00 A.M....And let's just say that by 12 it was 95 degrees with the humidity at 90%. Dangerous hiking weather...stupid hiking weather. I learned those things the hard way. Not only was it impossible to take in enough water, but because I was growing dehydrated and exhausted, my stomach was cramping pretty badly. Oh yea...the sweaty feet create havoc for those blisters. Tough day...
By the time I hit the border...I was already becoming overheated. And then welcome to New York with 5 miles of walking on exposed rocky ridges...no shade at all...I was a mess by the end of that. I figured I would make it to the next road and hitch in for air conditioning and major hydration. When I got to the road I saw a "Phone" sign. "Where out HERE could there be a phone?" Upon closer examination I found a plastic box connected to a nearby telephone pole. I expected the box to say, "Emergencies," and when it didn't I opened it up. There was a wall phone like you or I would have in our home with directions saying local calls were free and one needed a calling card for long distance calls. I decided to send my e-mail and then I called Paula. By the time I did both of those things I had cooled off enough that I thought if I went and sat in the shade for a while (the phone was in the sun), that I would feel better and could walk the 5.9 miles to the top of Mombasha Overlook where supposedly one can see New York on a clear day and the sun reflecting off the windows in the high-rises at sunset. As I sat there Goshawk walked south towards me with no backpack. He had left his walking stick at this intersection and had walked 2 miles back to get it. I mentioned my camping spot and told him I would see him at the shelter for a quick break before being on my way. He left...I packed up and left also. It was not too tough till the end of the 2 miles when I hit another big section of exposed rock. Yick.... Got the shelter and had to take another 30 minute break. Goshawk was there with Seiko. Seiko has...get this...hiked the trail 11 times! hmmmm...One might ask WHY??? I sure have a lot other things I would like to do before I would ever hike the trail a second time. To each their own.
Left the shelter and had 3.7 miles more to go....ugggggg The first 1.7 lead me down to a waterfall where I met some interesting hikers out for the weekend from NYC. No water on the overlook so I had to carry 5 liters of water (each liter of water weighs 2.2 lbs...so that was an extra 11 pounds). The rocks, heat, weight, and 600 foot climb was enough to convince me that on hot days like this, I will hike from about 5-10 and from 4:30-8...that's the 8 1/2 hours I need to do good miles. I will sleep or hitch into a town for the time off...Gotta go getting tired..
Oh…by the way...Even though it's clear...I'll be damned if I can see NYC from here...
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
New York
Day 91: 6/11/00
Today's Miles: 10.5
Total A.T. Miles: 1367.7
I am grateful for rain.
Got to NY17 today at 9 a.m. and was so overheated that I was miserable. I promised myself yesterday that I wouldn't hike till I felt sick again. This road crossing had a phone so I sent e-mail and then called Paula. This was one of the toughest 3 hours on the trail since Georgia. At 6 when I started hiking, it was already 75 degrees and by 9 it was 85 degrees in the shade not to mention the humidity. With this kind of heat the bug juice I was using would wash away only minutes after putting it on from sweat. So here I am stopping every 15-20 minutes to put on more bug juice to fight off the swarms of mosquitoes that have appeared since I entered the marshy states of New Jersey and New York. Put the heat and bugs together with ups and downs over very difficult boulder terrain and you have a grim outlook. My spirits in just three hours had hit rock bottom. I was a mess...physically and mentally. I called Paula and bitched and moaned for awhile...I knew she would sympathetically listen to me...then decided to get off the trail for the rest of the morning and most of the afternoon and hopefully do some more miles tonight once it cools down.
So...I attempted to hitch. Many cars went by before I was finally picked up by a local from New Jersey going mountain biking for the day. I asked to be driven into Harriman...just 3.7 miles west of the trail. He took me to an outlet mall with an air conditioned food court...ahhh...He stayed with me for a while and we had some very interesting conversation. Once he left, the eating and drinking frenzy started. I wanted to get things into my belly and have plenty of time for it all to digest before I tried to hitch back out to the road to hike more of my day. So...here I sit...in a mall...with many good smelling people coming and going on what must be a regular weekend day for them. I think I have forgotten what a weekend day really is...
Well...I did 6 miles this morning and am not really sure what I have left in me for this afternoon...I do know that it sure is fun to watch people's faces as they try to figure out what the gaiters on my feet are...Time for more food...
9:00 P.M.....Very eventful few hours...It all started with my attempted hitchhike which the New York State Police told me was against the law...They drove away and the thumb went back out...I figured if they wanted to arrest me they would have to take me to New York City which was on the same route as back to the trail...hehehe About 30 minutes after I put my thumb back out, who should pull up??? Rusty, my ride on the way into town!!! We stopped at a gas station so he could get a soda and I stayed in the car. As I was sitting in the car I watched the same cops pull a car over...hehehe Got back to the trail and Rusty decided to hike in with me a bit. Just after starting to hike...who should I see?? Popeye, Sunnybrook and a friend of theirs, Jason. Hiked into Island Pond where Rusty bid us a farewell and hiked back to his car. We found a beach and went for a swim with all our clothes on for a clothes washing too. Then...back on the trail. My spirits were much higher finding three friends and having the thunderheads to block out the sun. On to the much looked forward to...Lemon Squeeze!!! The fit through it was very difficult and fun....Two of the four of us got stuck fitting through...I was one of those two...hehehe
Just as we stepped out...it hit!!! The biggest most violent thunderstorm yet. I had already hiked up out of the squeeze and took cover under a rock overhang for the next 20-30 minutes...The others hid in the squeeze. Just as we thought it was over (many times...) it would hit again with furry. When we finally thought it was over....we hiked out. Minutes later it hit again and continued for the next hour and a half to the shelter. Most of the time we were walking through the forest, but there were also times we were running over exposed ridges...scary but so beautiful...nature is amazing!!!!
I'm ready to get my food drop in Fort Montgomery and head on...the weather has finally COOLED OFF!!!!!
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
New York
Day 92: 6/12/00
Today's Miles: 18
Total A.T. Miles: 1385.7
I am grateful for wet feet. Yes...I am grateful for wet feet!! You see...if the feet are wet it means it's been raining...and if it's been raining I am not overheated or dehydrated…yippppppeee.
It rained off and on all day. The sun never won its battle with the clouds. I hiked out about 7:30 from a full shelter. Didn't use Moleskin or duct tape on the feet today and they felt better that way. I am still trying to find the right combination of insole and protection for my heels...maybe I have found it. I felt great mentally and physically today...no it wasn't easy...it's never easy silly!!!!
Climbed Bear Mountain and made my way into Fort Montgomery for my mail drop. The trail passed through a zoo today. Yes a zoo!! Hikers were exempt from paying the entrance fee. The zoo's elevation of 124 feet is the lowest place on the A.T. I'm not a big fan of zoos and this was no exception. The animals were in very small areas...smaller than other zoos I've seen. They had Red Wolves and Bobcats (even though they are extinct in the east). They also had bear, otter, birds, reptiles, etc...On the trail earlier in the day I saw a baby salamander and took it's picture. Yes, it smiled!! Hehehe
Out of the zoo and onto the highway where hitching was not legal or possible. I walked into town, found the P.O., sorted through my things, called Paula, ate, set up a visit with Mo' Miles parents in Connecticut, and headed out about 5:30. Walked till about 7:30 and found a decent campsite for the night. Mr. and Mrs. Wollenburg are visiting Mo' Miles this weekend and after they see him they have offered to take me off the trail for a day a rest, food and cleanliness...Yippee for me and a thank you in advance to the Wollenburgs....Getting tired....gotta get some sleep.
Oh, one more thing...since I am a pseudo vegetarian (no meat or birds) I try to eat a lot of veggies...well...as my parents told me I will now have a garden on my back. Starting tomorrow, I will begin growing a variety of sprouts in clear plastic jars so I have a fresh veggie all the time. It took me many years to begin to enjoy sprouts...The Stanton family and my good friend Bill helped me see the light...
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
New York
Day 93: 6/13/00
Today's Miles: 21.7
Total A.T. Miles: 1407.4
I am grateful that I was not able to eat lunch today.
It certainly wasn't hot today! The temp was in to low 60s for most of the day and the rain began about noon. It had rained very hard last night while I was camped. My tent did great, but is still a pain to pack up with a wet rainfly in the morning. Since it had rained, the trees and bushes were very wet. The trees dropped a constant drizzle of water and each bush I brushed against as I walked left my shorts wetter and wetter. I had been snacking nearly all morning and was trying to have a late lunch. I stopped at a road crossing to fill up my water out of a plastic pitcher that said, "Thru-Hiker H2O." Many people leave clean (filtered) water at road crossings for hikers. Pretty nice eh? As I got up to leave, Goshawk walked up and we talked for a bit.
Once the rain started the bushes got even wetter and trees dropped more and more water. I made the decision not to wear my rain jacket...I made the wrong choice. The rain turned cold and I was forced to walk faster to keep my body warm. Because I was on the verge of getting chilled, for 5 hours I snacked on everything I had in my hip belt pocket (crackers/cheese, ProMax bar, 2 Gus, an extra "Dusty's Famous Oatmeal Cookie", and 4 pieces of hard candy). I didn't dare stop to dig lunch out of my bag and sit and eat it. So...no lunch for me.
Hiked through incredible blooms of Mountain Laurel today and the past 2 days. Full bloom with their very delicate, almost unnoticeable, fragrance. Got to the RPH shelter about 4:30. This shelter is a building with one wall taken out to satisfy the National Park Service that this is a shelter. It has bunks for 8, plus a desk, a few chairs and a couple benches. When I arrived at the RPH, Mickey and Shadow were hanging out getting ready to head north to the next shelter 8 miles further. They had done 12 miles into the RPH. Spoke with them about pushing on, since the rain had stopped and the clothes were drying, and then Big John showed up. Big John showed me an Italian Restaurant menu and offered to call an order in for me when he got home (just down the street). Well that was it...I was stayin' for the night. I gave Big John my order of a Caesar Salad and a pizza with lots of veggies. Then I got my wet clothes off and stuff unpacked. As I type this my thermometer says 45 degrees...This east coast place is crazy!
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
New York
Day 95: 6/14/00
Today's Miles: 23
Total A.T. Miles: 1430.4
I am grateful for dry feet.
At home, if my shoes get wet, I change them. If for some crazy reason, my socks were soaked...I wouldn't keep them on, for heaven's sake. I would take them off. Seventy five hours ago my feet got soaked. Oh yea...I only wore them for three hours before taking the boots and socks off and getting in my sleeping bag. The next morning I put on wrung out socks and dripping wet boots...and left them on for 12 hours. And then....I did the same thing the next two days. When I take them off at night, my feet look like I stepped out of a pool I had been swimming in for an hour or so. TIMES 12!! Pretty scary looking.
The rest of me was dry today…Cold but dry. The cool wind dried the water from the leaves. And it never rained. Once, for about five minutes, it started misting...but it almost immediately stopped. The ground was very muddy. Most of the day I was walking in mud. At times, my boots sank just below the top of my boots.
Stopped at two shelters today. Neither one of them had registers. New York shelters aren't much to write home about. I would give them about a 1 on the scale.
Hiked by Nuclear Lake today. I had wanted to take a swim here, but today was way too cold. The lake got it's name because it was a nuclear-research facility that was shut down in 1972...hmmm just ten years before the Superfund Site at Lehigh Gap. Anyway...I saw lots of trout and none of them looked like they had two heads.
Tomorrow into Kent to send e-mail and get some fuel for the stove. Friday I will try to hit the P.O. in Falls Village before they close. And Saturday I get picked up in Salisbury, Connecticut by the Wollenburgs.
I hear it's suppose to start warming up tomorrow and by the weekend....be in the 80's....Sounds nice....I cross another border tomorrow....
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Connecticut
Day 95: 6/15/00
Today's Miles: 21
Total A.T. Miles: 1451.4
I am grateful that my feet are not molding yet.
The feet could not be wetter. Just when I think that they are going to begin to dry out...I come to a place that there's no way around the lakes of mud...sooo...gotta go right through it. And then the boots are soaked right through again...I did have the sense to take about an hour break in the middle of the day to cook a hot lunch and let my feet dry out.
A new state means a dedication. I would like to dedicate the state of Connecticut to a disc golf throwin', road trip takin', red hair growin' type of guy. Rob...thanks for being the best friend a guy could ask for.
The shelter I took a break at sat in front of a beautiful stream. Two young children were playing in the water. I talked with their father and them for a long time. Very nice people.
Hiking was slow going today. I had planned on taking a night in the town of Kent, when I went in to get fuel. Neither of those things happened. I decided to hike on instead. At about 5 I thought I could go no more. I sat, took a break and headed on. I was focused on getting close enough to Falls Village to hit the P.O. on time. Later in the day I had to descend The Ledges. This is an extremely steep rock staircase at times, and bolder field at other times. It took me a mighty long time to get to the bottom. But...getting to the bottom paid off. I walked along the Housatonic River for the next few miles. My first few miles are along the river tomorrow. Yipppeeeee
Got to this empty shelter at 7. I had planned on going further, but the peacefulness of this place sucked me in. I will just have to get up a little earlier.
The goal tomorrow is to get to Falls Village before the P.O. closes at 5:00 P.M. I'd like to make some calls, get some grub, and hike out a mile or two and camp. Then, it's just a few miles on Saturday to Salisbury where the Wollenburgs will pick me up.
That's about it for now....
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Connecticut
Day 96: 6/16/00
Today's Miles: 18.3
Total A.T. Miles: 1469.7
I am grateful for courage.
Beautiful morning walk next to the Housatonic River with the sun rising in the east. Yes...the sun actually came out today for the first time in 5 days. The morning air along the river was very humid, but as I moved into the mountains and began walking next to creeks, the air cooled down dramatically.
Had an interesting river crossing this morning. A posted sign told of an alternate route that could be taken. The Guinea River was running strong. The water was 5-6 feet deep with roaring rapids everywhere. It was about 50 feet across. There was a log across the river. Not a log smoothed into a bridge, but a downed tree. Everything was very slippery because of the humidity. At first I debated using the alternate route, and then I decided to go for it. I made my way out about 10 feet on the log and thought that I should go back to shore and evaluate this decision a little more. When I turned around to walk back, my knees started to wobble and I got very scared. I decided to take a deep breath and continue across. Seconds later I was on the other side having gained yet another experience to boost my hiking confidence.
As the day went on it got hotter and more humid. Rocks were wet and slippery. Everything got wetter and wetter. I stopped for a quick break around 10:30 and then pressed on. The hiking got harder and I felt weaker. I ate and drank as much as I could, but the miles grew harder. My goal was to get to the P.O. by 5 and to get a room in town to dry out my gear and take my first shower in FOUR STATES!!!! I got to town and found the Inn to just be a pizza joint. Went to the P.O. and hung out in the A.C. for about two hours while the postal workers tried to find a place for me to stay. They finally found a diner and cabin establishment that had been shut down, but knew the owner and made arrangements for her to meet me at the cabins. A third postal worker then offered to drive me the 1.5 miles back south on the trail. Got there just minutes before the owner. She took my $55, gave me a cabin with a bed, shower and cable T.V., along with a couple Gatorades out of her now closed diner.
I unpacked, called Paula, and walked the 1.5 miles back to town to the pizza joint for dinner. Met New Beginnings and his hiking partner and had a nice dinner with them. Walked the 1.5 miles back to the cabin...and ahhhhhh time to relax.
Tomorrow I will walk the 1.5 miles to the trail and then hike 8 miles to Salisbury to meet the Wollenburgs....
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Connecticut
Day 97: 6/17/00
Today's Miles: 8.1
Total A.T. Miles: 1477.8
I am grateful for eight mile daze.
Sat outside my cabin last night for about an hour watching the fire flies dance in the cool evening air. We don't have this kinda fun in Cali....
Nice 8.1 A.T. + 1.5 Road to Salisbury today. I walked out of the cabin in the cool 5:45 A.M. morning air. Hiked past "Great Falls" which is only falling when it has rained a lot. Hey guess what...It was falling! Hehehe
Then it was up about 1000 feet to the top of Mt. Prospect. This was a beautiful forest of fir trees mixed with many other varieties. I stayed up on that ridge until the steep descent into Salisbury.
Ok...made another decision today. For the next week or so I will start very early and try to get 10-12 miles in by 10:30 at the latest. Then I will eat, nap, read, eat, and nap again. I will hike again in the cooler evening air beginning about 5 and hiking into the night. I think it's the only way I'm going to be able to tolerate this heat. So far, the heat and humidity are the hardest parts of the A.T. for me. Harder than the mountains, rocks, cold, sleet, snow, blisters, bugs, etc....
Once I get into Vermont I should be back at elevations where the heat and humidity should be back in check....
Sittin' here in a park next to the P.O. watching Mickey and Shadow go through their maildrops...they are tired and worn out...I know how they feel. Right now I'm sitting in the shade with dry feet.....Life is good...
Thank you to all the people who have sent me supportive e-mails...They really help keep me northbound....Thanks!!!!
The Wolenburgs picked me up about 1:30 and the spoiling began. This is trail magic at it's best! Air conditioned car, lunch at a diner, no mosquitoes, a shower, laundry, a drive of about 30 minutes to an outfitter to get me more fuel, a home cooked lasagna and salad dinner, ice cream from the famous Churn, and oh yea...no mosquitoes. We ate dinner on their screened in porch and talked forever. It's so nice to just relax and visit. I am so grateful to Pat and Bob for their hospitality. They are truly special people. Mike is a lucky guy!
Tomorrow is sure to bring more fun as I am not going to be dropped off at the trail till about 5:00 P.M. for my 10 mile walk into the cool night. Father's day at the Wollenburgs....Yippee!!!
Kinda weird staying in Mo' Miles' room tonight...who woulda thought?
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Massachusetts
Day 98: 6/18/00
Today's Miles: 7.3
Total A.T. Miles: 1486.1
I am grateful that I have been able to journey 1486.1 miles on the A.T.
Nice day... Woke up at about 8:30 while Bob and Pat were at church. Warmed up some of that incredible lasagna for breakfast and watched a little TV. Very relaxing. Later in the morning other members of the family came over for a Sunday morning Father's Day brunch. It was fun talking trail with all of them. Pat's parents have been following my journal closely and were very knowledgeable about the trip so far. They are all such nice, laid back people. I really enjoyed spending the day with all of them. Bob and Pat drove me back to the trail about 4 and I started north on the trail at 5.
Hiked up...up...up...in the foggy weather. It had rained all morning, but was not raining when I was dropped off. I hiked past two shelters stopping at the second one. There I met Sideshow. He was the only one there. As we talked found out that he had started on the exact day that I did! It took almost 1500 miles for our paths to cross. It's wild! Someone can literally be minutes behind you or in front of you for weeks, or even months, or your paths may never cross. I hiked on.
Got to the top of Bear Mountain and began the grueling decent. Wet slippery rock, almost vertical for a mile. It took over an hour and two or three pretty scary slips to get to where it began to level out. It also started drizzling as I got to the bottom. That's where I hit the Massachusetts border. Yippeeeee!
I would like to dedicate the state of Massachusetts to Bob and Pat Wollenburg. I can't begin to thank them for inviting me into their home and treating me so well. They are a truly special family and I am a lucky person to have crossed paths with all four of them. Thanks again!!!
Got to the bottom and reached Sages Revine. It has a designated campsite, a privy, and a caretaker. The caretaker is a ridgerunner that works at this site for a week and then hikes the state of Connecticut the next week. We got to talking. His name was David. This was his first week on the job as a ridgerunner and he filled me in on some of the details of the job. I asked him where he was from and he told me that he was originally from Los Angeles. Hmmm...small world...so am I. He then told me he was from the Carthey Circle area....Hmmm...I went to Carthey Elementary School. Turns out he lived right near the school till he was five and then he moved away. One more year and he would of ended up at the same elementary school as I went to. Small world isn't it??
I was short a couple miles tonight. Oh well....I'll make it up in the coming days. I will hit a detour tomorrow in front of the Shays Rebellion Monument at US 7, where I have to walk on the road for a couple miles because the trail is badly flooded. It seems that the rain and the beavers have teamed up to flood out a section of the A.T. to the point where muddy water is knee to chest deep for over to miles....yick!!!
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Massachusetts
Day 99: 6/19/00
Today's Miles: 19.1
Total A.T. Miles: 1505.2
I am grateful for fir trees because they smell so good.
I woke to more rain. It had rained most of the night and when I woke up at 5 to start my day, it was raining once more. So...I rolled over and went back to sleep...Hey...there are no rules out here. I woke again after 6:30 and it had stopped. I packed up and hit the trail. I walked by an amazing orange mushroom last night and was tempted to go back to see it in more light...I took a picture last night so hopefully it comes out because I didn't walk back to see it.
Not long after starting, Sideshow came up from behind me and I let him pass by because he was moving much faster than I. A few hours later I passed him on a break and a couple hours after that he joined me on a break in a rocky overlook. We talked for a long time before getting up to hike on. I let him lead and we hiked the next 10 miles or so to the shelter. On the way we bypassed the flooded out area on two adjacent roads. Roads that had white blazes on the telephone poles. This was the original A.T. and it was moved into the "swamp" when the area was declared a Wetlands Area. Hiked up Mt. Everett today. Rocky ups and downs on still wet rock. Very slippery...only one fall today.
Got to the Tom Leonard Lean-To , as they are called in this state, and found Roady and AMATHOG there. Roady had been holding up because of not feeling well, and AMATHOG had arrived just before us. Good to see Roady again.
Set up my tent on this clear night and my rain fly is hanging up on a nearby tree to dry out from last night. Heading 21 miles to Upper Goose Pond Cabin tomorrow. They have bunks, a swimming area, kitchen privileges, a covered porch, and a canoe to carry water from the other side of the pond at the spring. So is Sideshow. Looks like I'll see him again for the next few days as our stopping points are the same.
Can you even believe that's it's really day 100 on the trail. Wow....
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Massachusetts
Day 100: 6/20/00
Today's Miles: 21.1
Total A.T. Miles: 1536.3
I am grateful for perfect weather because it comes along so rarely.
Great day of hiking and I even finished at 3:30. Tented last night in the cool evening air. It was beautiful! Great sleeping weather. Walked mostly in forest today. Not many views through the dense fir trees. I did walk through an area of maple trees that were all tapped for their syrup. Very interesting way of running tubes from tree to tree and then to central collection metal barrels. Later, I walked through the area that was hit by a bad tornado not very many years ago. The area had no trees, only low growing vegetation. A scary sight.
I walked with AMATHOG for about an hour and with Sideshow for the rest of the day. Sideshow is pretty fast on the up hills so I would catch him on the downhill much of the time.
Walked into Upper Goose Pond Cabin this afternoon. This cabin is a $3 donation to stay at. It's plush in thru-hiker standards! Took the canoe out with Sideshow to the island in the middle of the lake. We hung out on a sunny rock for a couple hours before paddling back. Cooked diner and tried to eat all of my extra food so I won’t have to carry it tomorrow. Hiking into Dalton tomorrow to camp on a local man's lawn who loves to host hikers.
Tomorrow is summer solstice. It's also naked hiking day on the A.T.....hmmmm
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Massachusetts
Day 101: 6/21/00
Today's Miles: 21
Total A.T. Miles: 1557.3
I am grateful for random acts of kindness like the one Sideshow has bestowed upon me.
Happy Birthday Mom!!!!!
A quick 21 miles today into the town of Dalton. Lots of mud, but pretty level terrain to walk on. A sunny morning of all you could eat pancakes at Upper Goose Cabin. I only ate about 7 or so. I wanted to make sure I could actually still hike this morning.
Oh yea...it was June 21 today so...it was official Naked Hiking Day on the A.T. Well....there sure were lots of mosquitoes out through the swamps of Massachusetts the last couple days so...decided not to hike naked. Except, that is over the bridge that crosses the Massachusetts Turnpike. There Sideshow and I stripped down to nothing (except my hat and boots) and walked proudly across the Turnpike. Traffic was thin...we were seen...and even honked at...hehehe...As Stone Man use to say...we couldn't pass up the chance for a good story!!!
Sideshow and I hoofed it to Dalton by 3 P.M, stopping at the "Cookie Lady's" house for some water from her hose and some homemade cookies that she usually leaves on her porch. Got the water...no cookies...boooo whooooo. Later, as we were walking into the town of Dalton, we stopped to talk to a gentleman trimming his hedge. He asked us all about our hike and asked us where we were heading tonight. Sideshow told him we were heading to a local's house that allowed hikers to camp on his lawn. He pointed to his house. There was an AT sign and the number of miles to Katahdin. We had found him. Or had he found us? We put our packs on his porch and were going to head to town to run a couple errands, when he asked if we would like some ice cream before we went in. Do we EVER turn food down???? He disappeared for what seemed like forever. What's taking this guy so long to grab a couple ice cream bars from the freezer? A few minutes later he showed back up with 3 of the most beautiful ice cream sundaes that I have ever seen. He took his and told us that one of the other was Pralines and Cream and the other was mint chocolate chip.....YUMMMMMMM The sundaes were a couple scoops of ice cream, whipped cream, and candy toppings. Wow! Ate, thanked him a million times and headed into town to the P.O., bank and then to eat. While I was on my errands, Sideshow had arranged for his dad to pick us up in 20 MINUTES! Wow... His dad showed up and treated us both to the best veggie burgers I have ever had. We then drove back to their home in Richmond, MA. It's a very small town of only about 2000 people. It is so beautiful...so green...so open... Sideshow took me to see the Furnace in the woods where the steel for the US Monitor was made. The historical society is working on getting the site access in to visitors. I like how it looks right now. Secluded in the woods with only a single track path leading to it.
Back at the house right now showered and happy. People are amazing aren't they. The things people will do for others. The trail really does help restore a sense of hope that if we are just a little kinder to each other and take just a few minutes out of our way to make someone else’s day...our world would truly be a happier, healthier place for all of us.
Thanks to Sideshow and his parents for taking me in and creating still a little more magic for this pilgrimage I am on.
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Massachusetts
Day 102: 6/22/00
Today's Miles: 17
Total A.T. Miles: 1574.7
I am grateful for the warm sunshine.
Great night sleep in a bed at Sideshow's home. A great bit of trail magic by a great guy and his family. Got back to the trail about 7 a.m. and started up, up, up to Cheshire for my mail drop. Made the 8.4 mile trip in just under three hours. We were movin'! We even stopped at The Cobbles overlook to get a look at the monster of a mountain we would be climbing in just a few hours. The 2,000 foot ascent up to the summit of Mt. Greylock was a 9 mile climb. It rocked! Sideshow hiked on ahead of me as he has been for the past few days. He takes the ups like a machine. Today he had no pack as his father was slacking him and picking him up on the back side of Greylock this afternoon. I really felt good on the up today. Took it at a fairly fast pace for me and summited about 2:00 P.M. I sat with Sideshow for a while and we said our farewells. I think he will probably be catching me in about a week. He is taking some days off and so am I next week.
I looked at my miles and decided to stay here tonight. Bascom Lodge sits atop Greylock and offers some different options to hikers. At $27 you can have a bunk and a shower. For $14 you can get dinner. Hikers also have the option of working off some to all of their cost. I have not done a work-stay on the trail yet, but since I felt so great upon my arrival I chose it. I will work for 2 hours (probably in the kitchen...good old Denny's days of college) and I will be allowed to sleep on the screened and windowed in porch for free. For 2 more hours of work I can get free dinner. Too many hours for me. I will pay the money for my Mexican Fiesta dinner and sleep/shower for free. More later after the work and eat...
Worked in the kitchen and dining room. Set tables and then helped put dinner together as well as serve and do dishes. Met some really nice people, both crew members at the lodge and guests. I was treated so well. One of the trail maintainers even made me a sack lunch for tomorrow!!! I worked so much longer than I had planned that I was given my room AND board for free. The work was fun and I didn't mind it one bit. Back to big miles tomorrow after this short day of 17...
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Vermont
Day 111: 7/1/00
Today's Miles: 0
Total A.T. Miles: 1714.3
I am grateful for relaxing days.
Ok....I did fail to tell you all about a few events during my three day trip with Breezy. I had a spill on day two. Not a really bad fall, but a fall that ended up muddy and on the ground with various body pains. Ok...that was number one.... Number two would come the very same day. It was late afternoon and raining. I was walking closely behind Breezy as she set our pace. My hat was wet and a little lower across my eyes than usual. Breezy said something to me that I couldn't make out and the very next moment I was holding my head and in extreme pain. I had walked into a large downed tree that Breezy fit under without even ducking. A large lump quickly formed over my eye and I had a pretty good headache for a while that day. That was number two.... Number three came on day three as we were only about 150 yards from the trailhead at Hwy. 12. We were walking through a farmer's field and came to a stile to climb over. There was a very low single string of barbed wire running on either side of the stile. Sometimes, stepping over the fence is easier and safer than climbing an old rotten wooden stile. Breezy's legs are a little short so I reached over to hold the barbed wire down as she stepped over. WHAM!!! I got an electrical shock from the electric barbed wire fence. 1700 miles and I have seen many electric fences, but never a barbed wire fence that was also electric!! Well....I was a little out of it for a while, but I don't think it did any permanent damage. All in all, I had a few small accidents, but all is well and I will hike on.
4:30 p.m. Great day so far...Drove past the Inn at the Long Trail and who was sitting in front? Grizzly, Eagle Eye, Mikey, Shadow, Roady, and all three members of The MOB. Talked with them for a while and Paula got to put faces with many of my trail friends. They will all be on the trail at about the point I get back on tomorrow. It's nice to know who will be just in front or behind me as I get back on tomorrow. Into Woodstock for a snack at the farmer's market from yesterday and then into the town of Woodstock to walk the town. From there we headed into Hanover, NH, where I will hike through in just two days. Great college town. It's home of Dartmouth College built in 1761. Hung out in town for a while and checked out the college before heading back slowly to Rutland. We stopped at some interesting stores and shops on our way back.
8:30 p.m. Great dinner at Tapas, an Italian restaurant here in Rutland. Had to follow it up with a trip to the local Ben & Jerry’s Scoop Shop. Back on the trail tomorrow around 1....
NH in a day and a half!!!!!
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Vermont
Day 112: 7/2/00
Today's Miles: 7.8
Total A.T. Miles: 1722.1
I am grateful for common sense.
Breezy and I had a terrific breakfast this morning and then headed to Calvin Coolidge State Park to just sit in the sun for an hour of so. I felt good. Very sad that Breezy was going home, but strong mentally and physically. That ended when I realized that my "wallet" (my ziplock with my $, ID, Credit Card, and ATM card) was missing. We looked everywhere. We called the restaurant from last night and the Inn. I was really upset! My togetherness was quickly unfolding on me. I was really upset that Breezy would now be cutting her flight close by trying to find it before her flight. She put me on the trail and I headed off as she drove away.
I never really got my rhythm today on the hike. Because of that, I just decided to cut the day short and stay here at Thistle Hill Shelter. There is a southbounder, that started at Katahdin, and two section hikers here also. The southbounder has really made the Whites more realistic to me. I feel much better about them and am sure that by tomorrow, if not the next day, I will be doing decent miles again.
Into Hanover, NH tomorrow. Maybe I will stay there...maybe I will push on.
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
July Journals
Vermont
Day 111: 7/1/00
Today's Miles: 0
Total A.T. Miles: 1714.3
I am grateful for relaxing days.
Ok....I did fail to tell you all about a few events during my three day trip with Breezy. I had a spill on day two. Not a really bad fall, but a fall that ended up muddy and on the ground with various body pains. Ok...that was number one.... Number two would come the very same day. It was late afternoon and raining. I was walking closely behind Breezy as she set our pace. My hat was wet and a little lower across my eyes than usual. Breezy said something to me that I couldn't make out and the very next moment I was holding my head and in extreme pain. I had walked into a large downed tree that Breezy fit under without even ducking. A large lump quickly formed over my eye and I had a pretty good headache for a while that day. That was number two.... Number three came on day three as we were only about 150 yards from the trailhead at Hwy. 12. We were walking through a farmer's field and came to a stile to climb over. There was a very low single string of barbed wire running on either side of the stile. Sometimes, stepping over the fence is easier and safer than climbing an old rotten wooden stile. Breezy's legs are a little short so I reached over to hold the barbed wire down as she stepped over. WHAM!!! I got an electrical shock from the electric barbed wire fence. 1700 miles and I have seen many electric fences, but never a barbed wire fence that was also electric!! Well....I was a little out of it for a while, but I don't think it did any permanent damage. All in all, I had a few small accidents, but all is well and I will hike on.
4:30 p.m. Great day so far...Drove past the Inn at the Long Trail and who was sitting in front? Grizzly, Eagle Eye, Mikey, Shadow, Roady, and all three members of The MOB. Talked with them for a while and Paula got to put faces with many of my trail friends. They will all be on the trail at about the point I get back on tomorrow. It's nice to know who will be just in front or behind me as I get back on tomorrow. Into Woodstock for a snack at the farmer's market from yesterday and then into the town of Woodstock to walk the town. From there we headed into Hanover, NH, where I will hike through in just two days. Great college town. It's home of Dartmouth College built in 1761. Hung out in town for a while and checked out the college before heading back slowly to Rutland. We stopped at some interesting stores and shops on our way back.
8:30 p.m. Great dinner at Tapas, an Italian restaurant here in Rutland. Had to follow it up with a trip to the local Ben & Jerry’s Scoop Shop. Back on the trail tomorrow around 1....
NH in a day and a half!!!!!
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Vermont
Day 112: 7/2/00
Today's Miles: 7.8
Total A.T. Miles: 1722.1
I am grateful for common sense.
Breezy and I had a terrific breakfast this morning and then headed to Calvin Coolidge State Park to just sit in the sun for an hour of so. I felt good. Very sad that Breezy was going home, but strong mentally and physically. That ended when I realized that my "wallet" (my ziplock with my $, ID, Credit Card, and ATM card) was missing. We looked everywhere. We called the restaurant from last night and the Inn. I was really upset! My togetherness was quickly unfolding on me. I was really upset that Breezy would now be cutting her flight close by trying to find it before her flight. She put me on the trail and I headed off as she drove away.
I never really got my rhythm today on the hike. Because of that, I just decided to cut the day short and stay here at Thistle Hill Shelter. There is a southbounder, that started at Katahdin, and two section hikers here also. The southbounder has really made the Whites more realistic to me. I feel much better about them and am sure that by tomorrow, if not the next day, I will be doing decent miles again.
Into Hanover, NH tomorrow. Maybe I will stay there...maybe I will push on.
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Vermont
Day 113: 7/3/00
Today's Miles: 14.5
Total A.T. Miles: 1736.6
I am grateful for good trail friends.
The wallet was found!!! Long story, but it was at the Inn and they are sending it to Glencliff and it will be there Wednesday when I arrive to pick up my maildrop....Yippppppppeeeeeee
The picture....I lay in my tent at 9:30 Hanover, New Hampshire. My tent lays in the yard of a fraternity. A fraternity that lets hikers camp, shower, and do laundry for free. In the next yard sits a second fraternity. A fraternity that is having a party in their backyard that rivals those parties in old Chico State days. And yes...a live band is playing for the entertainment of all. There are probably 100 people there now...but...it's early yet. Those damn college kids...hehehehehe
And what were they playing as I walked back to the house from seeing “The Perfect Storm”...they were playing CAKE's "Let Me Go". Yes my friends...life is goooooodd.
Did 14 miles and change today to find a town filled with hikers I haven’t seen in weeks or months. Old friends...ahhhh. Well, since I am hiking faster than most of them I figured this may be the last chance to see many of them on the trail. So...I decided to call it a day as I hiked into town at 12:00....
Had my first foot long Tuna sandwich at 1 and my second one was snuck into the movie...with a Coke of course, at 6. And now I lay here...listening to Leonard Skinner and screams from the crowd...The live music is great, but going over to have a few beers may just cut a planned 24 mile day to much less. Some hikers are at the party, some sitting on this houses porch, and some.....in their tents as I am.....
New Hampshire border today...ahhh...my second to last state. Really? Well, as I crossed the border into the beautiful state of New Hampshire I thought about all the readers of my journal. Yes, some of you are avid followers while others have less time for my volumes of adventures. Thank you to each and every one of you for your time, interest, love, support, and prayers. You are all a piece of my puzzle. This state is dedicated to all of you! Missin' you all......
Peace, Love, Courage..
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
New Hampshire
Day 114: 7/4/00
Today's Miles: 23.6
Total A.T. Miles: 1760.2
I am grateful for long days.
Woke up early after getting an okay night's sleep. The party next door went on for hours and ear plugs barely muffled the music. Oh well...the music was good. Put my mini American flag on the back of my pack and set off on my 4th of July hike.
Didn't feel really strong today for the first few hours. It didn't help that as I walked out of the Fraternity house, it started raining. It rained for the first couple hours and the undergrowth was so wet and so overgrown that I was soaked in no time. Wet feet again. Oh well, no bugs while it's raining! Caught up with a slack packer I met on Mt. Greylock today. He was hiking with Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh slack packs many hikers for a fee and tries to make a living from it. There is lots of debate about Pittsburgh’s practices out here. Most believe that no one should try to profit from the trail. I am not so sure about that. There are many hikers, of all ages, that wouldn't be able to hike the trail while carrying a backpack. This allows them to still hike the trail.
Caught Camel today and we hiked for about 6 hours together over some pretty hard terrain. These are some warm up hills before the Whites start on Thursday morning. Climbed to the top of Smart's Mountain where there is an enclosed cabin for hikers to stay in. Too many bugs for me. I set my tent up about 300 yards from the cabin and didn't put the rainfly on in the beautiful afternoon sunshine. Walked back to the cabin and cooked dinner with Camel and a couple section hikers staying there. I hung out for a while until we heard some very odd sounds in the sky. It was too light for fireworks (hoped to see those later from the fire tower). As it got closer we could hear it was very strange thunder. I decided to make my way back to my tent to get the rainfly on. I got to the tent, got everything set up, got inside and the wind picked up and the sky opened up. What a storm! It's still thundering and blowing although most of the rain has stopped. Wow!
So....here is the plan of the day. With today’s 24 and tomorrow’s 20, I will have a total of 398 miles left. Yep...under 400! If I stick to hiking 15.9 miles a day I will finish on July 29th....Ring a bell? It's my birthday!! That is my goal right now. Some days 15.9 will be tough, but others no problem. I think it's a realistic goal and I'll shoot for it. If I miss, I miss....
Into Glencliff tomorrow for my mail drops and my wallet. Planning on staying at the hostel and will climb Mt. Moosilauke first thing Thursday morning. My first climb into the Whites. I can't wait!!! Yahooooooooo!
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
New Hampshire
Day 115: 7/5/00
Today's Miles: 20
Total A.T. Miles: 1780.2
I am grateful for beautiful days.
Happy birthday Paula!!! Great breezy day today with no bugs. Not feeling really strong today but excited that I am at the same place as Camel again. He is fun to hike with. Hiked on my own today as I got up earlier than Camel. Climbed Cube Mtn. today. Beautiful views!!! Got to Glencliff and picked up my wallet and my two drops. Now I am staying at a couple from New Zealand house that opens their house up to hikers. Showered, did laundry and will be going to town for pizza. They are selling their house and have no hot water...coooolllld shower.
I sit under Mt. Moosilauke and get more and more excited about the Whites. One hundred miles of incredible beauty....Can't wait. Tomorrow is the day. I won't hit a phone for about 6 days so please be patient when it comes to new journal entries...
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
New Hampshire
Day 116: 7/6/00
Today's Miles: 17
Total A.T. Miles: 1797.2
I am grateful the beauty and serenity of the White mountains of New Hampshire.
I slept in today because I am really going to enjoy every aspect that I have left of this trip. Sleeping in and not hitting the trail until after 8 is one of those little miracles. I'm on the slide to Katahdin now and in the groove. Camel and I started right up our first climb of the trail that would lead us above tree line. Mt. Moosilauke gave me everything I had expected and more! It was a great 6 mile, 3700ish foot climb to the top that stretched though various vegetation and as we got closer to the top....varied weather. At the bottom it was a brisk morning with not a cloud in the sky. By the incredible top, the sky was filled with huge cumulus clouds and I could see my breath upon each exhilaration. It was very chilly. We stopped for about 30 minutes on the top and took cover behind some rocks looking north. We ate and speechlessly looked out at the many mountains we would be climbing. Way out in the distance stood Mt. Washington, the highest mountain on the trail poking up into the cloud cover and out of our view. It was absolutely amazing! By far the best view on the A.T. by leaps and bounds. The climb down the backside was very steep and followed a beautiful cascading stream for about a mile and a half. It was so steep that rebar had been installed to help hikers make their way up or down the wet, slippery, dangerous rock. It took well over an hour to cover that distance.
At the bottom we sat by the road for another quick snack as a pick up truck pulled up and a man hopped out to talk. His license plate said "3 Hikers." Apparently his father had thru-hiked in '89 and his wife had hiked in '91. She hiked again with Dusty in '98. He was full of questions about our hike and information about the way the Huts in the Whites work. The Huts are AMC run facilities that do not cater to thru-hikers. They are $59 to stay at for the night and include a bunk, dinner, and breakfast. No showers, phones, laundry, or other amenities. Each hut allows two work for stay options a night. Only two! If a hiker arrives after the two have already been signed up for the night, he or she is turned away. There are other shelters and campsites in the Whites, but they all charge a nightly use fee. So...getting through the Whites (100 Miles) can be a bit tricky...and no one wants to have to rush through such beauty. Dusty told us that the Huts don't like to have extra food, because they have to pack it out. For that reason they very often sell leftovers to passing thru-hikers for such deals as a dollar for a huge plate of food. So...I may or may not become a Hut Slut. We will see how each day progresses. Today's 17 miles took 10.5 hours with some breaks. No way will I rush through this!
After Moosilauke it was time for a shorter climb up Wolf Peak. It happened there...Camel and I were walking and talking, when something huge moved to our left. As we looked over we saw what must have been a female moose weighing 350-450 pounds. We dropped our packs as it moseyed back up the towards where we had just walked on the trail. As we got closer we could see it had a baby with it. The mother was a very dark brown, while it's baby was the color of a common white tailed deer. We watched for several minutes until the moose got tired of us watching and moseyed off deeper into the woods. WOW!!! This was one of my best days on the trail. Awesome sights!
Tomorrow I will hitch into North Lincoln to get some more Aqua-Mira. It is what I am using for my water purification and I am almost out. After the hitch it's 3800 feet up to the top of Mt. Lincoln then even higher to the top of Mt. Lafayette. We will camp or try the hut there. Some of that climb includes the famous Franconia Ridge walk. It's a walk of about 2 miles on an exposed ridge with amazing views to both the east and west. I will be taking many...many....photos!
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
New Hampshire
Day 117: 7/7/00
Today's Miles: 11.4
Total A.T. Miles: 1808.7
I am grateful the town of Lincoln and their 4 outfitters.
Ok...today was an eventful day. It started early because Camel and I wanted to get into the town of Lincoln and up Franconia Ridge and into the Greenleaf Hut. It didn't happen. We started with a 2000 foot climb over Kinsman Mountain. Incredible views above treeline. Then the steep rocky downhill. The mountain was more of a rock climb than a hike today. Hand and foot holds were hard to come by on the sometimes near vertical slabs of 15-30 foot rock. Halfway down the mountain we met a girl hiking with her mom for the day. She told us that she worked at the hut and there was food left over. She went onto explain that thru-hikers that got there early could have all-you-can-eat of whatever is left for $1. Yes...$1!!! She told us we were only about 20 minutes from the hut. Well....her 20 minutes was our 10 minutes. We ran almost the entire time. We were the first ones there and gorged ourselves on apple juice, 3 kinds of muffins, and canned peaches. Now, you may say yick to canned peaches, but after almost 4 months in the woods you may have a different reaction.
After the hut it was 2.4 miles to the highway to get into town. Got a hitch pretty quickly from a sketchy guy with a dog in the car. Took us to the town of Lincoln so I could get some wind pants and an extra long sleeve shirt. I also needed a couple replacement things. Two outfitters later I had it all. I was getting a little worried that I wouldn't be able to stay warm enough at the high elevations. It would pay off later today! We went to a pizza place and had AYCE salad bar before trying to hitch back. The hitch was on Interstate 93, an illegal place to hitch. Camel said he had a bad feeling we were going to get a ticket, but we saw no other way to get back. About 30 minutes into trying, a pickup pulled over and told us to hurry and get in because a cop was just behind him and the cop would definitely ticket us. Saved!!! He took us to what we all thought was the trailhead and drove off. Camel and I would then find out we were not at the trailhead at all. After asking a couple people, a lady offered to drive us back to the trail. She went the wrong direction on 93 and couldn't get off for about 8 miles. In that 8 miles we saw "The Old Man." This is a rock formation in New Hampshire that is very famous. So famous, it is a backdrop to their license plate...right under their state motto..."Live Free Or Die." A little morbid for me. She dropped us off at the trail as the sky opened up with huge raindrops. We ran under the bridge to get out our pack covers and raingear. We had decided in town to only hike in 3 miles to the Liberty Springs Campsite instead of 7 to the Hut which was another 1 mile and 800 feet down off the trail. We climbed about 2500 feet to the campsite where I sit now. We are camped on a tent platform and it's...well, let's just say that it is so cold, my fingers hurt, my breath can be seen and I remember what Georgia felt like now. Brrrrr.... It's probably 40 with a windchill making it feel like 30 or so right now.
Decided to slow down even more through the Whites because of the beauty. Going to average 12-14 or so for the next 4 days. Then I will try to make up some miles...if not...no worries...
Life is great on the A.T.!!!!!
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
New Hampshire
Day 118: 7/8/00
Today's Miles: 10.4
Total A.T. Miles: 1819.1
I am grateful for the grace and beauty of Franconia Ridge.
What a truly beautiful day. Today was on my list as a high point of the 2,167 mile trek. Today was Franconia Ridge! It didn't let me down at all. Franconia Ridge is an above treeline ridge that runs over Little Haystack Mountain, Mt. Lincoln, and Mt. Lafayette. It was an absolutely amazing couple hours. Camel and I really took our time today. No big miles! Only the appreciation for the beauty we are experiencing! Our goal was to take it easy today, but also try to get to the Galehead Hut by around 2:00. The Huts don't accept work for stays until 2:00. No northbounders passed us today so it was just southbounders we thought may beat us in. The huts only take two work for stays.
The ten mile walk was pretty grueling today. There were no flat sections, only a roller coaster of rocky beautiful ups and downs. Many were so steep that again we were doing more rock climbing than actual hiking.
We arrived at the hut at 3:00 and were happy to find no other hikers. We were hired as tonight’s huts sluts. Oh yea baby...We were shown where the brooms, dust pans, scrubbers, and mops were and we went to work on the bathroom floors. This may sound hard or even a bit gross, but ahhhh contraire my friends. This is the newest of all the huts. It is one year old. The others are all around 60 years old. The new wood floors throughout the hut are beautiful. So...we swept, and then scrubbed the floors with green scrubbies...ahhh but not the way you may scrub your floor. We were told to place a green scrubbie under our feet and scrub the two floors with our feet before mopping. This all took about 45 minutes. Then we were asked to scrub down a ladder they use. That took 15 minutes. So...for one hour's work we get to eat an AYCE meal of vegetarian lasagna, vegetables, soup, and honey bread. The hut is full so we don't get a bunk...we get to sleep in the warm dinning room on either the tables or floor...our choice. This is a great place, and amazing time in the hike! I love every moment of each day.
Heading to Carter Notch tomorrow to stay in a hostel and then the next day leads us within 2 miles of the summit of Mt. Washington. We will stay in the Dungeon at Lake of the Clouds Hut. The dungeon is a basement that the hut lets thru-hikers stay in for a measly $6. Yippee.... Then on Tuesday it's the summit of Mt. Washington. This is the mountain where the highest winds in the world were recorded. Winds at 231 mph were recorded. And yesterday as we passed through Lonesome Lake Hut, the daily weather report for Mt. Washington was a high 38 and a low of 34. Two more days ...brrrrrrrr
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
New Hampshire
Day 119: 7/9/00
Today's Miles:
Total A.T. Miles:
I am grateful for the coming of fingers and toes day.
Yes my friends, today is fingers and toes day. Almost two weeks ago now, my wife, Breezy, told me that soon I would be able to count the number of days I had left on my fingers and toes. Well, the day is here. Just 20 days left till the big mountain in Maine. That is if I summit on my birthday. It's hard to believe that I have actually been out here for 119 days...almost four full months. What's harder to believe is that it is so close to coming to an end. With less than three weeks and somewhere around 350 miles to hike, it actually feels like I won't wake up and hike every day for the rest of my life. Let me tell you...for a long time, it felt like I would do nothing the rest of my life BUT hike. Feelings, emotions, awareness all have begun to rise to one of the highest levels on the trip so far. My appreciation for my surroundings, the people I've met on my trip, the people who support and love me at home, and my ability to come this far grow stronger with each step towards Katahdin. Fingers and toes baby...fingers and toes...
Had soup for $1 at Zealand Falls Hut and then hiked the 8 miles into Crawford Notch so we could hitch to the hostel. Met a ton of southbound thru-hikers today. Gave us lots of info about the trail.
Got to the road as it started raining and tried to hitch as we walked the 1 mile to a state park snack bar. Got to the snack bar as they were closing and they wouldn't serve us. Tried to hitch for an hour before a maintenance worker for the forest here broke the law by picking up two cold wet hitchhikers. He took us to the hostel where we were given the option to work for the $14 stay...Yippeee. Took a hot shower and ate lots of dinner. We looked at the Maine maps and planned some miles. As soon as most of the guests go to bed we will sweep and mop the common room and the library.
Tomorrow leads us up to Lake of the Clouds Hut for a hopeful work for stay. It's suppose to rain tomorrow but not Tuesday when we summit Washington and the rest of the Presidentials....
Yipppeeeee.
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
New Hampshire
Day 120: 7/10/00
Today's Miles: 11.2
Total A.T. Miles: 1844.7
I am grateful for the Lake of the Clouds Hut for providing shelter during 50+ mph winds and visibility of less than 50 feet.
Got a ride to the trail at 8 and started up the 2000 foot rise to a ridge that would climb another 2000 feet towards the top of Mt. Washington. Experienced one of New Hampshire’s top 10 hardest trails for the first 6 miles. Hand over hand climbs of near vertical wet rock. Finding cracks in the rocks for fingers and toes became the focus during the 4 1/2 hour climb. When we finally crested Mt. Webster we walked a ridge to the Mitzpah Hut. There we had bottomless bowls of split pea soup and incredible bread. Mmmmmm....
Next it would be the 4.8 mile ridge ascending ridge walk to the Lake of the Clouds Hut. The weather was beautiful for the first mile and then suddenly the sun was gone, the clouds had dropped, and the wind had kicked up from a light breeze to a 50+ mph wind. It was an exhausting and strenuous next couple hours, where just staying on my feet during the gusts of wind became the focus. But now I am here with Camel and Billy Goat. Dry, warm, and in time for a work for stay! More later!!!!!
9:30 p.m. A great dinner after the "real people" ate. Us thru-hikers that are doing a work for stay get to eat after the rich people that stay in these huts. This is the largest and loudest of the huts. It's only 1.5 miles from the top of Washington so "Hikers" take the train or drive to the top of the mountain and then walk the hour to the hut. The hut holds 90 loud children and alcohol carrying "adults."
The weather outside is very windy and rainy. Hopefully by tomorrow we will have better weather for the trip over the summit and onto the rest of the Presidentials.
There is a phone at the top of Washington so I plan to send my journal entries home from 6000+ feet up. Right now I have my sleeping bag laid out in the dinning room on a dinner table trying to go to sleep. It's after lights out, but just as with Galhead Hut many "guests" are up with lights and loud voices. Hopefully they will get tired soon so the gusting winds can sing me to sleep.
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
New Hampshire
Day 121: 7/11/00
Today's Miles: 7
Total A.T. Miles: 1851.7
I am grateful that Mt. Washington finally cleared up today.
6:00 A.M. I am laying on my dining room table bed....The wind sounds like a freight train and I can't see 10 feet out the window. It's a little bit scary to think that I will have to hike over the mountain in this. I guess I can hold up here at the hut until the weather gets good enough to go over the summit. Although, I could be waiting here for days at that point. It's early...I will have to watch the weather very closely to decided what to do later on. I sure wanted decent weather for this day....
10:30 A.M. I'm on the summit!! The 1.5 mile hike was a tough one! The wind is amazing! Upon our arrival the high wind recorded for the day is 85 mph....I was pushed over numerous times and ripped my new $10 pants to shreds on the sharp rock....Yeah for duct tape. I have never experienced wind so strong. I could stand at a 45 degree angle and be held up without falling with the winds. Once I fell and was laying against a medium sized bolder, but couldn't get up because the wind was pinning me against the rock. Another time Camel was in the lead and we were suddenly off the trail. We knew we must be less than 200 feet from the trail but we really didn't know which direction it was because of the 10 ft. visibility. We wandered around for about five minutes before we finally spotted a cairn (pile of rocks that is used above treeline to mark the trail).
Hanging out in the Summit House right now hoping the weather gets better so we can walk 5 more miles instead of the planned 13 more.
4:30 P.M. Well, the weather cleared!!! The sky became partly cloudy and the sun even came out intermittently. The wind didn't die down. We hiked the 5 more miles in extreme winds until we reached the Madison Hut. Yes...Dreamer the Hut Slut. Here with Billy Goat and Camel for a work stay. The Crest and Nomad will also be here later we hear. For their work stay, they hiked down the mountain and will be hiking back up with packs full of beer for a Hut party next week where all the staffs come to this hut for a once a year party. It'll be great to see The Crest and Nomad again.
5:00 P.M. I just finished my work for my stay. I washed cups and mugs for about an hour. If you know me you know that I never mind dishes or ironing...It’s a great sense of completion. So anyway, the sink is in a window facing a beautiful mountain. I washed and took in the beauty as I worked. It was very relaxing and the warm water felt great (the Huts have no heat). Just hanging out right now....ahhhhh...it's nice....
9:00 P.M.-Goshawk, Shadow, and Swamee all showed up late and the Hut let us all stay here. A very nice Crew indeed works here at Madison Hut. Nomad played the Hut Master's guitar for hours tonight as about 10 of us sat around him and sang along with many old favorites. I'm really glad we caught Nomad and The Crest for the night here...the music is always a special treat.
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
New Hampshire
Day 122: 7/12/00
Today's Miles: 13.3
Total A.T. Miles: 1865
I am grateful for tenting out.
Happy Birthday Lenore!!!!!
I woke up this morning to Nomad softly playing his guitar. It was a very nice way to awake. I then sat up and looked out the window to see a crystal clear sky smiling at me. Yes, it's windy...and yes, it's cold...but it's clear and we are beginning today, heading into lower elevations. We will be dropping into the valley today only to climb right back out over the Wildcat Peaks. I probably will camp at a higher elevation to be a little closer to Gorham for the next day. As I type this Nomad is strumming Terrapin Station from the kitchen.....ahhh.... Life just keeps getting better and better!!!
9:00 p.m. Just letting my dinner cool down before I eat and quickly sleep. Today was a tough one. After taking it so easy through the Whites, doing a little bit of a bigger day was tough. Did the first 7 miles fairly quickly so I could get into Pinkam Notch Visitor center for the $5.50 AYCE sandwich bar. I moved so fast to make the 1:00 P.M. cutoff time that I was pretty worn out by the time I got there. I called Paula and was pretty sad because I miss her so much. Even the fact that I am so close, doesn't make the time apart any easier. I then began the 6 mile walk to the Carter Hut to get water and camp somewhere. About a mile into the hike we hit a pond and went for a quick swim. The pond was very shallow and we had to keep swimming the entire time so we wouldn't sink in the mud below. It woke me up for the big climb over the 5 Wildcat peaks. Ouch my knees hurt today...
About another mile into the hike we passed a woman who cheered for us and congratulated us over and over again for coming so far. A couple more miles into the hike we hit the Wildcat Mtn. Gondola. I crawled into the warming hut through an open window. We would have stayed in this high mountain chalet if there had been water anywhere around. No water...boooooo
Now I am camped beside the trail with Camel, Shadow, Goshawk, Billy Goat, and Swamee. Yes....we are a big group. Tomorrow on to Gorham and the next into Maine!
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
New Hampshire
Day 123: 7/13/00
Today's Miles: 15.2
Total A.T. Miles: 1870
I am grateful that the beautiful Whites have ended and the Mahoosucs will begin tomorrow.
Well, I finally did a 15+ mile day. It was nice to experience a "bigger day." I hiked out of Carter Notch today and it was a mile of straight up. Later I walked a beautiful ridge walk with a view of Mt. Washington....behind me...hehehehehe....
Got into Gorham about 2:30 and got a hitch into town after quite a while. Went to Hiker's Paradise...Hiker’s Paradise is a hostel in a Comfort Inn. The owner runs this place for hikers and "sells" bikes to hikers for $1. I get use of the bike the entire time I'm here and I sell it back for $1 when I leave. I rode the bike to town and thought to myself, "I hope I don't die on this bike..." Well, I didn't...I had dinner at a "Japanese-American" restaurant....It was...decent....
I've got a ride at 7:45 to the trail...Everyone else staying here is slack packing....I choose not to. I have come this far. Why start now?
16 miles till Maine. Then the Mahoosuc notch the next day. The hardest mile on the trail....
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Maine
Day 124: 7/14/00
Today's Miles: 21.4
Total A.T. Miles: 1891.4
I am grateful to be in my tent again.
I headed out of town at 7:45 a.m. and hit the trail with a backpack weighing 20 pounds more than it did the day before. I had no food into town and 7 days of food on the way out. Right away I felt the incredible difference. It was slow going for the first 7 miles. At the 7 mile point I came to Page Pond where I found Camel. He was hiking south on a 19 mile slack-pack. A good majority of the people at the hostel were doing one or many slacks around Gorham. I choose not to slack.
Camel and I talked for a while and I decided I couldn't carry this much food...especially through the notch tomorrow. So...he took 3 days of food back to the hostel to put in the hiker's box...(some hiker will make out great!). That lightened my pack by about 8 pounds. This made just enough of a dent that I felt stronger and not as libel to be pulled off balance by the weight of the backpack. We said our good-byes (till tomorrow when his ride drops him off 2 miles south of me and he catches up to me). I began to hike again and the thunder started. It got louder and louder as it rained harder, so I stopped at a shelter to dry off. The storm passed and the clouds blew off. As I left the shelter I passed a boy about 14 who asked where I was heading. "Maine," I said without even thinking...As I kept walking I heard the boy mumble..."Well that's not that far." He was right! Maine was only 4 miles away at that point. I giggled to myself as I started up Mt. Success. This would be a 2500 foot climb to about the 4000 foot level. As I climbed higher I heard thunder in the distance. I assumed it was the storm that had passed over me. As I climbed higher I began to think the storm was coming back. By the time I got around treeline thunder was right above me and the dark sky kept lighting up. Boy, this sounds familiar. I met a southbounder (as I do more and more times each day lately), who I asked how much longer I wold be exposed. He told me about 10 minutes and that three hikers had already taken cover under lager trees on the other side of the mountaintop. I started walking very quickly over the moss covered rock. Flashes were everywhere and the 10 minutes took only 5. I got into the trees and kept walking downnnnnnnn! The storm ended about 2 hours later as I walked up to my last border crossing. Maine!!!! It felt so wild to be crossing my LAST border.
Maine is dedicated...well...to me! hehehehe I think I deserve this state.
The rocks were now slippery and it made for very slow going. I was headed for a 21 mile day ending at a shelter I am now camped at. I arrived here in the dark at 9:00 ish... Got water, set up the tent, unpacked the backpack, cooked dinner...and now at 11:15 I need to go to sleep......zzzzzzz
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Maine
Day 125 - 7/15/00
Today's Miles-9.7
Total A.T. Miles-1902.1
I am grateful for the beautiful Mahoosuc Notch.
Short mile...long day. Today was the Mahoosuc Notch, Mahoosuc Arm, and Speck Mountain. The notch was amazing!! Car and bus sized boulders to climb over, under, around, and even through various caves. One mile took two hours!! Then it was the muddy and rainy arm. Two miles basically straight up. Then about a mile of calm easier walking followed by rock as smooth as paper at about a 70 degree angle and up and up. From the top of Speck we had no view because of a storm today that dropped a lot of rain.
When Camel met me today at Full Goose Shelter he was slacking again. This time to the north and this time stopping only 2 miles short of where I was headed. I decided to hike to the road with him and catch his ride back to Gorham and the Hiker's Paradise I stayed at a couple nights ago. Had AYCE Chinese food and a few beers. Tomorrow back to the trail with Camel and on to the 16 mile shelter to get out of the predicted heavy rains. Where am I headed???? KATAHDIN!!!!!
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Maine
Day 126: 7/16/00
Today's Miles: 10.3
Total A.T. Miles: 1912.4
I am grateful for the act of fate that brought me to the Andover Bed and Breakfast.
Slept in till 8 and had breakfast before hitting the trail at 10. It was pouring! Has the rain followed me all the way to Maine? Yup! I started up Baldplate Mountain and about 3/4 of the way up I met Wollybear. Wollybear is a 60ish year old man finishing an 8 year hike of the A.T. hike this year. He is a college professor who hikes part of the trail on each of his summer vacations. Well, he had tried to summit Baldplate two times this morning and had been turned back by very strong winds and rain. He was headed back to the shelter he had started at and giving up for the day. A few day hikers had also come down giving up a summit of the mountain. Camel and I offered to hike over the summit with him and he was very grateful.
The hike was....intense! The top 2 miles of the mountain were rain-soaked slickrock with no vegetation at all. There was about an inch of water running down at us from the summit. Walking up, into the rain, into the wind, through the river of water took forever. Lots of small slips but nothing major. One false slip would have sent any one of us sliding down the mountain 200-300 feet with nothing to stop us but the boulders below. It was very scary, much scarier than Washington even!
Once over the mountain the walk down was completely flooded with water over our boots and gaiters most of the time. We, after many hours, made it to Fry shelter...5.8 miles into our hike for the day. We tried to stop for lunch but the shelter was full of day and section hikers doing the same. We had no way to get out of the rain so we slammed down some food said our good-byes to Wollybear and headed on.
During the next 5 miles we forded two swollen rivers, each that were well over our knees. We finally reached the road that meant we only had 5.5 miles left for the day...at 5:30! It was the rode to Andover, Maine, and there were signs at the road for two hostels in town. We were not going to go into town. We were going to hike till about 9 in the pouring rain. A van passed by and Camel asked me if I was going to stick my thumb out. I didn't. We ate some food, got some film out, and started packing up when Wollybear walked up behind us. He was planning on trying to hitch in. We told him that in 10 minutes only 1 car had passed by. He was not happy about that. We continued packing and as Wolly walked up the road a bit to look around. Just then a pickup came around the corner and Wolly put out his thumb, and the trunk pulled over for him. I could see him nodding and smiling and then he started running back to his pack. I looked at Camel and he looked at me...it was fate...we would go to the hostel. The 9 mile cold ride into town took awhile. We got into town and were happy to find a hostel but...no bunks left for the $10 charge. Instead there was a room for $45 that they said all three of us could have. Wolly offered to pay $25 so we could each pay $10. He said it was a thank you for helping him over the mountain. Very nice!!
The hostel was full of south and north bounders. Many northerners I hadn't seen in a while and others I had never caught up with yet. Great meeting people like Zorro and Doc, and seeing old friends like Gypsy.
Back to the trail in the morning for hopefully moooooooooorrrrrrreeeee miles!
P.S. Funny side story.....Gypsy told me that there is a group of hikers that can't figure out why this "nice 4th grade teacher" signs all the registers with "Peace, Love, Carnage"......guess I need to concentrate on writing the word Courage a little neater...heheheheh
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Maine
Day 127: 7/17/00
Today's Miles: 18.8
Total A.T. Miles: 1931.2
I am grateful for days that I feel energized and strong.
Woke up to a morning with clouds but no rain. Had a bowl of Cheerios with Camel then got in the owner's pickup truck and headed the 9 miles back to the trail. We started up Wyman Mountain right away. Surplus Pond was about halfway up and beautiful. Did the first 6 miles is just over 2 hours. We were moving pretty well. I borrowed Camel's tape player on the walk up and listened to Tom Petty's Wildflower. I have never listened to music while walking and I really enjoyed it. I'm thinking abut getting myself a cheap radio tomorrow in Rangeley when we resupply there.
We climbed some steep mountains today. Maine has lots of roots but not as many rocks. Roots are not as hard on the knees, but they are really slippery when they are wet. Even though it never rained today, everything was wet all day...including me. My boots have now been wet for over 5 days and are developing a pretty good hole in the fabric. I am pretty confident that this pair WILL make it to Katahdin.
Camel and I hiked separate much of the day but met up for brakes. I got to the shelter about 45 minutes before Camel at about 7:00 P.M. and set up camp in the empty shelter. Yes, we have it all to ourselves. I figure everyone else is slacking and staying in the local hostels.
We are planning on waking up at 1 tonight and night hiking if there is a moon. If there isn't a moon we will start very early to get in and out of Rangeley quickly.
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Maine
Day: 7/18/00
Today's Miles: 17.6
Total A.T. Miles: 1948.8
I am grateful for the family from New Jersey that gave us a ride into Rangeley just before the thunderstorm began.
Woke up at 4:30 and went back to sleep till 5. Left the shelter feeling very tired at 6. Walked the first 5 miles very slowly and then really picked up the pace from there. The weather reports were calling for dangerous weather including thunder and lightening including large size hail. There was lots of thunder through the day but it only rained once for awhile. At about 2 we caught up with Zorro, Gypsy, Doc & Diesel. Camel and I were headed into town to resupply but not stay. After watching the weather come in we decided to get a bunk at a hostel in town. We all got picked up by Bob, who owns one of the hostels in town. He took us back to the hostel and we showered before we headed back into town for pizza and to resupply at the local IGA grocery.
We were picked up again by Bob about 9 and he took us by the local mini mart for our 5 pints of Ben & Jerry's. Back to the hostel to journal and hang out in our bunk room. Our room has 5 bunks...just perfect...one for each of us.
Big decision today...I have decided not to push to summit on my birthday. If I really pushed I could make it. I really don't want to really push... I want to be able to truly enjoy my last couple weeks on the trail. For that reason I plan to summit around the first somewhere...Yippeeeee
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Maine
Day 129: 7/19/00
Today's Miles: 18.5
Total A.T. Miles: 1965.3
I am grateful for the feel of dirt under my feet again.
Today was another great day. I felt very strong even with lots of climbing. The terrain is finally getting less rocky. That means the knees and feet don't hurt that much and the body can do more miles feeling better. I climbed the Saddleback range today. I climbed from 1300 feet up to 4500 feet and above treeline. It was very windy and the visibility was only about 50 feet. It was so cold that I had to put my jacket on that I haven't worn since Washington.
Maine is beautiful!! I love it. There is lots of moss and clover and everything is green. Moose tracks cover the terrain, but I haven't seen a moose since the Whites. I had to ford another creek today that was up to my knees. I have decided to take the fords in my boots everytime. It means walking in cold wet boots all day, but it is safer and takes less time than putting on my sandals everytime.
I hiked with 4 others today, but never with anyone very long. Started in a group of 5 and Doc stopped with her dog for a few. Later Gypsy stopped to wait for Doc. Camel, Zorro, and I hiked on. Later Zorro and Camel stopped to explore some caves. I hiked on. At the top of Saddleback Camel and Zorro caught me on a break. The day went on like this for hours.
I got in to the shelter and set up my tent, just after Doc got in. Gypsy showed up about an hour later (she's fighting a cold), and Camel and Zorro showed up about 30 minutes after her.
Into Stratton tomorrow for my mail drop and maybe the hostel that it was sent to.
Oh yea.....Just 30 minutes or so into tomorrow’s hike I will be less than 200 miles from Katahdin. That means I will be in the hundreds!!!! Yippppppppeeee!
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Maine
Day 130: 7/20/00
Today's Miles: 13.5
Total A.T. Miles: 1978.8
I am grateful for sunny days.
Today started out colllllllllld. The temperature this morning was the high 30's. Isn't it July???? We only had 13 miles into Stratton to do today. I started out earlier than the others because I was so cold and I took some quick breaks in the sun as I hiked. Today included a few summits and a forge that I took my boots off and put on my sandals. I figured that my boots would dry out by the time I got to Stratton and they did. I got to use some Barge Cement on my boots to try to fix the ever growing hole.
Tomorrow is the last large mountain range until Katahdin. The Bigelows are tomorrow. The day will start with a 3000 foot climb and I will stay at that elevation for the rest of the day.
I know that some of the readers have wondered what I am carrying as opposed to what I was carrying when I started. So here it is....
Gregory Reality Backpack
Pack cover
Ultra Light Thermarest
Moonstone 35 degree 1 lb. 8 oz sleeping bag
Silk sleeping bag liner (adds 10 degrees of warmth)
Northface Canyonlands Tent
Evolutions Cookpot, handle, lighter, spoon
Primus Stove, 7.8 oz fuel bottle
Nalgene Bottle
MSR Dromitory bag and drink tube
Olympus Camera
Two empty peanut butter jars to grow sprouts
Stuff sack with food
Pur Water filter (got it back because Aqua Mira can't be found)
Hiking poles
Clothes:
Two pairs of shorts
Two pairs of socks and liners
One short sleeve shirt
One long Sleeve shirt
One lightweight Fleece Pullover
One wool hat
Vasque Skywalk Boots
Sandals
One rain Jacket
Miscellaneous:
Book
Film
Tel-Mail
Knife
First Aid Kit:
Couple Band-Aids
Neosporin
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hand sanitizer
Toothbrush/toothpaste
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Maine
Day 131: 7/21/00
Today's Miles: 15.3
Total A.T. Miles: 1994.1
I am grateful for wild and crazy friends.
We didn't get a hitch out of town until 9:30 so it was already a late start. Today was the last big mountain before Katahdin. Right now I am laying in a shelter towards the base of the northern side of the Bigelow Peaks. It was a moderate climb made very difficult by a constant drizzle that prevented our first views of Katahdin from the summit. It's 10 and I just got in. Camel, Gypsy, Zorro and I hiked together while Doc hiked ahead. The four of us got in very late. It was dark and all of us were too lazy to get out lights. We played a rhyming game for the last 2 hours or so and got very pretty crazy during the walk. We would start laughing so hard we would have to stop walking and catch our breaths. It was crazy and we needed it to motivate us to get to the shelter. Way to tired to get water much less cook so I had some peanut butter, crackers and energy bars for dinner. Big breakfast tomorrow.
Our hitch out of town finally came from a man with a small pickup truck that we all climbed into the bed. The truck leaned and struggled up the hill and to the trail. Somehow we decided that our group name should be "The Big Load"....soooooo the five of us and the dog are now the proud...loud.....Big Load.
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Maine
Day 132: 7/22/00
Today's Miles: 17.2
Total A.T. Miles: 2011.3
I am grateful for the 2000 mile mark.
I hit it. With all it's glory I hit the 2000 mile mark. There were mileage marks for the ten miles leading up to the 2000 mile mark and then a "2000 mi." in the road crossing that signified the point. I thought it would have felt a little different to hit 2000 miles. There were no fire crackers or flashing lights, just a feeling of....."Did I really walk that far???...."
Camel and I walked for a bit on our own today....after a torrential downpour that left us both soaked to the bone. We shared our mixed feelings about where we are on this journey. Our feelings were very similar. We both want to be done more than anything else. We both don't want to ever be done. We are sick of walking in the rain with wet feet, but know that we will truly miss it when we are back home. It's hard being this close. It really is. The terrain isn't that demanding, but for some reason it just wears us out...mentally and physically. Four months and a week....132 days of walking the walk and talking the talk. For so long there was no feeling that I would ever do anything again but get up and walk all day. There is finally, just recently, the realization that I won't get up and walk all day every day. I will soon be home with friends and family. I will be back in the classroom with a brand new group of 4th graders. My body won't hurt. I will be dry and warm. I will try to take all of the lessons I have learned from others and myself and make my life and the lives of my friends, family, and students better because of this journey.
I just walked back from the lake’s edge here at Pierce Pond Lean-To. The shelter is full and there are hikers tented in the surrounding woods. The sun was beginning to set and most hikers had cooked dinner and were heading to the lake for the evening show. This lean-to is supposed to have one of the best views and settings of all shelters on the trail, and for that reason their were northbounders, southbounders, section hikers and weekend hikers all here on this Saturday night.
About 15 quiet hikers joined at the water. Some spoke quietly while others stood or sat in silence. The sun was setting and the water was like glass. Fish randomly surfaced on water that reflected the pinks and purples of the sky. Loons, everywhere around the lake, sang their beautiful songs. The clouds looked like elephants, clowns, and what looked like a......pint of Ben & Jerry’s???? It was amazing....Now I lay in my tent listening to crickets, frogs and those beautiful loons with the knowledge that I will never really be the same. I have so much more of an amazing appreciation for all that is and all that I have.
Nine more days until I sit at the bottom of Katahdin. The next morning I will climb it and take my last steps on this journey. Nine more incredible days......
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Maine
Day 133: 7/23/00
Today's Miles: 15.5
Total A.T. Miles: 2026.8
I am grateful for close friends.
Woke up to a clear cool sky. Packed up the tent and hiked the .5 to the Harrison fishing camp for a 12 pancake breakfast. Mmmmmm....good....Pancakes with all kinds of fruit in them. We then hiked 3 more miles to the Kennebeck River. This is a river that the ATC pays for a canoe to ferry hikers across everyday from 10-2. He takes two hikers at a time, and it took 3 trips to get us across. We hiked into the town of Caratunk to get some grub and figure out how to stay in a hostel tonight on Doc's birthday. We ended up setting up a pickup 12 more miles out by Shaw’s in Monson. We were picked up at 7 and set out on the one hour drive into town. Mr. Shaw, hard of hearing and weak in his vision, picked us up and drove us to town. It was a scary trip. We swerved on and off of the road for an hour. Got to town and got some pizza and beer.
Surprise tonight...Stoneman showed up to finish the trail with me!! I haven’t seen him since Virginia. He will start with the Big Load tomorrow and summit with us on the 1st of August. He got off the trail at the halfway point and went home to NY. That is until today when he drove 400 miles to meet up with me and hike the last part of the trail. Tomorrow we get a ride back to the trail and hike back to Shaw’s for our last town night.
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Maine
Day 134: 7/24/00
Today's Miles: 18.5
Total A.T. Miles: 2044.3
I am grateful for beautiful puffy clouds.
Today we rode in the death machine again to get back to the trail. The rest of the Big Load slackpacked except for Doc and I. Tonight Gypsy found out that she had been accepted to the med school of her dreams. Tonight we celebrate!! Beer and pasta are in order.
Tomorrow we hit the hundred mile wilderness and just about the 100 mile mark. We could see Katahdin again today....it was amazing!!
August first...That's the day. To the top........
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Maine
Day 135: 7/25/00
Today's Miles: 16.5
Total A.T. Miles: 2060.8
I am grateful for Stoneman's tent!
I just woke up here at Shaw's Boarding House and I have spent the last few minutes with the final three maps and my Data Book. The Big Load's goal is to camp in the most beautiful places we can find for our last seven nights on the trail. We are looking at streams, lakes, and a few mountain tops for their views.
I am sending home a few things that I won't be needing during these last days. No major equipment...just knick knacks like my ATC Companion, some maps, some extra food, some film, my water filter (I will share Camels and/or just use a couple drops of bleach), etc..Oh yea...and my tent. Stoneman has a tent that will fit three in a pinch so he, Camel, and I will share if we need to.
My food bag is very heavy as I head into the 100 mile wilderness for the week. There are only two mountains left between here and Katahdin. The first is the Barren Range that I hit tomorrow. It rises to an elevation of about 2500 feet from about 500 feet. It will be a nice 2000 foot climb. The second climb is Whitecap Mountain that raises to 3750 from about 750...a 3000 foot climb. Neither come close to Katahdin. Katahdin (The Great Mountain…as it is called) begins at about 800 feet and rises to just over 5300 feet. That's 4500 vertical feet in just 5 miles. We hear it's a very hard climb that is usually hiked by northbounders on pure adrenaline. Eight days...
Today will be a late day since we will get out of town pretty late...
Floater drove up to Shaw’s this morning. He had a smile from ear to ear. He summited yesterday! Wow...People really do finish...It was great to visit with the man who inspired the sprouts....Till later...
9:00 P.M. Didn't get out till 1 and didn't get into camp till 7:30. Stone and I are sharing his tent and Camel is sleeping under his tarp. Doc, Gypsy, and Zorro are also sharing a tent. We wanted to get as light as possible. The food weighs a lot but every day it will get lighter. The sound of the creek next to us is wonderful. Twenty mile day tomorrow....guess we should start before 1....hehehehehe
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Maine
Day 136: 7/26/00
Today's Miles: 19
Total A.T. Miles: 2079.8
Miles from Katahdin: 85.8
I am grateful for a good meal at the end of a long hard day.
I was the third one out of camp this morning, but the first one into camp. It was the longest day I have left on the A.T...19 miles. I left camp at 8 and got to East Chairback Pond at 5:30. I hiked over Barren Mountain, the second to last climb I have before Katahdin. It was a beautiful climb with terrific weather. We hear that it may rain Thursday and/or Friday. Ho Hummmmmm...
Maine is incredible...I thought Vermont was green. Tomorrow will be the last big climb till Katahdin. White Cap, which is a 3000 foot climb, will sit smack in the middle of our 18 mile day. After that, it's close to flat until Katahdin.
Six days until the summit.....
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Maine
Day 137: 7/27/00
Today's Miles: 18
Total A.T. Miles: 2097.8
Miles to Katahdin: 67.8
I am grateful for cool cloudy days that are suppose to hold rain and don't.
Today I decided to hike more slowly, take more breaks and hike with others. Yesterday I was in the mindset to hike fast, pump out the 20 miles, and get to my destination. Today I remembered I am with good friends that I won't see for some time, that I'm in Maine, and that I only have a few precious days of this journey left. For all of those reasons I decided to pull my pace down and hike with Camel, Zorro, and Gypsy for the day. We took lots of breaks and had lots of laughs. We shared the 3000 foot climb up White Cap Mountain, lunch by a crystal cold spring, many outbursts of singing, and a generally great hike. Today was it...the last of the big climbs with a pack on. Katahdin is in 5 days and we will climb with packs full of food and water only. Doc and Stoneman hiked ahead along with Diesel Dog.
Tomorrow will be a 17 mile day over mostly flat terrain to Jo-Mary lake with a sandy beach to swim and camp at. Snoopy had told me this was a beautiful place to spend some time so tomorrow we head there.
Paula sent me my radio walkman last week. The group I am hiking with all have tape players or radios and swear by them. I had never been interested in music while I walk until lately. I have thoroughly enjoyed listening to all kinds of music and NPR while on the trail. What I have also enjoyed is taking the earphones out. After listening to the radio for a while, I take it off and seem to be much more in tune with what I hear. A branch breaking, a bird singing, the ground under my feet, the wind in the trees, the water in the streams...It's all so beautiful.
Five days till Katahdin....
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Maine
Day 138: 7/28/00
Today's Miles: 17.8
Total A.T. Miles: 2116.9
Miles to Katahdin: 50.1
I am grateful for the beautiful sandy beach of Jo-Mary Lake.
The Big Load got a late and slow start at 9:00 this morning. We are all feeling the effects of being so close and yet so far. We are all emotional rollercoasters. Sometimes happy and jubilant walking as a group or in pairs. Then times we are more somber walking as individuals through the woods. We had only one small climb today just as we will have only one tomorrow. Walked through mossy forest today was beautiful. I saw some Indian Pipe growing along the trail today for the first time in the trip.
We are camped on a sand beach at Jo-Mary Lake tonight. It's not a camp spot but a place that Snoopy suggested to me on the phone in Monson. We had clouds all day but no rain as predicted. I took many pictures of the incredible sunset over the still water. Went for a swim when I got here to wash off the dirt and grime. When we got here there were some southbounders hanging out on OUR beach. One hiked south and the others stayed to make a raft to take their packs across as they swam across the lake. It was a comical scene that ended up producing a fairly sturdy and lake worthy raft of their packs. Well...they got in the water and suddenly started seeing leaches. We saw no leaches while swimming. They each saw multiple bloodsuckers and pulled a couple off of them too. One decided to call the rafting trip off and within minutes the other decided to do the same. In all the ruckus one of their packs ended up full of water...ahhhhhh...poor guys....
What a relaxing pre-birthday camp spot. One more event today...Stoneman hurt his ankle yesterday and decided to hike 12 miles out on a logging road. He will meet us at Katahdin and summit with us on the first. Camel and I will share his tent till then. We will miss him....
Four days until Katahdin.
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Maine
Day 139: 7/29/00
Today's Miles: 11.4
Total A.T. Miles: 2128.3
Miles to Katahdin: 38.7
I am grateful birthdays.
"Today is my birthday....da.da.da.da.da.da....da.da"
I am laying here on Jo-Mary sand beach soaking up the sun and the sand. Big fluffy clouds drift by as I dig my feet deeper and deeper into the therapeutic sand. None of us are really packing up or in much of a rush to go. We have agreed that this is truly the nicest camp spot of the entire trip. It's silent except for the birds the nearby stream and the rustling of the leaves. Our gear got pretty wet last night. Our extra reason to hang out is to dry things out. But who are we kidding???? None of us want to leave this place.... We plan to hike 16 miles today....hmmmmmm....we will have to see..heheheheh
8:30 p.m. - Great day and night... Zorro packed in a Budweiser for me which I drank for an early lunch at about 11. Mmmmmm...good...He packed it 60 miles for my day. Nice guy ehe???
We ended up shortening our day to end up at another sand beach. Hiking with Gypsy and Shadow I saw another Moose. It was a ways away and in a bog drinking. I saw or heard us and lumbered off.
Got a great view of Katahdin at our lunch spot today. A few drizzles but still no rain....
Shadow caught us today and will be summiting on the 1st. At the second sandy beach Shadow gave me a fruit roll up for my birthday. Yummmmmm Who ever thought a Fruit Roll-Up would be so special on a birthday...It's the little things out here...
At our beach Gypsy and the gang gave me a "Zebra Cake" with candles and sang "Happy Birthday" to me...What a great day...I feel loved...We have all created such a great bond out here...
Zorro, Camel and I skipped rocks in what we termed as the "X-Games Rock Skipping Final Round", and later Camel and I played a game of checkers. We followed that up with a learning game of chess. The loons are singing and the fire flies are dancing...time to sleeeeeep...
Three more days until Katahdin...
Three more...
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Maine
Day 140: 7/30/00
Today's Miles: 23.6
Total A.T. Miles: 2151.9
Miles to Katahdin: 15.1
I am grateful for true friends.
Today started out as an 18 miler and soon turned into a 23+ miler. Woke up in the middle of the night to a light rain and none of our three tents had rainflys on. We were all out of our tents in no time to put the gear inside and the rainflys on. The rain got harder and harder during the night, but we woke to a cloudy sky with no rain at all. The day started out a little lethargic until we got to the first shelter at the 8 mile mark. Camel told us he was aiming for Abol Bridge and he would get us whatever we wanted if we got there too late to shop at the campground store. We all agreed and we left one by one to push to the 15 mile from Katahdin mark. Camel and I pushed hard and did over 3 miles an hour to get there just before 5. The store didn't close till 7! We got an amazing view of Katahdin from the Abol Bridge today and sat on the bridge for over an hour staring at it and talking. Zorro has been smoking a pipe with good tobacco for the last week or so. He found the pipe on the trail. The pipe is a dark wood and he has been carving into it for the last couple days. Today he handed it to me and asked me to check it out. The patterns were beautiful and very meaningful to him. I looked at the bottom and there, were carved these words: "To Dreamer-From Zorro-Katahdin 8-1-00”. Thanks Zorro...you’re the man....
We camped at the state campground across the street because there wasn't room for all of us at the PRIVATE Abol Bridge Campground. There had been one site that Gypsy and Doc had paid for. The spot was only big enough for two people. The owners told us that only campers could use the showers. I asked if we could stay across the street at the state run campground and give the private campground a few dollars for a shower. I was told..."No". Our plan was to have the girls set up two tents and we would put all our gear in the tents and hang out at the fire with them until dark when we all went into the tents. It was a good plan, but they figured us out before we even tried it. So...Gypsy went and talked to the owners about it being or second to last night and that we wanted to camp together. They eventually got their money back and we walked across the street to camp together. We had a great fire and talk. We sat for hours around the fire, gazed at the stars and wondered if this was all a dream.
The Big Load has done some real bonding in such a short time. It amazes me how close we can all get when we are spending nearly 24 hours together everyday. Camel and I were just talking about how much we will miss this. Especially the fun we have had these last couple weeks with the gang. We have celebrated two birthdays and an acceptance to Stanford. We have shared our sadness and our happiness about this journey. There have been smiles and there have been tears. There will be so many more of both in the next two days.
Tomorrow we hike 7 miles to Daicey Pond Campground or 10 miles to Katahdin Stream campground at the base of Katahdin, whichever has room for us. The next morning we climb 5 vertical miles to the end of this journey.
How did this go so fast? Am I really here? Am I this close?
I will try to hitch out of Baxter State Park to a phone to send these entries before I summit.
You will all be with me on the top of the "Greatest Mountain.”
Two days until Katahdin.....
Two days......
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Maine
Day 141: 7/31/00
Today's Miles: 8
Total A.T. Miles: 2159.9
Miles to Katahdin: 7.1
I am grateful for the journey's end.
Woke up to a beautiful blue sky and the river running just yards from my tent. The birds are singing and the temperature is wonderful. Everyone else is sleeping. Zorro, Shadow and I will hike out on the early side while Gypsy, Camel and Doc stay till afternoon. Doc's mom is meeting her here to take Diesel Dog to a motel in Millinocket. Baxter State Park is similar to the Smokies in their rule of no dogs. So...Diesel finishes here. Her journey is over as ours winds up. Doc's mom is also bringing some treats for our pre-summit night and the summit. I have requested a sixer of Sierra Nevada.…4 for tonight and 2 for the summit of Katahdin. We all went in on good Italian bread, cheese, tomatoes, cookies, etc...mmmmm Should be a great picnic on the top...Till later...
9:00 P.M.-Well, the eight mile hike took just a few hours as Zorro and I talked the entire time. It was a beautiful walk along rivers and streams to Daicy Pond Campground in Baxter State Park. We met Gabe and his wife Martha who, along with another ranger, checked us in and gave us our Thru-Hiker paperwork to fill out and send back to Harper's Ferry.
Shadow's parents arrived about the same time as Zorro, Shadow and me. They offered to let Shadow use their car to drive the three of us into Millinocket for the phone and some food. The drive took about an hour. Most of it was on a dirt road. We saw a bull moose drinking from a bog and a beaver munching on some twigs. Always more wildlife on the rode...hehehe
When we got back to the campground Doc, Gypsy and Camel had arrived. Doc's mom would be meeting us here tonight to bring the food to us. It was very nice of her and we were all so grateful!!!
We ate and drank until a little too late but will all be ready for tomorrow. Zorro and I took a dip in Daicy Pond at about 8:30 and since we didn't want to get our clothes wet...well...we skinny dipped....hehehehe
There are so many thoughts and emotions running through me...so many...I'm overwhelmed by feeling of joy, sadness, pain, numbness, wonder, astonishment, and just plain awe.... Awe that I lay at the base of Katahdin tonight after walking 2100+ miles to get here...So much of the time I'm speechless....
Tomorrow I climb to the top of Katahdin…
Tomorrow....
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Maine
Day 142: 8/1/00
Today's Miles: 7.1
Total A.T. Miles: 2167
Miles to Katahdin: 0
I am grateful for Katahdin.
I'm here...on top of the world. I'm crying and smiling as I type this. It's beautiful and surreal at the same time. I got my wish. It's a beautiful day. There is a cold wind on top of a sunny cloud scattered sky. Some of us sit alone, others together. Some are silent, while others talk among themselves.
The scene is amazing. Lakes are scattered along the valley below. Beautiful peaks of all shapes and sizes reach up towards the sky in every direction. I sit with my Sierra Nevada staring out at everything and nothing at the same time.
What now? I have followed white blazes for so long that I'm not sure I will be able to find my way around without them. Why does this have to end? Maybe it doesn't...maybe the feeling will last forever...maybe I can keep the drive and energy that this trail inspired in me forever. I have learned so much from others and from myself. I have gained the confidence in myself to know that I can climb any one of those mountains out there. If there's a trail of any kind up that mountain, I can climb it. To know that...to believe that...to live that...is a feeling that I just can't put into words. As a matter of fact, many of the feelings I have are impossible for me to put into words. Maybe I'm not enough of a prolific writer. Or maybe there are no words to truly describe the feelings that I have had for the last 142 days...2167 miles...
I've been on top now for about 90 minutes and it's just now beginning to set in. I'm sure in the coming days it will continue to set in. Everyday for the rest of my life it will continue to set in.
Thank you to everyone that supported me on this trip. Those of you that I know, and those of you that I have never met. You have been with me every step of the way....all 5,000,000 of them.
8:47 p.m. The hike down was a quick one. It only took 2.5 hours to get down. Snoopy was waiting for me when I got to the bottom. We took some final photos of The Big Load and set off. It was very sad saying goodbye. I will see Gypsy soon since she is starting Stanford this year. Zorro will be through Sacramento in a couple weeks. Stoneman, who met us this morning but couldn't summit because of his injury, will be through Sacramento in December. And Camel will hopefully be in Sacramento in October to run a half marathon, and in December to run a marathon. Gypsy, Camel, and I have the goal of running a marathon and the December race in Sacramento will be the one to aim for.
Snoopy took Camel, Hedgehog (another thru-hiker that summited today and Snoopy discovered that Hedgehog had grown up with some of Snoopy's relatives) to his camp (cabin) on North Twin Lake just outside Baxter State Park. We got to the camp and Snoopy set us up with soap, towels and shampoo to bathe in the lake. Wow I got clean. I then put on clean clothes that Paula had sent to me. Ohhhhhhhh what a feeling!!!
We made a couple quick stops and then headed to the Chinese Restaurant in Millinocket for dinner. Mmmmmmmmmm....gooood.
Headed to Portland right now for the night at Snoopy's house and then on to Boston in the morning...Hopefully I get on a flight tomorrow and get to come home... ahhhhh ... clean ... full....and in a car...
I will journal one more time tomorrow. Tomorrow will hopefully be my trip home. I have a standby ticket out of Boston and hope to make it home by nightfall...
No more days until Katahdin. Today is the first day of the rest of my life.
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
In Flight
Day 143: 8/2/00
Today's Miles: 3000 (air miles...hehe)
Total A.T. Miles: Completion
I am grateful for all that I have learned on this journey.
It's like a dream. One hundred and forty three days ago I was on a plane just as I am right now. I was excited. I was scared. But I'm not sure that I was truly ready for what I would experience. Even as I sit here on this plane, I'm not sure if I have fully understood and realized all that I have accomplished. I'm dazed. I'm confused. Just yesterday morning I had clothes on my body and gear on my back that had been there for over four months...and it smelled like it too...hehehe Today I sit on an airplane...this piece of technological genius...in "street clothes" that don't smell like...well...like the trail. It's nothing short of shock. The noise, the people, the stress of the airport. All are a shock to my system. I will have to take it slow, very slow. I will have to reintroduce myself to this "real" world I am re-entering. I'm excited to re-enter, but also scared. Scared that I will forget the lessons that I have learned on the trail. Scared that I will forget the serenity of the woods. Scared that I will let stress re-enter my life to a degree that is non-productive. Scared I will lose touch with fellow hikers that I have grown so incredibly close to.
So here I go...back to the world you live in. I'm going to take it one day at a time and live in the moment as I tried to each day on the trail.
In entering society again I realize there will be many questions to answer and many slide shows to give. I look forward to further sharing my experiences with people interested in them.
While hiking with The Big Load the other day we discussed things that we would miss and things we wouldn't miss about the trail. The funny thing about it is that even the things we discussed not missing...I'll miss...deep down I'll miss. So...even though the lists are separate in this journal...many overlap. Here are some questions and comments that The Big Load came up with on the "not miss list".
-Which Lipton should I make for dinner?
-Have you heard a weather report?
-How far until the next water source?
-Time to Deet up.
-How bad is the privy?
-Damn rock!
-Damn root?
-Where's the top!!!???
-What's the Data book say?
-Let's look at the map profile.
-Guess what...it's raining again.
–Man, I wish I had dry socks.
–Man, I wish I had dry boots.
-Mud.
-Mud.
-Mud.
-How many days of food do I need to carry?
-What else don't I need in this pack?
-Where's the Laundromat?
-There's a mosquito in my tent!
-Let's do a 20 miler tomorrow.
Yes, I will miss saying many of those things. And here are more things I'll miss saying:
-What an amazing sunrise.
-What an amazing sunset.
-Men's room? Oh...second tree to the left.
-Journal worthy!
-Wow! A fruit roll up!
-Let's go skinny dipping over there.
-Look! A moose!
-It stopped raining.
-We're at the top!!!
-Thanks for the trail magic.
-The Big Load Rocks!
-Uno!…Dos!…Tres!..The Three Amigos!
-Sparky?
-Let's grab a pint of Ben and Jerry's.
-Look! A fire fly!
-Can you believe it's 12:00 and we've done 12 miles already?
-Can you believe we did 28 miles today?
-Want to night hike?
There are so many more sayings that were a part of everyday life.
And what was my favorite part?
Well, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine were truly the most beautiful to me. A lot of that had to do with the weather and the season. They were amazing!
And what did I learn you ask? Ahhhhh...What did I learn? I learned that I never...ever want to be away from my beautiful wife for this long again. I learned that I can climb any mountain on the east coast that has a trail leading to the top. I learned to have confidence. I learned to let go. I learned to open up. I learned to relax. I learned what true peace really is, and what it's disguises really are. I learned to listen to others...truly listen. I discovered how little I really need to not only survive, but be happy. I learned about nature and all it has to offer. I rekindled my faith in the common person. I learned to safely and successfully hitchhike. I gained such a sense of appreciation. Appreciation for my friends, my family, food, clothing, and shelter.
I have come to a better understanding of what I am and what's really important to me. Things are no longer as important. People, relationships, good health, and love are all much more important.
So...there we have it. The journey has come to an end. I'm sure I will wake up each day with a better understanding of what the hike meant and mean to me. I will be putting together my slides over the next month or so and hopefully be ready to show you more of the amazing things that I experienced. Keep your ears open to hear about the many slide shows I'm sure to be having. Thanks again for your love and support.
Never...ever...stop dreaming....
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME 8/1/00
Vermont
Day 111: 7/1/00
Today's Miles: 0
Total A.T. Miles: 1714.3
I am grateful for relaxing days.
Ok....I did fail to tell you all about a few events during my three day trip with Breezy. I had a spill on day two. Not a really bad fall, but a fall that ended up muddy and on the ground with various body pains. Ok...that was number one.... Number two would come the very same day. It was late afternoon and raining. I was walking closely behind Breezy as she set our pace. My hat was wet and a little lower across my eyes than usual. Breezy said something to me that I couldn't make out and the very next moment I was holding my head and in extreme pain. I had walked into a large downed tree that Breezy fit under without even ducking. A large lump quickly formed over my eye and I had a pretty good headache for a while that day. That was number two.... Number three came on day three as we were only about 150 yards from the trailhead at Hwy. 12. We were walking through a farmer's field and came to a stile to climb over. There was a very low single string of barbed wire running on either side of the stile. Sometimes, stepping over the fence is easier and safer than climbing an old rotten wooden stile. Breezy's legs are a little short so I reached over to hold the barbed wire down as she stepped over. WHAM!!! I got an electrical shock from the electric barbed wire fence. 1700 miles and I have seen many electric fences, but never a barbed wire fence that was also electric!! Well....I was a little out of it for a while, but I don't think it did any permanent damage. All in all, I had a few small accidents, but all is well and I will hike on.
4:30 p.m. Great day so far...Drove past the Inn at the Long Trail and who was sitting in front? Grizzly, Eagle Eye, Mikey, Shadow, Roady, and all three members of The MOB. Talked with them for a while and Paula got to put faces with many of my trail friends. They will all be on the trail at about the point I get back on tomorrow. It's nice to know who will be just in front or behind me as I get back on tomorrow. Into Woodstock for a snack at the farmer's market from yesterday and then into the town of Woodstock to walk the town. From there we headed into Hanover, NH, where I will hike through in just two days. Great college town. It's home of Dartmouth College built in 1761. Hung out in town for a while and checked out the college before heading back slowly to Rutland. We stopped at some interesting stores and shops on our way back.
8:30 p.m. Great dinner at Tapas, an Italian restaurant here in Rutland. Had to follow it up with a trip to the local Ben & Jerry’s Scoop Shop. Back on the trail tomorrow around 1....
NH in a day and a half!!!!!
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Vermont
Day 112: 7/2/00
Today's Miles: 7.8
Total A.T. Miles: 1722.1
I am grateful for common sense.
Breezy and I had a terrific breakfast this morning and then headed to Calvin Coolidge State Park to just sit in the sun for an hour of so. I felt good. Very sad that Breezy was going home, but strong mentally and physically. That ended when I realized that my "wallet" (my ziplock with my $, ID, Credit Card, and ATM card) was missing. We looked everywhere. We called the restaurant from last night and the Inn. I was really upset! My togetherness was quickly unfolding on me. I was really upset that Breezy would now be cutting her flight close by trying to find it before her flight. She put me on the trail and I headed off as she drove away.
I never really got my rhythm today on the hike. Because of that, I just decided to cut the day short and stay here at Thistle Hill Shelter. There is a southbounder, that started at Katahdin, and two section hikers here also. The southbounder has really made the Whites more realistic to me. I feel much better about them and am sure that by tomorrow, if not the next day, I will be doing decent miles again.
Into Hanover, NH tomorrow. Maybe I will stay there...maybe I will push on.
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Vermont
Day 113: 7/3/00
Today's Miles: 14.5
Total A.T. Miles: 1736.6
I am grateful for good trail friends.
The wallet was found!!! Long story, but it was at the Inn and they are sending it to Glencliff and it will be there Wednesday when I arrive to pick up my maildrop....Yippppppppeeeeeee
The picture....I lay in my tent at 9:30 Hanover, New Hampshire. My tent lays in the yard of a fraternity. A fraternity that lets hikers camp, shower, and do laundry for free. In the next yard sits a second fraternity. A fraternity that is having a party in their backyard that rivals those parties in old Chico State days. And yes...a live band is playing for the entertainment of all. There are probably 100 people there now...but...it's early yet. Those damn college kids...hehehehehe
And what were they playing as I walked back to the house from seeing “The Perfect Storm”...they were playing CAKE's "Let Me Go". Yes my friends...life is goooooodd.
Did 14 miles and change today to find a town filled with hikers I haven’t seen in weeks or months. Old friends...ahhhh. Well, since I am hiking faster than most of them I figured this may be the last chance to see many of them on the trail. So...I decided to call it a day as I hiked into town at 12:00....
Had my first foot long Tuna sandwich at 1 and my second one was snuck into the movie...with a Coke of course, at 6. And now I lay here...listening to Leonard Skinner and screams from the crowd...The live music is great, but going over to have a few beers may just cut a planned 24 mile day to much less. Some hikers are at the party, some sitting on this houses porch, and some.....in their tents as I am.....
New Hampshire border today...ahhh...my second to last state. Really? Well, as I crossed the border into the beautiful state of New Hampshire I thought about all the readers of my journal. Yes, some of you are avid followers while others have less time for my volumes of adventures. Thank you to each and every one of you for your time, interest, love, support, and prayers. You are all a piece of my puzzle. This state is dedicated to all of you! Missin' you all......
Peace, Love, Courage..
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
New Hampshire
Day 114: 7/4/00
Today's Miles: 23.6
Total A.T. Miles: 1760.2
I am grateful for long days.
Woke up early after getting an okay night's sleep. The party next door went on for hours and ear plugs barely muffled the music. Oh well...the music was good. Put my mini American flag on the back of my pack and set off on my 4th of July hike.
Didn't feel really strong today for the first few hours. It didn't help that as I walked out of the Fraternity house, it started raining. It rained for the first couple hours and the undergrowth was so wet and so overgrown that I was soaked in no time. Wet feet again. Oh well, no bugs while it's raining! Caught up with a slack packer I met on Mt. Greylock today. He was hiking with Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh slack packs many hikers for a fee and tries to make a living from it. There is lots of debate about Pittsburgh’s practices out here. Most believe that no one should try to profit from the trail. I am not so sure about that. There are many hikers, of all ages, that wouldn't be able to hike the trail while carrying a backpack. This allows them to still hike the trail.
Caught Camel today and we hiked for about 6 hours together over some pretty hard terrain. These are some warm up hills before the Whites start on Thursday morning. Climbed to the top of Smart's Mountain where there is an enclosed cabin for hikers to stay in. Too many bugs for me. I set my tent up about 300 yards from the cabin and didn't put the rainfly on in the beautiful afternoon sunshine. Walked back to the cabin and cooked dinner with Camel and a couple section hikers staying there. I hung out for a while until we heard some very odd sounds in the sky. It was too light for fireworks (hoped to see those later from the fire tower). As it got closer we could hear it was very strange thunder. I decided to make my way back to my tent to get the rainfly on. I got to the tent, got everything set up, got inside and the wind picked up and the sky opened up. What a storm! It's still thundering and blowing although most of the rain has stopped. Wow!
So....here is the plan of the day. With today’s 24 and tomorrow’s 20, I will have a total of 398 miles left. Yep...under 400! If I stick to hiking 15.9 miles a day I will finish on July 29th....Ring a bell? It's my birthday!! That is my goal right now. Some days 15.9 will be tough, but others no problem. I think it's a realistic goal and I'll shoot for it. If I miss, I miss....
Into Glencliff tomorrow for my mail drops and my wallet. Planning on staying at the hostel and will climb Mt. Moosilauke first thing Thursday morning. My first climb into the Whites. I can't wait!!! Yahooooooooo!
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
New Hampshire
Day 115: 7/5/00
Today's Miles: 20
Total A.T. Miles: 1780.2
I am grateful for beautiful days.
Happy birthday Paula!!! Great breezy day today with no bugs. Not feeling really strong today but excited that I am at the same place as Camel again. He is fun to hike with. Hiked on my own today as I got up earlier than Camel. Climbed Cube Mtn. today. Beautiful views!!! Got to Glencliff and picked up my wallet and my two drops. Now I am staying at a couple from New Zealand house that opens their house up to hikers. Showered, did laundry and will be going to town for pizza. They are selling their house and have no hot water...coooolllld shower.
I sit under Mt. Moosilauke and get more and more excited about the Whites. One hundred miles of incredible beauty....Can't wait. Tomorrow is the day. I won't hit a phone for about 6 days so please be patient when it comes to new journal entries...
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
New Hampshire
Day 116: 7/6/00
Today's Miles: 17
Total A.T. Miles: 1797.2
I am grateful the beauty and serenity of the White mountains of New Hampshire.
I slept in today because I am really going to enjoy every aspect that I have left of this trip. Sleeping in and not hitting the trail until after 8 is one of those little miracles. I'm on the slide to Katahdin now and in the groove. Camel and I started right up our first climb of the trail that would lead us above tree line. Mt. Moosilauke gave me everything I had expected and more! It was a great 6 mile, 3700ish foot climb to the top that stretched though various vegetation and as we got closer to the top....varied weather. At the bottom it was a brisk morning with not a cloud in the sky. By the incredible top, the sky was filled with huge cumulus clouds and I could see my breath upon each exhilaration. It was very chilly. We stopped for about 30 minutes on the top and took cover behind some rocks looking north. We ate and speechlessly looked out at the many mountains we would be climbing. Way out in the distance stood Mt. Washington, the highest mountain on the trail poking up into the cloud cover and out of our view. It was absolutely amazing! By far the best view on the A.T. by leaps and bounds. The climb down the backside was very steep and followed a beautiful cascading stream for about a mile and a half. It was so steep that rebar had been installed to help hikers make their way up or down the wet, slippery, dangerous rock. It took well over an hour to cover that distance.
At the bottom we sat by the road for another quick snack as a pick up truck pulled up and a man hopped out to talk. His license plate said "3 Hikers." Apparently his father had thru-hiked in '89 and his wife had hiked in '91. She hiked again with Dusty in '98. He was full of questions about our hike and information about the way the Huts in the Whites work. The Huts are AMC run facilities that do not cater to thru-hikers. They are $59 to stay at for the night and include a bunk, dinner, and breakfast. No showers, phones, laundry, or other amenities. Each hut allows two work for stay options a night. Only two! If a hiker arrives after the two have already been signed up for the night, he or she is turned away. There are other shelters and campsites in the Whites, but they all charge a nightly use fee. So...getting through the Whites (100 Miles) can be a bit tricky...and no one wants to have to rush through such beauty. Dusty told us that the Huts don't like to have extra food, because they have to pack it out. For that reason they very often sell leftovers to passing thru-hikers for such deals as a dollar for a huge plate of food. So...I may or may not become a Hut Slut. We will see how each day progresses. Today's 17 miles took 10.5 hours with some breaks. No way will I rush through this!
After Moosilauke it was time for a shorter climb up Wolf Peak. It happened there...Camel and I were walking and talking, when something huge moved to our left. As we looked over we saw what must have been a female moose weighing 350-450 pounds. We dropped our packs as it moseyed back up the towards where we had just walked on the trail. As we got closer we could see it had a baby with it. The mother was a very dark brown, while it's baby was the color of a common white tailed deer. We watched for several minutes until the moose got tired of us watching and moseyed off deeper into the woods. WOW!!! This was one of my best days on the trail. Awesome sights!
Tomorrow I will hitch into North Lincoln to get some more Aqua-Mira. It is what I am using for my water purification and I am almost out. After the hitch it's 3800 feet up to the top of Mt. Lincoln then even higher to the top of Mt. Lafayette. We will camp or try the hut there. Some of that climb includes the famous Franconia Ridge walk. It's a walk of about 2 miles on an exposed ridge with amazing views to both the east and west. I will be taking many...many....photos!
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
New Hampshire
Day 117: 7/7/00
Today's Miles: 11.4
Total A.T. Miles: 1808.7
I am grateful the town of Lincoln and their 4 outfitters.
Ok...today was an eventful day. It started early because Camel and I wanted to get into the town of Lincoln and up Franconia Ridge and into the Greenleaf Hut. It didn't happen. We started with a 2000 foot climb over Kinsman Mountain. Incredible views above treeline. Then the steep rocky downhill. The mountain was more of a rock climb than a hike today. Hand and foot holds were hard to come by on the sometimes near vertical slabs of 15-30 foot rock. Halfway down the mountain we met a girl hiking with her mom for the day. She told us that she worked at the hut and there was food left over. She went onto explain that thru-hikers that got there early could have all-you-can-eat of whatever is left for $1. Yes...$1!!! She told us we were only about 20 minutes from the hut. Well....her 20 minutes was our 10 minutes. We ran almost the entire time. We were the first ones there and gorged ourselves on apple juice, 3 kinds of muffins, and canned peaches. Now, you may say yick to canned peaches, but after almost 4 months in the woods you may have a different reaction.
After the hut it was 2.4 miles to the highway to get into town. Got a hitch pretty quickly from a sketchy guy with a dog in the car. Took us to the town of Lincoln so I could get some wind pants and an extra long sleeve shirt. I also needed a couple replacement things. Two outfitters later I had it all. I was getting a little worried that I wouldn't be able to stay warm enough at the high elevations. It would pay off later today! We went to a pizza place and had AYCE salad bar before trying to hitch back. The hitch was on Interstate 93, an illegal place to hitch. Camel said he had a bad feeling we were going to get a ticket, but we saw no other way to get back. About 30 minutes into trying, a pickup pulled over and told us to hurry and get in because a cop was just behind him and the cop would definitely ticket us. Saved!!! He took us to what we all thought was the trailhead and drove off. Camel and I would then find out we were not at the trailhead at all. After asking a couple people, a lady offered to drive us back to the trail. She went the wrong direction on 93 and couldn't get off for about 8 miles. In that 8 miles we saw "The Old Man." This is a rock formation in New Hampshire that is very famous. So famous, it is a backdrop to their license plate...right under their state motto..."Live Free Or Die." A little morbid for me. She dropped us off at the trail as the sky opened up with huge raindrops. We ran under the bridge to get out our pack covers and raingear. We had decided in town to only hike in 3 miles to the Liberty Springs Campsite instead of 7 to the Hut which was another 1 mile and 800 feet down off the trail. We climbed about 2500 feet to the campsite where I sit now. We are camped on a tent platform and it's...well, let's just say that it is so cold, my fingers hurt, my breath can be seen and I remember what Georgia felt like now. Brrrrr.... It's probably 40 with a windchill making it feel like 30 or so right now.
Decided to slow down even more through the Whites because of the beauty. Going to average 12-14 or so for the next 4 days. Then I will try to make up some miles...if not...no worries...
Life is great on the A.T.!!!!!
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
New Hampshire
Day 118: 7/8/00
Today's Miles: 10.4
Total A.T. Miles: 1819.1
I am grateful for the grace and beauty of Franconia Ridge.
What a truly beautiful day. Today was on my list as a high point of the 2,167 mile trek. Today was Franconia Ridge! It didn't let me down at all. Franconia Ridge is an above treeline ridge that runs over Little Haystack Mountain, Mt. Lincoln, and Mt. Lafayette. It was an absolutely amazing couple hours. Camel and I really took our time today. No big miles! Only the appreciation for the beauty we are experiencing! Our goal was to take it easy today, but also try to get to the Galehead Hut by around 2:00. The Huts don't accept work for stays until 2:00. No northbounders passed us today so it was just southbounders we thought may beat us in. The huts only take two work for stays.
The ten mile walk was pretty grueling today. There were no flat sections, only a roller coaster of rocky beautiful ups and downs. Many were so steep that again we were doing more rock climbing than actual hiking.
We arrived at the hut at 3:00 and were happy to find no other hikers. We were hired as tonight’s huts sluts. Oh yea baby...We were shown where the brooms, dust pans, scrubbers, and mops were and we went to work on the bathroom floors. This may sound hard or even a bit gross, but ahhhh contraire my friends. This is the newest of all the huts. It is one year old. The others are all around 60 years old. The new wood floors throughout the hut are beautiful. So...we swept, and then scrubbed the floors with green scrubbies...ahhh but not the way you may scrub your floor. We were told to place a green scrubbie under our feet and scrub the two floors with our feet before mopping. This all took about 45 minutes. Then we were asked to scrub down a ladder they use. That took 15 minutes. So...for one hour's work we get to eat an AYCE meal of vegetarian lasagna, vegetables, soup, and honey bread. The hut is full so we don't get a bunk...we get to sleep in the warm dinning room on either the tables or floor...our choice. This is a great place, and amazing time in the hike! I love every moment of each day.
Heading to Carter Notch tomorrow to stay in a hostel and then the next day leads us within 2 miles of the summit of Mt. Washington. We will stay in the Dungeon at Lake of the Clouds Hut. The dungeon is a basement that the hut lets thru-hikers stay in for a measly $6. Yippee.... Then on Tuesday it's the summit of Mt. Washington. This is the mountain where the highest winds in the world were recorded. Winds at 231 mph were recorded. And yesterday as we passed through Lonesome Lake Hut, the daily weather report for Mt. Washington was a high 38 and a low of 34. Two more days ...brrrrrrrr
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
New Hampshire
Day 119: 7/9/00
Today's Miles:
Total A.T. Miles:
I am grateful for the coming of fingers and toes day.
Yes my friends, today is fingers and toes day. Almost two weeks ago now, my wife, Breezy, told me that soon I would be able to count the number of days I had left on my fingers and toes. Well, the day is here. Just 20 days left till the big mountain in Maine. That is if I summit on my birthday. It's hard to believe that I have actually been out here for 119 days...almost four full months. What's harder to believe is that it is so close to coming to an end. With less than three weeks and somewhere around 350 miles to hike, it actually feels like I won't wake up and hike every day for the rest of my life. Let me tell you...for a long time, it felt like I would do nothing the rest of my life BUT hike. Feelings, emotions, awareness all have begun to rise to one of the highest levels on the trip so far. My appreciation for my surroundings, the people I've met on my trip, the people who support and love me at home, and my ability to come this far grow stronger with each step towards Katahdin. Fingers and toes baby...fingers and toes...
Had soup for $1 at Zealand Falls Hut and then hiked the 8 miles into Crawford Notch so we could hitch to the hostel. Met a ton of southbound thru-hikers today. Gave us lots of info about the trail.
Got to the road as it started raining and tried to hitch as we walked the 1 mile to a state park snack bar. Got to the snack bar as they were closing and they wouldn't serve us. Tried to hitch for an hour before a maintenance worker for the forest here broke the law by picking up two cold wet hitchhikers. He took us to the hostel where we were given the option to work for the $14 stay...Yippeee. Took a hot shower and ate lots of dinner. We looked at the Maine maps and planned some miles. As soon as most of the guests go to bed we will sweep and mop the common room and the library.
Tomorrow leads us up to Lake of the Clouds Hut for a hopeful work for stay. It's suppose to rain tomorrow but not Tuesday when we summit Washington and the rest of the Presidentials....
Yipppeeeee.
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
New Hampshire
Day 120: 7/10/00
Today's Miles: 11.2
Total A.T. Miles: 1844.7
I am grateful for the Lake of the Clouds Hut for providing shelter during 50+ mph winds and visibility of less than 50 feet.
Got a ride to the trail at 8 and started up the 2000 foot rise to a ridge that would climb another 2000 feet towards the top of Mt. Washington. Experienced one of New Hampshire’s top 10 hardest trails for the first 6 miles. Hand over hand climbs of near vertical wet rock. Finding cracks in the rocks for fingers and toes became the focus during the 4 1/2 hour climb. When we finally crested Mt. Webster we walked a ridge to the Mitzpah Hut. There we had bottomless bowls of split pea soup and incredible bread. Mmmmmm....
Next it would be the 4.8 mile ridge ascending ridge walk to the Lake of the Clouds Hut. The weather was beautiful for the first mile and then suddenly the sun was gone, the clouds had dropped, and the wind had kicked up from a light breeze to a 50+ mph wind. It was an exhausting and strenuous next couple hours, where just staying on my feet during the gusts of wind became the focus. But now I am here with Camel and Billy Goat. Dry, warm, and in time for a work for stay! More later!!!!!
9:30 p.m. A great dinner after the "real people" ate. Us thru-hikers that are doing a work for stay get to eat after the rich people that stay in these huts. This is the largest and loudest of the huts. It's only 1.5 miles from the top of Washington so "Hikers" take the train or drive to the top of the mountain and then walk the hour to the hut. The hut holds 90 loud children and alcohol carrying "adults."
The weather outside is very windy and rainy. Hopefully by tomorrow we will have better weather for the trip over the summit and onto the rest of the Presidentials.
There is a phone at the top of Washington so I plan to send my journal entries home from 6000+ feet up. Right now I have my sleeping bag laid out in the dinning room on a dinner table trying to go to sleep. It's after lights out, but just as with Galhead Hut many "guests" are up with lights and loud voices. Hopefully they will get tired soon so the gusting winds can sing me to sleep.
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
New Hampshire
Day 121: 7/11/00
Today's Miles: 7
Total A.T. Miles: 1851.7
I am grateful that Mt. Washington finally cleared up today.
6:00 A.M. I am laying on my dining room table bed....The wind sounds like a freight train and I can't see 10 feet out the window. It's a little bit scary to think that I will have to hike over the mountain in this. I guess I can hold up here at the hut until the weather gets good enough to go over the summit. Although, I could be waiting here for days at that point. It's early...I will have to watch the weather very closely to decided what to do later on. I sure wanted decent weather for this day....
10:30 A.M. I'm on the summit!! The 1.5 mile hike was a tough one! The wind is amazing! Upon our arrival the high wind recorded for the day is 85 mph....I was pushed over numerous times and ripped my new $10 pants to shreds on the sharp rock....Yeah for duct tape. I have never experienced wind so strong. I could stand at a 45 degree angle and be held up without falling with the winds. Once I fell and was laying against a medium sized bolder, but couldn't get up because the wind was pinning me against the rock. Another time Camel was in the lead and we were suddenly off the trail. We knew we must be less than 200 feet from the trail but we really didn't know which direction it was because of the 10 ft. visibility. We wandered around for about five minutes before we finally spotted a cairn (pile of rocks that is used above treeline to mark the trail).
Hanging out in the Summit House right now hoping the weather gets better so we can walk 5 more miles instead of the planned 13 more.
4:30 P.M. Well, the weather cleared!!! The sky became partly cloudy and the sun even came out intermittently. The wind didn't die down. We hiked the 5 more miles in extreme winds until we reached the Madison Hut. Yes...Dreamer the Hut Slut. Here with Billy Goat and Camel for a work stay. The Crest and Nomad will also be here later we hear. For their work stay, they hiked down the mountain and will be hiking back up with packs full of beer for a Hut party next week where all the staffs come to this hut for a once a year party. It'll be great to see The Crest and Nomad again.
5:00 P.M. I just finished my work for my stay. I washed cups and mugs for about an hour. If you know me you know that I never mind dishes or ironing...It’s a great sense of completion. So anyway, the sink is in a window facing a beautiful mountain. I washed and took in the beauty as I worked. It was very relaxing and the warm water felt great (the Huts have no heat). Just hanging out right now....ahhhhh...it's nice....
9:00 P.M.-Goshawk, Shadow, and Swamee all showed up late and the Hut let us all stay here. A very nice Crew indeed works here at Madison Hut. Nomad played the Hut Master's guitar for hours tonight as about 10 of us sat around him and sang along with many old favorites. I'm really glad we caught Nomad and The Crest for the night here...the music is always a special treat.
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
New Hampshire
Day 122: 7/12/00
Today's Miles: 13.3
Total A.T. Miles: 1865
I am grateful for tenting out.
Happy Birthday Lenore!!!!!
I woke up this morning to Nomad softly playing his guitar. It was a very nice way to awake. I then sat up and looked out the window to see a crystal clear sky smiling at me. Yes, it's windy...and yes, it's cold...but it's clear and we are beginning today, heading into lower elevations. We will be dropping into the valley today only to climb right back out over the Wildcat Peaks. I probably will camp at a higher elevation to be a little closer to Gorham for the next day. As I type this Nomad is strumming Terrapin Station from the kitchen.....ahhh.... Life just keeps getting better and better!!!
9:00 p.m. Just letting my dinner cool down before I eat and quickly sleep. Today was a tough one. After taking it so easy through the Whites, doing a little bit of a bigger day was tough. Did the first 7 miles fairly quickly so I could get into Pinkam Notch Visitor center for the $5.50 AYCE sandwich bar. I moved so fast to make the 1:00 P.M. cutoff time that I was pretty worn out by the time I got there. I called Paula and was pretty sad because I miss her so much. Even the fact that I am so close, doesn't make the time apart any easier. I then began the 6 mile walk to the Carter Hut to get water and camp somewhere. About a mile into the hike we hit a pond and went for a quick swim. The pond was very shallow and we had to keep swimming the entire time so we wouldn't sink in the mud below. It woke me up for the big climb over the 5 Wildcat peaks. Ouch my knees hurt today...
About another mile into the hike we passed a woman who cheered for us and congratulated us over and over again for coming so far. A couple more miles into the hike we hit the Wildcat Mtn. Gondola. I crawled into the warming hut through an open window. We would have stayed in this high mountain chalet if there had been water anywhere around. No water...boooooo
Now I am camped beside the trail with Camel, Shadow, Goshawk, Billy Goat, and Swamee. Yes....we are a big group. Tomorrow on to Gorham and the next into Maine!
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
New Hampshire
Day 123: 7/13/00
Today's Miles: 15.2
Total A.T. Miles: 1870
I am grateful that the beautiful Whites have ended and the Mahoosucs will begin tomorrow.
Well, I finally did a 15+ mile day. It was nice to experience a "bigger day." I hiked out of Carter Notch today and it was a mile of straight up. Later I walked a beautiful ridge walk with a view of Mt. Washington....behind me...hehehehehe....
Got into Gorham about 2:30 and got a hitch into town after quite a while. Went to Hiker's Paradise...Hiker’s Paradise is a hostel in a Comfort Inn. The owner runs this place for hikers and "sells" bikes to hikers for $1. I get use of the bike the entire time I'm here and I sell it back for $1 when I leave. I rode the bike to town and thought to myself, "I hope I don't die on this bike..." Well, I didn't...I had dinner at a "Japanese-American" restaurant....It was...decent....
I've got a ride at 7:45 to the trail...Everyone else staying here is slack packing....I choose not to. I have come this far. Why start now?
16 miles till Maine. Then the Mahoosuc notch the next day. The hardest mile on the trail....
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Maine
Day 124: 7/14/00
Today's Miles: 21.4
Total A.T. Miles: 1891.4
I am grateful to be in my tent again.
I headed out of town at 7:45 a.m. and hit the trail with a backpack weighing 20 pounds more than it did the day before. I had no food into town and 7 days of food on the way out. Right away I felt the incredible difference. It was slow going for the first 7 miles. At the 7 mile point I came to Page Pond where I found Camel. He was hiking south on a 19 mile slack-pack. A good majority of the people at the hostel were doing one or many slacks around Gorham. I choose not to slack.
Camel and I talked for a while and I decided I couldn't carry this much food...especially through the notch tomorrow. So...he took 3 days of food back to the hostel to put in the hiker's box...(some hiker will make out great!). That lightened my pack by about 8 pounds. This made just enough of a dent that I felt stronger and not as libel to be pulled off balance by the weight of the backpack. We said our good-byes (till tomorrow when his ride drops him off 2 miles south of me and he catches up to me). I began to hike again and the thunder started. It got louder and louder as it rained harder, so I stopped at a shelter to dry off. The storm passed and the clouds blew off. As I left the shelter I passed a boy about 14 who asked where I was heading. "Maine," I said without even thinking...As I kept walking I heard the boy mumble..."Well that's not that far." He was right! Maine was only 4 miles away at that point. I giggled to myself as I started up Mt. Success. This would be a 2500 foot climb to about the 4000 foot level. As I climbed higher I heard thunder in the distance. I assumed it was the storm that had passed over me. As I climbed higher I began to think the storm was coming back. By the time I got around treeline thunder was right above me and the dark sky kept lighting up. Boy, this sounds familiar. I met a southbounder (as I do more and more times each day lately), who I asked how much longer I wold be exposed. He told me about 10 minutes and that three hikers had already taken cover under lager trees on the other side of the mountaintop. I started walking very quickly over the moss covered rock. Flashes were everywhere and the 10 minutes took only 5. I got into the trees and kept walking downnnnnnnn! The storm ended about 2 hours later as I walked up to my last border crossing. Maine!!!! It felt so wild to be crossing my LAST border.
Maine is dedicated...well...to me! hehehehe I think I deserve this state.
The rocks were now slippery and it made for very slow going. I was headed for a 21 mile day ending at a shelter I am now camped at. I arrived here in the dark at 9:00 ish... Got water, set up the tent, unpacked the backpack, cooked dinner...and now at 11:15 I need to go to sleep......zzzzzzz
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Maine
Day 125 - 7/15/00
Today's Miles-9.7
Total A.T. Miles-1902.1
I am grateful for the beautiful Mahoosuc Notch.
Short mile...long day. Today was the Mahoosuc Notch, Mahoosuc Arm, and Speck Mountain. The notch was amazing!! Car and bus sized boulders to climb over, under, around, and even through various caves. One mile took two hours!! Then it was the muddy and rainy arm. Two miles basically straight up. Then about a mile of calm easier walking followed by rock as smooth as paper at about a 70 degree angle and up and up. From the top of Speck we had no view because of a storm today that dropped a lot of rain.
When Camel met me today at Full Goose Shelter he was slacking again. This time to the north and this time stopping only 2 miles short of where I was headed. I decided to hike to the road with him and catch his ride back to Gorham and the Hiker's Paradise I stayed at a couple nights ago. Had AYCE Chinese food and a few beers. Tomorrow back to the trail with Camel and on to the 16 mile shelter to get out of the predicted heavy rains. Where am I headed???? KATAHDIN!!!!!
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Maine
Day 126: 7/16/00
Today's Miles: 10.3
Total A.T. Miles: 1912.4
I am grateful for the act of fate that brought me to the Andover Bed and Breakfast.
Slept in till 8 and had breakfast before hitting the trail at 10. It was pouring! Has the rain followed me all the way to Maine? Yup! I started up Baldplate Mountain and about 3/4 of the way up I met Wollybear. Wollybear is a 60ish year old man finishing an 8 year hike of the A.T. hike this year. He is a college professor who hikes part of the trail on each of his summer vacations. Well, he had tried to summit Baldplate two times this morning and had been turned back by very strong winds and rain. He was headed back to the shelter he had started at and giving up for the day. A few day hikers had also come down giving up a summit of the mountain. Camel and I offered to hike over the summit with him and he was very grateful.
The hike was....intense! The top 2 miles of the mountain were rain-soaked slickrock with no vegetation at all. There was about an inch of water running down at us from the summit. Walking up, into the rain, into the wind, through the river of water took forever. Lots of small slips but nothing major. One false slip would have sent any one of us sliding down the mountain 200-300 feet with nothing to stop us but the boulders below. It was very scary, much scarier than Washington even!
Once over the mountain the walk down was completely flooded with water over our boots and gaiters most of the time. We, after many hours, made it to Fry shelter...5.8 miles into our hike for the day. We tried to stop for lunch but the shelter was full of day and section hikers doing the same. We had no way to get out of the rain so we slammed down some food said our good-byes to Wollybear and headed on.
During the next 5 miles we forded two swollen rivers, each that were well over our knees. We finally reached the road that meant we only had 5.5 miles left for the day...at 5:30! It was the rode to Andover, Maine, and there were signs at the road for two hostels in town. We were not going to go into town. We were going to hike till about 9 in the pouring rain. A van passed by and Camel asked me if I was going to stick my thumb out. I didn't. We ate some food, got some film out, and started packing up when Wollybear walked up behind us. He was planning on trying to hitch in. We told him that in 10 minutes only 1 car had passed by. He was not happy about that. We continued packing and as Wolly walked up the road a bit to look around. Just then a pickup came around the corner and Wolly put out his thumb, and the trunk pulled over for him. I could see him nodding and smiling and then he started running back to his pack. I looked at Camel and he looked at me...it was fate...we would go to the hostel. The 9 mile cold ride into town took awhile. We got into town and were happy to find a hostel but...no bunks left for the $10 charge. Instead there was a room for $45 that they said all three of us could have. Wolly offered to pay $25 so we could each pay $10. He said it was a thank you for helping him over the mountain. Very nice!!
The hostel was full of south and north bounders. Many northerners I hadn't seen in a while and others I had never caught up with yet. Great meeting people like Zorro and Doc, and seeing old friends like Gypsy.
Back to the trail in the morning for hopefully moooooooooorrrrrrreeeee miles!
P.S. Funny side story.....Gypsy told me that there is a group of hikers that can't figure out why this "nice 4th grade teacher" signs all the registers with "Peace, Love, Carnage"......guess I need to concentrate on writing the word Courage a little neater...heheheheh
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Maine
Day 127: 7/17/00
Today's Miles: 18.8
Total A.T. Miles: 1931.2
I am grateful for days that I feel energized and strong.
Woke up to a morning with clouds but no rain. Had a bowl of Cheerios with Camel then got in the owner's pickup truck and headed the 9 miles back to the trail. We started up Wyman Mountain right away. Surplus Pond was about halfway up and beautiful. Did the first 6 miles is just over 2 hours. We were moving pretty well. I borrowed Camel's tape player on the walk up and listened to Tom Petty's Wildflower. I have never listened to music while walking and I really enjoyed it. I'm thinking abut getting myself a cheap radio tomorrow in Rangeley when we resupply there.
We climbed some steep mountains today. Maine has lots of roots but not as many rocks. Roots are not as hard on the knees, but they are really slippery when they are wet. Even though it never rained today, everything was wet all day...including me. My boots have now been wet for over 5 days and are developing a pretty good hole in the fabric. I am pretty confident that this pair WILL make it to Katahdin.
Camel and I hiked separate much of the day but met up for brakes. I got to the shelter about 45 minutes before Camel at about 7:00 P.M. and set up camp in the empty shelter. Yes, we have it all to ourselves. I figure everyone else is slacking and staying in the local hostels.
We are planning on waking up at 1 tonight and night hiking if there is a moon. If there isn't a moon we will start very early to get in and out of Rangeley quickly.
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Maine
Day: 7/18/00
Today's Miles: 17.6
Total A.T. Miles: 1948.8
I am grateful for the family from New Jersey that gave us a ride into Rangeley just before the thunderstorm began.
Woke up at 4:30 and went back to sleep till 5. Left the shelter feeling very tired at 6. Walked the first 5 miles very slowly and then really picked up the pace from there. The weather reports were calling for dangerous weather including thunder and lightening including large size hail. There was lots of thunder through the day but it only rained once for awhile. At about 2 we caught up with Zorro, Gypsy, Doc & Diesel. Camel and I were headed into town to resupply but not stay. After watching the weather come in we decided to get a bunk at a hostel in town. We all got picked up by Bob, who owns one of the hostels in town. He took us back to the hostel and we showered before we headed back into town for pizza and to resupply at the local IGA grocery.
We were picked up again by Bob about 9 and he took us by the local mini mart for our 5 pints of Ben & Jerry's. Back to the hostel to journal and hang out in our bunk room. Our room has 5 bunks...just perfect...one for each of us.
Big decision today...I have decided not to push to summit on my birthday. If I really pushed I could make it. I really don't want to really push... I want to be able to truly enjoy my last couple weeks on the trail. For that reason I plan to summit around the first somewhere...Yippeeeee
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Maine
Day 129: 7/19/00
Today's Miles: 18.5
Total A.T. Miles: 1965.3
I am grateful for the feel of dirt under my feet again.
Today was another great day. I felt very strong even with lots of climbing. The terrain is finally getting less rocky. That means the knees and feet don't hurt that much and the body can do more miles feeling better. I climbed the Saddleback range today. I climbed from 1300 feet up to 4500 feet and above treeline. It was very windy and the visibility was only about 50 feet. It was so cold that I had to put my jacket on that I haven't worn since Washington.
Maine is beautiful!! I love it. There is lots of moss and clover and everything is green. Moose tracks cover the terrain, but I haven't seen a moose since the Whites. I had to ford another creek today that was up to my knees. I have decided to take the fords in my boots everytime. It means walking in cold wet boots all day, but it is safer and takes less time than putting on my sandals everytime.
I hiked with 4 others today, but never with anyone very long. Started in a group of 5 and Doc stopped with her dog for a few. Later Gypsy stopped to wait for Doc. Camel, Zorro, and I hiked on. Later Zorro and Camel stopped to explore some caves. I hiked on. At the top of Saddleback Camel and Zorro caught me on a break. The day went on like this for hours.
I got in to the shelter and set up my tent, just after Doc got in. Gypsy showed up about an hour later (she's fighting a cold), and Camel and Zorro showed up about 30 minutes after her.
Into Stratton tomorrow for my mail drop and maybe the hostel that it was sent to.
Oh yea.....Just 30 minutes or so into tomorrow’s hike I will be less than 200 miles from Katahdin. That means I will be in the hundreds!!!! Yippppppppeeee!
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Maine
Day 130: 7/20/00
Today's Miles: 13.5
Total A.T. Miles: 1978.8
I am grateful for sunny days.
Today started out colllllllllld. The temperature this morning was the high 30's. Isn't it July???? We only had 13 miles into Stratton to do today. I started out earlier than the others because I was so cold and I took some quick breaks in the sun as I hiked. Today included a few summits and a forge that I took my boots off and put on my sandals. I figured that my boots would dry out by the time I got to Stratton and they did. I got to use some Barge Cement on my boots to try to fix the ever growing hole.
Tomorrow is the last large mountain range until Katahdin. The Bigelows are tomorrow. The day will start with a 3000 foot climb and I will stay at that elevation for the rest of the day.
I know that some of the readers have wondered what I am carrying as opposed to what I was carrying when I started. So here it is....
Gregory Reality Backpack
Pack cover
Ultra Light Thermarest
Moonstone 35 degree 1 lb. 8 oz sleeping bag
Silk sleeping bag liner (adds 10 degrees of warmth)
Northface Canyonlands Tent
Evolutions Cookpot, handle, lighter, spoon
Primus Stove, 7.8 oz fuel bottle
Nalgene Bottle
MSR Dromitory bag and drink tube
Olympus Camera
Two empty peanut butter jars to grow sprouts
Stuff sack with food
Pur Water filter (got it back because Aqua Mira can't be found)
Hiking poles
Clothes:
Two pairs of shorts
Two pairs of socks and liners
One short sleeve shirt
One long Sleeve shirt
One lightweight Fleece Pullover
One wool hat
Vasque Skywalk Boots
Sandals
One rain Jacket
Miscellaneous:
Book
Film
Tel-Mail
Knife
First Aid Kit:
Couple Band-Aids
Neosporin
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hand sanitizer
Toothbrush/toothpaste
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Maine
Day 131: 7/21/00
Today's Miles: 15.3
Total A.T. Miles: 1994.1
I am grateful for wild and crazy friends.
We didn't get a hitch out of town until 9:30 so it was already a late start. Today was the last big mountain before Katahdin. Right now I am laying in a shelter towards the base of the northern side of the Bigelow Peaks. It was a moderate climb made very difficult by a constant drizzle that prevented our first views of Katahdin from the summit. It's 10 and I just got in. Camel, Gypsy, Zorro and I hiked together while Doc hiked ahead. The four of us got in very late. It was dark and all of us were too lazy to get out lights. We played a rhyming game for the last 2 hours or so and got very pretty crazy during the walk. We would start laughing so hard we would have to stop walking and catch our breaths. It was crazy and we needed it to motivate us to get to the shelter. Way to tired to get water much less cook so I had some peanut butter, crackers and energy bars for dinner. Big breakfast tomorrow.
Our hitch out of town finally came from a man with a small pickup truck that we all climbed into the bed. The truck leaned and struggled up the hill and to the trail. Somehow we decided that our group name should be "The Big Load"....soooooo the five of us and the dog are now the proud...loud.....Big Load.
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Maine
Day 132: 7/22/00
Today's Miles: 17.2
Total A.T. Miles: 2011.3
I am grateful for the 2000 mile mark.
I hit it. With all it's glory I hit the 2000 mile mark. There were mileage marks for the ten miles leading up to the 2000 mile mark and then a "2000 mi." in the road crossing that signified the point. I thought it would have felt a little different to hit 2000 miles. There were no fire crackers or flashing lights, just a feeling of....."Did I really walk that far???...."
Camel and I walked for a bit on our own today....after a torrential downpour that left us both soaked to the bone. We shared our mixed feelings about where we are on this journey. Our feelings were very similar. We both want to be done more than anything else. We both don't want to ever be done. We are sick of walking in the rain with wet feet, but know that we will truly miss it when we are back home. It's hard being this close. It really is. The terrain isn't that demanding, but for some reason it just wears us out...mentally and physically. Four months and a week....132 days of walking the walk and talking the talk. For so long there was no feeling that I would ever do anything again but get up and walk all day. There is finally, just recently, the realization that I won't get up and walk all day every day. I will soon be home with friends and family. I will be back in the classroom with a brand new group of 4th graders. My body won't hurt. I will be dry and warm. I will try to take all of the lessons I have learned from others and myself and make my life and the lives of my friends, family, and students better because of this journey.
I just walked back from the lake’s edge here at Pierce Pond Lean-To. The shelter is full and there are hikers tented in the surrounding woods. The sun was beginning to set and most hikers had cooked dinner and were heading to the lake for the evening show. This lean-to is supposed to have one of the best views and settings of all shelters on the trail, and for that reason their were northbounders, southbounders, section hikers and weekend hikers all here on this Saturday night.
About 15 quiet hikers joined at the water. Some spoke quietly while others stood or sat in silence. The sun was setting and the water was like glass. Fish randomly surfaced on water that reflected the pinks and purples of the sky. Loons, everywhere around the lake, sang their beautiful songs. The clouds looked like elephants, clowns, and what looked like a......pint of Ben & Jerry’s???? It was amazing....Now I lay in my tent listening to crickets, frogs and those beautiful loons with the knowledge that I will never really be the same. I have so much more of an amazing appreciation for all that is and all that I have.
Nine more days until I sit at the bottom of Katahdin. The next morning I will climb it and take my last steps on this journey. Nine more incredible days......
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Maine
Day 133: 7/23/00
Today's Miles: 15.5
Total A.T. Miles: 2026.8
I am grateful for close friends.
Woke up to a clear cool sky. Packed up the tent and hiked the .5 to the Harrison fishing camp for a 12 pancake breakfast. Mmmmmm....good....Pancakes with all kinds of fruit in them. We then hiked 3 more miles to the Kennebeck River. This is a river that the ATC pays for a canoe to ferry hikers across everyday from 10-2. He takes two hikers at a time, and it took 3 trips to get us across. We hiked into the town of Caratunk to get some grub and figure out how to stay in a hostel tonight on Doc's birthday. We ended up setting up a pickup 12 more miles out by Shaw’s in Monson. We were picked up at 7 and set out on the one hour drive into town. Mr. Shaw, hard of hearing and weak in his vision, picked us up and drove us to town. It was a scary trip. We swerved on and off of the road for an hour. Got to town and got some pizza and beer.
Surprise tonight...Stoneman showed up to finish the trail with me!! I haven’t seen him since Virginia. He will start with the Big Load tomorrow and summit with us on the 1st of August. He got off the trail at the halfway point and went home to NY. That is until today when he drove 400 miles to meet up with me and hike the last part of the trail. Tomorrow we get a ride back to the trail and hike back to Shaw’s for our last town night.
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Maine
Day 134: 7/24/00
Today's Miles: 18.5
Total A.T. Miles: 2044.3
I am grateful for beautiful puffy clouds.
Today we rode in the death machine again to get back to the trail. The rest of the Big Load slackpacked except for Doc and I. Tonight Gypsy found out that she had been accepted to the med school of her dreams. Tonight we celebrate!! Beer and pasta are in order.
Tomorrow we hit the hundred mile wilderness and just about the 100 mile mark. We could see Katahdin again today....it was amazing!!
August first...That's the day. To the top........
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Maine
Day 135: 7/25/00
Today's Miles: 16.5
Total A.T. Miles: 2060.8
I am grateful for Stoneman's tent!
I just woke up here at Shaw's Boarding House and I have spent the last few minutes with the final three maps and my Data Book. The Big Load's goal is to camp in the most beautiful places we can find for our last seven nights on the trail. We are looking at streams, lakes, and a few mountain tops for their views.
I am sending home a few things that I won't be needing during these last days. No major equipment...just knick knacks like my ATC Companion, some maps, some extra food, some film, my water filter (I will share Camels and/or just use a couple drops of bleach), etc..Oh yea...and my tent. Stoneman has a tent that will fit three in a pinch so he, Camel, and I will share if we need to.
My food bag is very heavy as I head into the 100 mile wilderness for the week. There are only two mountains left between here and Katahdin. The first is the Barren Range that I hit tomorrow. It rises to an elevation of about 2500 feet from about 500 feet. It will be a nice 2000 foot climb. The second climb is Whitecap Mountain that raises to 3750 from about 750...a 3000 foot climb. Neither come close to Katahdin. Katahdin (The Great Mountain…as it is called) begins at about 800 feet and rises to just over 5300 feet. That's 4500 vertical feet in just 5 miles. We hear it's a very hard climb that is usually hiked by northbounders on pure adrenaline. Eight days...
Today will be a late day since we will get out of town pretty late...
Floater drove up to Shaw’s this morning. He had a smile from ear to ear. He summited yesterday! Wow...People really do finish...It was great to visit with the man who inspired the sprouts....Till later...
9:00 P.M. Didn't get out till 1 and didn't get into camp till 7:30. Stone and I are sharing his tent and Camel is sleeping under his tarp. Doc, Gypsy, and Zorro are also sharing a tent. We wanted to get as light as possible. The food weighs a lot but every day it will get lighter. The sound of the creek next to us is wonderful. Twenty mile day tomorrow....guess we should start before 1....hehehehehe
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Maine
Day 136: 7/26/00
Today's Miles: 19
Total A.T. Miles: 2079.8
Miles from Katahdin: 85.8
I am grateful for a good meal at the end of a long hard day.
I was the third one out of camp this morning, but the first one into camp. It was the longest day I have left on the A.T...19 miles. I left camp at 8 and got to East Chairback Pond at 5:30. I hiked over Barren Mountain, the second to last climb I have before Katahdin. It was a beautiful climb with terrific weather. We hear that it may rain Thursday and/or Friday. Ho Hummmmmm...
Maine is incredible...I thought Vermont was green. Tomorrow will be the last big climb till Katahdin. White Cap, which is a 3000 foot climb, will sit smack in the middle of our 18 mile day. After that, it's close to flat until Katahdin.
Six days until the summit.....
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Maine
Day 137: 7/27/00
Today's Miles: 18
Total A.T. Miles: 2097.8
Miles to Katahdin: 67.8
I am grateful for cool cloudy days that are suppose to hold rain and don't.
Today I decided to hike more slowly, take more breaks and hike with others. Yesterday I was in the mindset to hike fast, pump out the 20 miles, and get to my destination. Today I remembered I am with good friends that I won't see for some time, that I'm in Maine, and that I only have a few precious days of this journey left. For all of those reasons I decided to pull my pace down and hike with Camel, Zorro, and Gypsy for the day. We took lots of breaks and had lots of laughs. We shared the 3000 foot climb up White Cap Mountain, lunch by a crystal cold spring, many outbursts of singing, and a generally great hike. Today was it...the last of the big climbs with a pack on. Katahdin is in 5 days and we will climb with packs full of food and water only. Doc and Stoneman hiked ahead along with Diesel Dog.
Tomorrow will be a 17 mile day over mostly flat terrain to Jo-Mary lake with a sandy beach to swim and camp at. Snoopy had told me this was a beautiful place to spend some time so tomorrow we head there.
Paula sent me my radio walkman last week. The group I am hiking with all have tape players or radios and swear by them. I had never been interested in music while I walk until lately. I have thoroughly enjoyed listening to all kinds of music and NPR while on the trail. What I have also enjoyed is taking the earphones out. After listening to the radio for a while, I take it off and seem to be much more in tune with what I hear. A branch breaking, a bird singing, the ground under my feet, the wind in the trees, the water in the streams...It's all so beautiful.
Five days till Katahdin....
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Maine
Day 138: 7/28/00
Today's Miles: 17.8
Total A.T. Miles: 2116.9
Miles to Katahdin: 50.1
I am grateful for the beautiful sandy beach of Jo-Mary Lake.
The Big Load got a late and slow start at 9:00 this morning. We are all feeling the effects of being so close and yet so far. We are all emotional rollercoasters. Sometimes happy and jubilant walking as a group or in pairs. Then times we are more somber walking as individuals through the woods. We had only one small climb today just as we will have only one tomorrow. Walked through mossy forest today was beautiful. I saw some Indian Pipe growing along the trail today for the first time in the trip.
We are camped on a sand beach at Jo-Mary Lake tonight. It's not a camp spot but a place that Snoopy suggested to me on the phone in Monson. We had clouds all day but no rain as predicted. I took many pictures of the incredible sunset over the still water. Went for a swim when I got here to wash off the dirt and grime. When we got here there were some southbounders hanging out on OUR beach. One hiked south and the others stayed to make a raft to take their packs across as they swam across the lake. It was a comical scene that ended up producing a fairly sturdy and lake worthy raft of their packs. Well...they got in the water and suddenly started seeing leaches. We saw no leaches while swimming. They each saw multiple bloodsuckers and pulled a couple off of them too. One decided to call the rafting trip off and within minutes the other decided to do the same. In all the ruckus one of their packs ended up full of water...ahhhhhh...poor guys....
What a relaxing pre-birthday camp spot. One more event today...Stoneman hurt his ankle yesterday and decided to hike 12 miles out on a logging road. He will meet us at Katahdin and summit with us on the first. Camel and I will share his tent till then. We will miss him....
Four days until Katahdin.
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Maine
Day 139: 7/29/00
Today's Miles: 11.4
Total A.T. Miles: 2128.3
Miles to Katahdin: 38.7
I am grateful birthdays.
"Today is my birthday....da.da.da.da.da.da....da.da"
I am laying here on Jo-Mary sand beach soaking up the sun and the sand. Big fluffy clouds drift by as I dig my feet deeper and deeper into the therapeutic sand. None of us are really packing up or in much of a rush to go. We have agreed that this is truly the nicest camp spot of the entire trip. It's silent except for the birds the nearby stream and the rustling of the leaves. Our gear got pretty wet last night. Our extra reason to hang out is to dry things out. But who are we kidding???? None of us want to leave this place.... We plan to hike 16 miles today....hmmmmmm....we will have to see..heheheheh
8:30 p.m. - Great day and night... Zorro packed in a Budweiser for me which I drank for an early lunch at about 11. Mmmmmm...good...He packed it 60 miles for my day. Nice guy ehe???
We ended up shortening our day to end up at another sand beach. Hiking with Gypsy and Shadow I saw another Moose. It was a ways away and in a bog drinking. I saw or heard us and lumbered off.
Got a great view of Katahdin at our lunch spot today. A few drizzles but still no rain....
Shadow caught us today and will be summiting on the 1st. At the second sandy beach Shadow gave me a fruit roll up for my birthday. Yummmmmm Who ever thought a Fruit Roll-Up would be so special on a birthday...It's the little things out here...
At our beach Gypsy and the gang gave me a "Zebra Cake" with candles and sang "Happy Birthday" to me...What a great day...I feel loved...We have all created such a great bond out here...
Zorro, Camel and I skipped rocks in what we termed as the "X-Games Rock Skipping Final Round", and later Camel and I played a game of checkers. We followed that up with a learning game of chess. The loons are singing and the fire flies are dancing...time to sleeeeeep...
Three more days until Katahdin...
Three more...
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Maine
Day 140: 7/30/00
Today's Miles: 23.6
Total A.T. Miles: 2151.9
Miles to Katahdin: 15.1
I am grateful for true friends.
Today started out as an 18 miler and soon turned into a 23+ miler. Woke up in the middle of the night to a light rain and none of our three tents had rainflys on. We were all out of our tents in no time to put the gear inside and the rainflys on. The rain got harder and harder during the night, but we woke to a cloudy sky with no rain at all. The day started out a little lethargic until we got to the first shelter at the 8 mile mark. Camel told us he was aiming for Abol Bridge and he would get us whatever we wanted if we got there too late to shop at the campground store. We all agreed and we left one by one to push to the 15 mile from Katahdin mark. Camel and I pushed hard and did over 3 miles an hour to get there just before 5. The store didn't close till 7! We got an amazing view of Katahdin from the Abol Bridge today and sat on the bridge for over an hour staring at it and talking. Zorro has been smoking a pipe with good tobacco for the last week or so. He found the pipe on the trail. The pipe is a dark wood and he has been carving into it for the last couple days. Today he handed it to me and asked me to check it out. The patterns were beautiful and very meaningful to him. I looked at the bottom and there, were carved these words: "To Dreamer-From Zorro-Katahdin 8-1-00”. Thanks Zorro...you’re the man....
We camped at the state campground across the street because there wasn't room for all of us at the PRIVATE Abol Bridge Campground. There had been one site that Gypsy and Doc had paid for. The spot was only big enough for two people. The owners told us that only campers could use the showers. I asked if we could stay across the street at the state run campground and give the private campground a few dollars for a shower. I was told..."No". Our plan was to have the girls set up two tents and we would put all our gear in the tents and hang out at the fire with them until dark when we all went into the tents. It was a good plan, but they figured us out before we even tried it. So...Gypsy went and talked to the owners about it being or second to last night and that we wanted to camp together. They eventually got their money back and we walked across the street to camp together. We had a great fire and talk. We sat for hours around the fire, gazed at the stars and wondered if this was all a dream.
The Big Load has done some real bonding in such a short time. It amazes me how close we can all get when we are spending nearly 24 hours together everyday. Camel and I were just talking about how much we will miss this. Especially the fun we have had these last couple weeks with the gang. We have celebrated two birthdays and an acceptance to Stanford. We have shared our sadness and our happiness about this journey. There have been smiles and there have been tears. There will be so many more of both in the next two days.
Tomorrow we hike 7 miles to Daicey Pond Campground or 10 miles to Katahdin Stream campground at the base of Katahdin, whichever has room for us. The next morning we climb 5 vertical miles to the end of this journey.
How did this go so fast? Am I really here? Am I this close?
I will try to hitch out of Baxter State Park to a phone to send these entries before I summit.
You will all be with me on the top of the "Greatest Mountain.”
Two days until Katahdin.....
Two days......
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Maine
Day 141: 7/31/00
Today's Miles: 8
Total A.T. Miles: 2159.9
Miles to Katahdin: 7.1
I am grateful for the journey's end.
Woke up to a beautiful blue sky and the river running just yards from my tent. The birds are singing and the temperature is wonderful. Everyone else is sleeping. Zorro, Shadow and I will hike out on the early side while Gypsy, Camel and Doc stay till afternoon. Doc's mom is meeting her here to take Diesel Dog to a motel in Millinocket. Baxter State Park is similar to the Smokies in their rule of no dogs. So...Diesel finishes here. Her journey is over as ours winds up. Doc's mom is also bringing some treats for our pre-summit night and the summit. I have requested a sixer of Sierra Nevada.…4 for tonight and 2 for the summit of Katahdin. We all went in on good Italian bread, cheese, tomatoes, cookies, etc...mmmmm Should be a great picnic on the top...Till later...
9:00 P.M.-Well, the eight mile hike took just a few hours as Zorro and I talked the entire time. It was a beautiful walk along rivers and streams to Daicy Pond Campground in Baxter State Park. We met Gabe and his wife Martha who, along with another ranger, checked us in and gave us our Thru-Hiker paperwork to fill out and send back to Harper's Ferry.
Shadow's parents arrived about the same time as Zorro, Shadow and me. They offered to let Shadow use their car to drive the three of us into Millinocket for the phone and some food. The drive took about an hour. Most of it was on a dirt road. We saw a bull moose drinking from a bog and a beaver munching on some twigs. Always more wildlife on the rode...hehehe
When we got back to the campground Doc, Gypsy and Camel had arrived. Doc's mom would be meeting us here tonight to bring the food to us. It was very nice of her and we were all so grateful!!!
We ate and drank until a little too late but will all be ready for tomorrow. Zorro and I took a dip in Daicy Pond at about 8:30 and since we didn't want to get our clothes wet...well...we skinny dipped....hehehehe
There are so many thoughts and emotions running through me...so many...I'm overwhelmed by feeling of joy, sadness, pain, numbness, wonder, astonishment, and just plain awe.... Awe that I lay at the base of Katahdin tonight after walking 2100+ miles to get here...So much of the time I'm speechless....
Tomorrow I climb to the top of Katahdin…
Tomorrow....
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
Maine
Day 142: 8/1/00
Today's Miles: 7.1
Total A.T. Miles: 2167
Miles to Katahdin: 0
I am grateful for Katahdin.
I'm here...on top of the world. I'm crying and smiling as I type this. It's beautiful and surreal at the same time. I got my wish. It's a beautiful day. There is a cold wind on top of a sunny cloud scattered sky. Some of us sit alone, others together. Some are silent, while others talk among themselves.
The scene is amazing. Lakes are scattered along the valley below. Beautiful peaks of all shapes and sizes reach up towards the sky in every direction. I sit with my Sierra Nevada staring out at everything and nothing at the same time.
What now? I have followed white blazes for so long that I'm not sure I will be able to find my way around without them. Why does this have to end? Maybe it doesn't...maybe the feeling will last forever...maybe I can keep the drive and energy that this trail inspired in me forever. I have learned so much from others and from myself. I have gained the confidence in myself to know that I can climb any one of those mountains out there. If there's a trail of any kind up that mountain, I can climb it. To know that...to believe that...to live that...is a feeling that I just can't put into words. As a matter of fact, many of the feelings I have are impossible for me to put into words. Maybe I'm not enough of a prolific writer. Or maybe there are no words to truly describe the feelings that I have had for the last 142 days...2167 miles...
I've been on top now for about 90 minutes and it's just now beginning to set in. I'm sure in the coming days it will continue to set in. Everyday for the rest of my life it will continue to set in.
Thank you to everyone that supported me on this trip. Those of you that I know, and those of you that I have never met. You have been with me every step of the way....all 5,000,000 of them.
8:47 p.m. The hike down was a quick one. It only took 2.5 hours to get down. Snoopy was waiting for me when I got to the bottom. We took some final photos of The Big Load and set off. It was very sad saying goodbye. I will see Gypsy soon since she is starting Stanford this year. Zorro will be through Sacramento in a couple weeks. Stoneman, who met us this morning but couldn't summit because of his injury, will be through Sacramento in December. And Camel will hopefully be in Sacramento in October to run a half marathon, and in December to run a marathon. Gypsy, Camel, and I have the goal of running a marathon and the December race in Sacramento will be the one to aim for.
Snoopy took Camel, Hedgehog (another thru-hiker that summited today and Snoopy discovered that Hedgehog had grown up with some of Snoopy's relatives) to his camp (cabin) on North Twin Lake just outside Baxter State Park. We got to the camp and Snoopy set us up with soap, towels and shampoo to bathe in the lake. Wow I got clean. I then put on clean clothes that Paula had sent to me. Ohhhhhhhh what a feeling!!!
We made a couple quick stops and then headed to the Chinese Restaurant in Millinocket for dinner. Mmmmmmmmmm....gooood.
Headed to Portland right now for the night at Snoopy's house and then on to Boston in the morning...Hopefully I get on a flight tomorrow and get to come home... ahhhhh ... clean ... full....and in a car...
I will journal one more time tomorrow. Tomorrow will hopefully be my trip home. I have a standby ticket out of Boston and hope to make it home by nightfall...
No more days until Katahdin. Today is the first day of the rest of my life.
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME
In Flight
Day 143: 8/2/00
Today's Miles: 3000 (air miles...hehe)
Total A.T. Miles: Completion
I am grateful for all that I have learned on this journey.
It's like a dream. One hundred and forty three days ago I was on a plane just as I am right now. I was excited. I was scared. But I'm not sure that I was truly ready for what I would experience. Even as I sit here on this plane, I'm not sure if I have fully understood and realized all that I have accomplished. I'm dazed. I'm confused. Just yesterday morning I had clothes on my body and gear on my back that had been there for over four months...and it smelled like it too...hehehe Today I sit on an airplane...this piece of technological genius...in "street clothes" that don't smell like...well...like the trail. It's nothing short of shock. The noise, the people, the stress of the airport. All are a shock to my system. I will have to take it slow, very slow. I will have to reintroduce myself to this "real" world I am re-entering. I'm excited to re-enter, but also scared. Scared that I will forget the lessons that I have learned on the trail. Scared that I will forget the serenity of the woods. Scared that I will let stress re-enter my life to a degree that is non-productive. Scared I will lose touch with fellow hikers that I have grown so incredibly close to.
So here I go...back to the world you live in. I'm going to take it one day at a time and live in the moment as I tried to each day on the trail.
In entering society again I realize there will be many questions to answer and many slide shows to give. I look forward to further sharing my experiences with people interested in them.
While hiking with The Big Load the other day we discussed things that we would miss and things we wouldn't miss about the trail. The funny thing about it is that even the things we discussed not missing...I'll miss...deep down I'll miss. So...even though the lists are separate in this journal...many overlap. Here are some questions and comments that The Big Load came up with on the "not miss list".
-Which Lipton should I make for dinner?
-Have you heard a weather report?
-How far until the next water source?
-Time to Deet up.
-How bad is the privy?
-Damn rock!
-Damn root?
-Where's the top!!!???
-What's the Data book say?
-Let's look at the map profile.
-Guess what...it's raining again.
–Man, I wish I had dry socks.
–Man, I wish I had dry boots.
-Mud.
-Mud.
-Mud.
-How many days of food do I need to carry?
-What else don't I need in this pack?
-Where's the Laundromat?
-There's a mosquito in my tent!
-Let's do a 20 miler tomorrow.
Yes, I will miss saying many of those things. And here are more things I'll miss saying:
-What an amazing sunrise.
-What an amazing sunset.
-Men's room? Oh...second tree to the left.
-Journal worthy!
-Wow! A fruit roll up!
-Let's go skinny dipping over there.
-Look! A moose!
-It stopped raining.
-We're at the top!!!
-Thanks for the trail magic.
-The Big Load Rocks!
-Uno!…Dos!…Tres!..The Three Amigos!
-Sparky?
-Let's grab a pint of Ben and Jerry's.
-Look! A fire fly!
-Can you believe it's 12:00 and we've done 12 miles already?
-Can you believe we did 28 miles today?
-Want to night hike?
There are so many more sayings that were a part of everyday life.
And what was my favorite part?
Well, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine were truly the most beautiful to me. A lot of that had to do with the weather and the season. They were amazing!
And what did I learn you ask? Ahhhhh...What did I learn? I learned that I never...ever want to be away from my beautiful wife for this long again. I learned that I can climb any mountain on the east coast that has a trail leading to the top. I learned to have confidence. I learned to let go. I learned to open up. I learned to relax. I learned what true peace really is, and what it's disguises really are. I learned to listen to others...truly listen. I discovered how little I really need to not only survive, but be happy. I learned about nature and all it has to offer. I rekindled my faith in the common person. I learned to safely and successfully hitchhike. I gained such a sense of appreciation. Appreciation for my friends, my family, food, clothing, and shelter.
I have come to a better understanding of what I am and what's really important to me. Things are no longer as important. People, relationships, good health, and love are all much more important.
So...there we have it. The journey has come to an end. I'm sure I will wake up each day with a better understanding of what the hike meant and mean to me. I will be putting together my slides over the next month or so and hopefully be ready to show you more of the amazing things that I experienced. Keep your ears open to hear about the many slide shows I'm sure to be having. Thanks again for your love and support.
Never...ever...stop dreaming....
Peace, Love, Courage...
:)
Dreamer
GA-ME 8/1/00