Apparently 22-28 mpd is not fast enough pace to make the Glencliff Post Office where my cold weather gear is. That being said I've worked out a plan to take 2 days off in Portland rather than that Podunk town. Heh. Podunk...was a road and location I passed last night in Vermont. It exists and I have photos. Crossed over into Hannover NH this morning and will be headed on to the extraction point at Lyme NH.
Lots of things to do to gear up for the last 420 miles. Many involve nothing. Odd huh? My foot is still hurting pretty bad and I wonder if its a stress fracture or something but we shall see if a few days off makes it better. If not well... I can have it xrayed in a month.
I don't want to say that Civilization is dirty but oye does it reek. I mean when I walked out of the woods this morning I noticed the stench of exhaust and various other nasties. This is odd considering how fowl I smell right now. This is an unrelated paragraph that I could omit but why?
Vermont was a muddy state with a lacking of bugs. It was nice to meet a whole bunch of people who were starting the "long trail" from one end of Vt to the other but I just kinda chuckled when they asked if I was a thru-hiker (same terminology for both trails) and said "Yarp. Except I'm walking the longer trail." Ah arrogance it tastes so much like granola bars covered in yogurt.
I'm excited for a break. I'm excited to be 1 state away from Maine and only 420 miles left to go. A B-day to celebrate this weekend. And possible beach time in So.Po if things work out. Ill see about writing a bit more when I get to Joe's and can reflect a bit more without time limits.
Be well.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Cookie Monster?
When I started to speaking some 29ish years ago, "cookie monster" and "big bird" were a few of my first words (if my memory serves.) This came to mind today as I was jogging along the mountainside and a feeling elation and mischief came over me. I was reminded of a photo my mother has where I was sitting in my fathers lap with the most evil looking grin on my face. Its obvious from that photo I would do some mischievous deeds. The lady behind the counter didn't pick up on my grin due to all this facial fluff and she couldn't make out my joy due to the larger than life counter she sat behind. The cause of my merriment was my mid-calf coating of thick black mud. It was a good time in the rather wet MA mountains. There were boardwalks thru much of the extremely dense mud fields and I would do a little jog and hop to the next set of planks. Then it struck me why do I care if I get muddy? I'm getting new shoes today... so I ran jumped (high rather than far) and ker-ploped into a rather juicy batch of mountain mud. The cool glop oozed into my shoes and covered the legs up to mid calf. I continued jumping in the pasty stuff all the way down the mountain and imitating the 'bog of eternal stench' as I went It was fun.
I'm staying in Dalton tonight (Shamrock inn) to get the laundry done and get re outfitted for the final 620 miles. I thought about pushing on but realized I would have a hard time getting a room on the 4th and will probably just spend the holiday in the woods of Vermont. I'm still walking alone but camping at sites with lots of people (mostly day/weekend hikers) that I'm having a good time helping out and showing a few 'old dog' hiker tricks.
My skull is still a little battered from the Hailstorm that occurred here yesterday. After a lovely day with cool breezes a thunder storm rolled in and instead of lightening it thew thumbnail sized hail at my melon. At first I threw my arm over my head to cover myself but realized I was still holding a trekking pole (can you say lightening rod?) and figured that was a bad idea. It pummeled me thru my sunhat and I eventually had to take out my 1/2 inch thick sleeping pad and put that over my head to protect myself from the stuff. After it was all over I'm a little tender on the noggin but it was a neat experience. I made some ice-tea with the ice I collected and the little ice tea packets I had. Mmmm.
Time to go get NEW SHOES! So for all of you who have shoe fetishes or just like them be happy that I now know what joy you have in buying these things. Of course my joy is mostly because I wont have to wash those old mud caked ones off but regardless.
Be well young padawans
I'm staying in Dalton tonight (Shamrock inn) to get the laundry done and get re outfitted for the final 620 miles. I thought about pushing on but realized I would have a hard time getting a room on the 4th and will probably just spend the holiday in the woods of Vermont. I'm still walking alone but camping at sites with lots of people (mostly day/weekend hikers) that I'm having a good time helping out and showing a few 'old dog' hiker tricks.
My skull is still a little battered from the Hailstorm that occurred here yesterday. After a lovely day with cool breezes a thunder storm rolled in and instead of lightening it thew thumbnail sized hail at my melon. At first I threw my arm over my head to cover myself but realized I was still holding a trekking pole (can you say lightening rod?) and figured that was a bad idea. It pummeled me thru my sunhat and I eventually had to take out my 1/2 inch thick sleeping pad and put that over my head to protect myself from the stuff. After it was all over I'm a little tender on the noggin but it was a neat experience. I made some ice-tea with the ice I collected and the little ice tea packets I had. Mmmm.
Time to go get NEW SHOES! So for all of you who have shoe fetishes or just like them be happy that I now know what joy you have in buying these things. Of course my joy is mostly because I wont have to wash those old mud caked ones off but regardless.
Be well young padawans
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Ninja Blog
No round of email for this one (sneaky ninjas!)
I have arrived in Salisbury CT and will be moving onto Dalton MA (ETA 3.5 days.)
Last night I helped the Sharon/Cornwall volunteer fireman/emt's navigate and carry gear as they med-evacuated a guy off Sharon Mountain. Apparently the guy was allergic to tree's/mold but was leading some kind of boys outing. Oye. They tore up the trail pretty good getting a 4 wheeler in to get him out after he was stable. The Volunteers were all also grateful for the excess candy I was packing as they had to leave before dinner to do a big climb (and they were all pretty big guys.)
After that I camped in the woods near another group of "troubled teens" on an training expedition and gave them my take on hiking and being a good person. Basically trying to set a good impression on what they are doing and be a positive role model more than their 3 guides. Fun in the woods.
Back to hiking talk to you all when I get another chance.
I have arrived in Salisbury CT and will be moving onto Dalton MA (ETA 3.5 days.)
Last night I helped the Sharon/Cornwall volunteer fireman/emt's navigate and carry gear as they med-evacuated a guy off Sharon Mountain. Apparently the guy was allergic to tree's/mold but was leading some kind of boys outing. Oye. They tore up the trail pretty good getting a 4 wheeler in to get him out after he was stable. The Volunteers were all also grateful for the excess candy I was packing as they had to leave before dinner to do a big climb (and they were all pretty big guys.)
After that I camped in the woods near another group of "troubled teens" on an training expedition and gave them my take on hiking and being a good person. Basically trying to set a good impression on what they are doing and be a positive role model more than their 3 guides. Fun in the woods.
Back to hiking talk to you all when I get another chance.
Friday, June 27, 2008
HELLO NEW ENGLAND!
I'm back in the North East! Last night I crossed the NY-CT border and spent the night yet again illegally camped along the at. Well I guess my saying of "its only illegal if you get caught" still holds true. The guy I was walking with, Noah-John, is taking 3 days off to go to a Pearl Jam concert and soak in a hot tub so its back to walking solo for the time being. I was up at 5:20 am this morning and hiked to Kent, CT by 11am. I was going to push it another 10 miles but lo and behold...Mr Hall is camping in this town tonight so its time to take a half day. Its feels so sinful like in school when those teacher's workshop days happened. Yippee!
After having two of Noah's friends out on the trail hiking (and breaking on the trail) I can safely say that its a good thing for people to only plan on doing Katahdin with me. Noah's friends are marathon runners and extreme sports people and they were pretty worse for wear after 2-4 days each. Their presence however has had me renamed: "Sir Bacon". This name stems from the Sir Francis Bacon (Noah thought he was a scientist. Oops the real bacon was a philosophisor I think) and that I've been consuming those "real" bacon bits packets like they are going out of business...two unrelated reasons but they work. To the end of eating bacon almost daily my resting heart rate is 48 and the heart rate after a 4 mile jog up 1000ft elevation was 80.
There are just over 722 miles left to the end point so my expected ETA to climb for Kathahdin is going to be 8/9/08. That is a Saturday and anyone who summit with me or ahead of me is welcome. I may have to hike to the summit in my renaissance costume since I have a fancy new name (and I don't think its ever been done before.) I would mention that if your going to camp in Baxter State Park you might want to get reservations soon as they tend to fill up pretty quickly in July and August.
A few people I met yesterday have also inspired me to look into this "Ironman" challenge. After this little walk is over perhaps Ill start looking into/training for that.
Well I need to be off the library closes in 5 min. Be well and see you all soon!
After having two of Noah's friends out on the trail hiking (and breaking on the trail) I can safely say that its a good thing for people to only plan on doing Katahdin with me. Noah's friends are marathon runners and extreme sports people and they were pretty worse for wear after 2-4 days each. Their presence however has had me renamed: "Sir Bacon". This name stems from the Sir Francis Bacon (Noah thought he was a scientist. Oops the real bacon was a philosophisor I think) and that I've been consuming those "real" bacon bits packets like they are going out of business...two unrelated reasons but they work. To the end of eating bacon almost daily my resting heart rate is 48 and the heart rate after a 4 mile jog up 1000ft elevation was 80.
There are just over 722 miles left to the end point so my expected ETA to climb for Kathahdin is going to be 8/9/08. That is a Saturday and anyone who summit with me or ahead of me is welcome. I may have to hike to the summit in my renaissance costume since I have a fancy new name (and I don't think its ever been done before.) I would mention that if your going to camp in Baxter State Park you might want to get reservations soon as they tend to fill up pretty quickly in July and August.
A few people I met yesterday have also inspired me to look into this "Ironman" challenge. After this little walk is over perhaps Ill start looking into/training for that.
Well I need to be off the library closes in 5 min. Be well and see you all soon!
Monday, June 16, 2008
Anyone have a sweater? Its a bit chilly out.
I cant express how glad I am that the heat wave has broken and we are now only seeing temps in the high 80's. Even though I did break my record for distance on the day when it was 96F with 95% humidity, you could not pay me enough to re walk those 36 miles (11am-3am walk.) The trail in PA has been decidedly easy for the first 200 miles or so and just yesterday did I see the first of the infamous rocks. 40 miles left in this state and the tootsies are a little tender but this little part will soon be over.
This message is coming to you from the town of Palmerton, PA. About 1 mile off the trail its a very nice little town (way better than Boiling Springs, PA but without the candy shop.) Noah-John and I have acquired a room at the Palmerton Hotel and its probably the nicest I've been in so far. It probably has more square footage than my last apartment and very nice furniture, too bad its wasted on hikers no?
I managed to catch that lovely German we call "Rhino". You remember the one who nearly burned my foot off some 800 miles back with the mystery goo. I had been walking with him for nearly a month to make his b-day party only to bail on the "kitty rescue 911 mission". He is in great spirits as usual and we had a bonfire last night to celebrate.
To be added to the privy hall of fame are those with spiders in them that are the size of a credit card. No that's not an exaggeration. The first time I saw one I was going in to do my thing only to look up and see the spider from lord of the rings looking down at me. Not being brave (nor having a magic dagger) I decided I would rather go in the woods than in that dark cave of a privy (I have photos of the creature.) The second time I saw the same type of spider it was in a more modern privy at a campground. It was lurking dead center behind the toilet, probably waiting for some small child to come by so it could leap out and drain the pod-ling.
I'm trying to come up with good stories as I know they have happened but I'm actually having a really bad migraine headache right now and cant think very well. I guess Ill keep it short and get back to you next time I am able...that will probably be in NJ, NY, CT, or MA as the next states to come up in the next 2 weeks or so.
Looks like rain... I was in need of a shower. Everyone should pretend you have fetishes and make with massages in homage to the abuse my feet will take over the next 2 days. Talk to you soon.
This message is coming to you from the town of Palmerton, PA. About 1 mile off the trail its a very nice little town (way better than Boiling Springs, PA but without the candy shop.) Noah-John and I have acquired a room at the Palmerton Hotel and its probably the nicest I've been in so far. It probably has more square footage than my last apartment and very nice furniture, too bad its wasted on hikers no?
I managed to catch that lovely German we call "Rhino". You remember the one who nearly burned my foot off some 800 miles back with the mystery goo. I had been walking with him for nearly a month to make his b-day party only to bail on the "kitty rescue 911 mission". He is in great spirits as usual and we had a bonfire last night to celebrate.
To be added to the privy hall of fame are those with spiders in them that are the size of a credit card. No that's not an exaggeration. The first time I saw one I was going in to do my thing only to look up and see the spider from lord of the rings looking down at me. Not being brave (nor having a magic dagger) I decided I would rather go in the woods than in that dark cave of a privy (I have photos of the creature.) The second time I saw the same type of spider it was in a more modern privy at a campground. It was lurking dead center behind the toilet, probably waiting for some small child to come by so it could leap out and drain the pod-ling.
I'm trying to come up with good stories as I know they have happened but I'm actually having a really bad migraine headache right now and cant think very well. I guess Ill keep it short and get back to you next time I am able...that will probably be in NJ, NY, CT, or MA as the next states to come up in the next 2 weeks or so.
Looks like rain... I was in need of a shower. Everyone should pretend you have fetishes and make with massages in homage to the abuse my feet will take over the next 2 days. Talk to you soon.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Psychological half-way
I made it to Harper's Ferry, WV last night about 9 pm after a very exciting and scary day. This town is considered the psychological half-way point because just prior to it you cross the 1000 mile mark and its home to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) which does it all regarding the AT. I'm taking a zero day here in town to heal up the blisters, take in this town, and avoid the next thunder cell coming thru. There will also be a little recuperation from yesterdays excitement which went a little something like this.
Noah-John and I were moving along late in the afternoon yesterday. Its was about 85 degrees out with humidity you could cut with a knife. The kind you get just before it rains, but mother nature was only doing occasional showers to make the rocks wet and that much more entertaining. We had just finished the "roller coaster" a 14 mile stretch of constant 500ft ascents and descents over horrible rocky/rooty terrain, and now we had about 13-15 miles of ridge line before Harpers Ferry. Then the storm cell materializes around us. The wind goes from calm to what I guess to be 40 mph. A light fog rolls in just before the COLD downpour that soaks me (it was refreshing after you get over the cold) and in a matter of seconds the trail is more or less a stream. Then comes the light show and orchestra to accompany it, my favorite thunder and lightening. Nothing makes you feel more insignificant than hiking in a natural event like that. Seeing as I'm on yet another ridge line I pick up the pace to see if I can get down and find shelter soon because the strikes are 1-12 seconds between flash and sound not a good place to be. As I'm jogging along, constantly timing the lightening and thunder (silently hoping they get further away), and we had a strike in front of us. I saw the flash, felt the ground shake, and thrown on my butt. There was about 3 seconds of dazed before I realized what was going on and turned around to see Noah-John shaking off the daze too. I'm guessing that's what people who get hit by those "flash-bang grenades" used by police feel like. Anyway it was WAY too close. Down over the ridge edge we went and sat under a rock overhang next to a friendly bee hive about 20 min (the bees were friendly and stayed inside.) Most exciting and scary part of yesterday. We later heard thunder and jogged 6 miles to Harper's ferry to outrun that cell, only slowing to go around the wind debris (6-8" trees and their limbs.)
After it was all done I watched the 11pm news last night and the cell that came thru had 64mph gusts and shut down large sections of the highway due to rain and wind. Damage due to blow downs was pretty impressive, but not nearly as much as being in the middle of it. OYE!
The fun never stops! So halfway done! I'm taking a day to rest up and then head into MD & PA tomorrow and the next days. I have a few packages to collect here and need to get another pair of shoes as the rocks yesterday destroyed my soles. Perhaps I'll try to even up the farmers tan today as its supposed to be in the mid 90's for the rest of the week.
Time for me to be out and about. Take care and I'll keep you all informed about my interesting adventures.
Noah-John and I were moving along late in the afternoon yesterday. Its was about 85 degrees out with humidity you could cut with a knife. The kind you get just before it rains, but mother nature was only doing occasional showers to make the rocks wet and that much more entertaining. We had just finished the "roller coaster" a 14 mile stretch of constant 500ft ascents and descents over horrible rocky/rooty terrain, and now we had about 13-15 miles of ridge line before Harpers Ferry. Then the storm cell materializes around us. The wind goes from calm to what I guess to be 40 mph. A light fog rolls in just before the COLD downpour that soaks me (it was refreshing after you get over the cold) and in a matter of seconds the trail is more or less a stream. Then comes the light show and orchestra to accompany it, my favorite thunder and lightening. Nothing makes you feel more insignificant than hiking in a natural event like that. Seeing as I'm on yet another ridge line I pick up the pace to see if I can get down and find shelter soon because the strikes are 1-12 seconds between flash and sound not a good place to be. As I'm jogging along, constantly timing the lightening and thunder (silently hoping they get further away), and we had a strike in front of us. I saw the flash, felt the ground shake, and thrown on my butt. There was about 3 seconds of dazed before I realized what was going on and turned around to see Noah-John shaking off the daze too. I'm guessing that's what people who get hit by those "flash-bang grenades" used by police feel like. Anyway it was WAY too close. Down over the ridge edge we went and sat under a rock overhang next to a friendly bee hive about 20 min (the bees were friendly and stayed inside.) Most exciting and scary part of yesterday. We later heard thunder and jogged 6 miles to Harper's ferry to outrun that cell, only slowing to go around the wind debris (6-8" trees and their limbs.)
After it was all done I watched the 11pm news last night and the cell that came thru had 64mph gusts and shut down large sections of the highway due to rain and wind. Damage due to blow downs was pretty impressive, but not nearly as much as being in the middle of it. OYE!
The fun never stops! So halfway done! I'm taking a day to rest up and then head into MD & PA tomorrow and the next days. I have a few packages to collect here and need to get another pair of shoes as the rocks yesterday destroyed my soles. Perhaps I'll try to even up the farmers tan today as its supposed to be in the mid 90's for the rest of the week.
Time for me to be out and about. Take care and I'll keep you all informed about my interesting adventures.
Monday, June 2, 2008
Hitch Hiking...nah I would just prefer to walk
I arrived in Front Royal, VA today about 10am. Me and Noah-John managed to walk the entire Shenandoah National Park (about 100 miles) in under 96hrs. We tried to hitch-hike the 4.5 miles into town but no one was feeling friendly to the two criminal looking folks carrying backpacks. We hoofed or shooed it into town where we are now. I'm actually doing laundry in anticipation of leaving tomorrow after buying a new set of shoes. Apparently they wear out. Who would have thought. We anticipate 2 days to cover the 52 miles to Harper's Ferry, WV. That will make me at the unofficial halfway point and headquarters of the ATC who maintains the trial. So if you feel so inclined on Thursday night have one of your favorite beverages to my health.
The park was like Disney Land for hikers. One of the days I ate in restaurants for every meal (albeit Aramark price gouging it was interesting) and I shall call that day of hiking "Gluttony." I saw a momma bear and cub last night and managed to get some really good photos of them with relatively little danger to myself.
I have been thinking and talking with Noah-John on the topic of our friends and family that want to hike with us on the AT for awhile. I suspect the best option for this would be to summit Khatahdin with me in August. I don't want to discourage people from hiking with me but I know the conditioning it takes to get to the 20-30 miles per day I am currently doing and even if I slowed way down the remaining parts of the AT (VT/NH/ME) are more challenging that what I have already done and I don't want people to get hurt trying to keep up. I would however love to have people walk up to the top of the last mountain if they want to. Ill keep you posted on the date of this climb when it nears.
Just so you all know. Hiking the AT is mostly about the people, not so much the hiking and scenery. I have considered quitting many times but didn't because of the amazing people. The second most entertaining thing for me has been the privies and here's why (some photos may follow in my next memory card):
Top 4 privies:
#4: Sending Parcels to me in a privy? Some of them have mailboxes. I had no idea USPS delivered to the shitters in the woods. Wonder what that would look like. Aaron Nevells, C/O privy near shelter without roof, Somewhere, VA 21456. The real reason for the boxes is to store TP, but since you carry your own all the time they are always empty. Oh well perhaps next time.
#3: Wheel chair accessible privy. Oh yes 5 miles from anything over root and rock infested land they built a privy with a wheel chair ramp and handicap handrails inside. Apparently someone complained that they were not accessible....and the privy is still in accessible but if somehow someone in a wheelchair gets airdropped into that part of the woods (within 3 feet of the privy) they could use it. The handle bars in the privy can also be used to brace yourself if you have eaten some bad spam and need to put a hurting on the privy as a hiker...too much info I know.
#2: Overmountain privy was 3 walls. The 4th (the way you faced) looked out over a gorgeous mountain side to the east (sunrise). One of the best views so far was from a toilet...odd but true.
#1: There was a privy which had 4 walls and all you could see was people's calfs. I went in there and was amazed when I realized that someone had scribed the entire Dr. Seuss Book "the Lorax" on the 4 interior walls. I had a great time but can only imagine what the casual onlooker thought when they saw my calfs rotating around the inside of the privy. Best privy experience yet.
OK, I need to go check the laundry. I know there are a few typo's in this posting but I wanted to get it done before Noah & I go to a double header movie tonight (Iron Man & Indy). I'm prepared to be amazed after a few months without movies.
Hope you are all well.
The park was like Disney Land for hikers. One of the days I ate in restaurants for every meal (albeit Aramark price gouging it was interesting) and I shall call that day of hiking "Gluttony." I saw a momma bear and cub last night and managed to get some really good photos of them with relatively little danger to myself.
I have been thinking and talking with Noah-John on the topic of our friends and family that want to hike with us on the AT for awhile. I suspect the best option for this would be to summit Khatahdin with me in August. I don't want to discourage people from hiking with me but I know the conditioning it takes to get to the 20-30 miles per day I am currently doing and even if I slowed way down the remaining parts of the AT (VT/NH/ME) are more challenging that what I have already done and I don't want people to get hurt trying to keep up. I would however love to have people walk up to the top of the last mountain if they want to. Ill keep you posted on the date of this climb when it nears.
Just so you all know. Hiking the AT is mostly about the people, not so much the hiking and scenery. I have considered quitting many times but didn't because of the amazing people. The second most entertaining thing for me has been the privies and here's why (some photos may follow in my next memory card):
Top 4 privies:
#4: Sending Parcels to me in a privy? Some of them have mailboxes. I had no idea USPS delivered to the shitters in the woods. Wonder what that would look like. Aaron Nevells, C/O privy near shelter without roof, Somewhere, VA 21456. The real reason for the boxes is to store TP, but since you carry your own all the time they are always empty. Oh well perhaps next time.
#3: Wheel chair accessible privy. Oh yes 5 miles from anything over root and rock infested land they built a privy with a wheel chair ramp and handicap handrails inside. Apparently someone complained that they were not accessible....and the privy is still in accessible but if somehow someone in a wheelchair gets airdropped into that part of the woods (within 3 feet of the privy) they could use it. The handle bars in the privy can also be used to brace yourself if you have eaten some bad spam and need to put a hurting on the privy as a hiker...too much info I know.
#2: Overmountain privy was 3 walls. The 4th (the way you faced) looked out over a gorgeous mountain side to the east (sunrise). One of the best views so far was from a toilet...odd but true.
#1: There was a privy which had 4 walls and all you could see was people's calfs. I went in there and was amazed when I realized that someone had scribed the entire Dr. Seuss Book "the Lorax" on the 4 interior walls. I had a great time but can only imagine what the casual onlooker thought when they saw my calfs rotating around the inside of the privy. Best privy experience yet.
OK, I need to go check the laundry. I know there are a few typo's in this posting but I wanted to get it done before Noah & I go to a double header movie tonight (Iron Man & Indy). I'm prepared to be amazed after a few months without movies.
Hope you are all well.
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