Monday, March 28, 2011
Day 38 - 49
Day 38 (Saint Patrick's Day)
A zero day in Damascus. We celebrated at the only bar in town, Quincy's. Surprisingly, and most definitely a good thing, Damascus and it's bar do not serve hard alcohol. Nor was there green colored beer. :-( Joining us (Mike, Paul, and myself) was Renaissance (Patrick), Bastard Catfish (Seth), his friend dudebob, and two section hikers, Amber and Stacy. I love this holiday.
Day 39
So, we wake up and go to breakfast at Cowboy's. Then Mike declares he's not hiking today. And Paul agrees with him. They both had bad hangovers. Now, previously we agreed to hike 15 miles today, but we also agreed that if we were too hung over that we would go 9 miles. So much for prior planning. Also prior, I had told Mike that I had no problem taking extra zero days if he needed to take care of college stuff or heal injuries. I gave them my infamous "death stare" and told them I was going to hike. I didn't want to leave them, but I figured that they would be fine on there own for a few days. Also, that morning I had told Ren-man that we would be hiking to the same shelter he was heading to. I wasn't sure if I was going to meet them (Mike/Paul) in four days (when we had agreed to meet Paul's friends on the trail), or if I was going to keep hiking with Ren-man. Nonetheless I hiked the 15 miles to Lost Mtn Shelter and meet up with Renaissance.
That night I met a south-bound hiker named Ewok. He gave me all sorts of information about the trail. He also told me that peanut butter mixed with honey tastes good. It doesn't. I tried it and was disappointed. Ewok also told me all about taking Blue Blazed trails to skip the hard parts of the AT. He said everyone does it. Lame. I don't care how hard the trail gets. I'm not cheating.
Day 40 (The Virginia Highlands + Wild Ponies)
I hiked, with Renaissance, 22.9 miles over the Virginia Highlands to Old Orchard Shelter. The Virginia Highlands is amazing. High elevation with plenty of 360 degree views. AND WILD PONIES. Seriously. Previously I had heard of the fabled wild ponies of Virginia, but I never believed I would see them. I took plenty of pictures and even petted one. Another hiker said the ponies try to munch on hiker's packs because of the salt in the synthetic materials. I guess I'm glad I didn't try to ride one. Also, that night I caught my first mouse! That's called trail maintenance!!
Mike and Paul hiked 20 miles and camped atop Whitetop Mtn.
Day 41
I hiked another 24,7 miles with Renaissance (Patrick). We stayed at Partnership Shelter and ordered Pizza Hut from the nearby Mt Roger's NRA Headquarters. It tasted absolutely amazing! Patrick told me all sorts of interesting stories from his USMC days, and from his job back home working in a funeral home.
Mike and Paul hiked 26 miles and camped at the trail head for hurricane campground.
Day 42 - 44
I hiked 7 miles to Shelter and met up with Pauls two friends. Later that night Mike and Paul showed up. Basically we drank a bunch and ate a lot of Wafflehouse. We also saw Atkins Virginia in all it's glory. Lame and shitty.
Day 45
Paul's friends dropped us off back on the trail. We hiked a total of 19 miles, staying at Knot Maul Branch Shelter. Because it was a late start we had to do some night hiking. Night hiking is not as bad as it sounds; we have headlamps.
Day 46
We hiked another 19 miles to spend the night at Jenkins Shelter.
Day 47
23.8 miles took us to Jenny Knob Shelter. On the way we went atop Chestnut Knob, which is a very cool place. Unfortunately for us, the super low overcast killed the view, but gave everything alive up there a nifty frosted look.
Day 48
We walked 23.4 miles to Doc's Knob Shelter. On the way Paul and I checked out Dismal Creek Falls. It was worth the side trip. On top of Doc's Knob everything was frosted over. It was very cold.
Day 49
We awoke to falling snow. I guess snow is better than rain... Anyway, 8.2 miles brought us into Pearisburg Virginia. We walked to Pizza Hut for lunch (all you can eat = delicious!). Then Mike tells us he's quitting the AT. He says he's simply sick of hiking. He's no longer having fun; that it's all up a mountain, down a mountain, repeat, with the same scenary. Eh. I told him that he should do whatever he wants. I was always worried that Mike wasn't going to hike the entire AT. But at this point, Mike has walked a total of 633 miles, which is very long distance in itself. Nobody can say he hasn't accomplhished. But it really sucks that Mike is heading back to Cali. At least he'll be out of the rain, snow, and overcast.
We changed our Pearisburg plans and will be staying in a motel tonight. I'm going to keep hiking with Paul, and probably catch up to Ren-man. I'm going to Maine. I really don't want to hike solo, but I'll do what I have to do. The date is March 28th, 2011.
A zero day in Damascus. We celebrated at the only bar in town, Quincy's. Surprisingly, and most definitely a good thing, Damascus and it's bar do not serve hard alcohol. Nor was there green colored beer. :-( Joining us (Mike, Paul, and myself) was Renaissance (Patrick), Bastard Catfish (Seth), his friend dudebob, and two section hikers, Amber and Stacy. I love this holiday.
Day 39
So, we wake up and go to breakfast at Cowboy's. Then Mike declares he's not hiking today. And Paul agrees with him. They both had bad hangovers. Now, previously we agreed to hike 15 miles today, but we also agreed that if we were too hung over that we would go 9 miles. So much for prior planning. Also prior, I had told Mike that I had no problem taking extra zero days if he needed to take care of college stuff or heal injuries. I gave them my infamous "death stare" and told them I was going to hike. I didn't want to leave them, but I figured that they would be fine on there own for a few days. Also, that morning I had told Ren-man that we would be hiking to the same shelter he was heading to. I wasn't sure if I was going to meet them (Mike/Paul) in four days (when we had agreed to meet Paul's friends on the trail), or if I was going to keep hiking with Ren-man. Nonetheless I hiked the 15 miles to Lost Mtn Shelter and meet up with Renaissance.
That night I met a south-bound hiker named Ewok. He gave me all sorts of information about the trail. He also told me that peanut butter mixed with honey tastes good. It doesn't. I tried it and was disappointed. Ewok also told me all about taking Blue Blazed trails to skip the hard parts of the AT. He said everyone does it. Lame. I don't care how hard the trail gets. I'm not cheating.
Day 40 (The Virginia Highlands + Wild Ponies)
I hiked, with Renaissance, 22.9 miles over the Virginia Highlands to Old Orchard Shelter. The Virginia Highlands is amazing. High elevation with plenty of 360 degree views. AND WILD PONIES. Seriously. Previously I had heard of the fabled wild ponies of Virginia, but I never believed I would see them. I took plenty of pictures and even petted one. Another hiker said the ponies try to munch on hiker's packs because of the salt in the synthetic materials. I guess I'm glad I didn't try to ride one. Also, that night I caught my first mouse! That's called trail maintenance!!
Mike and Paul hiked 20 miles and camped atop Whitetop Mtn.
Day 41
I hiked another 24,7 miles with Renaissance (Patrick). We stayed at Partnership Shelter and ordered Pizza Hut from the nearby Mt Roger's NRA Headquarters. It tasted absolutely amazing! Patrick told me all sorts of interesting stories from his USMC days, and from his job back home working in a funeral home.
Mike and Paul hiked 26 miles and camped at the trail head for hurricane campground.
Day 42 - 44
I hiked 7 miles to Shelter and met up with Pauls two friends. Later that night Mike and Paul showed up. Basically we drank a bunch and ate a lot of Wafflehouse. We also saw Atkins Virginia in all it's glory. Lame and shitty.
Day 45
Paul's friends dropped us off back on the trail. We hiked a total of 19 miles, staying at Knot Maul Branch Shelter. Because it was a late start we had to do some night hiking. Night hiking is not as bad as it sounds; we have headlamps.
Day 46
We hiked another 19 miles to spend the night at Jenkins Shelter.
Day 47
23.8 miles took us to Jenny Knob Shelter. On the way we went atop Chestnut Knob, which is a very cool place. Unfortunately for us, the super low overcast killed the view, but gave everything alive up there a nifty frosted look.
Day 48
We walked 23.4 miles to Doc's Knob Shelter. On the way Paul and I checked out Dismal Creek Falls. It was worth the side trip. On top of Doc's Knob everything was frosted over. It was very cold.
Day 49
We awoke to falling snow. I guess snow is better than rain... Anyway, 8.2 miles brought us into Pearisburg Virginia. We walked to Pizza Hut for lunch (all you can eat = delicious!). Then Mike tells us he's quitting the AT. He says he's simply sick of hiking. He's no longer having fun; that it's all up a mountain, down a mountain, repeat, with the same scenary. Eh. I told him that he should do whatever he wants. I was always worried that Mike wasn't going to hike the entire AT. But at this point, Mike has walked a total of 633 miles, which is very long distance in itself. Nobody can say he hasn't accomplhished. But it really sucks that Mike is heading back to Cali. At least he'll be out of the rain, snow, and overcast.
We changed our Pearisburg plans and will be staying in a motel tonight. I'm going to keep hiking with Paul, and probably catch up to Ren-man. I'm going to Maine. I really don't want to hike solo, but I'll do what I have to do. The date is March 28th, 2011.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Day 31 - 37
Day 31
Avoiding bad weather, we stayed another day at Uncle Johnny's hostel. We took advantage of Erwin's movie theater and watched Rango. Erwin's a creepy town because it has over 60 Baptist churches. Two other thru-hiker's joined us at the hostel. Atlas (Ryan) with his dog Tug, and Renaissance (Patrick).
Day 32
We hiked 17 miles through snow into Cherry Gap Shelter. It was wet and cold.
Day 33
This day we tackled Roan Mtn. It was also our first 20+ mile day. The sun was out in force, melting the snow. But, slushy snow is worse than new snow because your boots (and socks) get socked. Goretex just doesn't cut it! We walked 22.5 miles, over rough terrain, and stayed at Overmountain Shelter. This shelter is a huge barn, with a fully enclosed second floor. It was nice and warm. That night Paul caught a huge mouse with his mousetrap.
Day 34
We were all tired from Roan. Nonetheless we hiked 18 miles to Mountainer Shelter. I really like how we are increasing our daily mileage. Halfway to the shelter, we attempted to grab lunch at a diner down the road. It was fail. Depite advertising on the trail, the place was closed. Paul, however, was determined, and set off alone down the road in search of another restaurant. Mo and I pushed on. Mountainer Shelter is brand new and pretty sweet. It comes with three floors and a carved wooden bear statue! And don't forget the wash pit!!! Paul joined us two hours later with an extra super large bacon burger. Although he walked an extra 4-6 miles, it looked like it was worth it.
Day 35
Easy day. We walked 15.6 miles to Kincora Hostel. Owned by the legendary Bob Peoples, Kincora is a must-stay on the AT. Bob gave us a ride into town for resupply. Kincora has a fully equipped hiker kitchen, and we took advantage of it. Digiorno pizza and Ego waffles sure are delicious! Bob recently went on this awesome thru-hike in Spain. It's called the path of St. James. 500 miles long through historic monastery after monastery. One day I will do this hike! Bob also told us that the AT is being expanded. Eventually it will go from the bottom of Florida, into Canada, and end in the Arctic. As if the AT wasn't epic already. Bob's best advice concerning the AT, "You have to be flexible." True story. At Kincora we also met the thru-hiker Bastard Catfish and his dog Trashguts. It's only a matter of time until I have a trail dog of my own.
Day 36
The next day was 17.8 miles with a side of rain. We witnessed the awesome Laurel Fork Falls and the magnificent Watauga Lake. The night was spent in Vanderventer Shelter.
Day 37
The plan was to hike 22.7 miles into Abington Shelter. What actually happened was a 32.5 mile hike into Damascus with Subway for dinner. Although the terrain was easy (mostly downhill), 30+ miles is no joke. At days end everyone's feet hurt. We stayed the night at Mt Rodgers Hostel.
Incredibly Mike lost 41 pounds in four weeks of hiking the AT. So far I've only lost about 8 pounds. Mike's trail name is Dragon because of this ridiculous bright green rain poncho he bought. I've decided that my trail name will constantly change. For a short while I was Captain Gluttony, then I became Captain America, and later Captain Get Some. People on the AT take trail names seriously. I told some dude that I purposely change my trail name and he got this look on his face like he wanted to either vomit or lynch me. But you got to have fun with it. Today I'm Captain Irish. I finished reading the New Testament. I like it. The book makes a lot more sense than the crap taught and followed in every religious church I've been in. I wish more people would read for themselves. Anyway, Damascus is quite nice. I still like Franklin better. The date is March 17th, 2011. It's St Patrick's Day, and I am craving some green beer ;-)
Avoiding bad weather, we stayed another day at Uncle Johnny's hostel. We took advantage of Erwin's movie theater and watched Rango. Erwin's a creepy town because it has over 60 Baptist churches. Two other thru-hiker's joined us at the hostel. Atlas (Ryan) with his dog Tug, and Renaissance (Patrick).
Day 32
We hiked 17 miles through snow into Cherry Gap Shelter. It was wet and cold.
Day 33
This day we tackled Roan Mtn. It was also our first 20+ mile day. The sun was out in force, melting the snow. But, slushy snow is worse than new snow because your boots (and socks) get socked. Goretex just doesn't cut it! We walked 22.5 miles, over rough terrain, and stayed at Overmountain Shelter. This shelter is a huge barn, with a fully enclosed second floor. It was nice and warm. That night Paul caught a huge mouse with his mousetrap.
Day 34
We were all tired from Roan. Nonetheless we hiked 18 miles to Mountainer Shelter. I really like how we are increasing our daily mileage. Halfway to the shelter, we attempted to grab lunch at a diner down the road. It was fail. Depite advertising on the trail, the place was closed. Paul, however, was determined, and set off alone down the road in search of another restaurant. Mo and I pushed on. Mountainer Shelter is brand new and pretty sweet. It comes with three floors and a carved wooden bear statue! And don't forget the wash pit!!! Paul joined us two hours later with an extra super large bacon burger. Although he walked an extra 4-6 miles, it looked like it was worth it.
Day 35
Easy day. We walked 15.6 miles to Kincora Hostel. Owned by the legendary Bob Peoples, Kincora is a must-stay on the AT. Bob gave us a ride into town for resupply. Kincora has a fully equipped hiker kitchen, and we took advantage of it. Digiorno pizza and Ego waffles sure are delicious! Bob recently went on this awesome thru-hike in Spain. It's called the path of St. James. 500 miles long through historic monastery after monastery. One day I will do this hike! Bob also told us that the AT is being expanded. Eventually it will go from the bottom of Florida, into Canada, and end in the Arctic. As if the AT wasn't epic already. Bob's best advice concerning the AT, "You have to be flexible." True story. At Kincora we also met the thru-hiker Bastard Catfish and his dog Trashguts. It's only a matter of time until I have a trail dog of my own.
Day 36
The next day was 17.8 miles with a side of rain. We witnessed the awesome Laurel Fork Falls and the magnificent Watauga Lake. The night was spent in Vanderventer Shelter.
Day 37
The plan was to hike 22.7 miles into Abington Shelter. What actually happened was a 32.5 mile hike into Damascus with Subway for dinner. Although the terrain was easy (mostly downhill), 30+ miles is no joke. At days end everyone's feet hurt. We stayed the night at Mt Rodgers Hostel.
Incredibly Mike lost 41 pounds in four weeks of hiking the AT. So far I've only lost about 8 pounds. Mike's trail name is Dragon because of this ridiculous bright green rain poncho he bought. I've decided that my trail name will constantly change. For a short while I was Captain Gluttony, then I became Captain America, and later Captain Get Some. People on the AT take trail names seriously. I told some dude that I purposely change my trail name and he got this look on his face like he wanted to either vomit or lynch me. But you got to have fun with it. Today I'm Captain Irish. I finished reading the New Testament. I like it. The book makes a lot more sense than the crap taught and followed in every religious church I've been in. I wish more people would read for themselves. Anyway, Damascus is quite nice. I still like Franklin better. The date is March 17th, 2011. It's St Patrick's Day, and I am craving some green beer ;-)
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