Northbound By Foot
An Appalachian Thru HikeArchive for May, 2011
5-29-11 Whata Day
Thunder Hill Shelter to Punchbowl Ridge Shelter: 25 miles
I had a number of titles for today’s post, but I felt as if nothing truly summed up the day as a whole. The day started with Signage and Moon Walker offering to take JP down to Daleville to take a day off and possibly get so new shoes. They said on Monday they would bring him up to Buena Vista where he would meet up with us. I cannot begin to express our gratitude for such amazing people as Signage and Moon Walker. You two are truly an inspiration on how someone can go out of their way to help a complete stranger. I’m speechless.
Ok, no I’m not and I apologize as this is going to be a lengthy post. Needless to say our wolf-pack was hurting as The lone brothers hit the trail running. We wanted to make up ground so that we could meet JP on Monday and so the big day began. Twelve miles later we were past a small climb and down at the first shelter for lunch. The bugs were atrocious and thus the break was short-lived. We heard that 2 miles down the trail people were jumping off a bridge into the James river which sounded exhilarating. When we got there Dutch was already soaked from multiple jumps. You could either jump from a sequence of rocks or from the bridge itself which had to be about 35 feet. As you may have guessed we went right to the top of the bridge and took the plunge. Ahhhh, hiker shower. (Video to come)
We knew we had 11 miles left of trail to get to the shelter and most of those miles were uphill. Now, I know were from Florida and were use to the heat, but I don’t think I have ever sweat this much. We climbed for about 4 hours up nearly 3,000 feet. Relentless! By the time we made it to the shelter you would have thought that we just climbed out of the river. That was a big climb and a big day. I only wish JP could have experienced the day. He would have loved some of the stream crossings and jumping off the bridge. This is what an AT thru hike is all about. You never know what is around the bend or what amazing experience could be presented.
Tonight it is Dutch, Chutes and I hanging at the punchbowl shelter alone. With pure exhaustion in the air it should be a restful night. Until tomorrow. Loving Life.
Mid-climb exhaustion. Yeah I know sweet faces.
5-28-11 Authentic Dutch Ovens
Bryant Ridge Shelter to Thunder Hill Shelter: 11 miles
Woke up this morning and took it easy. We knew that we had 11 miles to do to the trail magic which started at 2:00 pm. The day brought some long climbs and plentiful breaks. We were still there early as our most generous trail angels were setting everything up.
We started with cokes, salad and fruit. Then came some hummus, chips and salsa which was quite tasty. That’s about when the Dutch ovens were getting fired up. Now my knowledge of a dutch oven is when you pass gas under the sheets and hold them over someone’s head. These were much, much more enjoyable. They were filled with cheese biscuits and a hiker casserole. The casserole contained tater tots, a layer of hamburger cream sauce, a layer of cheese and then more layers of the aforementioned. Then came the deserts which were plentiful and delicious.
Now that I mentioned all the positives I have to touch on the fact that my good friend JP is not feeling so hot. It started with his feet, however now would appear to be some form of illness. I would say that he is just tired, but I want to think that we haven’t been pushing him too hard. It is one thing if my brother is not feeling good because I know his signs and tolerance to pain, but it is really hard to see JP hurting. I can’t get a really good read on him as I know he does not want to show and weakness out here with us. We have some trail angels here that are willing to lend a helping hand in any way that is needed and we are so thankful for their kindness. At this point it is up to JP to decide what he needs. I just wish I could do more. Tonight I’m hoping he feels better and despite the bad news still Loving Life.
5-27-11 The Mecca Shelter
Bobblets Shelter to Bryant Ridge Shelter: 14.5 miles
Whew that was a pretty nasty storm that blew in around midnight. Our heads starting getting wet as they were by the edge of the shelter opening. We decided to move to the back of the shelter and stay dry. After JP got bandaged up we hit the trail and pushed a good pace. JP discovered that fact that it is easier to jog down some of the steeper downhills instead of braking with your knees. I could hardly keep up with him at times. Once you accept that there are going to be a good amount of times that you will be in pain or some state of discomfort the better you are off. JP has not alluded us to think that he is hurting, but I’m sure his feet can’t be too comfortable.
We had a quick lunch down by Jennings Creek which provided some delicious cookings from a group of section hikers. If you read this you may not have realized it but you just became trail magic. Thank you for the treat. We made it to the shelter by 3:00 and enjoyed our afternoon off our feet. The shelter is quite impressive as it has multiple levels, a covered porch and a picnic table. This may not sound like much, but I like so leave me alone. We decided to play some high stakes poker with pebbles as chips. At stake was a six pack of the winners choice. Now the kicker was that the first person out would have to carry 4 beers and the second person out would carry 2 to next shelter after town to be enjoyed by all that night. I’ll have to buy JP some more duck tape for his feet as he will be carrying my beers to the shelter. Derek got second so he will only be carrying his two adult beverages. I joked around and suggested that my beer of choice is going to be 40 oz shiltz malt liquor beverages. Don’t worry I won’t be that mean. Now we are enjoying the dry night in this Mecca of shelters as the rain falls on the roof. Should be a good night. Loving Life.
5-26-11 Bloody Ankles
Daleville to Bobbits Gap Shelter: 18.5 miles
After a zero day in Daleville I was hoping to be recharged and ready to hike. Unfortunately my stomach has been acting strange lately which has left me with a somewhat uncomfortable pain. Either way JP came into town yesterday and was ready to hit the trail. After a pathetic continental breakfast at the Howard Johnson motel we were on our way. I brought up the rear as I was dragging most of the day. We had no intention of killing JP with big miles, but the 18 mile day was hard to avoid.
After about 12 miles we hit some trail magic where we all enjoyed a soda and an orange. The good news is that I am able to eat with my stomach problem, but the bad news is that I am not enjoying eating. This is an issue for me because I love food. I’m sure it will pass as everything does. We made it to the shelter around 5:30 and claimed some space so that we didn’t have to put up a tent or anything. This is actually the first night that we have a shelter to ourselves. Is this a sign that the trial may be thinning out? I sure hope so. JP took off his boots and had some pretty killer ankles. He didn’t technically have blisters, but he sure did rub the skin right off. I’m sure he will be achey in the morning. We’ll have to take it easy tomorrow. After choking down some unenjoyable mashed potatoes it was time to lay down. The forecast is calling for 80% chance of storms tomorrow. For now there are clear skies and a nice hard shelter floor! Loving Life.
5-24-11 The Lure Of Town
North Mt Trail to Daleville: 26 miles
I meant to post last night, but I was way too tired and full of country cooking. The plan was to hike 17 miles to a shelter after McAfee Knob. This plan changed. With the sun shinning without a cloud in the sky we were excited about the prospect of gorgeous views on top of McAfee Knob. As we ascended up onto the knob the storms moved in and the wind began to howl. We ate a quick 5 minute lunch and hopped off the knob as quick as we got up there.
By the time we got to the shelter I had two new blisters and sore feet. Typically we like to stay about 5-10 miles out of town and then get in first thing in the morning. We heard that there were cheap rooms in Daleville so after an hour break we decided to grind the last 10 miles out to town. By the time we got to town at 7:30 we had a serious case of hiker hobble. This didn’t stop us from taking a quick shower and walking another half mile to the country cooking buffet. The walk back after being stuffed was not quite as enjoyable. With a good nights rest and some delish food it’s time to enjoy our zero day. Loving Life.
5-23-11 Wolf-Pack of Four
Niday Shelter to North Mountain Trail Campsite: 17.5 miles
I may have forgotten to mention that our wolf-pack that was once three has now become four. What was once me, Chutes and Poppins in the wolf-pack of three then became four with the addition of Brodie the dog. In a few days the wolf-pack of four will become five as my good friend JP joins the pack. The five of us will be roaming the trail in search for cheeseburgers, sodas and the occasional dirty M&M.
We spent the better part of the day climbing and building up to the infamous dragons tooth. The stories were somewhat vague, but we heard the mountain was a nasty one. As we reached the apex we were perplexed by the easy walk up. And then we looked over the edge and immediately understood what all the fuss was about. This descent consisted of climbing down rock face after rock face. The reason I mentioned the wolf-pack was due to the fact that Brodie would consistently wait for the person in the back to make sure the wolf-pack stayed strong. We also learned the Brodie is quite the actor as he will fake a paw injury just so that he can get a break. What a silly dog.
After 17 miles we hit a road and walked half a mile to a gas station. Now I know that I have been on the trail for a while, but I have to say that this pizza with pepperoni, sausage, bacon and jalapeños was pretty darn good. With more treats and drinks in the tank it was time for a short walk and an easy cook-free night. Tomorrow we hit McAfee Knob for spectacular views and great pictures. Loving Life.
5-22-11 Going Up?
Warspur Shelter to Niday Shelter: 18 miles
I think I decided it is time to get rid of my under-quilt for my hammock. I woke up in the middle of the night pouring sweat. Even when it is a bit cold the quilt has to be vented to keep me from overheating. I am a really warm sleeper though. After I stood outside my hammock for a minute in the middle of the night and then got back in and laid on top of everything I slept the night through. It probably helped that I was dog tired from the short 20 mile walk.
We Hit the trail around 8 and immediately went into a drawn out climb. We knew the next couple of days had some good climbs, so this one was somewhat expected. The trail took us through a few open grassy plains, which allowed Poppins and I to shed out shirts and soak up the rays. Lunch was enjoyed at the base of a 300 year old oak tree that is about 18 feet in diameter. For some odd reason it wasn’t that impressive. What was impressive was the post lunch climb. I sure am glad I had a giant tortilla filed with summer sausage and cheese right before a near vertical climb. Once at the top we walked a partially exposed ridge with some pretty impressive views. After a lot of rocks and a long climb down we made it to the shelter. It was still nice out even though there was a 40% chance of thunderstorms so we decided to hammock and tent instead of jump in the shelter. Now I wish I was in the shelter because as I write this the rain is dropping big ol’ drops on my tarp and the thunder is crashing in all directions. Every now and then the wind blows which makes me double check my tarp. The ground wasn’t very good for stake driving so my tarp is hanging on by a tread. Here’s to hoping for a decently dry night. Despite the long hard day still Loving Life.
5-21-11 Mountain Dew
Symms Meadow to Warspur Shelter: 20 miles
Mountain Dew is quite possibly my favorite soft drink, but this does not mean I want to be covered in it. I awoke to the rising sun peaking over the mountain from afar. As I reached out of my sleeping bag to check the time I noticed that everything was wet including me. There was a good layer of cold wet dew on top of my sleeping bag which had begun to soak through. This explains why I was getting colder as the night progressed. Oh well. I packed everything up as the sun was rising and then paused for a moment to capture the view. Off to the right the warm sun was peaking over the towering mountain top. Ahead of me I could see the trail cut through the meadow and disappear into the trees. And then on the left the mountains in the distance were poking through the low laying clouds. What a morning vista!
Unfortunately, the rest of the day was spent with endless ups and downs with a few hours of rock fields mixed in. Walking in these rocky sections is never too much fun as they roll your ankles and throw jagged points into the most valued part of your body. I think of the rock fields as mine fields. You never know which rock may be loose and will ultimately send you hurling to the ground. Either way the sun was shinning and that makes for a great day of hiking.
We got the the shelter with time to spare so we hung everything out to dry and relaxed in the hammocks for a bit. After some Mac-n-Cheese and a snickers it’s time to call it an early night as I am beat. May have some rain tomorrow but for now the skies are clear. Loving Life.
5-20-11 Cowboy Camping
Pearisburg, VA to Symms Gap Meadow: 12 miles
Three trips to Hardees in two days may be a bit much, but it’s a part of my current life style. We slept in a bit this morning before grabbing some hardees and then food at the grocery store. We were embarking on a 5 1/2 day hike before the next town so we knew heavy packs were inevitable. A block of cheddar and two summer sausages surely won’t help my ultralight cause, but what are you going to do.
All packed up around 1:00 pm and after another trip to hardees we were ready to hit the trail. It was a solid 1,700 foot climb across 3 miles. We were originally shooting for 8 miles to a spring and then called an audible taking us 4 more miles to a mountain top meadow. After about 10 days of overcast and rain I jumped on the 0% chance of precipitation by deciding to cowboy camp. Threw down the pack, pad and sleeping bag and got ready for one of Char’s home-cooked meals. She set us up with fajitas and white rice which were quite delicious. I added a little flare by throwing in some cheddar cheese since I am carrying nearly a pound of it!
We watched the sunset over West Virginia before ceasing into the sleeping bags. It’s a little chilly so appreciate the post cause my hands are freezing. Here’s hoping for a clear starry night. Enjoy the pic. Loving Life.
5-19-11 Greasy Hair
Wapiti Shelter to Pearisburg, VA: 17 miles
Why is it that all hotels/motels on the trail feel like they don’t have to supply shampoo? We got up early and knocked out the first 9 miles by 10:30. The terrain was fairly easy, so we fueled up on some peanut butter wraps and got back on the trail. Someone kept turning on and off the natural shower which ended up giving us a good chill. That hot shower never sounded better. Town came around 2:00 and provided us with a hardees and a Dairy Queen on the way to the hotel. Naturally, we hit both. After two spicy chicken sandwiches, a bacon cheeseburger, onion rings and a blizzard I was in the shower and soaking it up. Now it’s time for laundry, shopping, dinner and relaxation. Gotta get some industrial strength shampoo. Here we go. Loving Life.
Northbound By Foot 