I decided to take a zero yesterday. This small Virginia town is comparable to Etna, Ca. on the Pacific Crest Trail. This however is the Appalachian Trail. There is a place here, called The Place, which is owned by a Methodist church, and is a free hostel for AT hikers, and long distance bikers. They ask for a $5 donation, which probably is often ignored by hikers. I threw my Lincoln into the box. The Place is right in town, and is a 6 bedroom house that other then the living room and kitchen, is full of bunkbeds. I tented out in the yard, not being properly socialized enough to feel comfortable in a warm room with 6 other people. Truthfully I'm starting to love my tent.
My first week out here I stayed in shelters every night. Appalachian trail shelters are three sided structures that have a elevated floor for hikers to sleep on. The sleeping capacity at the shelters I have seen so far range from five people to a twenty person barn, to the twenty four pack "Fontana Hilton." A six to eight person capacity is the norm though. That's eight hikers layed out right next to each other. Tight.
I heard stories last night from the group of hikers that were camped near Wataunga Lake. They took a zero day at the lake, camping there two nights and swimming around and resupplying in town the middle day. It sounded really shitty. First off some went to Hampton, Tn. to look for pot. I decided to skip this town, even though it has a McDonalds. They got completely hustled and ripped off by the locals. Never give someone money and expect them to come back with your merchandise, especially when your just visiting some place that you will leave soon. Someone did score though, and got a horrible deal on really bad weed. Everyone in the town was a shithead according to these guys, and it seems like a good place to skip. Back at the lake, the locals who are apparently a bunch of skinheads were playing on a rope swing all day by the hikers camp. These losers all had swastika tattoos. One of the local girls had Aryan Princess tattooed on her. The hikers said that every last time they swung on the rope swing, they would yell, "White Power!" Sounds like a horrible day. Also one of the skinheads had two Rottweilers who attempted to kill another guys dog at the beach. Horrible day, though they said the lake was nice to swim in.
Last night I saw a band at the local pizza place, then went to a bonfire that some local was having for hikers. He is going to start letting hikers camp in his yard as a regular thing, I believe. He had a few camping in his yard already last night.
Well now I'm heading back to the trail, which happens to go right by the door of this coffee shop, that I'm in. The Appalachian trail goes right through Damascus, Va. the next resupply I have is in Atkins, Va. another walk through town. I believe there will be many such towns on this trail where the AT goes right down Main St.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Saturday, June 4, 2011
New pack, still in Damascus.
Well I tried really hard to leave town last night. My afternoon of swimming in the river, which flows through the town park, with another hiker, Scout dehydrated me and I decided to get a sweet tea at the pizza place. Scout was really cool. She is doing a section this summer for a few weeks, and is headed back to Pennsylvania today for a wedding, with a friend. She lives three miles from the Appalachian Trail up in Pennsylvania, and will be a great trail angel when I'm in the neighborhood, around July fourth.
There was quite the hiker herd at the pizza place, about 20 showed up. I decided to eat my leftover pizza from lunch, and have some beers. Fortunate for me, I decided to lapse into having a drink. I haven't been drinking in town, in order to save money, and increase my speed. Not paying for beer means I can eat better food at restaurants along the trail, and still save money. Tonight I lapsed, and found out the pizza place had wifi. I used my iPod to check my email, and saw that Zpacks shipped a new backpack, to replace my damaged one, here to Damascus. The arrival date was yesterday Friday. Wow, I screwed around all day and I have a new pack at the post office.
Luckily this small town has Post Office hours on Saturdays from 9-11 AM. I decided to stay the night, and joined the huge hiker party. We stayed at the pizza place till 11PM, then we all went to Fire Tower's room in a really nice inn close by. I couldn't stay awake with all the kiddies so passed out early, not before taking off my shoes. Someone was kind enough to remind me to remove them. If you pass out with your shoes on, it is completely acceptable for people to write on you with sharpies. I was planning on sleeping in the park, by the river, but Fire Tower is very generous and offered his floor to me.
This morning a nice continental breakfast filled me up, and I hit the post office. My beautiful new pack was in, and I switched my gear into it. I decided to mail my long underwear home along with the pack, and my platypus bag. I decided that gatorade bottles would be lighter and more durable.
There was quite the hiker herd at the pizza place, about 20 showed up. I decided to eat my leftover pizza from lunch, and have some beers. Fortunate for me, I decided to lapse into having a drink. I haven't been drinking in town, in order to save money, and increase my speed. Not paying for beer means I can eat better food at restaurants along the trail, and still save money. Tonight I lapsed, and found out the pizza place had wifi. I used my iPod to check my email, and saw that Zpacks shipped a new backpack, to replace my damaged one, here to Damascus. The arrival date was yesterday Friday. Wow, I screwed around all day and I have a new pack at the post office.
Luckily this small town has Post Office hours on Saturdays from 9-11 AM. I decided to stay the night, and joined the huge hiker party. We stayed at the pizza place till 11PM, then we all went to Fire Tower's room in a really nice inn close by. I couldn't stay awake with all the kiddies so passed out early, not before taking off my shoes. Someone was kind enough to remind me to remove them. If you pass out with your shoes on, it is completely acceptable for people to write on you with sharpies. I was planning on sleeping in the park, by the river, but Fire Tower is very generous and offered his floor to me.
This morning a nice continental breakfast filled me up, and I hit the post office. My beautiful new pack was in, and I switched my gear into it. I decided to mail my long underwear home along with the pack, and my platypus bag. I decided that gatorade bottles would be lighter and more durable.
Friday, June 3, 2011
Damascus, Va.
Since leaving the Greasey Creek Friendly, I have started to run into the tail end of the herd. The herd is the largest concentration of thru-hikers on the Appalachian Trail. Most of the herd started around the middle of march. The back of the pack, the cool kids. These hikers are fun but will slow you down, that's why they're at the back of the pack, not the front, 400 miles ahead.
There were two large packs of hikers near Watauga Lake two nights ago. Large social gatherings are a draw for me, but I needed to make miles, it was still light out, so I continued past. I found a place to roost on top of the Watuanga Dam, 646 feet long and 318 feet high. My site was perfect, great views of the stars and a constant cool breeze off the lake, that was stronger then the bugs could bear.
Yesterday I ended up doing 28.9 miles, even though I had several long breaks. From Kincora hostel in Hampton, Tn. to Damascus, Va. is 56 miles. People try to do this in a day. Many people were trying to get from those two hiker groups to Damascus in a 40 mile day. Many succeeded, though they were the true losers. Those who chose to do 32 miles, 28.9 for me since I hiked further the night before, were rewarded with a Hiker Trash party at the Abingdon Gap shelter.
A mile from the shelter was a road crossing were a pickup truck proudly displayed a Hiker Trash sticker. I knew we were in for a treat. Upon arrival at the shelter we saw a large bonfire a hundred yards away. Brent the owner of the truck handed Caver and I both a beer (Caver gave his away.) They then came to the shelter and invited us all over for a free concert in the woods, courtesy of the three Hiker Trash, Bobby, Seldom Seen, and Brent. All of us near the shelter obliged and were rewarded with awesome trail magic; hot dogs with buns, potato salad, macaroni salad, whiskey, and great music. Not a bad free show in the middle of the forest.
Our first trail magic of the day though, was a cooler along the trail in a metal crate that had crosses burned out of it with an acetylene torch. Courtesy of a baptist church that has an Appalachian Trail ministry. The cooler had Pepsi and other soda, then there was a tool box of cookies and a bottle of honey that wasn't sticky. Plus pamplets with butterfly and frog facts. Butterflys taste with their feet.
The library is closing so got to go. But want to say I rocked the swimming hole in the Damascus town park today. No cell service either. Adios/
There were two large packs of hikers near Watauga Lake two nights ago. Large social gatherings are a draw for me, but I needed to make miles, it was still light out, so I continued past. I found a place to roost on top of the Watuanga Dam, 646 feet long and 318 feet high. My site was perfect, great views of the stars and a constant cool breeze off the lake, that was stronger then the bugs could bear.
Yesterday I ended up doing 28.9 miles, even though I had several long breaks. From Kincora hostel in Hampton, Tn. to Damascus, Va. is 56 miles. People try to do this in a day. Many people were trying to get from those two hiker groups to Damascus in a 40 mile day. Many succeeded, though they were the true losers. Those who chose to do 32 miles, 28.9 for me since I hiked further the night before, were rewarded with a Hiker Trash party at the Abingdon Gap shelter.
A mile from the shelter was a road crossing were a pickup truck proudly displayed a Hiker Trash sticker. I knew we were in for a treat. Upon arrival at the shelter we saw a large bonfire a hundred yards away. Brent the owner of the truck handed Caver and I both a beer (Caver gave his away.) They then came to the shelter and invited us all over for a free concert in the woods, courtesy of the three Hiker Trash, Bobby, Seldom Seen, and Brent. All of us near the shelter obliged and were rewarded with awesome trail magic; hot dogs with buns, potato salad, macaroni salad, whiskey, and great music. Not a bad free show in the middle of the forest.
Our first trail magic of the day though, was a cooler along the trail in a metal crate that had crosses burned out of it with an acetylene torch. Courtesy of a baptist church that has an Appalachian Trail ministry. The cooler had Pepsi and other soda, then there was a tool box of cookies and a bottle of honey that wasn't sticky. Plus pamplets with butterfly and frog facts. Butterflys taste with their feet.
The library is closing so got to go. But want to say I rocked the swimming hole in the Damascus town park today. No cell service either. Adios/
Monday, May 30, 2011
Greasy Creek Friendly
I arrived this morning at Greasy Creek Friendly, an Appalachian Trail hostel. I needed extra food to get to a town tomorrow morning 25 miles away, Roan, Tn. The hostel is .6 off trail if the guide can be trusted. It turns out it's more like a mile, and 500 vertical feet according to my altimeter. Though I was able to eat a TV dinner and get some resupplies, while watching cooking shows, Maury, and The Price is Right.
Greasy Creek Freindly is at mile 364 point something from Mt. Springer Georgia, the start of the Appalachian Trail, and 1861 to Mt. Katadin in Maine, the northern Terminus. I'm once again just shy of my 21.85 mile a day average, coming in at just 10 miles under last night. A loss due to my zero day in Hot Springs, Nc. I'm making up the miles though, and I did allow myself 6 zero days.
The trail has been a little more cruisy these last few days, though there were some really rocky sections. Leaving Hot Springs, two days of heavy rain were made better using my ultra light umbrella. The last two days were clear, hot and sunny. Ninety degrees with ninety percent humidity is not necessarily the best weather to do two thousand foot climbs in, but they need to be done. Today I get to climb to six thousand feet, hopefully getting across the high point before the potential thunderstorms this afternoon.
Yesterday, I stopped at the Nolichucky Hostel to resupply for the 25 mile stretch to here at Greasy Creek Friendly. The Nolichucky Hostel is across the street from the Appalachian Trail, where it crosses the Nolichucky river on a bridge, in Erwin, Tn. They really tried to get me to stay, but I was in and out by 10:45 AM. Tomorrow I hope to get to a Subway Sandwich shop and get some five dollar foot longs. Subs should be helpful on the 50 mile stretch to Hampton, Tn, home of the Kincora Hostel. Then it's just 50 more miles to Damascus, Va. In Damascus there is a Methodist church run hiker hostel, that's supported by donations, and more importantly, a nearby public pool. Guino is very good in the water.
Greasy Creek Freindly is at mile 364 point something from Mt. Springer Georgia, the start of the Appalachian Trail, and 1861 to Mt. Katadin in Maine, the northern Terminus. I'm once again just shy of my 21.85 mile a day average, coming in at just 10 miles under last night. A loss due to my zero day in Hot Springs, Nc. I'm making up the miles though, and I did allow myself 6 zero days.
The trail has been a little more cruisy these last few days, though there were some really rocky sections. Leaving Hot Springs, two days of heavy rain were made better using my ultra light umbrella. The last two days were clear, hot and sunny. Ninety degrees with ninety percent humidity is not necessarily the best weather to do two thousand foot climbs in, but they need to be done. Today I get to climb to six thousand feet, hopefully getting across the high point before the potential thunderstorms this afternoon.
Yesterday, I stopped at the Nolichucky Hostel to resupply for the 25 mile stretch to here at Greasy Creek Friendly. The Nolichucky Hostel is across the street from the Appalachian Trail, where it crosses the Nolichucky river on a bridge, in Erwin, Tn. They really tried to get me to stay, but I was in and out by 10:45 AM. Tomorrow I hope to get to a Subway Sandwich shop and get some five dollar foot longs. Subs should be helpful on the 50 mile stretch to Hampton, Tn, home of the Kincora Hostel. Then it's just 50 more miles to Damascus, Va. In Damascus there is a Methodist church run hiker hostel, that's supported by donations, and more importantly, a nearby public pool. Guino is very good in the water.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Hot Springs, Nc.
Yesterday I rolled into Hot Springs, North Carolina, a very small hiker friendly town. The Appalachian Trail goes right down the main street of this pre civil war town. The Trail has been going great. I'm 14 days in, and besides the nero day (near zero miles) I took yesterday and the shorter day today as a result of hanging in town, I'm crusing at 22 miles a day. That's slightly above the 21.85 average I need to complete this in 100 days. Evertything is going great out here. I spend most nights in trail side hiker shelter, though I have tented several times too.
There are no big views like the Pacific Crest Trail. There were some through the Great Smokey Mountains National Park, but for the most part, the trail is a long green tunnel. Trapped in dense forest.
In the Smokey's at a shelter some tourists from Chicago and Michigan, gave me a bottle of Glen Fiddich Scotch, which made for a very tipsy day of hiking.
No Blisters yet though, which is cool. I need a smart phone to update daily from the trail, but for now the occasional internet will do. I am maintaining a journal every night. I may decide to post this in the fall when I'm done hiking, but for now, it would be to consuming to try to write and post while in town at the library.
There is no cell service with AT&T in this town, which is a bummer, I would love to make some calls. I just saw that I got a 4.0 GPA this semester taking 17 credit hours, and having a part time job.
So far I have seen 1 bear, while on the shuttle to Mt. Springer, the start of the trail. Many salamanders, 1 four foot long black snake, tons of spiders, millipedes, centipedes, birds, 1 Turkey, deer, Chipmunks and squirrels.
Appalachian Trail class of 2011 Rocks!!!
There are no big views like the Pacific Crest Trail. There were some through the Great Smokey Mountains National Park, but for the most part, the trail is a long green tunnel. Trapped in dense forest.
In the Smokey's at a shelter some tourists from Chicago and Michigan, gave me a bottle of Glen Fiddich Scotch, which made for a very tipsy day of hiking.
No Blisters yet though, which is cool. I need a smart phone to update daily from the trail, but for now the occasional internet will do. I am maintaining a journal every night. I may decide to post this in the fall when I'm done hiking, but for now, it would be to consuming to try to write and post while in town at the library.
There is no cell service with AT&T in this town, which is a bummer, I would love to make some calls. I just saw that I got a 4.0 GPA this semester taking 17 credit hours, and having a part time job.
So far I have seen 1 bear, while on the shuttle to Mt. Springer, the start of the trail. Many salamanders, 1 four foot long black snake, tons of spiders, millipedes, centipedes, birds, 1 Turkey, deer, Chipmunks and squirrels.
Appalachian Trail class of 2011 Rocks!!!
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Arizona Trail Hiker arrived!
Hearsay, hiker trash extraordinaire, Pacific Crest Trail, Appalachian Trail, and possibly though not sure Continental Divide Trail Hiker stopped by the Penguin Pad today. Filthy stinking hiker trash got to love it! He is on a possible speed record hike, neck-in-neck with Krudmeister, who also is in town today, passing through on the Arizona Trail.
Hearsay started on April 19th, and has gotten to Flagstaff already, 568.1 miles across Arizona from the Mexico border. I believe Krudmeister started on April 20th though. Yes, I find sport in long distance hiking speed records, how could you not? These guys are serious athletes, busting out the miles day in day out. In my opinion, they have earned the right to boast of their deeds.
Have fun on the rest of your hike and kill it out there!!!
My Zpacks 8.9 oz Hexamid tent, and my 4 oz Blast Pack arrived today. I will set the Hexamid up tomorrow and post a pic. Theres no time tonight, the sun already set here on the Colorado Plateau.
Hearsay started on April 19th, and has gotten to Flagstaff already, 568.1 miles across Arizona from the Mexico border. I believe Krudmeister started on April 20th though. Yes, I find sport in long distance hiking speed records, how could you not? These guys are serious athletes, busting out the miles day in day out. In my opinion, they have earned the right to boast of their deeds.
Have fun on the rest of your hike and kill it out there!!!
My Zpacks 8.9 oz Hexamid tent, and my 4 oz Blast Pack arrived today. I will set the Hexamid up tomorrow and post a pic. Theres no time tonight, the sun already set here on the Colorado Plateau.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
May the 4th be with you.
Ok, we all know that this is international Star Wars day. The reasoning is just as valid as saying March 4th is the most progressive day of the year, it just sounds good.
I just got a mail drop in for some Arizona Trail hikers today. I'm blessed by the occasional hiker that needs a place to crash and shower here in Flagstaff, Az. Hopefully they get here soon though, I'm about to start the Appalachian Trail.
I'm leaving for the Appalachian Trail in just 8 days. Got the plane ticket on Delta, which makes me sad. Southwest doesn't fly into Atlanta, so I get to fly an airline that doesn't advertise how much they love you and makes you pay for baggage. I still need to get to Springer Mountain, and will probably end up getting a ride from Survivor Dave.
Well, now I'm trained in LNT principles, and certified by the Leave No Trace Institute to train others in the ethics of LNT also. Hail Caesar! The other day was fun I tried to poke out my eye with an internet cord. Hurt like hell for hours. Advice, never yank a cord out of a box when there is a ton of junk on top of it.
I just got a mail drop in for some Arizona Trail hikers today. I'm blessed by the occasional hiker that needs a place to crash and shower here in Flagstaff, Az. Hopefully they get here soon though, I'm about to start the Appalachian Trail.
I'm leaving for the Appalachian Trail in just 8 days. Got the plane ticket on Delta, which makes me sad. Southwest doesn't fly into Atlanta, so I get to fly an airline that doesn't advertise how much they love you and makes you pay for baggage. I still need to get to Springer Mountain, and will probably end up getting a ride from Survivor Dave.
Well, now I'm trained in LNT principles, and certified by the Leave No Trace Institute to train others in the ethics of LNT also. Hail Caesar! The other day was fun I tried to poke out my eye with an internet cord. Hurt like hell for hours. Advice, never yank a cord out of a box when there is a ton of junk on top of it.
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