The stay at the hiker hostel at Standing Bear was quite the experience. We ended up staying one more night, a beautiful day filled with music, beer, shine, and horseshoes. After a b double e doulbe r UN beerrun in the early part of the afternoon (also a scenic tour with road sodas)Bluegrass and I challenged our hosts to a game of shoes in the early afternoon, Bluegrass got a double ringer, only moments after a big chug from the mason jar that held the hilbilly booze, and while we were almost defeated in the rubber match, we took a lesson from our motto on the trail, and came back one point (or one step) at a time to defeat Curtis and Rockhound on their home turf... should have played for a night's stay! Also shaved the hair on my head and trimmed the beard... all those who doubted my resilience with long facial hair will be rewarded to hear this, those of you hoping for an undiscernable mountain man to appear from the woods in 5 months, you will be dissapointed.
The spaceship launched around noonish on the third day at the bear, after a safety meeting by the tobacco barn. The next two days on the trail were lonley, just the two of us. We hiked through the woods in a very eery quiet (that was also felt by other travelers) while scanning the trail for bear activity, not much time for spacetravel when concerned with dodging meteor showers. Made it to the top to a place called Max Patch just before sunset. Wasn't sure about where to camp, but two fellows from UT called over and welcomed us to tent on the top with them. a quick scan for a sign to land revealed the two other travelers were carrying with them the fermented suds that we so much crave, so the landing gear went down and we enjoyed a night with good company... and cold beer!! The sky was incredible, one of the best sunsets, sky rises, and sunrises so far on the trail. I'd post pics, but i stumbled upon this computer and don't have the necessary devices (camera) to do so. Maybe sometime soon.
We've made new friends, Soares from Boston, Hunry from Nantucket, Bushwacker from Florida, and Chili, i think chili is from Ohio. Staying at a cabin by the French Broad River, at the Hot Springs Resort. The hot springs are a bit of a misnomer, replace spring with tubs and you get the real picture. Hot water is a welcome addition to any stay anywhere, so regardless of the wrong picture being placed in my head prior to landing here, we are welcome and happy to spend what they call on the trail, a zero day. A "nero" day is when you stay the night at the closest shelter to the town, and then walk in early in the morning, find the greasiest diner, and plop youself down for a few meals. So far, we've been to the diner here in Hot Springs 5 times, and only eaten two meals.
Giant steps are what you take when walking on the moon...
G
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Report from "Spaceship"
In Tennessee right now at a really cool hiker hostel called "Standing Bear" after getting a ride around the smokies. The past week has been very tough, we pushed hard and made a 20 mile day on Wednesday after stopping at the Nathala Outdoor CEnter where they had beer and food. With a fully belly, we hiked up a 3000 foot, 7 mile summit in the dark to a very cold shelter. the next day was a bit slower, but once again, hiked at night to make some good time.
Been hiking with Stunned Mullet, Grandaddy Longjohn, and Intents. We all went out to a pub in Franklin and sang karaokee at a pub while drinking guiness and green beer. while mostly power ballads filled the air, we were surrounded by tv screens and information that is really hard to take after being in the woods for a few weeks... it's in interesting contrast.
I have been dubbed "Ghost Rider Dog Spaceship". That is the trail name that has developed. I amnow going with just Spaceship for simplicity reasons. I guess you could say that i have been dreaming about space travel, and i woke up one morming and asked lexi if she wanted to drive the spaceship....tent... so that's kind of the back story on that name... Longjohns keeps insisting that my name should be dog rider, but for obvious reasons, i have vetod that and added ghost rider, being the song i sang to redeem myself at karaokee.
Travels in space are quite exciting... while hiking it is easy to slip off into a daydream, so i've been visiting places around the universe... keep you posted on that.
well i'm outside in a shack at a computer... my fingers are almost frozen, its about 30 here. Got some shine last night, i like!
heading off for hot springs, where we'll chill for a few days and let the group catch up... right now we're 6 days ahead... let the wind carry us to our next stop on the journey...
g
Been hiking with Stunned Mullet, Grandaddy Longjohn, and Intents. We all went out to a pub in Franklin and sang karaokee at a pub while drinking guiness and green beer. while mostly power ballads filled the air, we were surrounded by tv screens and information that is really hard to take after being in the woods for a few weeks... it's in interesting contrast.
I have been dubbed "Ghost Rider Dog Spaceship". That is the trail name that has developed. I amnow going with just Spaceship for simplicity reasons. I guess you could say that i have been dreaming about space travel, and i woke up one morming and asked lexi if she wanted to drive the spaceship....tent... so that's kind of the back story on that name... Longjohns keeps insisting that my name should be dog rider, but for obvious reasons, i have vetod that and added ghost rider, being the song i sang to redeem myself at karaokee.
Travels in space are quite exciting... while hiking it is easy to slip off into a daydream, so i've been visiting places around the universe... keep you posted on that.
well i'm outside in a shack at a computer... my fingers are almost frozen, its about 30 here. Got some shine last night, i like!
heading off for hot springs, where we'll chill for a few days and let the group catch up... right now we're 6 days ahead... let the wind carry us to our next stop on the journey...
g
Monday, March 16, 2009
North Carolina = Rain
Well, it's only been a few days since we stopped in a town, but it's been raining buckets since we left Hiawassee. The hiking is getting alot easier, but the sleeping is wet and cold.Literally as we crossed into the the NC woods, the rain starting to poor and didn't stop, well hasn't stopped. Been hiking with most of the same folks, lost the Peter Plan Clan to a few knee inguries, J-bird is still around, met a few new folks, and the kiwi girls are now part of the party. As some of you may not have known about this trail, it is quite the social society out in the woods. We spend each day hiking alone, but when we get to camp many familiar faces abound. Since Lex and I will be skipping the not-so-great Smokies, we will be leaving many of our friends behind as we head N towards VA. This may be a lonely time on the trail, but each day on the trail is different and unpredictable.
As for the SPOT thingy, I have not been activating it in the rain, not because it isn't waterproof, but because I am not in the mood for gadgets after setting up a wet tent with frozen fingers. The rain has been unrelenting, and it hasn't been much above 35 degrees. Since we don't carry a whole lot of clothing besides what we wear, once we get into camp and cook food, it's into the sleeping bag for the night. The nights are long, more than 12 hours of darkness, so it's fair to say that I've caught up on some sleep and reading. On Sat night, the rain came down so hard for so long we were hiking on a river all day Sunday, literally a few inches to a foot of water covered most of the trail. the rain gear has held up great, the tent needs a ground cloth, which i will get this afternoon, and the shoes are really muddy, but dry on the inside. so back to the SPOT thingy, I'll get on that more realiably, didn't realize so many people were following it.
We'll head for Fontana Dam, get a ride around the Smokies, and next stop is at Hot Spring, where there are hot pools, spas, and message parolors. this should be about a week or so from now. The first couple of weeks are tough on the body, so frequent stops help avoid injury that can keep one from keeping on. the trail blogs that i read before leaving are mostly hot-headed mumbo-jumbo, it's a great idea to get in trail shape before hand, dogs cannot get through the smokies, and full boots would be a good idea for the first month. good ol internet!
my southern accent is getting really good... "Yes Mamm", "y-all", the southern hospitality is very kind, and I have enjoyed this part of the country and the people here. religion is everywhere, but you can expect people with a good sense of community and moral dignity, not to mention some high calorie food!
New pics up on the facebook thing...
G
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Geogia on the AT
We are now staying the night in Hiwawassee, GA where we have found a nice little Inn to shower, do some laundry, and get real food... just 9 miles short of the NC border.
Three days before we started the trail, the temperature at the start was 5 degrees. The last 7 days that we have hiked through GA have been incredible. Over 60 all day everyday, all night every night. A few days have even gotten to 80 and a few of the hikers have a nice sunburn to show for this early Spring weather.... i have a red-neck, which helps fit in nicely down here!
The AT is a really cool family of like-minded individuals. Right now everyone is heading North for Maine... the typical question on the trail is "Going to Maine?" most of us nod and say something to the tune of "That's the plan". It could be said many of us are sick of the day-to-day, television ridden society... some of use came for the solitude... but most of us just want an adventure... being alone can be difficult on the AT, but achievable if that is your MO or what you want that night. The thing is none of us have anything we HAVE to do. Get up and start walking, stop when tired. sit around a campfire at night sharing laughs. we do have to keep our mileage up if we want to be done before September... 12 miles a day makes this a 6 month journey, 16 miles a day is a 5 month journey. 16 miles a day will put you to sleep before the sun drops behind the hills.
Pack weight= 35lbs for 4 days of food, 38 for 6 days. I weigh about 210, and haven't lost a pound yet. but i think I've gained what ever i lost in muscle in my legs. Using trekking poles makes this a Nordic exercise, going up hills is quite a good cardio work-out, going down just plain sucks on the joints.
Having almost completely finished one state, spirits are much more realistic, many of us are becoming mileage experts and almost all of us are really good at dreaming about what kind of food we're going to get first when we get to real hot food. For me it was chicken, eggs, biscuits, a burger, fries, hashbrowns and coffee. I have an order for some freshly BBQ'd ribs coming at 4pm from a guy in the parking lot. I have only been able to carry about 2200 calories of food per day for me, and 1/3 of that for lex. If you figure we burn about 800 an hour of hiking and hike for 6-8 hours a day, you can see the difference adding up quickly, the cravings are intense!
Lexi is sleeping at the Inn, she, like me, is happy to be off the paws for a few hours. My ankles are pretty sore. Full hiking boots would have been a good idea in GA, the terrain is rocky and uneven in many places. GA is much harder than expected, lots of hills and it's been really hot. The water has been good and we're finally getting into the right routine of filling up a few times a day.
Been reading a lot. Just about finished the book, "Mutant Message Down Under" a book that Robert and Tarja sent me off with (Thank you!). This is a great book, and I highly recommend that everyone pick this up and learn from an ancient Aboriginal people. Dad, you may be able to use this testament to update your metaphysical philosophy. Next is at Tom Robbins book from Damion. I picked up a book on Zen, but passed that off to a fellow hiker who was looking for something to pass the time at camp.
There is this thing called Trail Magic. At first it was a turkey sandwich and a cookie, but today this magic came in the form of beer on the trail!!!!! man was that nice.
Dirty hands are the norm, smelly feet and socks are part of the wilderness smell. Rice tastes like a meal from the gods, baby powder is gold, a pillow would be nice (lexi moves too much), pumping water is a pain in the ass, waking up and walking before the sunrises is worth every ache and pain... smelling the pines, tasting fresh clear spring water make me smile; hearing the blue birds, owls, and coyotes sing are a welcome change from trains and cars. Sometimes nothing can be heard, just the howl of the wind.
Music is an item that i could use some more of. I have been dubbed "singer" for now because of my trail tunes... keeps me busy, something to do while doing the right foot, left foot march.
So that's it for now... next stop is the not-so-great Smoky Mnts National Park, where we will be skipping about 80 miles of foot travel thanks to a stupid and unfair rule.
G
side note: i have lots of pics that i will post at some point, the library i am at is really helpful, but we can't get the computer to like my camera.
Three days before we started the trail, the temperature at the start was 5 degrees. The last 7 days that we have hiked through GA have been incredible. Over 60 all day everyday, all night every night. A few days have even gotten to 80 and a few of the hikers have a nice sunburn to show for this early Spring weather.... i have a red-neck, which helps fit in nicely down here!
The AT is a really cool family of like-minded individuals. Right now everyone is heading North for Maine... the typical question on the trail is "Going to Maine?" most of us nod and say something to the tune of "That's the plan". It could be said many of us are sick of the day-to-day, television ridden society... some of use came for the solitude... but most of us just want an adventure... being alone can be difficult on the AT, but achievable if that is your MO or what you want that night. The thing is none of us have anything we HAVE to do. Get up and start walking, stop when tired. sit around a campfire at night sharing laughs. we do have to keep our mileage up if we want to be done before September... 12 miles a day makes this a 6 month journey, 16 miles a day is a 5 month journey. 16 miles a day will put you to sleep before the sun drops behind the hills.
Pack weight= 35lbs for 4 days of food, 38 for 6 days. I weigh about 210, and haven't lost a pound yet. but i think I've gained what ever i lost in muscle in my legs. Using trekking poles makes this a Nordic exercise, going up hills is quite a good cardio work-out, going down just plain sucks on the joints.
Having almost completely finished one state, spirits are much more realistic, many of us are becoming mileage experts and almost all of us are really good at dreaming about what kind of food we're going to get first when we get to real hot food. For me it was chicken, eggs, biscuits, a burger, fries, hashbrowns and coffee. I have an order for some freshly BBQ'd ribs coming at 4pm from a guy in the parking lot. I have only been able to carry about 2200 calories of food per day for me, and 1/3 of that for lex. If you figure we burn about 800 an hour of hiking and hike for 6-8 hours a day, you can see the difference adding up quickly, the cravings are intense!
Lexi is sleeping at the Inn, she, like me, is happy to be off the paws for a few hours. My ankles are pretty sore. Full hiking boots would have been a good idea in GA, the terrain is rocky and uneven in many places. GA is much harder than expected, lots of hills and it's been really hot. The water has been good and we're finally getting into the right routine of filling up a few times a day.
Been reading a lot. Just about finished the book, "Mutant Message Down Under" a book that Robert and Tarja sent me off with (Thank you!). This is a great book, and I highly recommend that everyone pick this up and learn from an ancient Aboriginal people. Dad, you may be able to use this testament to update your metaphysical philosophy. Next is at Tom Robbins book from Damion. I picked up a book on Zen, but passed that off to a fellow hiker who was looking for something to pass the time at camp.
There is this thing called Trail Magic. At first it was a turkey sandwich and a cookie, but today this magic came in the form of beer on the trail!!!!! man was that nice.
Dirty hands are the norm, smelly feet and socks are part of the wilderness smell. Rice tastes like a meal from the gods, baby powder is gold, a pillow would be nice (lexi moves too much), pumping water is a pain in the ass, waking up and walking before the sunrises is worth every ache and pain... smelling the pines, tasting fresh clear spring water make me smile; hearing the blue birds, owls, and coyotes sing are a welcome change from trains and cars. Sometimes nothing can be heard, just the howl of the wind.
Music is an item that i could use some more of. I have been dubbed "singer" for now because of my trail tunes... keeps me busy, something to do while doing the right foot, left foot march.
So that's it for now... next stop is the not-so-great Smoky Mnts National Park, where we will be skipping about 80 miles of foot travel thanks to a stupid and unfair rule.
G
side note: i have lots of pics that i will post at some point, the library i am at is really helpful, but we can't get the computer to like my camera.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Team Safety Patrol
Howdy from day 4 on the AT. Thing are going great. We have been making good time with many of the hikers that started on Friday. Writing from a tru-hiker outpost in Neel Gap.
Definetly miss beer, but the first two days were pretty lonely, missing everyone. The trail is beautiful, we've had really nice weather, 60+ with good water right on the trail. Last night we stayed at the highest point on the AT in Georgia, 4500 feet, with the wind howling on Blood Mountain.
As we leave some milage behind us, it starts to feel more like a journey we can accomplish! Lexi is doing great, she has had a smile on her face the whole time. Our collective trail name is "Safety Patrol", mostly because Lex takes it upon herself to check on all of our new friends. I still do not have a trail name, I may just go with G, since that is what I respond to.
We have learned that we cannot pass throught the Smokey Mnts National Park (well Lexi cannot0, so when we get to our nex stop in Haiwassee we will find out how to get around this police state park. The most unreasonable thing about not allowing dogs in that park is that they allow horses. I started a petition but most of the seasoned hikers do not think that will work, the only way to pass with a dog is if she is a service dog... and that she is not... although i could fake a sudden attack of blindness caused by overexertion. Anyway, we'll be seeking ways around this unfair regulation via automobile. This will mean that we will not get to hike this section of the trail... but that's the way it will have to be... I will not leave her somewhere, and the fine is up to $500... not worth it.
Should be at the next stop in 3-4 days, we are averaging about 13/day right now. Some big hills ahead!
G
Definetly miss beer, but the first two days were pretty lonely, missing everyone. The trail is beautiful, we've had really nice weather, 60+ with good water right on the trail. Last night we stayed at the highest point on the AT in Georgia, 4500 feet, with the wind howling on Blood Mountain.
As we leave some milage behind us, it starts to feel more like a journey we can accomplish! Lexi is doing great, she has had a smile on her face the whole time. Our collective trail name is "Safety Patrol", mostly because Lex takes it upon herself to check on all of our new friends. I still do not have a trail name, I may just go with G, since that is what I respond to.
We have learned that we cannot pass throught the Smokey Mnts National Park (well Lexi cannot0, so when we get to our nex stop in Haiwassee we will find out how to get around this police state park. The most unreasonable thing about not allowing dogs in that park is that they allow horses. I started a petition but most of the seasoned hikers do not think that will work, the only way to pass with a dog is if she is a service dog... and that she is not... although i could fake a sudden attack of blindness caused by overexertion. Anyway, we'll be seeking ways around this unfair regulation via automobile. This will mean that we will not get to hike this section of the trail... but that's the way it will have to be... I will not leave her somewhere, and the fine is up to $500... not worth it.
Should be at the next stop in 3-4 days, we are averaging about 13/day right now. Some big hills ahead!
G
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Happy Trails!
Nervous excitement... kinda like the first day at a new school... but at this school the bed keeps moving each night.Currently... Dahlonega, GA . Being able to phonetically pronounce this town's name correctly is the first challenge of an AT hiker heading North... and then prepare to butcher a number of other National Parks, State Parks, hill-folk bumble towns and such.. amongst other obvious initial challenges.
So far emotions have been subtle and directly associated with what was happening at the time. What is happening at this time? Last day on the road, last night in a bed... first day on the trail, first night in the tent.
Now this is what it's all about... today we start walking and we're pretty much gonna keep walking until we're in Maine, which by most calculations will take the next 5 months. Hanging food in trees, meeting folks doing the same thing, seeing the sunrise and sunset in the same day and not have a hangover!(well in most cases)!
I had to dump a lot of stuff from the pack. Skimmed down the first-aid kit, lost the extra ramen, pop tarts, corn tortillas, crackers, hoodie, gloves. Lexi is carrying about 2 days of food, I am carrying the other 2 days for her. Those of you good at math will have a good idea of how many days we've packed for. This will take us to Neels Gap where we can re-supply and reevaluate.
Thank you to Mom and Dad for helping us get down here, this was the toughest angle to plan and you have really helped this go smoothly.
I will have contact with a computer again in 78 miles or so... till then... happy trails!
G and Lex
SPOT Tracker
Breaking free from a technology absent adventure, we will be utilizing a new wilderness device called SPOT. This stands for Satellite Personal Tracker, the O is what you say after you learn what the other letters stand for.
Well anyway, we have this set up, thanks entirely to Sean Morley (which is why it says expedition kayaker http://www.expeditionkayak.com/), Sean just finished a world-record setting circumnavigation of Vancouver Island last Fall and used this device to allow family and friends to keep track of where he was. This little gadget only has 4 buttons; one to turn it on, one to say ok, one to say help, and the last in case of emergency, 911.
To keep track of our progress, click on the link to the right that says "Where are we?".
G
Well anyway, we have this set up, thanks entirely to Sean Morley (which is why it says expedition kayaker http://www.expeditionkayak.com/), Sean just finished a world-record setting circumnavigation of Vancouver Island last Fall and used this device to allow family and friends to keep track of where he was. This little gadget only has 4 buttons; one to turn it on, one to say ok, one to say help, and the last in case of emergency, 911.
To keep track of our progress, click on the link to the right that says "Where are we?".
G
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Polls close, new poll opens
Boasting "no-contest" results , beer has shaken all other opponents and is most obviously what we will miss most while on the trail... in reality what I will miss most... but Lexi will sure miss what happens when I drink beer.
No surprise here, as beer will be sorely missed, and coveted as often as possible... now onto another interactive poll... if you are so inclined!
I have been growing a beard... longest it's ever been so far. I have also not shaved my head since 09 started... mostly for warmth, but partly for fun... and it is my goal to not shave either until the end of the trail... thoughts?
tonight in Harrisburg, PA. tomorrow through VA.
G
No surprise here, as beer will be sorely missed, and coveted as often as possible... now onto another interactive poll... if you are so inclined!
I have been growing a beard... longest it's ever been so far. I have also not shaved my head since 09 started... mostly for warmth, but partly for fun... and it is my goal to not shave either until the end of the trail... thoughts?
tonight in Harrisburg, PA. tomorrow through VA.
G
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