The summit on 08/09/08 was a grand day. 4 friends came up to climb the mountain and we had a pretty good time in the 10 hours of doing so. The rennisance costumes afforded us many interesting questions and comments as well as some grand photos.
I don't think I can adequetly explain the feeling of when I first saw the cluster of people around the summit. Many photos were had and then due to it being foggy and cold we headed back down the hill.
I suspect the warnings about only carrying low weight up the mountain are for those not in shape. As it is I carried about 25lbs of costume up with an additional 10lbs of food/water/misc. I came out of it perfectly fine...we shall just attribute my oddness to the other parts of the trip :)
A big thanks to all that helped in this trip and came out for the big final. Ill be shipping out photos as soon as I can go through them and cull. There is something like 2k photos.
People wanting to contact me: 149 Cape RD, Standish ME 04084 or 207-602-1443.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Friday, August 8, 2008
Embracing the Zero mile days
A day in town waiting for the sunshine. I have eaten at the same sandwich shop I always do when I come to this town. Its a little Italian deli called Orvieto. Should ever find yourself up here I would recommend the place for great prices, and better food. The owner is really nice too and as odd as it seems when you know me and my anti-advertisement attitude I have been telling people for about 1k miles about that sub shop. mmmmm. I may have to go back tonight.
I spent the last few hours catching up with Lisa, a cousin that grew up with in Stonington, ME but have not seen in probably 25 years. Its interesting how the old connections leave you with so much in common...even if I do look like a hardened criminal in my skully fleece hat :)
In talking with someone from the Katahdin Press I found out that Millinocket is working on a sort of northern Maine trail fest for mid September. That's amazingly cool since this is the northern terminus and there seems to be a lot of support for us hikers up in this area. I'm amazed at how many people have not taken advantage of the former Governors (1920's?) gift of "Baxter state park."
Its still raining which is fine. Hopefully tomorrow will be the partly cloudy with chance of rain that the park predicted. I'm looking forward to it and for the guys to show up in a few hours. The journey will not be completely over as I hope to get together a 'best of' photos to burn cd's of them for any that are intersted.
Well I guess I should start the mile or so walk to where I said I would meet the guys. A quick jaunt in the rain. The feet are feeling much better but the replacement shoes didn't arrive so the trek up the mountain will be in the cursed boots I have. C'est la vi, no?
"Smile it confuses people"
:)
I spent the last few hours catching up with Lisa, a cousin that grew up with in Stonington, ME but have not seen in probably 25 years. Its interesting how the old connections leave you with so much in common...even if I do look like a hardened criminal in my skully fleece hat :)
In talking with someone from the Katahdin Press I found out that Millinocket is working on a sort of northern Maine trail fest for mid September. That's amazingly cool since this is the northern terminus and there seems to be a lot of support for us hikers up in this area. I'm amazed at how many people have not taken advantage of the former Governors (1920's?) gift of "Baxter state park."
Its still raining which is fine. Hopefully tomorrow will be the partly cloudy with chance of rain that the park predicted. I'm looking forward to it and for the guys to show up in a few hours. The journey will not be completely over as I hope to get together a 'best of' photos to burn cd's of them for any that are intersted.
Well I guess I should start the mile or so walk to where I said I would meet the guys. A quick jaunt in the rain. The feet are feeling much better but the replacement shoes didn't arrive so the trek up the mountain will be in the cursed boots I have. C'est la vi, no?
"Smile it confuses people"
:)
Thursday, August 7, 2008
The roots of the mountain
Well I made it to the base of the mountain where I spent last night. I was actually going to summit twice, once today with Noah-John and again on saturday but decided not to go up today. I should have never told Noah I would catch him because it has left me a little disabled. The story: I saw Noah on west Avery mountain at sunset (gorgeous) and it was a bit surreal. He then informed me that he was going to jump ahead via car. I told him I would catch up making up the 80+ mile difference in what is rumored as the hardest state. Well, I did catch him but due to a new pair of unbroken in shoes I will be loosing another toenail and have some major healing to do on my left big toe. Perhaps those 2 (nearly 3) 30+ mile days were a bad idea, but it was worth it. I made it to the campground and it was good to catch up with him.
As it is I have talked with Baxter state park and all of the Maine residence passes for 8/9/08 are taken. The park opens at 5am (I hope to be there at opening) so that we can get a space at Katahdin stream campground. It looks to be a partly sunny/cloudy day that day. The skuttlebut is that it would take me about 3-5 hours to do this summit alone, but Ill be burdened down with a very heavy midevil costume so more than likely it will take me about the same time as everyone else and I suspect the hike to be between 8-12hrs. So Start time of about 6am would put us back at katahdin stream campground around 4-6pm. Hope this helps for anyone hoping to show up before or after. Ill have the cellphone on over the next day or two (207-776-6306 - I think thats the # or its 207-766-6306) so give me a call.
Good times. Its amazing how fast it went by. Its about time for me to go meet a cousin who lives in town that I have not seen for many, many years. Expect a visit from the criminal looking mountain man very soon. Mwhaaaahahhaaa....
Smile
-Aaron
As it is I have talked with Baxter state park and all of the Maine residence passes for 8/9/08 are taken. The park opens at 5am (I hope to be there at opening) so that we can get a space at Katahdin stream campground. It looks to be a partly sunny/cloudy day that day. The skuttlebut is that it would take me about 3-5 hours to do this summit alone, but Ill be burdened down with a very heavy midevil costume so more than likely it will take me about the same time as everyone else and I suspect the hike to be between 8-12hrs. So Start time of about 6am would put us back at katahdin stream campground around 4-6pm. Hope this helps for anyone hoping to show up before or after. Ill have the cellphone on over the next day or two (207-776-6306 - I think thats the # or its 207-766-6306) so give me a call.
Good times. Its amazing how fast it went by. Its about time for me to go meet a cousin who lives in town that I have not seen for many, many years. Expect a visit from the criminal looking mountain man very soon. Mwhaaaahahhaaa....
Smile
-Aaron
Thursday, July 31, 2008
The Forks, ME
I'm about 2 miles north of the Kennebec River on route 201. There is a lodge/outdoor center here that caters to rafters and hikers. Its quite a lovely place and the prices are very nice. I would have kept going except for my feet hurting again. I should arrive in Monson, ME in about 1-2 days and then its only a few more to the final destination.
Yesterday I spent walking across the Bigelow Mountains and found Noah-John (the guy I had been walking with) at the summit of one of them. It was surreal and he wasnt going on much further since he is skipping ahead by car today. I walked another mile to the next peak and we spend a few min yelling to each other from a mile away. I now wish I took a video on my camera of that event. I cant find any other hikers to share my room so Ill have to make due with the 4 beds and 8 sets of towels and my own bath. The rough life. All for the low price of $32.
Well I have to go finish laundry so I can smell pretty for the bugs and mud.
Yesterday I spent walking across the Bigelow Mountains and found Noah-John (the guy I had been walking with) at the summit of one of them. It was surreal and he wasnt going on much further since he is skipping ahead by car today. I walked another mile to the next peak and we spend a few min yelling to each other from a mile away. I now wish I took a video on my camera of that event. I cant find any other hikers to share my room so Ill have to make due with the 4 beds and 8 sets of towels and my own bath. The rough life. All for the low price of $32.
Well I have to go finish laundry so I can smell pretty for the bugs and mud.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Mt. Katahdin ETA: 8/9/08
I'm actually in Kingfield Maine as I write this at the friend of my grandfathers who is kind enough to let me use the interweb. I had planned on visiting David & Ruth in a few days the timetable was bumped up due to various things (including me not wanting to go over saddleback in a T-storm.) I'll get back to it tomorrow at rangely around 7am. 220 miles and 11 days to do it in (the 12 day is to summit). I invite anyone who wants to come to the top or the mountain to do so as I would love to see any of you.
The other hikers tell me 20 mpd cant be done. Of course this makes me want it more and push that much harder. I don't really care that the mud is sometimes knee deep, it kinda reminds me of those years between 3 & 16 when I went claming for a living. And the miles/terrain whatever its home turf. So to those naysayers poo-poo on you. Ill get up at 4:30am and walk until 8:30pm if I have to (and I have had to so far for 3 days) just to prove them wrong. A little sadist satisfaction.
Hopefully the hardest part is over. I did have to climb up a mountainside where there was a rock slide near andover. The rock/mudslide had taken out 3 switchbacks and left a bare/slick ravine that I didn't want to scale. So I went around and climbed up a mossy and rooty mountainside 80ft or so to get over that little inconvenience. The mud has been fun. Singing "I love mud" as well as dancing in the stuff and imitating the bog of eternal stench whenever the sucking sound of pulling my knee/calf/foot arises.
I'm not sure if Ill get another stint on the computer between now and then so if I don't talk to you though this again you'll probably see the scary hippie known as "sir bacon" soon enough. Be well and safe. See you at Katahdin or shortly thereafter.
The other hikers tell me 20 mpd cant be done. Of course this makes me want it more and push that much harder. I don't really care that the mud is sometimes knee deep, it kinda reminds me of those years between 3 & 16 when I went claming for a living. And the miles/terrain whatever its home turf. So to those naysayers poo-poo on you. Ill get up at 4:30am and walk until 8:30pm if I have to (and I have had to so far for 3 days) just to prove them wrong. A little sadist satisfaction.
Hopefully the hardest part is over. I did have to climb up a mountainside where there was a rock slide near andover. The rock/mudslide had taken out 3 switchbacks and left a bare/slick ravine that I didn't want to scale. So I went around and climbed up a mossy and rooty mountainside 80ft or so to get over that little inconvenience. The mud has been fun. Singing "I love mud" as well as dancing in the stuff and imitating the bog of eternal stench whenever the sucking sound of pulling my knee/calf/foot arises.
I'm not sure if Ill get another stint on the computer between now and then so if I don't talk to you though this again you'll probably see the scary hippie known as "sir bacon" soon enough. Be well and safe. See you at Katahdin or shortly thereafter.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
"I'm not dead yet"
I hear through various methods that people are a little worried about me not checking in. Sorry about that. The colder nights killed the cellphone battery and there was little to no reception up in the hills (even when next to cell towers) and of course the "huts" only had radio. Incidentally if you were watching the Mt. Washington web-cam at 7:45am on 7/21/08 you would have seen me in front of it (i tried to call out to let people know but was unable at that time). I have been unable to see if they have an archive for that date and time. Out of danger zone now. Sighs of relief all around.
Alive and in Gorham, NH (16 miles from Maine along the AT) sharing a room with a man named "Apostle." I have been walking with him since about day 2 after the restart. I did have a brief spell where I nearly quit but after taking a 12hr nap and copious amounts of food to break the exhaustion I pushed through. Since then I have been doing what feel like slow days of 8-15 miles but when your climbing 5-15k feet in elevation every day its kinda slow going. I took my worst fall this morning and will have a bruised butt for sure and hopefully the knee will knit up by morning. It was a little hyper extended and since the right knee never had full mobility from my high school injuries its a little tender. I felt/heard a little crunch in the fall but walking it off and soaking it in a river I fjorded helped. Advil and ice tonight, then walking again tomorrow.
They say "slow down and enjoy the whites". They are wrong. I have not seen the sunshine since I was in Maine. I have seen 20' in front of me the entire of this state for it has been foggy and raining the whole time. There was one lightening storm I was in but I huddled under a rock outcropping and waited for it and the hail to pass. All in all a very unexciting and damp. There is more to come so no point complaining about it. After all its just a free 12hr shower and considering how I smell its quite refreshing :)
To quote Gandalf the White "Look to my coming on the western hills on the coming of the 3nd dawn" (or something like that...actually it will probably be the 2nd dawn but whatever.) Off to the P.O. and then to the ice machine.
Alive and in Gorham, NH (16 miles from Maine along the AT) sharing a room with a man named "Apostle." I have been walking with him since about day 2 after the restart. I did have a brief spell where I nearly quit but after taking a 12hr nap and copious amounts of food to break the exhaustion I pushed through. Since then I have been doing what feel like slow days of 8-15 miles but when your climbing 5-15k feet in elevation every day its kinda slow going. I took my worst fall this morning and will have a bruised butt for sure and hopefully the knee will knit up by morning. It was a little hyper extended and since the right knee never had full mobility from my high school injuries its a little tender. I felt/heard a little crunch in the fall but walking it off and soaking it in a river I fjorded helped. Advil and ice tonight, then walking again tomorrow.
They say "slow down and enjoy the whites". They are wrong. I have not seen the sunshine since I was in Maine. I have seen 20' in front of me the entire of this state for it has been foggy and raining the whole time. There was one lightening storm I was in but I huddled under a rock outcropping and waited for it and the hail to pass. All in all a very unexciting and damp. There is more to come so no point complaining about it. After all its just a free 12hr shower and considering how I smell its quite refreshing :)
To quote Gandalf the White "Look to my coming on the western hills on the coming of the 3nd dawn" (or something like that...actually it will probably be the 2nd dawn but whatever.) Off to the P.O. and then to the ice machine.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Back up and hiking
After a few days with good entertainment in good company I can see why the "average" hiker has 30+ zero days of slacking. Alas this tea-party must end at some point shortly and the weather says it will be soon. A few things that are not really related to me walking and a few that are:
I spoke with Noah-John (he's the guy I have hiked over 1/2 of the trail with) and he is out of commission right now on account of a pinched nerve in his neck and lack of mobility. In an failing attempt to not to have "T-rex syndrome" (big legs little arms) we have been doing push-ups. Long story short, well actually its a short story shorter, he is waiting to see a specialist and will then probably jump ahead on the trail in order to meet his finish deadline of 8/7/08. How does this play into Sir Bacons plans? It now appears I'll have to hike the White Mountains solo, or at least without someone there who generally watches me back. I mean as hikers we look out for each other but its a little bit easier when there is a pair of hikers at the same pace that can share resources and info if needed. The "Whites" are the last dangerous hurtle for me in this walk. It has been known to snow up in the mountains in every month of the year and there is not much cover since much is above the tree-line. The terrain also calls for a lot slower of walking because of the grueling ups and downs. All in all I'm a bot nervous but it will be fine. Hopefully Ill be able to call people on a daily or every other day basis to say "I'm still OK" since contact in the whites will be kind of spotty.
While in town I managed to visit the White's lovely home in Cumberland. I helped Andrew on a few rather fun projects over the last few years. Jenn and Ben the 3.5 month podling are all well. I think Ben was born just about the time I left on my walk. Andrew has already shipped out to South America (?) for his newest coastguard deployment and Jenn and Ben are about to start a shuffle that will land them in Californie. Jenn's first comment was "you look different." Et tu brute, for she is no longer bed ridden with pregnancy complications. Best of luck with the relocation you guys. I look forward to seeing you in September when Andrew gets his first break.
Morgan in particular, but all others I have crushed in scrabble will be glad to know that I was severely spanked at scrabble yesterday. E-"high fives" can be directed to Ellen (the one who writes the poetry posts) who put me in my place. Final score something like 200 (me) to 250 (her). A rematch TBA just in case the original game was a fluke or I was taking it easy on her because her birthday. Happy Birthday Ellen.
In catching up with Andrea Weed, who made me the most monstrous O'natural's sandwich last time I was in town (Operation Kitty-Troll 911), I owe her a belated happy birthday. Photos of that sandwich she crafted made other hikers jealous. I'm torn by finding I missed Andrea's birthday and loosing at scrabble in the same day. Rectifications will be forthcoming.
A cut0throat kickball game occurred Sunday afternoon in a Westbrook field. A close game ultimately lead to my teams defeat when "the moose" scored the winning run. I suspect the other team was using steroids or dandy lion magic to gain the advantage. Final score 19 to 21.
Sir Bacon's armor, cloak, pantaloons and boots have been located for the final summit (boy its heavy stuff even with the push-ups.) When going through storage I was very overwhlemed with everything I own and here is why:
Backpack, hammock, sleeping bag, 2 shirts, 2 shorts, mini-towel, mini first aid kit, 3 bags, spork, 50ft rope, toothbrush/paste, matches, FM tuner, cellphone, ID/debit/phone/medical card/cash, camera, water treatment chemical, earplugs, 2 soda bottles, 1/2 guidebook, journal.
Above is an entire list of what I have existed with for the last 30 days. So much stuff in storage. I'm sure ill like it when I get back and get re-acclimated.
To that, I would like to announce that even though I have been living by "wild-child hippie wood rules" for over 3 months I didn't pee on any trees while in civilization. I even used deodorant for the first time in 3 months! Never mind that the deodorant was being used to try to wax my moustache into a more impressive style, it was used non the less. Good times all around. I mean the only thing I didn't do was go fly a kite. No wait I did that too. :)
It was a good break. The feet & knees are feeling much better. I have had a chance to visit, catch up, and now its time to get back to it and finish this thing.
I spoke with Noah-John (he's the guy I have hiked over 1/2 of the trail with) and he is out of commission right now on account of a pinched nerve in his neck and lack of mobility. In an failing attempt to not to have "T-rex syndrome" (big legs little arms) we have been doing push-ups. Long story short, well actually its a short story shorter, he is waiting to see a specialist and will then probably jump ahead on the trail in order to meet his finish deadline of 8/7/08. How does this play into Sir Bacons plans? It now appears I'll have to hike the White Mountains solo, or at least without someone there who generally watches me back. I mean as hikers we look out for each other but its a little bit easier when there is a pair of hikers at the same pace that can share resources and info if needed. The "Whites" are the last dangerous hurtle for me in this walk. It has been known to snow up in the mountains in every month of the year and there is not much cover since much is above the tree-line. The terrain also calls for a lot slower of walking because of the grueling ups and downs. All in all I'm a bot nervous but it will be fine. Hopefully Ill be able to call people on a daily or every other day basis to say "I'm still OK" since contact in the whites will be kind of spotty.
While in town I managed to visit the White's lovely home in Cumberland. I helped Andrew on a few rather fun projects over the last few years. Jenn and Ben the 3.5 month podling are all well. I think Ben was born just about the time I left on my walk. Andrew has already shipped out to South America (?) for his newest coastguard deployment and Jenn and Ben are about to start a shuffle that will land them in Californie. Jenn's first comment was "you look different." Et tu brute, for she is no longer bed ridden with pregnancy complications. Best of luck with the relocation you guys. I look forward to seeing you in September when Andrew gets his first break.
Morgan in particular, but all others I have crushed in scrabble will be glad to know that I was severely spanked at scrabble yesterday. E-"high fives" can be directed to Ellen (the one who writes the poetry posts) who put me in my place. Final score something like 200 (me) to 250 (her). A rematch TBA just in case the original game was a fluke or I was taking it easy on her because her birthday. Happy Birthday Ellen.
In catching up with Andrea Weed, who made me the most monstrous O'natural's sandwich last time I was in town (Operation Kitty-Troll 911), I owe her a belated happy birthday. Photos of that sandwich she crafted made other hikers jealous. I'm torn by finding I missed Andrea's birthday and loosing at scrabble in the same day. Rectifications will be forthcoming.
A cut0throat kickball game occurred Sunday afternoon in a Westbrook field. A close game ultimately lead to my teams defeat when "the moose" scored the winning run. I suspect the other team was using steroids or dandy lion magic to gain the advantage. Final score 19 to 21.
Sir Bacon's armor, cloak, pantaloons and boots have been located for the final summit (boy its heavy stuff even with the push-ups.) When going through storage I was very overwhlemed with everything I own and here is why:
Backpack, hammock, sleeping bag, 2 shirts, 2 shorts, mini-towel, mini first aid kit, 3 bags, spork, 50ft rope, toothbrush/paste, matches, FM tuner, cellphone, ID/debit/phone/medical card/cash, camera, water treatment chemical, earplugs, 2 soda bottles, 1/2 guidebook, journal.
Above is an entire list of what I have existed with for the last 30 days. So much stuff in storage. I'm sure ill like it when I get back and get re-acclimated.
To that, I would like to announce that even though I have been living by "wild-child hippie wood rules" for over 3 months I didn't pee on any trees while in civilization. I even used deodorant for the first time in 3 months! Never mind that the deodorant was being used to try to wax my moustache into a more impressive style, it was used non the less. Good times all around. I mean the only thing I didn't do was go fly a kite. No wait I did that too. :)
It was a good break. The feet & knees are feeling much better. I have had a chance to visit, catch up, and now its time to get back to it and finish this thing.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
What an interesting day
After a little bit of a mix-up in directions, probably on account of I really didn't know where I would be emerging from the woods, I managed to connect with Joe. I dare say he had far to much fun taking pictures of me wearing his cloths and me eating. I'm not really sure how the shirt got tucked into the boxer briefs. It could be on account of me changing (yes that's a down to the birthday suit change) on the side of a NH "turnpike" where speed was an issue. It could have also have had something to do with my lack of expiernce with underwear for the last 3 months. Either way the photos of me just before going to get a bite to eat are pretty good. Hell the eating photos are pretty good too. I have not received so many strange comments in a Burger King when I ordered (and ate in one setting) a larger coke, large fries, and 10 hamburgers. The entire tray was covered in these little treats and I ate them all...mmmmm. The crowd around even seemed a bit, well I'm not sure. It was a cross between horror struck and in awe. I was a little calorie deprived on account of a light dinner last night and a few granola bars this morning so to me the 5000 calorie lunch seemed to hit the spot. And now that most of you are nauseated, and secretly envious/wanting to see photos, I'll move on to other topics.
There's only 1/5 of the trial left. 420ish miles to go and about a month to do it in. This section could be particularly interesting, lovely, and dangerous. The whites are known for being able to snow every month of the year. Even in the hottest parts like we are in now. That's partly why I'm on my mini break to make sure I have the cold weather gear. That and to heal a foot, get out my mid-evil costume for Mt. Katahdin, and celebrate a birthday. All in all it will be a nice break, the last one being in Harper's Ferry, WV on 6/6/08. A big thanks to Ellen & Joe for coming to pick me up.
The only other things that happened yesterday were that I passed what I would call a crazy person on the trail yesterday. He didn't talk to anyone and was carrying a backpack and 2 duffel bags of food. Another hiker tried to talk with him and verified this characters loopy nature. I passed him while he was sleeping on the trail and kept on walking. The only other certified hiker I saw I had to blow by because I knew who he was and his rep for having sexually assaulted another person on the trail after a bout of drinking. Not someone that I would get along with in the least bit.
Its getting late and the pizza is here so I'll hang it up for the night. Hope you are all well.
There's only 1/5 of the trial left. 420ish miles to go and about a month to do it in. This section could be particularly interesting, lovely, and dangerous. The whites are known for being able to snow every month of the year. Even in the hottest parts like we are in now. That's partly why I'm on my mini break to make sure I have the cold weather gear. That and to heal a foot, get out my mid-evil costume for Mt. Katahdin, and celebrate a birthday. All in all it will be a nice break, the last one being in Harper's Ferry, WV on 6/6/08. A big thanks to Ellen & Joe for coming to pick me up.
The only other things that happened yesterday were that I passed what I would call a crazy person on the trail yesterday. He didn't talk to anyone and was carrying a backpack and 2 duffel bags of food. Another hiker tried to talk with him and verified this characters loopy nature. I passed him while he was sleeping on the trail and kept on walking. The only other certified hiker I saw I had to blow by because I knew who he was and his rep for having sexually assaulted another person on the trail after a bout of drinking. Not someone that I would get along with in the least bit.
Its getting late and the pizza is here so I'll hang it up for the night. Hope you are all well.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Fresh Produce
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.
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.
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.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Turtles, Toads, and Eels...oh my!
I'm back in the woods. Even the 2.5 day detour some 850 miles to drop "Troll" off made it difficult to get back in the woods but back I made it. I lost the military people but met back up with Noah-John who I hiked with 400 miles ago. We are staying in Waynesboro VA tonight and then into Shenandoah tomorrow. We should be in Harpers Ferry WV (160 miles) in 8 days or less and that's the unofficial 1/2 way point.
In lighter news hikers feet smell like dead something as a 3 foot eel tried to nibble on both Noah-Johns and my feet when we were soaking them in a river. I also crossed a little turtle on the trail and a there were toads and lizards everywhere today. Also saw a spider that was no less than 2 inches across...scary.
Last night I camped illegally on a ridge that overlooked the valley where the town I'm in is. It was amazing and I took some good pictures.
I plan on doing the 4 state challenge which is: in 24hrs trek leave VA, go thru WV, MD, and start PA. It will be interesting. We shall see. My time is about up here but Ill keep on trekking and I promise that Ill post my favorite privy's soon. There are some good ones on the at and good stories with them.
Times up. Hope you are all well. Talk to you soon.
In lighter news hikers feet smell like dead something as a 3 foot eel tried to nibble on both Noah-Johns and my feet when we were soaking them in a river. I also crossed a little turtle on the trail and a there were toads and lizards everywhere today. Also saw a spider that was no less than 2 inches across...scary.
Last night I camped illegally on a ridge that overlooked the valley where the town I'm in is. It was amazing and I took some good pictures.
I plan on doing the 4 state challenge which is: in 24hrs trek leave VA, go thru WV, MD, and start PA. It will be interesting. We shall see. My time is about up here but Ill keep on trekking and I promise that Ill post my favorite privy's soon. There are some good ones on the at and good stories with them.
Times up. Hope you are all well. Talk to you soon.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Kitten
No its not a cuddly name for that special someone...well it could be, I guess. I was walking today in the blue ridge mountains and when I came to a footbridge to refill water (H20 very scarce up there). I heard a noise. Couldn't place it and it happened again from under the foot bridge, and it sounded like a cat. So I crawled under the footbridge getting myself wet and muddy and there was a little black kitten with blue eyes. I coaxed out with a 3oz packet of tuna fish, that it consumed completely, and proceeded to remove the ticks from its head. I thought I could walk on to the next town when it fell asleep but once the food and a quick nap the kitten took over and she wouldn't stay still so I had to backtrack 1.5 miles to the nearest road and hitch into town. No humane society there but I was told to try Troutville (the town I had walked through yesterday so backtrack of about 30 miles) which was a 13 mile walk by road...out goes the thumb again with no luck. I stopped in a diner to get my bearings and a nice man offered to give me a ride into town. So right now I'm in the comfort inn trying to figure out what to do with this gorgeous little black kitten. When I say little, its no bigger than my hand an probably less than 6 oz in weight. All of the public transportation services do not allow pets, there are no humane society, I may have to rent a car and take a brief trip back to new england and beg someone to care for the little beast while I go finish my walk. Guess Ill probably miss rhinos birthday bash and wont get to finish the 150 mile in 6 day birthday challenge. Oh well there are more important things in life, like being a decent person (unlike the person who ditched the little darling in the mountains.) Well I best get to it. Talk to you all soon. A blog on privies is to come...and its a good one I think. so stay tuned.
Update: I talked to everyone I could think of and Roy agreed to keep an eye on my new friend until I finish the trail. The difference in driving is 200 (going to Georgia vs Maine) so to avoid a road trip to Georgia later I'm going to head for Maine tomorrow. The plan is to be back on the trail in 5 days or less. This will of eat into my touted "3 weeks of ahead of the schedule" but I'm still kinda young and may be able to make it up :)
Time to get some sleep its going to be a long day tomorrow. The 6oz black hair blue eyed troll says "meow."
Update: I talked to everyone I could think of and Roy agreed to keep an eye on my new friend until I finish the trail. The difference in driving is 200 (going to Georgia vs Maine) so to avoid a road trip to Georgia later I'm going to head for Maine tomorrow. The plan is to be back on the trail in 5 days or less. This will of eat into my touted "3 weeks of ahead of the schedule" but I'm still kinda young and may be able to make it up :)
Time to get some sleep its going to be a long day tomorrow. The 6oz black hair blue eyed troll says "meow."
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Hiking and Zombies
I have arrived at a place called Parisburg, VA today. This was after I managed to walk a monster 34.7 mile day yesterday (8am-10pm). Oddly I was not that tired when I arrived and could have gone the 8 miles to town but the limited visibility with a headlamp is not fun.
People may have about the 2 hikers in VA who were shot by the same nutjob who did the 2 murders in 1981. Well he was caught and in jail until his mysterious death a few days later. So nothing to worry about on that front.
In my time in the woods I have been working on a theory that hikers are much like zombies. Take me for example. My feet are in constant pain, multiple ankle sprains/strains, legs are swollen, there are some skin burns from the rubbing of the pack on my shoulder, my skin is peeling from sunburn, and a generalized pain all over. Zombies...well there dead and most likely chewed upon judging by the state of their body, so lots of pain if they could feel it. Zombies however don't tend to vocalize this so I can only postulate. I wonder what a Zombie's life is like when they are not playing twister, or tooling up to eat people, and assume they are walking around out of sight thinking about food...much like us hikers. You get in a zone and just walk. You can learn to shut off your brain and walk, only snapping out of this for people and possible food. To a zombie these two are the same. Well that's as much as I can remember from my journal perhaps more to come later.
All in all I am well. Still traveling with Rhino, Pickle, Raggedy Andy. The general pace is 20+ miles per day. I have been dubbed "CandyMan" and its a bit late to try to change this (even though I might.) It stuck because I generally cary about 4 lbs of food/candy for other hikers and tend to give every treats or just leave random candy on the trial for people. Hikers like their food. I guess there are worse names that I could have been given (like anything with 'bear' in it) than one from a favorite movie of mine.
Well the shared computer thing again so I should get out of here and get prepared for walking in thunderstorms again. Hopefully they will be further away than a 2 second count this time, but when your on an exposed ridge there is little to do but keep walking. We shall see.
I hope you are all well. Ill talk to you soon.
-Aaron
People may have about the 2 hikers in VA who were shot by the same nutjob who did the 2 murders in 1981. Well he was caught and in jail until his mysterious death a few days later. So nothing to worry about on that front.
In my time in the woods I have been working on a theory that hikers are much like zombies. Take me for example. My feet are in constant pain, multiple ankle sprains/strains, legs are swollen, there are some skin burns from the rubbing of the pack on my shoulder, my skin is peeling from sunburn, and a generalized pain all over. Zombies...well there dead and most likely chewed upon judging by the state of their body, so lots of pain if they could feel it. Zombies however don't tend to vocalize this so I can only postulate. I wonder what a Zombie's life is like when they are not playing twister, or tooling up to eat people, and assume they are walking around out of sight thinking about food...much like us hikers. You get in a zone and just walk. You can learn to shut off your brain and walk, only snapping out of this for people and possible food. To a zombie these two are the same. Well that's as much as I can remember from my journal perhaps more to come later.
All in all I am well. Still traveling with Rhino, Pickle, Raggedy Andy. The general pace is 20+ miles per day. I have been dubbed "CandyMan" and its a bit late to try to change this (even though I might.) It stuck because I generally cary about 4 lbs of food/candy for other hikers and tend to give every treats or just leave random candy on the trial for people. Hikers like their food. I guess there are worse names that I could have been given (like anything with 'bear' in it) than one from a favorite movie of mine.
Well the shared computer thing again so I should get out of here and get prepared for walking in thunderstorms again. Hopefully they will be further away than a 2 second count this time, but when your on an exposed ridge there is little to do but keep walking. We shall see.
I hope you are all well. Ill talk to you soon.
-Aaron
Sunday, May 11, 2008
approaching the 25% mark of the trail
I talked to Aaron recently - he said he's quickly approaching the 25% mark on the trail. I believe he's in Virginia, but now I'm having trouble remembering the town name. Go me.
Despite my forgetfulness, I have pictures for y'all. Check out the full set of photos on my Picasa album, showing Aaron's first month of hiking, from Georgia through Tennessee.
-Jennie
Friday, May 2, 2008
Postcards from Aaron
Spoke with Aaron earlier this week - he was in Erwin, TN at that point, still hikin'. He mailed me his camera card - photos will soon be available online!
In the meantime, above are some postcards he recently sent to me.
-Jennie
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