Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Destination: Erwin TN Super 8
Starting Location: Erwin TN Super 8
Today's Miles: 0.00
Trip Miles: 281.42
Another zero while I'm taking all the drugs and waiting to get better. Still coughing a lot and a lot of stuff is coming up so I guess I need that extra day after all.
As I was walking a mile up the street to the China Kitchen for lunch, I ran into Nema again from way back. She highly recommended the CK and it was good.
Took the time to sort through my stuff and have some to send home. I have got to get my pack weight down! I have too much food now but not enough for a bounce box*. At least it will go down as I travel.
125 miles to Damascus, VA. Trail days there in a couple of weeks. Looking forward to that, just hope I don't catch something there. If that happens, I might have to give up this living in the woods thing!
Here's to feeling better!
*Bounce Box - Sending or mailing things up the trail ahead of yourself so you don't have to carry them!
"All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost" -J.R.R. Tolkien
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Monday, April 29, 2013
More drugs.
Monday, April 29, 2013
Destination: Erwin TN Super 8
Starting Location: Erwin TN Super 8
Today's Miles: 0.00 Trip Miles: 281.42
Another day, another zero! Feeling a little better but the cough is getting worse. I'm here for one more night regardless. By mid afternoon I decided to go to the Urgent Care center that I think is related to the hospital here. It was a good two mile walk one way, but, the weather was good and I did not carry my backpack! Got in pretty quick and confirmed that I had a bad cough and bronchial congestion resulting from the cold. Rx's include an inhaler, codeine based cough syrup, and a about the strongest antibiotic you can get to clear up my lungs. I ask how long to stay off the trail and he said at least 48 hours, so add another zero! Scales there say that so far I have lost 15 pounds on the trail, so on the way back I stopped at "Hawg 'n Dawg" for a pulled pork barbeque lunch.
"All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost" -J.R.R. Tolkien
Destination: Erwin TN Super 8
Starting Location: Erwin TN Super 8
Today's Miles: 0.00 Trip Miles: 281.42
Another day, another zero! Feeling a little better but the cough is getting worse. I'm here for one more night regardless. By mid afternoon I decided to go to the Urgent Care center that I think is related to the hospital here. It was a good two mile walk one way, but, the weather was good and I did not carry my backpack! Got in pretty quick and confirmed that I had a bad cough and bronchial congestion resulting from the cold. Rx's include an inhaler, codeine based cough syrup, and a about the strongest antibiotic you can get to clear up my lungs. I ask how long to stay off the trail and he said at least 48 hours, so add another zero! Scales there say that so far I have lost 15 pounds on the trail, so on the way back I stopped at "Hawg 'n Dawg" for a pulled pork barbeque lunch.
"All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost" -J.R.R. Tolkien
Sunday, April 28, 2013
Medicinal purposes only!
Sunday, April 28, 2013
Destination: Erwin TN Super 8
Starting Location: Erwin TN Holiday Inn Express
Today's Miles: 0.00 Trip Miles: 281.42
Another zero, I'll never get there this way. Called Miss Janet (a trail angel that helps hikers as much as she can) for a ride over to Super 8, about 4 four miles away in the rain! I got a room to myself to recover. AK and Ducky smoke, not much and it didn't bother me, but no smoke is better!
Rain lasted all day as I walked down to Walgreen's for some OTC aids, and some ice cream. I informed the clerk that it was for medicinal purposes, after all, I was buying it in a drug store!
Weather appears to be clearing up for the next few days and I would like to get back on the trail. Will decide tomorrow on medical attention.
"All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost" -J.R.R. Tolkien
Saturday, April 27, 2013
Trail Math
Saturday, April 27, 2013
Destination: Erwin TN, Holiday Inn Starting
Location: Stealth camp on Rich Mountain
Today's Miles: 2.00 Trip Miles: 281.42
When does "eight = two"? When counting miles on the AT! Woke up early after a rough night sleep. Had lite rain/sprinkles last night, off and on. I was warm and dry but the weather and hiking has had an effect on my cold. I discovered that I had lost my voice when I started talking to myself!
I had 50 miles to go to get to Erwin so I started. Two mile on, I stopped, made a command decision, turned 180 degrees, and started hiking south back down the mountain. There was no way I was going to make it fifty miles the way I was feeling. Five miles down the mountain that I had just climbed to the hostel that I had missed yesterday to get a shuttle to Erwin in case I need medical attention again.
I had to wait several hours for the shuttle driver to get back but that gave me time to get a sandwich for lunch and get some rest. I the mean time three other hikers arrived, two of them I knew, looking to shuttle to Erwin and now I only had to pay $22 instead of the full cost of $66 for the run. Nema, who I have not seen since Neel Gap, came in a little later. She had been delayed in Hiawassee with a cold that she most likely caught from me.
We made it Uncle Johnny's Hostel but there was only tent space available and I was not interested in tenting in the rain with this reoccurring cold. So Alaska, Ducky, and I walked a mile down the road to Holiday Inn Express and share a suite with one bed, a sofa sleeper, and a roll in. I got the roll in, sat on it and thought I was going to hit the floor, but, it was warm an dry.
"All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost" -J.R.R. Tolkien
Destination: Erwin TN, Holiday Inn Starting
Location: Stealth camp on Rich Mountain
Today's Miles: 2.00 Trip Miles: 281.42
When does "eight = two"? When counting miles on the AT! Woke up early after a rough night sleep. Had lite rain/sprinkles last night, off and on. I was warm and dry but the weather and hiking has had an effect on my cold. I discovered that I had lost my voice when I started talking to myself!
I had 50 miles to go to get to Erwin so I started. Two mile on, I stopped, made a command decision, turned 180 degrees, and started hiking south back down the mountain. There was no way I was going to make it fifty miles the way I was feeling. Five miles down the mountain that I had just climbed to the hostel that I had missed yesterday to get a shuttle to Erwin in case I need medical attention again.
I had to wait several hours for the shuttle driver to get back but that gave me time to get a sandwich for lunch and get some rest. I the mean time three other hikers arrived, two of them I knew, looking to shuttle to Erwin and now I only had to pay $22 instead of the full cost of $66 for the run. Nema, who I have not seen since Neel Gap, came in a little later. She had been delayed in Hiawassee with a cold that she most likely caught from me.
We made it Uncle Johnny's Hostel but there was only tent space available and I was not interested in tenting in the rain with this reoccurring cold. So Alaska, Ducky, and I walked a mile down the road to Holiday Inn Express and share a suite with one bed, a sofa sleeper, and a roll in. I got the roll in, sat on it and thought I was going to hit the floor, but, it was warm an dry.
"All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost" -J.R.R. Tolkien
Friday, April 26, 2013
Guns alllow for man hunts only?
Friday, April 26, 2013
Destination: Stealth camp
Starting Location: Stealth camp on Rich Mountain
Today's Miles: 11.20 Trip Miles: 279.42
Some times I think trees have a very mischievous mind of their own. Before, one leans across the trail so I would run into it, and today I see this one eating a Posted sign.
Did 11.2 miles today. I was going to stop at the Hemlock Hostel but was not convinced that I was at the right place to turn so just continued on another mile or so. (it was the right road)!
My stealth skills need work. Last night there was a full moon and some hikers like to hike by the light of the moon. At true midnight some some of those night hikers walked by. A light lighted up my tent for a second and I heard a voice saying, "There is someone camping over there." I was awake already because of a hiker w/dog that had passed just 10 minutes earlier. Meet the night hikers up the trail this morning. They said they hiked without head lamps for most of the night.
I did not plan to hike as far as I but was running low on water and the next source listed was at the next shelter. I finally came across a little spring a few feet below the trail, on a very steep slope! I collected and treated 2.5 liters and continued on up the mountain with five more pounds on my back! Now to find another good tent site! Good tent sits are hard to find when you are climbing a mountain as there are not many level areas on mountain sides. As the terrain started to level of I found a site that would work that was about two miles shy of the shelter. Set up, cooked and was in my tent by 1900! Within five minutes it started to sprinkle a few rain drops, my timing was pretty good. Hope to get a good night sleep!
"All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost" -J.R.R. Tolkien
Destination: Stealth camp
Starting Location: Stealth camp on Rich Mountain
Today's Miles: 11.20 Trip Miles: 279.42
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| Sign eating tree. No guns except for man hunts? |
Did 11.2 miles today. I was going to stop at the Hemlock Hostel but was not convinced that I was at the right place to turn so just continued on another mile or so. (it was the right road)!
My stealth skills need work. Last night there was a full moon and some hikers like to hike by the light of the moon. At true midnight some some of those night hikers walked by. A light lighted up my tent for a second and I heard a voice saying, "There is someone camping over there." I was awake already because of a hiker w/dog that had passed just 10 minutes earlier. Meet the night hikers up the trail this morning. They said they hiked without head lamps for most of the night.
I did not plan to hike as far as I but was running low on water and the next source listed was at the next shelter. I finally came across a little spring a few feet below the trail, on a very steep slope! I collected and treated 2.5 liters and continued on up the mountain with five more pounds on my back! Now to find another good tent site! Good tent sits are hard to find when you are climbing a mountain as there are not many level areas on mountain sides. As the terrain started to level of I found a site that would work that was about two miles shy of the shelter. Set up, cooked and was in my tent by 1900! Within five minutes it started to sprinkle a few rain drops, my timing was pretty good. Hope to get a good night sleep!
"All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost" -J.R.R. Tolkien
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Leaving Hot Springs
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Destination: Stealth camp on Rich Mountain
Starting Location: Laughing Heart Hostel, Hot Springs
Today's Miles: 6.00 Trip Miles: 268.22
Decided to leave today even though I am not fully recovered. Started with big breakfast at the diner and did six miles in six hours. It was a steep climb so I took it easy. Made 1,250 gain to 2,500 ft elevation and set up camp in a nice spot just off the trail. The weather has been great today and I had plenty of time to rest and set up. I will be using my tent a lot for the next week as there is a noro virus problem in the shelters in the 70 miles between Hot Springs and Erwin. From reports, it's a twenty-four stomach virus.
Saw my first snakes today. Water moccasins in dammed pond where I got water! I stopped at 1530 so
1830 and time for me to get some sleep.
"All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost" -J.R.R. Tolkien
Destination: Stealth camp on Rich Mountain
Starting Location: Laughing Heart Hostel, Hot Springs
Today's Miles: 6.00 Trip Miles: 268.22
Decided to leave today even though I am not fully recovered. Started with big breakfast at the diner and did six miles in six hours. It was a steep climb so I took it easy. Made 1,250 gain to 2,500 ft elevation and set up camp in a nice spot just off the trail. The weather has been great today and I had plenty of time to rest and set up. I will be using my tent a lot for the next week as there is a noro virus problem in the shelters in the 70 miles between Hot Springs and Erwin. From reports, it's a twenty-four stomach virus.
Saw my first snakes today. Water moccasins in dammed pond where I got water! I stopped at 1530 so
1830 and time for me to get some sleep.
"All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost" -J.R.R. Tolkien
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Happy Birthday to Me!
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Destination: Laughing Heart Hostel, Hot Springs
Starting Location: Laughing Heart Hostel, Hot Springs
Today's Miles: 0.00 Trip Miles: 262.22
Happy birthday to me, number 66 and counting! And feeling every day of it today! Feeling bad all day and had a terrible night last night. Coughing and hacking and awake most of the night. Glad I have a private room! Started chilling mid afternoon and took a few vitamin I and felt lots better!
"All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost" -J.R.R. Tolkien
Destination: Laughing Heart Hostel, Hot Springs
Starting Location: Laughing Heart Hostel, Hot Springs
Today's Miles: 0.00 Trip Miles: 262.22
Happy birthday to me, number 66 and counting! And feeling every day of it today! Feeling bad all day and had a terrible night last night. Coughing and hacking and awake most of the night. Glad I have a private room! Started chilling mid afternoon and took a few vitamin I and felt lots better!
"All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost" -J.R.R. Tolkien
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Zero in Hot Springs!
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Destination: Laughing Heart Hostel, Hot Springs
Starting Location: Laughing Heart Hostel, Hot Springs
Today's Miles: 0.00 Trip Miles: 262.22
Zero in Hot Springs! More regular town stuff. Had a great breakfast at the Smoky Mountain Diner! Bought a bag pump for my sleeping pad after Yukon loaned his to me a few days ago at one of the shelters. It works great and will be much better for inflating the pad! It will also help keep the moisture content lower and less chance for mildew.
Weighted myself on two different scales today an I have lost somewhere between 10 and 40 pounds! Both scale varied widely each time I stepped on it!
"All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost" -J.R.R. Tolkien
Destination: Laughing Heart Hostel, Hot Springs
Starting Location: Laughing Heart Hostel, Hot Springs
Today's Miles: 0.00 Trip Miles: 262.22
Zero in Hot Springs! More regular town stuff. Had a great breakfast at the Smoky Mountain Diner! Bought a bag pump for my sleeping pad after Yukon loaned his to me a few days ago at one of the shelters. It works great and will be much better for inflating the pad! It will also help keep the moisture content lower and less chance for mildew.
Weighted myself on two different scales today an I have lost somewhere between 10 and 40 pounds! Both scale varied widely each time I stepped on it!
"All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost" -J.R.R. Tolkien
Monday, April 22, 2013
The Laughing Heart Hostel
Monday, April 22, 2013
Destination: Laughing Heart Hostel, Hot Springs
Starting Location: Bluff Mountain tent site
Today's Miles: 10.90 Trip Miles: 262.22
Up and out by 0745 after a cold breakfast. No other tents were in site this morning and I think only one hiker past by after I set up last night. I met Prayerwalker less than a quarter mile up the trail as she had just broken camp and was coming onto the trail and we hiked together for a while but she soon got ahead of me. I caught up with her when she stopped for lunch. I joined her and had my lunch as this was a great spot.
I showed her a US Army wrist band that I found on trail a day or so back. She said it was hers, that she had lost a couple of days ago. She said she used it to remember which way to turn when leaving a shelter, by putting it on her left or right wrist to indicate the direction after spending the night at a shelter. She was glad to have it back! Maybe if I had such a system I would not have done Jacobs Ladder the second time!
I got to Laughing Heart Hostel, about one hundred feet from the trail and at the very edge of Hot Springs, but it was nearly full. I wanted a private room because of my cold. Prayerwalker had just gotten the last single and they only had doubles left but 'Chuck Norris' gave me a deal for being alone and doing two nights. When I arrived a hiker told me to see Chuck Norris, the operator of the hostel, and when I stepped inside I knew him as soon as I saw him. He could have passed for the real Chuck Norris' brother!
The rest of the consisted of town stuff and I picked up my food drop. I now have 17 pounds of food. Will have to bounce some of it to Erwin, the next trail trow. I met Glo Bug, Tin Man, and Yukon, the remains of the group I started with. 'Spider' was tire of going so slow and moved on and Gweejo had been picked up by his wife and and rested in Hot Springs for a while before skipping ahead to Erwin to avoid the noro virus that hikers were picking up at the shelters between the two towns.
Laughing Heart is the best hostel on the trail so far and Chuck is a great host! Very informal and there is a full kitchen, dining area, and a TV room with lots of DVDs.
"All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost" -J.R.R. Tolkien
Destination: Laughing Heart Hostel, Hot Springs
Starting Location: Bluff Mountain tent site
Today's Miles: 10.90 Trip Miles: 262.22
Up and out by 0745 after a cold breakfast. No other tents were in site this morning and I think only one hiker past by after I set up last night. I met Prayerwalker less than a quarter mile up the trail as she had just broken camp and was coming onto the trail and we hiked together for a while but she soon got ahead of me. I caught up with her when she stopped for lunch. I joined her and had my lunch as this was a great spot.
I showed her a US Army wrist band that I found on trail a day or so back. She said it was hers, that she had lost a couple of days ago. She said she used it to remember which way to turn when leaving a shelter, by putting it on her left or right wrist to indicate the direction after spending the night at a shelter. She was glad to have it back! Maybe if I had such a system I would not have done Jacobs Ladder the second time!
I got to Laughing Heart Hostel, about one hundred feet from the trail and at the very edge of Hot Springs, but it was nearly full. I wanted a private room because of my cold. Prayerwalker had just gotten the last single and they only had doubles left but 'Chuck Norris' gave me a deal for being alone and doing two nights. When I arrived a hiker told me to see Chuck Norris, the operator of the hostel, and when I stepped inside I knew him as soon as I saw him. He could have passed for the real Chuck Norris' brother!
The rest of the consisted of town stuff and I picked up my food drop. I now have 17 pounds of food. Will have to bounce some of it to Erwin, the next trail trow. I met Glo Bug, Tin Man, and Yukon, the remains of the group I started with. 'Spider' was tire of going so slow and moved on and Gweejo had been picked up by his wife and and rested in Hot Springs for a while before skipping ahead to Erwin to avoid the noro virus that hikers were picking up at the shelters between the two towns.
Laughing Heart is the best hostel on the trail so far and Chuck is a great host! Very informal and there is a full kitchen, dining area, and a TV room with lots of DVDs.
"All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost" -J.R.R. Tolkien
Sunday, April 21, 2013
Not another cold?
Sunday, April 21, 2013
Destination: Bluff Mountain tent site
Starting Location: Brown Gap
Today's Miles: 12.40 Trip Miles: 251.32
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Had plans to meet up Prawerwalker at Kale Gap and saw in a the shelter log just before there that she was over an hour ahead of me. I stopper for a rest and did a 0.2 mile side trail for water refill. When I got to Kale Gap and did not find her I knew she was having a good day and hiked on.
I hiked on myself and made it half way up Bluff Mountain before stopping to set up camp. This would put me within eleven miles of Hot Springs, which should be an easy hike since I have already done a lot of the elevation gain for Bluff Mountain and once I reach the summit it would be an easy down hill as that part would not be too steep.
At the base of the mountain, just after Lemon Gap, I spotted some wild onions and thought they would go good with my Red Beans and Rice for tonight's dinner so I started gathering a few. As it turned out, I ate a no-cook dinner as I was too tired to cook. Didn't think the onions would go well with peanut butter and Pop Tarts, so they ended up being tossed!
During the night last night I felt scratching in my throat and I knew that I had picked up another cold, from Standing Bear Hostel this time, and it is slowly beginning to effect my speed a little as the day wears on. I figure that I still have at least one more good day of hiking, before the cold has very much effect on my speed and stamina, and that will get me to Hot Springs.. I will have to zero there to deal with the cold and hopefully get it under control early.
"All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost" -J.R.R. Tolkien
Destination: Bluff Mountain tent site
Starting Location: Brown Gap
Today's Miles: 12.40 Trip Miles: 251.32
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Had plans to meet up Prawerwalker at Kale Gap and saw in a the shelter log just before there that she was over an hour ahead of me. I stopper for a rest and did a 0.2 mile side trail for water refill. When I got to Kale Gap and did not find her I knew she was having a good day and hiked on.
I hiked on myself and made it half way up Bluff Mountain before stopping to set up camp. This would put me within eleven miles of Hot Springs, which should be an easy hike since I have already done a lot of the elevation gain for Bluff Mountain and once I reach the summit it would be an easy down hill as that part would not be too steep.
At the base of the mountain, just after Lemon Gap, I spotted some wild onions and thought they would go good with my Red Beans and Rice for tonight's dinner so I started gathering a few. As it turned out, I ate a no-cook dinner as I was too tired to cook. Didn't think the onions would go well with peanut butter and Pop Tarts, so they ended up being tossed!
During the night last night I felt scratching in my throat and I knew that I had picked up another cold, from Standing Bear Hostel this time, and it is slowly beginning to effect my speed a little as the day wears on. I figure that I still have at least one more good day of hiking, before the cold has very much effect on my speed and stamina, and that will get me to Hot Springs.. I will have to zero there to deal with the cold and hopefully get it under control early.
"All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost" -J.R.R. Tolkien
Saturday, April 20, 2013
No rain today!
Saturday, April 20, 2013
Destination: Brown Gap
Starting Location: Standing Bear Hostel
Today's Miles: 9.80 Trip Miles: 238.92
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Up ant by nine and did 9.6 miles to Brown Gap after a Jinny Dean Sausage
and coffee. My resupply and bunk total came to $42 and I'm not sure
that was right. Could have been
off in either direction. My hiking genes have been dominate and my
analytical genes have been edging toward recessive since being on the
trail and I wasn't thinking very well this
morning.
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I have seen these structures in the west before but did not know what they were. As I approached I noticed a sign stating they belonged to the U.S. Department of Transportation. Later I heard some one mention the FAA, and then it was clear. They are used to track aircraft via their transponder units. (That's what I think, anyway.)
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Praywalker left the hostel at least thirty minutes before I did, but I caught up with her on top of Snow Bird Mountain just after passing the FAA unit. She had been there for while because she found a cell signal and was updating her journal and uploading photos and videos, otherwise I can't keep up with her.
We hike together for a while and later we camped together. After getting to Brown Gap and setting up camp then fixing and eating dinner I was getting chilly so climbed into my sleeping bag. It wasn't dark yet, but, close enough. A couple join us soon after and set up for camp.
Note: Was awakened by a loud "ROLL OVER" from PrayerWalker's tent around midnight. The guy in the third tent must have been snoring very loud, she said it wasn't me, and I didn't hear it. PW had not gotten a good night sleep for the last two nights because of loud snoring and just couldn't take it any more. I laughed about it the next morning!
"All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost" -J.R.R. Tolkien
Destination: Brown Gap
Starting Location: Standing Bear Hostel
Today's Miles: 9.80 Trip Miles: 238.92
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Up ant by nine and did 9.6 miles to Brown Gap after a Jinny Dean Sausage
and coffee. My resupply and bunk total came to $42 and I'm not sure
that was right. Could have been
off in either direction. My hiking genes have been dominate and my
analytical genes have been edging toward recessive since being on the
trail and I wasn't thinking very well this
morning..JPG)
I have seen these structures in the west before but did not know what they were. As I approached I noticed a sign stating they belonged to the U.S. Department of Transportation. Later I heard some one mention the FAA, and then it was clear. They are used to track aircraft via their transponder units. (That's what I think, anyway.)
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Praywalker left the hostel at least thirty minutes before I did, but I caught up with her on top of Snow Bird Mountain just after passing the FAA unit. She had been there for while because she found a cell signal and was updating her journal and uploading photos and videos, otherwise I can't keep up with her.We hike together for a while and later we camped together. After getting to Brown Gap and setting up camp then fixing and eating dinner I was getting chilly so climbed into my sleeping bag. It wasn't dark yet, but, close enough. A couple join us soon after and set up for camp.
Note: Was awakened by a loud "ROLL OVER" from PrayerWalker's tent around midnight. The guy in the third tent must have been snoring very loud, she said it wasn't me, and I didn't hear it. PW had not gotten a good night sleep for the last two nights because of loud snoring and just couldn't take it any more. I laughed about it the next morning!
"All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost" -J.R.R. Tolkien
Friday, April 19, 2013
Leaving the Park!
Friday, April 19, 2013
Destination: Standing Bear Hostel
Starting Location: Davenport Gap Shelter
Today's Miles: 3.80 Trip Miles: 229.12
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Short hiking day, in the rain. Standing Bear Hostel is a "Rustic" old farm stead with the old buildings converted for hostel use. The bunk house was tight, with every thing close together, and full. The resupply room was on honer system. Recorded things and prices as I picked up stuff and add
in the bunk then stuffed the envelope and dropped it off as when I leave.
Lots of rain all day so hikers are huddled everywhere. PrayerWalker came in later having hiked all day in the rain, wishing she had made the big miles yesterday. We shared a Degorno pizza later for dinner and it was great.
"All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost" -J.R.R. Tolkien
Destination: Standing Bear Hostel
Starting Location: Davenport Gap Shelter
Today's Miles: 3.80 Trip Miles: 229.12
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Short hiking day, in the rain. Standing Bear Hostel is a "Rustic" old farm stead with the old buildings converted for hostel use. The bunk house was tight, with every thing close together, and full. The resupply room was on honer system. Recorded things and prices as I picked up stuff and add
in the bunk then stuffed the envelope and dropped it off as when I leave.
Lots of rain all day so hikers are huddled everywhere. PrayerWalker came in later having hiked all day in the rain, wishing she had made the big miles yesterday. We shared a Degorno pizza later for dinner and it was great.
"All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost" -J.R.R. Tolkien
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Caged in!
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Destination: Davenport Gap Shelter
Starting Location: Tri Corner Knob Shelter
Today's Miles: 14.80 Trip Miles: 225.32
"Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former." - Albert Einstein (1879-1955)
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Caged in! Wow, 14.8 miles in one day! Quite a record for me! And in only 9.5 hours! Good hiking day, great weather, feeling really good, and more down than up. Prayerwalker and I had been hiking together today and she stopped at the first shelter we came to, not wanting to push for a fifteen mile day. The elevation peaked @ 5,000 ft and then down to 2,600 ft. Good thing my toe nails were trimmed very short!
As I was resting about three hundred feet form the summit a young lady came by and we talked for a short while. She had to have her dog shuttled around the park (no dogs on the trail inside the park) and was in a hurry to get to Standing Bear Farm, a hostel just outside the park, where it would be waiting for her. Water was scarce on the trail, but I had treated a liter near the shelter I passed so I made it with out problem.
Today I lost the long sleeved pullover shirt I found in the hiker box back in Franklin. I had taken it off and placed on my pack, under a strap, but it must have gotten pulled off by some mischievous tree. Trees have been playing jokes on me for the entire hike. Recall the one that I ran into because it moved into the my path when I wasn't looking! Oh well, someone will find it and make good use of it. Spring is on the way, or so I am being told, and long sleeves will not be needed much longer!
The shelter for tonight is caged in to protect us against the bears! Until the last few years all park shelters were caged when park management learned that people were feeding the bears through the chain link fence. Stupidity still reigns supreme, even in the woods. This eventually led to the removal of the cages, and this is the only one remaining.
"All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost" -J.R.R. Tolkien
Destination: Davenport Gap Shelter
Starting Location: Tri Corner Knob Shelter
Today's Miles: 14.80 Trip Miles: 225.32
"Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former." - Albert Einstein (1879-1955)
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| Down hill from here! |
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Caged in! Wow, 14.8 miles in one day! Quite a record for me! And in only 9.5 hours! Good hiking day, great weather, feeling really good, and more down than up. Prayerwalker and I had been hiking together today and she stopped at the first shelter we came to, not wanting to push for a fifteen mile day. The elevation peaked @ 5,000 ft and then down to 2,600 ft. Good thing my toe nails were trimmed very short!
As I was resting about three hundred feet form the summit a young lady came by and we talked for a short while. She had to have her dog shuttled around the park (no dogs on the trail inside the park) and was in a hurry to get to Standing Bear Farm, a hostel just outside the park, where it would be waiting for her. Water was scarce on the trail, but I had treated a liter near the shelter I passed so I made it with out problem.
Today I lost the long sleeved pullover shirt I found in the hiker box back in Franklin. I had taken it off and placed on my pack, under a strap, but it must have gotten pulled off by some mischievous tree. Trees have been playing jokes on me for the entire hike. Recall the one that I ran into because it moved into the my path when I wasn't looking! Oh well, someone will find it and make good use of it. Spring is on the way, or so I am being told, and long sleeves will not be needed much longer!
The shelter for tonight is caged in to protect us against the bears! Until the last few years all park shelters were caged when park management learned that people were feeding the bears through the chain link fence. Stupidity still reigns supreme, even in the woods. This eventually led to the removal of the cages, and this is the only one remaining.
"All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost" -J.R.R. Tolkien
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Waiting out the rain!
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Destination: Tri Corner Knob Shelter
Starting Location: Pecks Corner Shelter
Today's Miles: 5.20 Trip Miles: 210.52
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Started with the intention of doing 13+ miles but gave that up when I got here and it started to rain. Had a snack, settled in and waited til time to to cook dinner. Someone woke me up and asked if I could move over a one space so the three of them could be together. They apologized for waking me but I told I had to get up any way and fix dinner. Group of four a little after dark.
"All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost" -J.R.R. Tolkien
Destination: Tri Corner Knob Shelter
Starting Location: Pecks Corner Shelter
Today's Miles: 5.20 Trip Miles: 210.52
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Started with the intention of doing 13+ miles but gave that up when I got here and it started to rain. Had a snack, settled in and waited til time to to cook dinner. Someone woke me up and asked if I could move over a one space so the three of them could be together. They apologized for waking me but I told I had to get up any way and fix dinner. Group of four a little after dark.
"All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost" -J.R.R. Tolkien
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Destination: Pecks Corner Shelter
Starting Location: Ice Water Springs shelter
Today's Miles: 7.40 Trip Miles: 205.32
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Today's hike was tough, I guess because I went to bed without dinner last night. I took Charlies Bunion side trail for the view. A day hiker there offered me some summer sausage, cheese and a piece of great bread. Tasted good!
Met PrayerWalker there. I had read dome of her journal online. We hiked together for a while. The gang showed up at the shelter and spent the night.
"All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost" -J.R.R. Tolkien
Destination: Pecks Corner Shelter
Starting Location: Ice Water Springs shelter
Today's Miles: 7.40 Trip Miles: 205.32
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Today's hike was tough, I guess because I went to bed without dinner last night. I took Charlies Bunion side trail for the view. A day hiker there offered me some summer sausage, cheese and a piece of great bread. Tasted good!
Met PrayerWalker there. I had read dome of her journal online. We hiked together for a while. The gang showed up at the shelter and spent the night.
"All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost" -J.R.R. Tolkien
Monday, April 15, 2013
Happy Tax Day!
Monday, April 15, 2013
Destination: Ice Water Springs shelter
Starting Location: Gatlinburg
Today's Miles: 10.60 Trip Miles: 197.92
Had breakfast Buffet @ Bennett's. Good food. Back to the room and packed up everything and could not find my head lamp so I picked up one at the outfitters before getting on the shuttle.
Got to clingmans Dome and on the trail around 11:30 and was on my way. Meet some hikers at Indian Gap and a little later at New Found Gap (NFG) where they were debating going into Gatlinburg. When I mentioned that I had eaten at Texas Road House she said, "I'm going to Gatlinburg!"
At NFG I saw the interp board or new versions of the ones I had seen way back in 1970. The ones that introduced me to the Appalachian Trail for the first time.
With the late start and having to make a half mile hike/climb up to the trail (that did not count) 10.6 miles put me at the shelter just after dark so it was good that I bought the new head lamp. I used the lamp the last 200 yards, just for safety. Set up and go to bed without any supper.
Found my lost head lamp rolled up in the sleeping bag, will have to send it home. The new one has a red lamp feature which other hikers will appreciate.
"All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost" -J.R.R. Tolkien
Destination: Ice Water Springs shelter
Starting Location: Gatlinburg
Today's Miles: 10.60 Trip Miles: 197.92
Had breakfast Buffet @ Bennett's. Good food. Back to the room and packed up everything and could not find my head lamp so I picked up one at the outfitters before getting on the shuttle.
Got to clingmans Dome and on the trail around 11:30 and was on my way. Meet some hikers at Indian Gap and a little later at New Found Gap (NFG) where they were debating going into Gatlinburg. When I mentioned that I had eaten at Texas Road House she said, "I'm going to Gatlinburg!"
At NFG I saw the interp board or new versions of the ones I had seen way back in 1970. The ones that introduced me to the Appalachian Trail for the first time.
With the late start and having to make a half mile hike/climb up to the trail (that did not count) 10.6 miles put me at the shelter just after dark so it was good that I bought the new head lamp. I used the lamp the last 200 yards, just for safety. Set up and go to bed without any supper.
Found my lost head lamp rolled up in the sleeping bag, will have to send it home. The new one has a red lamp feature which other hikers will appreciate.
"All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost" -J.R.R. Tolkien
Sunday, April 14, 2013
Yes, we have no wide shoes today!
Sunday, April 14, 2013
Destination: Gatlinburg
Starting Location: Gatlinburg
Today's Miles: 0.00 Trip Miles: 187.32
Decided I need another day to get all the rest I need and get chores done. Wanted to do a breakfast buffet that I had heard about but found out where it was too late so settled for KFC for lunch.
I went to NOC outfitter to look for shoes but found nothing that fit. Why is it that outfitters, and manufactures don't carry shoes and boots in wide widths? Don't they know that some hikers do have wide feet. Did my grocery shopping and later back to NOC to find thinner socks in hopes that they would help with boot.. My right foot big toenail has been banging the toe box of my current boots. It has darkened, don't know if I will lose it or not. Trimmed it really short on the day I noticed it and that did help.
Signed up form tomorrows free shuttle while I was there. Got the last slot. Went back to Texas Road House for dinner, got a big salad but could not eat all of it. Maybe it had something to do with that pint of ice cream am had eaten earlier! Planning for next few days looks like 10+ miles the first day out with a late start.
"All that is gold does not glitter,
Not all those who wander are lost" -J.R.R. Tolkien
Destination: Gatlinburg
Starting Location: Gatlinburg
Today's Miles: 0.00 Trip Miles: 187.32
Decided I need another day to get all the rest I need and get chores done. Wanted to do a breakfast buffet that I had heard about but found out where it was too late so settled for KFC for lunch.
I went to NOC outfitter to look for shoes but found nothing that fit. Why is it that outfitters, and manufactures don't carry shoes and boots in wide widths? Don't they know that some hikers do have wide feet. Did my grocery shopping and later back to NOC to find thinner socks in hopes that they would help with boot.. My right foot big toenail has been banging the toe box of my current boots. It has darkened, don't know if I will lose it or not. Trimmed it really short on the day I noticed it and that did help.
Signed up form tomorrows free shuttle while I was there. Got the last slot. Went back to Texas Road House for dinner, got a big salad but could not eat all of it. Maybe it had something to do with that pint of ice cream am had eaten earlier! Planning for next few days looks like 10+ miles the first day out with a late start.
"All that is gold does not glitter,
Not all those who wander are lost" -J.R.R. Tolkien
Saturday, April 13, 2013
Can trees move?
Saturday, April 13, 2013
Destination: Gatlinburg
Starting Location: Derrick Knob Shelter
Today's Miles: 10.10 Trip Miles: 187.32
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The highlight of the day was walking into a tree. So concentrating on the trail that I didn't see it leaning at a 45* angle across the trail. My hat's brim also blocked my view and BAM, top of my head right into the tree. Next thing I know, I'm sitting on my butt! I just sat there and laughed at myself for a minute or so. Now to get up with my pack on, not an easy task, nor is it a pretty site to watch! Fortunately, there were no spectators around!
Something seemed crazy with the altimeter. I know I did the 500 foot climb, but the altimeter said I had not, so I readjusted the altimeter to my way of thinking and continued on... right up a 500 foot climb, so, I re-readjusted the altimeter again!
Made it to Clingmens Dome an caught a ride heading for Gatlinburg for the night, sharing a room with Laura and Charlie at the Grand Prix. Saved me having to my own room so I treated them to dinner at Texas Road House. I had the ribs and they were great. Charles bought the beer. May take another zero tomorrow depending on the rides back to the trail and need more rest.
"All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost" -J.R.R. Tolkien
Destination: Gatlinburg
Starting Location: Derrick Knob Shelter
Today's Miles: 10.10 Trip Miles: 187.32
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The highlight of the day was walking into a tree. So concentrating on the trail that I didn't see it leaning at a 45* angle across the trail. My hat's brim also blocked my view and BAM, top of my head right into the tree. Next thing I know, I'm sitting on my butt! I just sat there and laughed at myself for a minute or so. Now to get up with my pack on, not an easy task, nor is it a pretty site to watch! Fortunately, there were no spectators around!
Something seemed crazy with the altimeter. I know I did the 500 foot climb, but the altimeter said I had not, so I readjusted the altimeter to my way of thinking and continued on... right up a 500 foot climb, so, I re-readjusted the altimeter again!
Made it to Clingmens Dome an caught a ride heading for Gatlinburg for the night, sharing a room with Laura and Charlie at the Grand Prix. Saved me having to my own room so I treated them to dinner at Texas Road House. I had the ribs and they were great. Charles bought the beer. May take another zero tomorrow depending on the rides back to the trail and need more rest.
"All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost" -J.R.R. Tolkien
Friday, April 12, 2013
Not the wrong way, again?
Friday, April 12, 2013
Destination: Derrick Knob Shelter
Starting Location: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Today's Miles: 11.70 Trip Miles: 177.22
Record day today with 11.7 miles! Earlier, I hiked for quite a while without seeing a white blaze and was getting ready to make a major decent and I didn't want to go down an have to climb back up. I had turned a number of times to look for a south bound blaze without seeing any. So, I turned and started south, looking for a white blaze, and saw one in about 200 yards so I turned North again and went down the mountain. It was a steep drop and required slow going.
I stopped and made dinner on the trail because I was running late and didn't want a lot to do when I get to the shelter. Got to the shelter just before dark an just had time to set my pad and sleeping bag. Good night, I'm tired!
"All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost" -J.R.R. Tolkien
Destination: Derrick Knob Shelter
Starting Location: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Today's Miles: 11.70 Trip Miles: 177.22
Record day today with 11.7 miles! Earlier, I hiked for quite a while without seeing a white blaze and was getting ready to make a major decent and I didn't want to go down an have to climb back up. I had turned a number of times to look for a south bound blaze without seeing any. So, I turned and started south, looking for a white blaze, and saw one in about 200 yards so I turned North again and went down the mountain. It was a steep drop and required slow going.
I stopped and made dinner on the trail because I was running late and didn't want a lot to do when I get to the shelter. Got to the shelter just before dark an just had time to set my pad and sleeping bag. Good night, I'm tired!
"All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost" -J.R.R. Tolkien
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Batten down the hatches!
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Destination: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Starting Location: Birch Spring Gap camping area
Today's Miles: 6.10 Trip Miles: 165.52
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Up and out early enough, but miles are hard to make. I wanted to make it to Russell Field Shelter, but a storm with high wind is coming in so I stayed at Mollies. Full house to over flowing. Rain started just after dark with winds and lightning. Lots of familiar faces here tonight.
"All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost" -J.R.R. Tolkien
Destination: Mollies Ridge Shelter
Starting Location: Birch Spring Gap camping area
Today's Miles: 6.10 Trip Miles: 165.52
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Up and out early enough, but miles are hard to make. I wanted to make it to Russell Field Shelter, but a storm with high wind is coming in so I stayed at Mollies. Full house to over flowing. Rain started just after dark with winds and lightning. Lots of familiar faces here tonight.
"All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost" -J.R.R. Tolkien
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
The Smoky Mountains National Park
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Destination: Birch Spring Gap camping area
Starting Location: Fontana Hilton
Today's Miles: 6.00 Trip Miles: 159.42
Up at sunrise and out by nine to do six miles into the GSMNP. Lots of rules to go by in the park and I knew I couldn't do 12 miles today so I settled in early. Upper 70s and 10 lbs extra food made for tough hiking so I just took my time and rested a lot.
Running low on water, I spotted a little puddle spring so I stopped an topped off. Half mile later a good stream was running across the trail. Oh, well, I didn't know! At one point I just dropped my pack, laid down on a big rock, and rested for 30 minutes. I was dead tired by the time to to start setting up the tent. This is only the second time for the tent. I did get a good night sleep and much needed rest. Note to self, "Trail food is getting really, really bad. Must do something about that!"
"All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost" -J.R.R. Tolkien
Destination: Birch Spring Gap camping area
Starting Location: Fontana Hilton
Today's Miles: 6.00 Trip Miles: 159.42
Up at sunrise and out by nine to do six miles into the GSMNP. Lots of rules to go by in the park and I knew I couldn't do 12 miles today so I settled in early. Upper 70s and 10 lbs extra food made for tough hiking so I just took my time and rested a lot.
Running low on water, I spotted a little puddle spring so I stopped an topped off. Half mile later a good stream was running across the trail. Oh, well, I didn't know! At one point I just dropped my pack, laid down on a big rock, and rested for 30 minutes. I was dead tired by the time to to start setting up the tent. This is only the second time for the tent. I did get a good night sleep and much needed rest. Note to self, "Trail food is getting really, really bad. Must do something about that!"
"All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost" -J.R.R. Tolkien
The Hilton
Tuesday, April 09, 2013
Destination: Fontana Hilton
Starting Location: Cable Gap Shelter
Today's Miles: 6.00 Trip Miles: 153.42
Up and out by 9:45. Arrived at the marina, a mile shy of the Hilton, and called the resort shuttle for a lift to P.O. and the General store for mail drop, a little resupply (mostly day snacks) and do laundry. There was a $3.00 charge per head, but it was worth it.
When I stepped on the porch, people started talking about my Jacobs Ladder episode and trying to give me a new name but I would have none of it. I just called them wimps for only doing it once! Damn, I was going the wrong way!
Messed around a little more talking with the others, breaking down my food drop, eating snacks, and then caught the shuttle back to the trail and had one more mile to do before the Hilton. A 10lb food drop can add about 20 lbs to your pack weight, or so it seems.
There was a crowd at the shelter but most tented so the shelter was nearly empty. A few hikers were heading out around 10 pm to start a night hike into Smoky Mountain National Park. Tomorrow I enter the Smokies.
"All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost" -J.R.R. Tolkien
Destination: Fontana Hilton
Starting Location: Cable Gap Shelter
Today's Miles: 6.00 Trip Miles: 153.42
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| Can you find the hidden lake? |
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| Fontana Lake |
Up and out by 9:45. Arrived at the marina, a mile shy of the Hilton, and called the resort shuttle for a lift to P.O. and the General store for mail drop, a little resupply (mostly day snacks) and do laundry. There was a $3.00 charge per head, but it was worth it.
When I stepped on the porch, people started talking about my Jacobs Ladder episode and trying to give me a new name but I would have none of it. I just called them wimps for only doing it once! Damn, I was going the wrong way!
Messed around a little more talking with the others, breaking down my food drop, eating snacks, and then caught the shuttle back to the trail and had one more mile to do before the Hilton. A 10lb food drop can add about 20 lbs to your pack weight, or so it seems.
There was a crowd at the shelter but most tented so the shelter was nearly empty. A few hikers were heading out around 10 pm to start a night hike into Smoky Mountain National Park. Tomorrow I enter the Smokies.
"All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost" -J.R.R. Tolkien
Monday, April 8, 2013
Jacobs Ladder, Part Deux
Monday, April 08, 2013
Destination: Cable Gap Shelter
Starting Location: Brown Fork Shelter
Today's Miles: 6.10 Trip Miles: 147.42
The day started out great! Up at seven, out by eight! The hiking was great! There seemed to be a lot of South Bound hikers this morning for some reason. When Jacobs Ladder was mentioned, I told them that they were not there yet and warned them of the steep climb. I continue hiking for an hour or so and then I saw some power lines that I recognized!!! Damn! Was I going the wrong way? Waited for a hiker to come by and confirm my suspicions, and damn, I was going the wrong way! I got turned around and headed north again with Jacobs Ladder ahead.
I stopped for a break and to text try to contact Tore, with whom I was to share a room tonight, left voice mail and sent a text. Up and on my way again and doubt suddenly set in... "Was I going the wrong way again?" So I stopped and waited for another to confirm or relieve my fears and before long a familiar face, Whirled Peas, came along and convinced me that I was going north. What a relief! I had planned to make it to Fontana Dam tonight, but damn, I was going the wrong way.
So,it was back up Jacobs Ladder again. But I have to say that it was much easier earlier in the day! I ended up back at Brown Fork Shelter around noon and stopped there again to have lunch and resupply my water and change my plans for making it to Fontana Dam tonight. I made it to Cable Gap Shelter, which was familiar. This is where I hiked to last year on one of my training hikes when I came east to visit family. Later, the Hart family arrived, and there were a number of new faces. Taylor had acquired a trail name, Pink Panther, for her love of pink!
So, 11.1 mile only count for 6.1 official miles but I will add five miles to my hiking credit... Damn, I was going the wrong way. But, I refuse to change my trail name!
"All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost" -J.R.R. Tolkien
Destination: Cable Gap Shelter
Starting Location: Brown Fork Shelter
Today's Miles: 6.10 Trip Miles: 147.42
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| Looking for the trail! |
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| Is easy here... |
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| But,can you find it here? Hint, look for the hiking pole scratch marks on the rocks. |
The day started out great! Up at seven, out by eight! The hiking was great! There seemed to be a lot of South Bound hikers this morning for some reason. When Jacobs Ladder was mentioned, I told them that they were not there yet and warned them of the steep climb. I continue hiking for an hour or so and then I saw some power lines that I recognized!!! Damn! Was I going the wrong way? Waited for a hiker to come by and confirm my suspicions, and damn, I was going the wrong way! I got turned around and headed north again with Jacobs Ladder ahead.
I stopped for a break and to text try to contact Tore, with whom I was to share a room tonight, left voice mail and sent a text. Up and on my way again and doubt suddenly set in... "Was I going the wrong way again?" So I stopped and waited for another to confirm or relieve my fears and before long a familiar face, Whirled Peas, came along and convinced me that I was going north. What a relief! I had planned to make it to Fontana Dam tonight, but damn, I was going the wrong way.
So,it was back up Jacobs Ladder again. But I have to say that it was much easier earlier in the day! I ended up back at Brown Fork Shelter around noon and stopped there again to have lunch and resupply my water and change my plans for making it to Fontana Dam tonight. I made it to Cable Gap Shelter, which was familiar. This is where I hiked to last year on one of my training hikes when I came east to visit family. Later, the Hart family arrived, and there were a number of new faces. Taylor had acquired a trail name, Pink Panther, for her love of pink!
So, 11.1 mile only count for 6.1 official miles but I will add five miles to my hiking credit... Damn, I was going the wrong way. But, I refuse to change my trail name!
"All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost" -J.R.R. Tolkien
Sunday, April 7, 2013
Sweet Tea, anyone!
Sunday, April 07, 2013
Destination: Brown Fork Shelter
Starting Location: Sassafrass Gap Shelter
Today's Miles: 9.00 Trip Miles: 141.32
Tough nine miles today. When I came to NC143 I found a nice picnic area with tables and a parking lot and took this opportunity to rest for a while. I was very low on water with no source near by, so when two ladies drove into the parking lot I walked over, with my best Yogi* face, and asked if they had any extra water. They did not, but they did have a big cup of sweet tea from McDonals, (you know you are in the South when people offer you sweet tea). I don't like sweet tea but gladly accept it with much appreciation, and I could use the extra calories. I drank sweet tea while growing up in Kentucky and switched to non sweetened as an adult
I meet Tore Knos, a Swede a little younger than me and he snapped the above photo of me.
The day ended with a long climb up Jacob's ladder, a seemingly strait up climb of several hundred feet elevation gain. I don't the trail maintainers here are familiar with switchbacks... And did I mention that I hate long climbs late in the day?
*Yogi - verb, to beg for food without it being obvious. Origin: The cartoon character Yogi Bear
"All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost" -J.R.R. Tolkien
Destination: Brown Fork Shelter
Starting Location: Sassafrass Gap Shelter
Today's Miles: 9.00 Trip Miles: 141.32
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| Cheoah Bald Marker. How can I calibrate my altimeter with this? |
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| Cheoah Bald |
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| Dressed for hiking! |
Tough nine miles today. When I came to NC143 I found a nice picnic area with tables and a parking lot and took this opportunity to rest for a while. I was very low on water with no source near by, so when two ladies drove into the parking lot I walked over, with my best Yogi* face, and asked if they had any extra water. They did not, but they did have a big cup of sweet tea from McDonals, (you know you are in the South when people offer you sweet tea). I don't like sweet tea but gladly accept it with much appreciation, and I could use the extra calories. I drank sweet tea while growing up in Kentucky and switched to non sweetened as an adult
I meet Tore Knos, a Swede a little younger than me and he snapped the above photo of me.
The day ended with a long climb up Jacob's ladder, a seemingly strait up climb of several hundred feet elevation gain. I don't the trail maintainers here are familiar with switchbacks... And did I mention that I hate long climbs late in the day?
*Yogi - verb, to beg for food without it being obvious. Origin: The cartoon character Yogi Bear
"All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost" -J.R.R. Tolkien
Saturday, April 6, 2013
Strait up!
Saturday, April 06, 2013
Destination: Sassafrass Gap Shelter
Starting Location: NOC
Today's Miles: 6.90 Trip Miles: 132.32
Lots of hikers stayed at the NOC ( Nantahala Outdoor Center a commercial outdoor recreation center) for hiker a fest as there would be free food and displays of gear and a free gear repair tent. I decided to move on, and the this shelter is as far as I can go. I started the day with a good breakfast at the Rivers Edge restaurant and that really helped.
Six point nine miles strait up! 3,000 feet elevation gain! Like being trapped on a down escalator and couldn't get off and had to keep going up or get swished! Good training for the Smokies, I guess.
Alone in the shelter for the night. Frenchie (Frencb/Canadian) is here but set up his tent. He said he sent 12 pounds home yesterday to lighten his pack from fifty something pounds. He had been a scout leader and the standard for them was one third of their body weight for their packs. He said he weighted one hundred and eighty pounds and figured he could carry sixty pounds. Wrong! Guess that did not account for all of the climbs and over 2,000 miles! He mentioned the heavy sandals he had been using for camp shoes and I showed him my $9.00 Walmart Crocs knockoffs that are almost weightless. He said he would most definitely find as pair, even if he had to get the name brand. This is what most hikers were using for camp shoes.
"All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost" -J.R.R. Tolkien
Destination: Sassafrass Gap Shelter
Starting Location: NOC
Today's Miles: 6.90 Trip Miles: 132.32
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| Tee shirt hiking, sure sign of spring! |
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| Another sign of spring! |
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| View of NOC from the trail. |
Lots of hikers stayed at the NOC ( Nantahala Outdoor Center a commercial outdoor recreation center) for hiker a fest as there would be free food and displays of gear and a free gear repair tent. I decided to move on, and the this shelter is as far as I can go. I started the day with a good breakfast at the Rivers Edge restaurant and that really helped.
Six point nine miles strait up! 3,000 feet elevation gain! Like being trapped on a down escalator and couldn't get off and had to keep going up or get swished! Good training for the Smokies, I guess.
Alone in the shelter for the night. Frenchie (Frencb/Canadian) is here but set up his tent. He said he sent 12 pounds home yesterday to lighten his pack from fifty something pounds. He had been a scout leader and the standard for them was one third of their body weight for their packs. He said he weighted one hundred and eighty pounds and figured he could carry sixty pounds. Wrong! Guess that did not account for all of the climbs and over 2,000 miles! He mentioned the heavy sandals he had been using for camp shoes and I showed him my $9.00 Walmart Crocs knockoffs that are almost weightless. He said he would most definitely find as pair, even if he had to get the name brand. This is what most hikers were using for camp shoes.
"All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost" -J.R.R. Tolkien
Friday, April 5, 2013
Warming up for spring!
Friday, April 05, 2013
Destination: NOC
Starting Location: Wesser Bald Shelter
Today's Miles: 5.80 Trip Miles: 125.42
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Weather turned nice today an it was 50* and sunny by the time I got to the NOC. Caught up with GloBug,et al. Lunch, laundry, phone calls, a good calorie filled dinner, an am ready for the big climb tomorrow. I will spending the night in a platform tent (free for the weekend) and watch Grizzly Man documentary. He was strange for sure. So was the documentary. We had a big fire going later and so it was late to bed.
"All that is gold does not glitter,
Not all those who wander are lost" -J.R.R. Tolkien
Destination: NOC
Starting Location: Wesser Bald Shelter
Today's Miles: 5.80 Trip Miles: 125.42
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Weather turned nice today an it was 50* and sunny by the time I got to the NOC. Caught up with GloBug,et al. Lunch, laundry, phone calls, a good calorie filled dinner, an am ready for the big climb tomorrow. I will spending the night in a platform tent (free for the weekend) and watch Grizzly Man documentary. He was strange for sure. So was the documentary. We had a big fire going later and so it was late to bed.
"All that is gold does not glitter,
Not all those who wander are lost" -J.R.R. Tolkien
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Ice forest!
Thursday, April 04, 2013
Destination: Wesser Bald Shelter
Starting Location: Wayah Bald Shelter
Today's Miles: 10.60 Trip Miles: 119.62
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Edit: For a video view of this day go to
http://www.deadlyquests.com/201
where Eric has some footage of the ice forest.
I hiked by the tent site between 10 and 11am.
Talked to some inside the one of the tents and
I remember them mentioning Mountain Man.
Didn't get away til just before 10:00 but was able to do 10.6 miles in freezing rain with iced limbs falling around me every where! A number of them sound too close and made me scramble. Highlighter was following about a hundred feet or so behind me when I heard the loud cracking sound of a large limb breaking and falling. It sounded like it was maybe 50 feet or so behind me. Highlighter said it sounded like it was just in front of him. Neither of us were able to see it. We came to what looked like the oldest shelter on the trail. I was very small and already crowed at noon. We stopped to have some lunch and Highlighter decide he was through for the day and would wait for a spot to open up as some of the people were just taking a break from the freezing rain for a while. I decided to keeping going since I was feeling good and keeping warm and dry even in this weather.
Near the Wesser Bald Tower the trail was poorly marked and I turned toward the tower and continued past down what looked like a trail but the further I went, the less it looked so. I descended about half a mile without seeing a white blaze and decided that it was an old access road for the tower that had not been used for decades. Turn around and hike back up the mountain with chunks of ice and limbs coming down all around me. Add one more mile to my credit of miles hiked! The temperature hovered around 32* all day and my new jacket seems to be working just fine in that range!
I stopped just short of the shelter to get the water I would need for the night and next morning. The shelter was full and I had to sleep on the edge at everyone's feet. No problem with that, just had to climb into my sleeping bag early because I was starting to chill. Warmed up quickly and was nice and comfortable and dry!
"All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost" -J.R.R. Tolkien
Destination: Wesser Bald Shelter
Starting Location: Wayah Bald Shelter
Today's Miles: 10.60 Trip Miles: 119.62
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
Edit: For a video view of this day go to
http://www.deadlyquests.com/201
where Eric has some footage of the ice forest.
I hiked by the tent site between 10 and 11am.
Talked to some inside the one of the tents and
I remember them mentioning Mountain Man.
Didn't get away til just before 10:00 but was able to do 10.6 miles in freezing rain with iced limbs falling around me every where! A number of them sound too close and made me scramble. Highlighter was following about a hundred feet or so behind me when I heard the loud cracking sound of a large limb breaking and falling. It sounded like it was maybe 50 feet or so behind me. Highlighter said it sounded like it was just in front of him. Neither of us were able to see it. We came to what looked like the oldest shelter on the trail. I was very small and already crowed at noon. We stopped to have some lunch and Highlighter decide he was through for the day and would wait for a spot to open up as some of the people were just taking a break from the freezing rain for a while. I decided to keeping going since I was feeling good and keeping warm and dry even in this weather.
Near the Wesser Bald Tower the trail was poorly marked and I turned toward the tower and continued past down what looked like a trail but the further I went, the less it looked so. I descended about half a mile without seeing a white blaze and decided that it was an old access road for the tower that had not been used for decades. Turn around and hike back up the mountain with chunks of ice and limbs coming down all around me. Add one more mile to my credit of miles hiked! The temperature hovered around 32* all day and my new jacket seems to be working just fine in that range!
I stopped just short of the shelter to get the water I would need for the night and next morning. The shelter was full and I had to sleep on the edge at everyone's feet. No problem with that, just had to climb into my sleeping bag early because I was starting to chill. Warmed up quickly and was nice and comfortable and dry!
"All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost" -J.R.R. Tolkien
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