Kasey takes a hike

Hiking Challenge

2011-07-14T11:07:00.002-04:00

So, I decided the burning desire to do another long trail is tearing me apart and I need to do something locally to quell that desire! Here is what I have in mind:

Golden Foothills Foot Tour!

On 16 September 2011, I will embark on my day long journey from my house and back! I know that sounds short; however, there is a large loop of ascents and descents in there!

Early on the 16th I will depart from my home (located near 6th ave & Simms street). From home I will head towards Colorado Mills Mall/Denver West. Behind Denver West is South Table Mountain. I will traverse that open space park in to Golden proper. Since that trail comes down to 19th street in Golden, I will then follow 19th across 6th avenue to begin my ascent of Lookout Mountain. Chimney Gulch Trail to Lookout Mountain Trail across the top to Apex trail where I will descend to Highway 40. I will carefully walk up Highway 40 to Mathews Winters Park where I will hike over the Morrison Slide Trail towards Red Rocks. That trail then joins up with the hogback which divides C470 from Red Rocks Amphitheater. In the middle of the hogback is the zorro trail which takes me over to the Rooney Road Parking lot for Green Mountain. My last ascent and descent of the day (other than the ascent up to my home) will be over Green Mountain. The total mileage I am assuming to be about 30+ miles. It should be a nice challenge to under take.

Currently, my training plan looks like this:
11 July; Monday - time/distance check south table, lookout, and apex. 15miles @ ~6hrs
3 August; Wednesday - time/distance check lookout, apex, mathews winters, hogback.

A couple weeks after the 3 August test, I will do a test of mathews winters, hogback, and green mountain. Then it will be time for all of it together. Once I have gotten a little more data from my tests, I will post estimated time and distance of loop! It will be pieced together by my readings from my Garmin, but they should be pretty decent!

The hiking makes me happy!

Wishy Washy

2011-01-24T18:24:00.002-05:00

Today, I am hiking the Colorado Trail...or so I think!

Tomorrow, I am going to go an exotic vacation with my husband...or so I think!

Finally, I have decided it is time to give back to the community. So, instead of hiking the Colorado Trail this summer, I am going to help build/repair some of our major trails. American Hiking Society has what they call Volunteer Vacations. Basically, you pay money to go stay in the woods and build/repair some of the most beautiful trails in our country. I am looking forward to being what I always referred to as the true Trail Angels of the Appalachian Trail...the trail maintainer! It should be rewarding.

When I looked at the Colorado Trail and where my life is at the moment, I realized now is not the time. In another 4 years, I will be hopefully hiking the PCT, and right now I need to work on my finances to make such a journey easier. So, to be able to help maintain the trails and possibly in the future be a crew leader for such excursions would be a dream come true.

Every day is a journey of adventure. I meet people of all walks of life from my bus commute to my retail position. They all inspire me and touch me in some way whether they know it or not. I look forward to giving back to the world the true goodness of my heart! It is always obtained by helping share nature with others!

Wandering Heart

2010-12-15T01:23:00.003-05:00

It is time for this wanderer to return to the woods. It is not as long as the Appalachian Trail; however, it should at least feed the need to walk amongst the energy of nature and find inner peace. Come this summer, I will find myself backpacking the entire Colorado Trail. Sometimes, it feels like it cannot come soon enough, but I know before I even have a real chance to plan it I will be out there doing the best I can with just the stuff on my back!

Now, many might think I am selfish for going out on this journey while my husband stays home and continues to fight the battle against his cancer on his own. On some level, you are correct! It is extremely selfish! At the same time, I am told I need to take care of myself in order to give my husband the best care possible during his fight. The day he was diagnosed with GIST was the day I died. Since that day, I have been basically worthless to him anyway. This trek along the Colorado Trail is part of my rejuvenation and strength building to deal with this terminal illness and hopefully chase it away all together!

Ok, so this still sounds like bull malarkey, right? Well, it is hard to keep spirits high and fight the depression that comes with learning you have a terminal illness when you yourself have been sunk by depression. In the first year and a half of his cancer treatment, I tried as hard as possible to run from it and keep my spirits up by simply avoiding. Now, I am waking up and realizing all that did was help to sink my ship in the swamp of sadness!

Many are asking why such a long trip? Can't I just go out for a week? For me, there is no strength in a week long backpacking trip. There is something to be said for spending a month in the woods alone living off my common sense skills and the stuff in my backpack. On the top of a mountain, I converse with mother nature when the opportunity presents itself. From the valleys, I send her thanks for the nutrients she provides in her rivers and streams. Mother nature nourishes me through perseverance and beauty. She challenges me to focus on myself, which is a huge challenge in my life when surrounded by so many hurting and sad people. Within my soul, I am a happy person, but around others I am consumed! How is it there can be so much hurt and pain?

So, for this reason, I go to the woods to find solace in the warms of mother nature. She opens my eyes and makes me truly look within myself and walk away more connected throughout my body. It is through this I will be able to improve my care for my husband and stand by his side during this horrible battle! Through me I shall share mother nature's love with my husband!

Lost in a need for peace of motion

2009-12-21T02:49:00.002-05:00

Reading my stories from the AT and working the industry I work fuel me more and more with the desire to lace up my shoes, pack up my pack, and take a walk. About a year ago my husband asked me about he and I going to do the PCT (pacific crest trail). I was overjoyed at the idea of him wanting to join me on such an endeavor. At the same time, I knew it was not something he really wanted to do and thus it would not happen. However, it has gotten the brain juices flowing.

Throughout my life I have always looked for the challenges to power myself forward. I cannot do things simply just to simply do things. Backpacking has been in my blood since birth. I joke about being born in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and how they drained the lower peninsula blood out of me and put that outdoorsy Yooper blood in me.

Never could my family keep me indoors. I'm still that way to some degree, but I find it harder to get out these days. Also, after having hiked the Appalachian Trail, getting outside takes on a whole different meaning.

As winter comes and summer is seen past that, I begin to plan my challenges for the year. Seeing as though I have been feeling overwhelmed with clutter, I am feeling it is time to take a long walk. It is not time for the PCT although I would greatly love to do that and think it is time to start researching that excursion. To keep my sanity, I am thinking of something shorter...the Colorado Trail. We will see whether that pans out of not.

All I know is that I need to get back to the simplicity of nature and living day to day versus caught somewhere between the pain of yesterday and the depressing hope of the future. I need to refocus and recenter myself. Now, to figure out the details of a short long trail hike!

On the Trail Again

2009-08-02T23:31:00.002-04:00

Argh! My heart aches to be hiking again. The pure joy of simplicity! Knowing I can handle anything that comes at me just with the use of those items I chose to put in my backpack! It is an amazing feeling to be so empowered!

So, the other day, I met friends who are currently hiking the entire Colorado Trail (~500miles from Denver to Durango) and brought them their resupply food. I got there a day early with the idea that I would meet them on the trail and stay the night with them before bringing them back in to resupply! After about 10miles out, I found myself extremely exhausted and worried about missing them. So, I turned around, drank the coke I brought for them, and headed back towards their car. In total, I did 20miles of backpacking that day only to end up back at the car, where I spent the evening, more or less!

The next day, I woke up early to make sure I was at the trail head to meet them bright and early. By 10am, I had not seen them and began to worry a little more. Having read a couple of short Stephen King stories and eaten tons of cherries, I decided it was time to get in motion again. So, I headed back up the trail to meet them. This time, I did it in my flip flops without a pack! It made me chuckle a little! :o)

At the pass and junction with the Colorado Trail, I once again met up with Apple, a trail angel for both the Appalachian Trail as well as the Colorado Trail. He is a retired IBM employee who enjoys assisting those who attempt the craziness of long distance hiking. At Lujan Pass, he had a cooler, tent, and chairs waiting for those hiking the Colorado Trail at this time. It was neat to read his log book and talk to him about the AT. We knew some of the same people and then one of the guys I met on the AT in 2005 had actually been through on the 5th of July. It was amazing and brought tears to my eyes as I remembered old times.

During my backpacking on Thursday to meet my friends (whom I never did meet that night), I found myself overwhelmed with emotions of wanting to be back on a long trail. The simplicity and the respect one receives by taking on such endeavors builds enormous amounts of self-esteem. I found myself breaking into tears and forcing myself to turn around for fear of never leaving the woods again and knowing I need to go back for my husband! Life feeds us a lot of responsibilities and challenges and we are not always lucky enough to be able to step outside of those challenges and take the outside view of it. Sometimes, we just have to jump in blinded by the unknown and hope for the best. The future is what we make of it and sometimes we just have to make it!

With that in mind, it is my intention to be back on a long trail again before I grow too old. Once you do one natural journey, it soaks through your veins until it causes you such discomfort that you have to go out again! The trails breed such communities one does not find in cities of any size! It reminds you of the humanity of people and we are not doomed to tragedy! Hiking and finding selfless people wanting to hear your story is where the honesty and integrity of a nation is seen first hand! The beauty of each of us is still there if only we all believe and embrace it.

That is why I long to be out again among those full of the love of nature and what it was truly given to us to teach...peace, love, and understanding...not to mention patience and kindness!

Training Time

2009-05-27T12:53:00.003-04:00

The packets are finding their way into my mailbox and increasing the stress in my training life to get out there and mountain bike. I am most worried about the Silver Rush 50 and the Leadville 100 mountain bike race. As for the running aspect, it really is just a matter of fast hiking. So, I am not worried about that.

Many moons ago, I remember my husband starting to get into cycling and coming home from being gone for about 15minutes on a bike ride pissed because of mechanical problems. His complaint was in favor of his running because nothing can go wrong with running. There is just so much to know about with cycling...mainly the need to change tires, thus carrying extra gear with you.

Since the Appalachian Trail, I have been looking more and more into going ultralight in everything I do. Working at REI, I have acquired many lightweight layers to make my hiking and backpacking more enjoyable and easier, but just as safe. So, as I prepare for Leadville/The LeadWoman events, I wonder how to make things lighter on the mountain bike. The bike itself is big and bulky, but I was not going to spend tons of money on a carbon mountain bike which I may never use again. Although, I cannot imagine not falling in love with mountain biking as I have every other adventure event in my life. Anyway, my husband put a slime tube in the front tire of the bike after it went flat on my first mountain bike race last september when we did the Bearable Adventure race, so I know I could change that out for lighter, but then I run the risk of getting a flat on the course. Granted, I can get a flat even with the slime tube, but...

Ok, so I guess I got some thoughts to work through on how to approach these events. After doing the Colfax Marathon almot 2 weeks ago, I did learn what I need to do for the running events and am ready for those. It is simply the cycling events that need to be managed at this point and I need to get out on my mountain bike and train. Part of my fear is going alone. I am prone to falling off my bike and after a rash of friends crashing on their bikes from crazy mountain bike accidents to goofing around on road bikes during a day of fun, I am a little nervous to mountain bike alone. Granted, I will be wearing a helmet which these others were not doing when they had their major crashes! Also, I will start small with just local parks that are rather busy most of the time. That can be a good thing and a bad thing as I will have to learn how to dodge people if there are too many of them on my training courses. It all boils down to confidence on the bike. Unfortunately, my mountain bike is the one bike I feel least comfortable on. So, we will see what happens. The sun is out today and I am thankful for that as I may actually be able to take the bike out on some trails without slogging through mud. I may go check out the trails on foot first, though. My confidence increases when I know what I am in for and can plan ahead! That keeps me on my bike usually. It is the unexpected that throws me for a loop and off my bike!

So, the challenge is there, but I am still excited to get started and see how things finish up. I will be posting the cutoff times for the races in the next few days as I review the information being sent to me. As I have already said, the running events will be easy to make the time cutoffs. I need to figure out how easy the bike cutoffs will be even if I end up pushing a bike a good portion of the course. This summer will be a busy time, but also rewarding in so many ways. I look forward to the challenge as it continues to approach me and remind me of my strength and ability to put mind over matter to get the job done! I will prevail!

This Year's Challenge

2009-01-05T23:54:00.002-05:00

So, until I am able to get back out there on a long trail (which may be the PCT in 2010), I continue to find semi-local challenges to keep me in the shape I was on the Appalachian Trail. For this year, I am biting off more than I can chew, but I am going to try to swallow it WHOLE!!!! I have decided I want to be a Leadwoman! My friends are all trying to be Ironmen, so I thought I would stick with the metal idea and go for Lead! Also, I am an over achiever and have to do a variety of crazy races and teach myself something new with each challenge. So, here is the list of events going on for this year's challenge:

2009 Schedule of Events

Leadville Trail 100 Training Camp

Saturday – Monday, June 27 - 29, 2009

Leadville Trail Marathon & Heavy Half Marathon

Saturday, July 11, 2009

Leadville Silver Rush 50 Mountain Bike Race

Saturday, July 25, 2009

Leadville Trail 100 Mountain Bike Race

Saturday, August 15, 2009

LT 100 10K

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Leadville Trail 100 Run

Saturday – Sunday, August 22-23, 2009

As some of you know, I have attempted the Leadville Trail 100 Run before. It was 2007 and I got to see the entire course. This time around I plan on doing better than 2007 and thus decided it was okay to throw the extra events in along with the trail run. My husband feels I am biting off more than I can chew, but like I said above, I plan on swallowing it WHOLE!! Without challenges in my life, I am just ordinary and my mother taught me to always be

E X T R A O R D I N A R Y!!!!!

So, here goes another year of fun and adventure! Wish me luck world as I conquer the world this time around and swallow LEAD WHOLE!!!

Trail Lust Runs Rampant

2008-12-06T22:36:00.002-05:00

Over three years have passed since I finished the Appalachian Trail and the desire burns brighter than usual right now. So much has changed in me over the past 3 + years. I do not fit in this world as I did in the past. Things move too fast and people are too self absorbed. The mountains and trails call to me. I can hear them. Yes! That sounds crazy, but it is in my blood now to conquer the beauty and absorb it into my very soul.

This is the reason I often think of being an author. Unfortunately, I can not have a coherent thought to save my soul or at least a linear line of thoughts. If I were to write, someone would have to take my writings and organize them into a cohesive story that makes sense. That is the same way with my speeches or presentations. So many thoughts float through my mind wanting to get out the information, that I lose the straight path and end up walking in circles.

Every conversation I have centers around walking in some fashion or another. My greatest thoughts come from walking (or the toilet). The freedom of the trail is what calls me as well. At the same time, I wish I could take everyone I meet out on to a long distance trail and show them the miracles of life! There is so much beauty that goes unnoticed as we all rush around our daily lives.

My next trail will be the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). I am hoping for 2010 for this adventure; however, my life may not allow it to happen. We will see what the future holds in store for me. If nothing more, then I hope to get some good s-miles on the Colorado Trail (CT). Just to be out in the woods absorbing the energy from the earth as I snuggle into my sleeping bag. Gotta get some winter camping experience too! The world is my oyster and I will conquer it all. Beware when I do as I will be overwhelmingly beautiful due to the absorption of the natural beauty. Either that or wrinkled and leathery from all the sunshine and fresh air! Both are beautiful in their own way.

Until then...

3 years Later

2008-11-07T22:08:00.002-05:00

So, it has been 3 years since the completion of my Appalachian Trail Thru Hike and I still burn with desire to get back out there and hike to far off lands. My next hope is the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). My husband is not a big backpacker, but I hope to get him out doing some sections with me at least. We will see what the future holds. I continue to work for a large outdoor retailer and thus am plunged into helping others "outfit for a life time of adventure."

I also continue to learn and grow from my experiences on the trail. My life continues to slow down and be relaxed due to what I have seen and done through my adventure on the trail. I have not had a car since I smashed up our only car in April and it has been an adventure commuting by public transportation, bike, or foot. Of course, my preferred method of transportation is on foot as there are so many things we miss while moving fast! We do find we eat out less and stay closer to home. This is the first winter my husband and I will be using public transportation to get to and from work. Luckily, we both have the gear to not be too miserable with our commute.

The trail and the outdoors continue to call to me. I often want to just pack up my backpack and walk away from everything. So much has happened in the last 3 years to change who I am and how I interact with people. It has been a challenging and yet rewarding transformation for me. At the same time, my transformation is not fully completed yet. I look forward to all the future holds in its teachings and gifts. Life is truly blessed and I will be back out on the trails again in the near future. Maybe the money from the car being totalled out will help take me on my next journey. Until then, I will continue to watch for opportunities to learn more ways of interacting with the beauty that surrounds me daily, from the people I meet to the things I get the pleasure of seeing.

Thank you all for everything you have read, done, and supported me through over the years. This coming year does hold another big challenge for me as I attempt to learn mountain biking and sign up for the Lead Woman series. It is a series of 5 events from a marathon to a couple mountain bike races, and finishing with a 100mile trail run (the one I attempted in 2007). I feel if I put my mind to it, I can do anything!

A yearly challenge

2007-09-22T00:54:00.000-04:00

Well, it has been over a year since I have posted anything. Time gets carried away when one is not simply walking a trail. This year has been spent training for running long distance versus long hikes.
When I returned from the Appalachian Trail, I told my husband I was going to do Pike's Peak Marathon and Leadville Trail 100 trail Race. Last year was the year for Pike's Peak, so I guess that leaves this year for the Leadville 100.
For those unfamiliar with the Leadville 100, it is a 100 mile trail race at and above 10,000ft. Most of the race follows the Colorado Trail around the Leadville area. Beautiful Scenery to be had but some challenging terrain. This ultra-marathon distance was something new to me in the running world. First of all, I do not classify myself as a runner as I do not enjoy the sport of running. Second, I had never run a full marathon before. So, here I was thinking of my glory days and planning on seeing what I could do. Well, what follows is my account of what I did do!
Let me start with the night before the race. I reserved myself a campsite at Sugar Loafin Campground and rented a 6 person tent from REI. The tent was huge, but allowed myself, my husband, my sister, and her 3 children to sleep comfortably. Due to my nerves about the race, I was unable to focus and figure out what I needed for the race. So, my crew (Hardcore Hiker, her boyfriend, my husband, and my sister) and I were up a little late trying to figure things out. The campground attendant finally came by and explained to us how there were people running a hundred mile race the next day and we really needed to quiet things down. We chuckled seeing as though I was one of those runners. Anyway, we finished up with what we were doing and finally headed off to bed for a few hours before having to wake up at 2:30am. The race started at 4am after all.
So, I wake up and get myself together before waking the others around me. My crew needed to be awake but I told my sister she could sleep along with the kids if needed. All arrived at the starting line to see me off at 4am. The energy of the 500 people out there all planning to go 100 miles and return to the start line by 10am the next day was amazing. The mayor of Leadville started the race with his shotgun and we all slowly took off from the start line. It was a nice easy pace that took us by spectators out in their bathrobes cheering us on at 4am. The first little bit is on the road and then peels off to follow Turquoise Lake. It was dark and I found a veteran ultra-runner to chat with for a little bit before he stopped to use the bathroom or something of that nature.
Then, as the sun started to rise, I found myself wishing for the first check point. I was warned the first/last leg of this race was longer than anticipated, but wow was it ever. Finally, I pulled into the May Queen campground and headed to the restroom. From there, it was on to the aid station to be checked in and get supplies from my crew. The energy surrounding the aid stations was amazing. I made it into the aid station and informed my crew of my needs. I checked in, grabbed some food and continued on out the other side of the tent. After a quick restroom and shoe change, I was off and running again.
After May Queen, it is up and over Sugar Loaf pass/mountain along what is affectionately known as Power Lines. Many people in my realm were on the power hike mode to get up the pass. I have a pretty strong hike still, so I powered past many people. Once at the top, I began running again and headed down the other side. It was rather steep, but I was ready for it; or so I thought. As I was coming down the other side heading into Fish Hatchery/Outward Bound, my knee began to pain me severely. I tried to run it out, but was unable to calm the pain. So, I kind of skipped/ran/hobbled down the power lines. Once I hit the road and was on my way to fish Hatchery, I ran/walked.
As I came into the aid station at Fish hatchery, Mike was there to gather me and remind me to fill up on food and water at the aid station. I was going to change shoes but decided against it. All I did instead was dump the dirt out of my shoes. I had many supporters at Fish Hatchery and loved the energy. Upon my departure, I found that I was ahead of a seasoned veteran of ultras and felt pretty proud of myself. I was also well ahead of the cutoff times. Out of Fish Hatchery was the long 8 mile road section which could have been a killer, but was a welcome flat spot that allowed me to evaluate things a little. My knee still hurt but I was able to run a little and walk a little. the only problem I found was that my legs and body were beginning to tighten up. I made it to the next meet with my crew and took a bottle of just water. From there, I hit one more aid station before going all the way over to Twin Lakes.
Coming into Twin Lakes was a little rough as my knees were killing, I needed food, and the rain/thunder was rolling in. At one point along the section from Halfmoon campground to Twin Lakes, thunder cracked right over my head and mae me wince with fright. I was ready to be done. As I came out on the four wheel drive road that told me I was only a mile from the Twin Lakes Aid station, I met a man who was hurting as well. We hung together and made it into the aid station with laughter and good feelings. Both of us grabbed some food and then parted ways to talk with our family and friends. I changed my socks and grabbed my backpack to head out for Hope Pass. What I should have grabbed was more water and more food.
I was a little nervous about crossing the creek as the staff had told of ropes being put up for safety in crossing. As I hit my first large puddle of water, I waded in up to my calf muscle and laughed. Most of the puddles leading up to the crossing were mid calf or less in depth. they all made me laugh despite their numbing effect on my feet. Finally, I got to the creek crossing and went right in. It was up to mind thigh on me and very cold. The current was strong but not too bad. I was thankful for the rope. After I got out, my feet and legs were numb for a long while. It was about part way up Hope pass when they finally thawed out.
HOPE PASS!!! What can I say about this part of the journey. It was my demise! Leaving Twin Lakes, I was 1.5hours ahead of the cutoffs and feeling pretty good. Part way up Hope pass and I thought I was dead. I started to get winded and then to feel nausea. I stopped and rested for a bit as needed thinking it was altitude sickness. That just lead to anxiety about losing time. Everything snowballed into itself and left me feeling incompetent.
After much force, I reached the Hopeless Aid Station (1mile from the top of the pass). I stopped and took some water as well as trying to put some soup into my system. As I sat there evaluating my progress, I listened to the volunteers talk of how much time left and how much it would take to get to the turn around. If I did not get myself going soon, I was not going to make it in time to come back the same 50 miles I had already gone. So, I tossed my soup and headed out very slowly. About 100yards from the aid station, I sat and rested and cried a little knowing I was not going to make it.
Seeing as though I was stuck out in the middle of the mountains with another afternoon storm coming in, I figured I had to keep going. So, up and over the pass I went. It was slow going, but relieving when I began the descent of the other side despite the pitch of the descent. People were already beginning to come back up and over. I wished I was them. As I was nearing the bottom of the descent, people headed up started apologizing to me. I knew I was not going to be allowed to return to leadville along the same route I had taken out there. Despite my disappointment, I was able to cheer on those who had a fighting chance. It was amazing to be amongst some truly great people.
Once down off the pass and heading into Winfield, my husband and friend, Holly, came to greet me as they were a little worried about me. They had heard of a pacer being in trouble and just figured I had stopped to help out with the situation. I like that story and would really rather use that as the reason I did not finish the leadville 100, but I need to come to terms with my defeat.
It was disappointing as my body did not hurt as bad as it was suppose to hurt, at least in my mind. I do feel I could have done the whole thing if I would have fueled properly. Lessons learned have been great and continue to come. I am still working on getting over the feelings of failure, but that will come in time. My body does have some pains that it is trying to ignore as well as get over. I am super impressed with my friends and family who came out to support me. I have never felt so loved in all my life. Even the AT did not compare to this event. At the same time, having all this support made the feelings of failure and disappointment all that much stronger. I do have plans to attempt other ultras in the near future. My original plan was to run Leadville and then look into reproduction, but needing to overcome the failure has me driven to run Leadville in its entirety before I have kids. So, it may be a very long time before the reproduction actually occurs. Sorry moms and dads who are looking to be grandparents to my children. Thank goodness for the siblings who have the kids! Many lessons learned and many more to learn. I look forward to all the challenges life has to offer and I embrace them with open arms. Co-workers I trying to convince me of Ride the Rockies this next year. My husband is talking Race Across America next year. I bought a new bike. I may just have to switch my challenge a little. Keep tuned in to find out what will be the next challenge. Maybe I will end up on the PCT with Hardcore and crew!
Give me LIFE, LOVE, AND THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS!!! All can be found in the challenges that surround each of us every day!

Next Challenge

2006-06-13T18:00:00.000-04:00

So, a couple postings ago, I asked for the next physical challenge. Well, I think I found it. This past Sunday, I did my first training on Pike's Peak. Mike, Holly, and I hiked up to Barr Camp which is about 7miles from downtown Manitou Springs. We hiked from the Cog Railway which shaved about a mile off the total mileage. It took 2:13:56 to get to Barr Camp and the legs were beginning to get tired. At the same time, my tummy was getting hungry. We rested for about 15minutes before heading back down.

On the way down, we hiked for a bit before I got the urge to run. Part of me was freaking out about whether I am going to be able to do the marathon while the other part of me was tired of the company (part of my adjusting back to the old life that has changed). So, I took off about a mile from Barr Camp and ran back to the car with a couple of little stops to test my legs and see if they will hold me after running downhill for a long period of time. Holly was worried about Mike's knees because he decided to wear his big backpack to keep himself from running, so she and Mike remained hiking along the trail talking intensly about their work lives. I guess eventually, they did kind of run down the mountain. For me, I learned that I need to hit the mountain a few more times to test some gear and figure out what to take on the mountain with me on August 20th! Hopefully, I will be able to get down there at least 2-3more times before my race. We will see.

I do find myself still thinking about the trail and almost getting the blues just thinking about not being out there getting the blues on the trail. Today, the temperatures are in the 100s for Denver and last year on the trail it was 100 with 100% humidity when Spice Rack and I pulled into Waynesboro, PA for resupply. We opted for the airconditioned hotel room and some fresh laundry rather than heading back out into the heat. What a difference that makes. I remember joking on our walk to dinner that night about going on a date to the movies there in Waynesboro and how it would be a kids movie beacause that was the only movie at the theater in Waynesboro. They were showing Madagascar. We never did end up going to the movies. Instead, we had our dinner and went back to the hotel to chill out in the coolness of the room. Spice Rack had turned the AC up so much that it felt like winter in the room. I remember sleeping that night with all the covers and possibly even my sleeping bag thrown over me. I slept very well though!

Pike's Peak is going to be a challenge, but I'm not sure it will be as much of one as the trail. I guess there are all different kinds of challenges. Since, my husband is hesitant to allow me another long trail for a while, I will make do with the challenges he will support. His passion is running so anything running I do he will join me and of course always do better than me. We will see how things shape up. I have friends planning the PCT in 2011. I have mentioned it to Mike and he has said simply that we will see. So, all my friends on the West Coast help me nag him to let me do it! I should also look into getting sponsorship or something. We will see what happens though!

I do thank everyone for their support of me while on the trail. Despite being done with an amazing challenge and showing how strong I can be, I do still need the support of dealing with the insanity of "reality! " Thank you and Blessed Be! Never forget to help those less fortunate than you for some day they may be your boss!

Me Centered WORLD

2006-06-01T23:23:00.000-04:00

So, as I continue to pass through my days wishing I was back on the trail knowing full well it would not be the same as it was last year, I think of my lessons. The most recent one was sent to me more in an email from GG upon her return from a year Holiday;

"We are really missing the trail and everyone, not having to deal with people who think the world exists because of them."

During my daily walk to work, I am often nearly run over by automobiles with citizens in a hurry to get somewhere as though they are unable to wait for me to cross the street despite what the crosswalk sign says!

When I was on the trail in New York entering Harriman State Park, I remember crossing on an overpass and looking down at the traffic jam below me. I laughed at the people stuck in their cars all hurrying to get somewhere and yet being stuck in nowhere land...aka. the highway parking lot of the 4 July weekend. It felt really good not to have anywhere to be. I was just being.

At work these days, I listen to my co-workers complain of not having enough time to do something nice for their co-workers like bring treats to work. On the days I decide I want to be nice, I wake up extra early just to walk to the bagel shop to bring bagels and cream cheese to work.

Don't get me wrong, I am not asking for praise for my good deeds or anything like that. All I am saying is that it really does not take that much time to do one good deed every so often in life. Whether it is a matter of stopping at a light to let a pedestrian cross the road. Heck in Colorado, it is state law to stop for pedestrians in crosswalks. It could even be something as simple and easy at staying in the right lane on the highway so those moving faster than you can pass with ease. A few kind words to a friend, co-worker, family member, or stranger could make all the difference in the world. This world was not just created for each individual. We all live together and effect one
another both physically and emotionally.

So, think of those who surround you and how much energy it takes to get upset at the jerk who cut you off versus how much energy it takes to just sit back and laugh because that person is taking life way too seriously and rushing to the end. Every day is a gift, so live life to the fullest before it is taken away from you leaving you with tons of guilt and regrets!

Ticked Off

2006-04-08T18:03:00.000-04:00

Alright! What the heck is the deal with the crap comments on this blog of mine? Do people think because I spent time in the woods that I am homeless and need a little action? For those looking at my blog and wanting to post crap, PLEASE REFRAIN! As for my friends and family reading this blog, I am not homeless nor do I need any action!

Well...

Actually...

I could use a little hiking action!

A year ago today, I was hiking out of the NOC with my father straight uphill! That was the short trip where I tried to kill my father with the incline! It did not work as he is still alive and looking to get married in the next year!

Springer Fever is still strong within me and driving me out of my bed early in the morning to hike, run, walk, or climb stairs. Anything that gets me out seeing the sunrise again! Maybe I should look into seeing the sunset as well. It is a little more difficult seeing the sunset with the Rockies in the way. That is where I will wait until I am on vacation in Michigan to see the sunset over Lake Michigan! What a beautiful way to spend an evening!

My saturday mornings have been filled with hiking in the morning before going to work. It feels good to be moving and I hope to start adding my pack and some weight to my hikes to regain the muscle I had on the trail. Luckily, I have not gained back too much weight, but still missing the body I created on the trail. Gotta get in shape for the big climb up Pikes Peak in August!

Not much else happening at this time. Still hiking and still wishing I was carrying 40 pounds on my back while doing so over a long period of time. Met with trail friends recently and it was good to hang out and rehash the trail. Sent Eagle Eye off for his foot surgery with a few beers in his gut! What a great night last sunday! Looking to do it again upon his return to us!

Life is good and always an adventure! Try to find your own advenure and stay away from porn and realtors! I do not condone either of those posting comments to my blog!

Springer Fever

2006-03-29T19:55:00.000-05:00

As Dan "wingfoot" Bruce defines it..."springer Fever" is the almost uncontrollable urge to be back on the trail that hits thru-hikers of past years each spring.

On 27 March 2005, I began my journey along the trail. That day I only hiked 3 miles or so along the trail due to horrible weather and the option of staying in the Lodge one more night. I am no fool and decided to begin dry and happy. It was not the wrong choice by any means. Now, I sit here a year later having shared my experiences with an audience of 40-50 strangers, friends, and loved ones.

This past Monday, I presented my journey through a slideshow presentation at the Lakewood REI store here in Colorado. My power point presentation did not work and I had to wing it. For close to an hour and a half, I told people of my travels north along the appalachian trail. At the end, I got to chat with friends from the trail who live in the area and were able to make it to the presentation. It was nice having those who have the experience there at the talk to give me assurance. Every so often when I thought I was rambling on about nothing, I would look back at "Danger & Gravity" as they shook their heads in colaboration with my comments, thoughts, and feelings. It helped me to feel confident and continue with my presentation.

For the next day, though, I felt like I had not really said much of anything. As I thought of the presentation and all the people, I was unsure whether I actually was able to portray the true nature of the trail. Then, I began realizing it is hard to get a foreign concept across to people who have not ever gone on such an experience or have no desire to walk such a long distance. On my way to work the day after my presentation, "Springer Fever" was hitting me harder than usual. I looked to our grand Rocky Mountains and tried to create a way for me to hike the Colorado Trail and still work fulltime at REI. Knowing that was insanity, I quickly put it to the back of my mind.

Arriving early to work, I checked my email where I had an email from my friend, "Hardcore Hiker" and she was talking of doing the Pacific Crest Trail next year. I am more than ready to jump on another long distance trail and see what I can do. My level has decreased lately, but I am ready to see how much of a superhero I can be again. Part of me misses having people ask me why I am doing such a crazy thing as walking for days on end! Hiking and walking are in my blood now. With Mike, when he gets down or in a funk, he likes to go run. Me, I feel the need to hike somewhere or walk somewhere. Sure, I am training to run Pikes Peak this Eugust, but I figure if nothing more, I can power hike it as fast as some people can run it! Yup! I am a little smug on that one. Maybe that is what keeps me lazy occassionally. We will get on the ball though and start the heavy training. I have gained 10pounds back from the trail and am not happy with that look so I need to get a move on with my sumemr running and fitness activities. Some of my activities are going to include hiking the Colorado Trail in segments even if it kills me! I miss carrying my pack. It was my life and is still all I really need in life. Everything else is just fluff!

Many things are on the platter for the future and I just need to convince my hubby he wants to join me on some of those excursions. Some of them include things that he is interested in...like the running. This summer, I am running Pikes Peak Marathon. Next summer, I am running the Leadville 100 if all works out right! We will see how everything pans out over time . Currently trail friends have plans to return to Damascus trail days the middle to end of May. Due to work, I am unable to go, but will plan on looking into it for the following year as I really miss the people I grew to know and love along the trail. It is a wonderful family of thru-hikers out there. Maybe that is what is calling me back to the trail. Unfortunately none of the same people will be there except a select few! Guess I will have to keep up connections with the friends here in the Denver area and retell stories of the trail with them.

Give me my next physical challenge please!

Life Lessons

2006-03-09T00:47:00.000-05:00

So, it is almost that time of year when I began my journey! It is strong in my mind of the thoughts and feelings that attacked me then. Today, I find myself attacked by different thoughts and demons. In about 2 weeks, I will present for the first time my adventure traversing the land between Northern Georgia and the middle of Maine. Boy how I miss that journey! Some days, "reality" feels overwhelming! Other days, I feel as though I am an alien visiting a different planet!

Today, I do not know where I fit in "reality!"

As I move through events here in Denver, I realize I am just going through the motions for the most part! Recently, I applied for my old position as a coach for beginning runners. Yesterday, I was informed there were not enough runners to warrant me as a coach. Thus no position for this season. For the past 2 days, I have been very disappointed by this concept thinking it had something to do with me...

After all, "I just accomplished something amazing, why would anyone deny me?"

Of course, after the news last week of my only having the presentation at my home REI rather than there and the flagship store, I guess I have been awakened to the idea that I am not a superhero to anyone other than myself! That takes some getting use to, I guess!

These past few days, I am learning to enjoy the little slice of enlightenment I have been allowed to enjoy through my travels of self discovery! At the same time, I find myself very frustrated by these realizations of my growth. On my last posting, my aunt Carol posted a response of my changing the world through the knowledge gained during my journey! In response I can only say that I am only one person in a vast sea of self-consumed human population!

Along with my recent revelations, I look at my mother and the tribulations she has had to deal with in her life...
1. An adulter for a husband
2. Single parenthood
3. Emotional abuse from her employer due to fear she was more competent than he
4. Again abuse from her equals because they have nothing better to do than jump on the band wagon for fear they may be chastised for thinking for themselves and voicing their true opinions!!!

My mother's comment in a recent email really made me think of the trail and my difficulties in adjusting back to "normal" society upon my return. Here is that comment: " Is that why things like this happen - because one is tough? I'm going to turn into a wimp!"

As I look at my journey and some people's lack of interest in what I endured for 5 months, I realize that my mother created 2 wonderful daughters despite the hardships she endured! From that, she has grown and learned. From my journey I also have grown and learned. As time passes, we may be the only truly enlightened people. That frightens me! I can only hope the best for the world and what it may become. As time passes, I do hope to impart not only the knowledge I gained from being in tune with nature for 5months, but also the many great things my mother taught me through the years! To her, I owe my existence as well as the entire journey along the Appalachian Trail. She has always made me choose to dance! Thank You mother and I hope to continue to make you proud in everything I do! I love you for being my strength as well as my heart and head!

Continued Thoughts

2005-11-23T15:02:00.000-05:00

As time continues to pass, more thoughts and realizations come into the forefront of my mind. Just the other night, I was talking with Mike about my failure as a hiking partner on the trail. Both male hiking partners I had on the trail grew tired of hiking with me and no longer talk to me.
The first one told me he did not want to take part in my competition to finish the trail. At first when he told me this on the trail, I did not understand and thought he had just grown too close to me and needed to get away from me due to his strong feelings for me. Then, I read "a journey north" by adrienne hall and had it hit home by her about the need to show the men on the trail that despite our minority status on the trail we women are still able to thru-hike the trail at the same pace as men. Between this and my husband telling me I am competitive despite my constantly trying to convince myself differently, I have come to realize the fall of that first friendship. In regards to that realization, I am also trying to tame my need for competition and keep it solely in competitive circles.
My mother and I also talked about this recently and brought up the idea of women on the trail not only having the competition with the male companions but also within one's self to prove we are worth something. I have never seen myself as a normal woman. Some would look at me and think I am a feminist due to my unshaven legs or my independent attitude; however, I feel I am an individual without labels. For the most part, I try to be true to myself...something my husband reminded me I always need to keep in sight! This brings me to my second male hiking partner.
For the last 2 months of my hiking experience on the Appalachian Trail, I hiked with a wonderful male companion who was kind and giving. He, however, started accusing me of not voicing my opinions around the end of our time together. I am still baffled by this and I guess a little disturbed by this accusation, thus the conversation between my husband and I the other night. When I mentioned this accusation to my husband, he could not believe I would not voice my opinions. He has heard my opinions on many things whether he wants to or not. I guess I am like his friend, Adam, in that regard!
On the trail, when hiking with someone, I quite often adjusted my itinerary to the person with whom I was hiking. In the beginning, it was Montana and I working together trying to see how far we could push ourselves. Hardcore and I hiked together for a week altering our schedule for each other. Spice Rack and I would come up with certain stops we wanted to make and decide whether we wanted to join each other at these stops or not. With my husband, I was pretty much in charge and told him what to do; however, that is a totally different relationship than what I had with the other thru-hikers having their own experiences on the trail. Mike was out there to assist me in completion of my journey!
I may never grasp the idea of my not voicing my opinions on the trail, but often thought it had something to do with not wanting to piss people off. Over time, I have also come to realize I have my father's disease of wanting people to like me. So, maybe I didn't voice my opinions as much as I do around friends. At the same time, I can't think back to a spot along the trail where I needed to have an opinion. All I did each day was walk. There isn't much opinion to be had about that other than thinking it sucks some days and then being taken aback by the scenery the next day! When my opinion mattered or was asked for I would certainly give it.
Those are just some of my thoughts that have continued to plague my mind as I adjust to life off the trail. I am in a phase right now of reflecting a lot on my trail experience. My job often makes me think of my journey as I try to assist others with their adventure needs. The trail has changed me and my outlook on life. As the holidays grow near, I find myself wanting to run to the woods for another 5 months or more. My mind is constantly searching for the next adventure to be had. Unfortunately, I need to keep me adventures to small trips lasting no longer than maybe a couple weeks or a long weekend! Colorado is full of spaces for that kind of adventure, though, and I look forward to experiencing everything I can with the time available! So, keep watching the blog to see what this crazy woman will do next and what I will learn as I reflect on my experiences in the world!

Life Continues

2005-10-31T15:02:00.000-05:00

Let me begin by saying Happy Halloween! Today marks 7years of marital bliss for Mike and I. Those 5months on the trail have strengthened both of us and assisted our relationship in growing stronger as well. It has been almost 2 and a hlaf months since I completed my journey and many transformations are still occurring.

The biggest comment I hear from people is what a big accomplishment it is hiking that distance by myself. Well, for me, it always seemed easy and possible, so...I guess it still does not seem like such a big feat! Also, being back into "reality" it feels like I never left or hiked the Appalachian Trail. Only when I am at work do I remember my adventure through assisting people prepare for their journeys.

Recently, I flew to Michigan for my brother-in-laws wedding. Riding in the plane brought back memories from flying home after the trail. I found part of me wishing I was flying back to the east to do some more hiking. As I went for a run along Lakeshore Drive in the Holland/Grand Haven area, I stared in awe at the beautiful fall colors on the trees and began making mental plans to return to the trail in the northeast to hike during peak color.

Upon completing the trail, Mike and I discussed moving to the east somewhere. It may never happen, but sometimes I think it would be a great idea! Then, it shows up on the news how the east is getting hit with severe weather, and I look outside at the Sunshine and warmth here in Colorado and snuggle into the comfort of the beauty here in the West! We may not have beautiful Fall Color but we do have sunshine that warms me through and through leaving me with a warm fuzzy feeling.

Since finishing the trail, I have felt the need to almost preach humanity to people. I listen to the news and worry for where our society is headed. Many of us no longer think of anyone or anything but ourselves. We do the token motions of sporting a ribbon or bracelet for some charity or what sounds like a sound reason. I truly believe that actions speak louder than words, and definitely louder than money.

A while back, I wrote of walking from my home to the park where Mike and I run on Tuesday evenings. The realization at that time was how unsafe the world has become. Sitting at the wedding reception this weekend with Mike's cousin from Florida whom has 2 young boys, and talked of how unsafe life has gotten these days. When we were younger, both she and I told of being able to wander all over the neighborhood knowing someone was keeping an eye on us. Today, we live in a world where seldom do we even bother to get to know our neighbors. Instead, we look at them in fear as though they might be some criminal or just try to keep us down somehow. If we think they may be able to assist us in promoting ourselves, then we take the time to know them and show all our good traits to them. I guess what I am trying to say is that on the trail I learned the following:

We are all imperfect creatures. Whether we evolved from apes or were created by God, we were put here for a reason. For each of us, that reason may be a little different, but somehow we were created in the fashion of a jigsaw puzzle. Each of us is a piece that interacts with one another to make a beautiful picture. If we start trimming the pieces, then there are certain pieces left out and the picture is left looking mutilated and deformed. At the base level, we all need each other.

So, my challenge to the world is to be aware of your surroundings and try to help when needed. I'm not saying donate money to a charity thus allowing yourself to boast about how you do good things. My request is actually helping people out. Recently, I worked on a trail project at Bear Creek Lake Park here in Colorado. On the Trail, I assisted my hiking family as I was capable and was assisted by many "Trail Angels" when I was in need. It goes back to that movie, Pay It Forward. Human kindness is fading away and without it, I see us returning to the ways of the savages and being in constant war with each other over the silliest of things.

Blessed Be and remember to help those around you and always PAY IT FORWARD! Do no harm and as the pagan world believes, whatever you do unto others comes back on you threefold. Also, do not forget the past. Happy Dia de los Muertos as well as All Saints Day. It is a blessed time to celebrate LIFE!

New Beginnings in an Old Life

2005-08-31T12:43:00.000-04:00

I have been home for one week now and am still realizing things from the trail. Reading a journey north may be assisting my realizations. Many have posted comments asking about whether I kept a journal of my excursion with more personal thoughts and feelings. The answer to that is yes! There are many things that occur on the trail which one needs to work through either on their own or through the assistance of their fellow thru-hikers. Those are the things I keep with me and they help me to grow and become a better person. As I move through life from here, I will continue to learn from my journey and grow as well.
Speaking of moving through life, I have been working on that upon my return. During my wanderings through the woods, I was suppose to be thinking about/considering a job taking care of my nephews again. Since thoughts of them fueled my 31mile day into Pearisburg, VA, I had decided on the trail I was going to come back and work for my sister again. Upon my return, I was introduced to the new Daycare where all 3 of the boys are currently enrolled, and decided they were in a better place than with my selfish desire to spend my days with them. So, I arranged with my sister to take care of the boys as an aunt versus a nanny!
Luckily, I was only put on inactive status from REI and am able to return to them. So, this past Monday, I went in and talked to them about returning to work. They have lost many of my old co-workers and I will be trained to work the sales floor in camping rather than cashiering. I am also going to sit down with our in-store public relations guy and try to set up a presentation about long distance hiking or just the Appalachian Trail. Just being in the store gave me a sense of connectedness to what I had just accomplished; whereas, earlier in my return I had felt the journey was null and void upon entering my old life. I am excited to begin working at REI again and assisting people with their adventures.
Mike and I are learning how to adjust to each other being around as well as trying to conserve $$$ by using only one automobile. Yesterday, I decided to walk to Washington Park in Denver, which is about a 10-12mile trek. It is funny how that distance does not seem that far when I think about it these days. To some I told of my walk yesterday, they thought I was crazy! I guess I am a little crazy! Life on the trail was all about walking, so it does not seem weird to just walk where I need to go these days. Although, yesterday did give me a little wake up call in that regard.
As I walked from my home to near downtown Denver, I followed a bike path most of the way. When I was walking on sidewalks along roads, I often got cat-called and whistled at. That was a new experience. One certainly doesn't get that on the trail. Ok, I did get whistled at on the trail, but it was usually a shrill sort of sound from a bird I had rustled or a chipmunk chuttering away at me for walking too close to its home. Anyway, the bike path passes through some shakey areas that on a bike aren't so bad because you know you can get away quickly if need be. On foot it is a whole other story. Now, don't worry, nothing bad happened on my walk it just woke me up to my surroundings and the difference in the woods. As I walked, I passed strange looking people or the kids hanging out outside school (not sure if they were skipping school or what). The strangers were nice enough people and returned my greetings when I offerred one. However, as I moved along, I began to realize civilization is rougher than the outdoors.
At dinner last night with some of my friends from the Rocky Mountain Road Runners, I talked about my experience of walking to the park. In the woods, I never worried about strangers I passed on the trail. There is a sense of community among thru-hikers where I always felt I was protected. Besides, seeing a woman carrying a 40lb pack would certainly change some people's minds about messing with me let alone the trekking poles I was carrying. The story of the "Burning Man" is a prime example of the "trail family." We take care of each other in the woods. In civilization, if something bad happens we watch in amazement as a house burns up or someone gets beaten on the streets, and we do nothing. On the trail, there is people full of humanity and caring for their fellow man. If something had happened to me during my walk yesterday, I feel pretty sure nobody would have helped me out. That is kind of a scarey thought and thus my bike will be uncovered from the gear hanging on it to air out, and I will enjoy its transportation versus the legs, feet, and body that carried me 2200miles.

Welcome Home Celebration

2005-08-31T12:27:00.000-04:00

Well, I am a little late in posting about the Welcome Home Party this past Saturday, but I'm still trying to adjust to being back in Denver.

So, for those who do not know. My sister and friend, Holly, along with Mike's help threw me a Welcome Home Party at Wynkoop on Saturday night. For most of the week leading up to the party I was apprehensive. I had jsut come from the woods where I was mostly alone but never truly alone, and here I was going to be swarmed by people wanting to know about my journey and also telling me how thin I am. The book, a journey north by adrienne hall, I am currently reading sums it up pretty well about my feelings as a thru-hiker. "Thru-hikers often feel more connected to the natural world and reflect the drive and purpose they see in nature. They often leave the woods with an enlightened, relaxed feeling, like they have a big secret which no one else would understand." I was worried about trying to convey this to people at the party.

Luckily, I did not hear too many times how thin I was and did not have to repeat too many stories. Everyone seemed to have different questions and enjoyed the slide show we were able to set up on Mike's laptop computer. We layed out the maps I had carried for a little while until the elevation profiles frustrated me to no end and I sent them all home. Many people browsed those as I talked to different people.

My sister got me a great cake with hikers on it, and unfortunately she did not get any until the following Monday due to having to pack up the kids and head home for bed! The party ended relatively early as people decided to leave and I was getting tired anyway. Hiker midnight (9pm est) had already come and gone and I was needing to lay down if nothing more!

It was a great evening and I enjoyed seeing friends, family, and those interested in the trip. Without their support, I would never have made it through this trip. Thank you everyone for the support and a great welcome home!

The Journey Home

2005-08-26T16:17:00.000-04:00

Well, I am back in the bump and grind of the ordinary life. There are many things I have learned on the trail which I hope to apply to life in the fast lane...or the not so fast lane.
Mike and I caught an early flight (8:40am) out of Manchester, NH on August 23rd. We had a lay over in Chicago for about an hour or two. The first flight was with Southwest and they do not have assigned seating. I was anxious as we waited and watched the hordes of people come and line their baggage up in the lines to insure they got the "best" seat on the plane. Fighting with people for space on a plane was not my idea of fun on my first day back in the "real" world. Mike and I joked about stealing the unattended baggage or notifying officials of all the baggage left unattended in the line. I am sure the people were sitting near their luggage, but I thought it would be fun to throw people off kilter a little! We, of course, behaved ourselves and just walked around laughing at the cattle lining up for the slaughter at the gate. The plane wasn't even there yet and the lines were almost all the way over to the next gate! Mike and I wandered around making moo-ing sounds and laughing at the cattle. That made things a little less stressful for that flight. Amazingly enough, the unassigned seating actually made loading the plane much quicker. Both, Mike and I, were amazed. We were also able to sit next to each other which we figured was not going to happen as we had taken our time getting into line and such.
In Chicago/Medway airport, we looked for lunch. For about a week, I had been hankering for McDonalds and planned on that in the airport. As I ate my McDonalds, Mike tried to figure out his lunch location. By the time I had finished the McDonalds, I had come to the conclusion that McDonalds sucks and I was glad that was the first I had of it since I left...I do not plan on having it again! The airport was pretty relaxed and I did not feel too stressed out as we milled around looking at shops and buying carmel corn and cookies and cheesecake. Finally, it was time to load up the plane and head to Denver.
We were able to get exit row seating from Chicago to Denver. It was nice other than the seats did not recline. All the sitting really hurt the nice bruise on my bum I had received from my STOP DROP & ROLL episode. The flight was long and it always bothers me when they serve beverages in the first 15minutes of a 2+ hour flight. Anyway, it was smooth sailing all the way home to Denver.
At the Denver International Airport, we made our way to the train to baggage claim. As we stood infront of the doors waiting for the train, people swarmed around us. Once the train arrived into the terminal, people around us nearly knocked us over in a rush to get on the train. On the trail, I have acquired a relaxed feel to life. This was not relaxed at all. I commented to Mike about the stress and rush of people..."What's the rush? It will still be there tomorrow or even in 5 minutes." He had to play devil's advocate and say that it would not be and it was necessary to rush. As we exited the train, he began pushing me and trying to make me hurry...I sauntered to the escalators and rode my way up.
For the full 2 weeks Mike was with me, he was very allusive as to how we were getting home from the airport since our friend, Holly, had taken Mike to the airport. I had a feeling someone was going to be waiting for us. Boy, was I right! When we got to the top, I scanned the crowd and found my sister and nephews standing there to welcome me home! The boys were a little aloof, but Alex broke it by giggling incesantly at me. I ran over and gave them big hugs and kisses. It was good to see them.
At that moment, the trail was left behind and my trail family somewhat forgotten. We made our way to the baggage claim and Ryan & Alex assisted Mike and I in retrieving our backpacks. From there, we headed out. In the car, my sister asked me what I wanted to do and where I wanted to go! What? Home not 10minutes and already I need to make decisions!? All I knew was that I wanted fruit and vegetables, so we headed to Stevi's (my sister's) house for blueberry pancakes.
While Stevi made the pancakes, Mike and I played with the boys and made sure to rile them up as much as possible. I think we did a good job as we got Kyle (the newborn) crying, Alex (the middle child) burned his fingers on the griddle and cried, and Ryan (the oldest) jumping on the couch with a sucker in his mouth! Ah! It was good to be back to the old chaos of my life.
With kids calmed down and pancakes eaten, we headed towards my home to finally dump me into the chaos/mess there. Mike had warned me he had just piled the boxes I sent home on my side of the bed. So, in order to get into bed, I had to make a pathway. Also, on the trail, I learned to take care of wet things as soon as possible and to air things out! So, I set to my tasks of emptying things out and taking care of the piles of stuff. Around 10pm (Mtn time), I finally put my exhausted body to bed in my own bed with clean sheets on the bed! I was home!

Last Chance, Last Dance

2005-08-24T15:09:00.000-04:00

I'm not real sure how to start this one. The trip is over and I have to some how tell of its finish. I guess I could tell of the last day, then write later about the after life. So, here is my climb of Katahdin!

The day started with a beautiful blue sky and an hour drive from Millinocket, ME to Baxter State Park. We were suppose to get started around 6am, but woke up late and were kind of rushed to get going. Breakfast, I have learned is the most important part of the day and thus I made sure to grab what I could from the continental breakfast at the hotel. So, what if I started later than planned, I knew I would be alright.
We got to the park and asked what I needed to do in regards to my thru-hiker status and finishing up my journey. The ranger instructed us to go to the ranger station and sign in. We (MZP, Mike, Jim, and I) headed there and I filled out all the necessary papers and such for my completion. I was listed as #138 to finish this year. From there, I put my last entry into the register at the ranger's station and headed towards the mountain which was looming over me.
By 7am, we started our climb after everyone had visited with the privy and packed their necessities for a 5.2mile hike up 4000ft of elevation. Once again, my sherpa (Mike) was carrying our gear up the mountain. It felt good to be free of weight on my back. The first mile of the trail was pretty nice, gradual, and easy. We then had to cross a log bridge and visit the toilet there before continuing to ascend the mountain. The terrain began to get a little more technical but still manageable. There were a few places where my mother had to use her bottom or knees to climb up a section, but she was quite the trooper. I think she had my determination to make it to the top and take my picture by the end of the trail. Unfortunately, the trail did not agree with her and once above treeline, she was forced to concede to the trail. Mike, Jim, and I left her at the first place the mountain began to throw metal rungs at us and promised to return to her on the way back down the mountain. We continued up the rocky terrain. From where we left MZP to a mile from the summit, the terrain consisted mostly of rock climbing and bouldering. It was adventurous and I was impressed with Jim's ability to hang in there. Of course, this also made me nervous about the trip down.
Once on the flatland section of the trail, it was easy sailing to the summit. Upon reaching the flatlands, I kind of broke away from Mike and Jim as I was needing to collect myself for the end of an amazing journey. At one point, I broke down sobbing to myself because I was not with trail friends for this journey. I was basically the only northbounder finishing my journey on the 22nd. It was kind of a lonely feeling and I hoped to find Croc Walker & Britanica at the bottom when I finished. When I had come to terms with my lonely trip to the end, I continued ahead of Mike and Jim towards the summit.
As I was heading up from the flatlands, a person heading back down the mountain pointed out the end of my journey. I grew depressed and disappointed as it looked like the summit sign was located in the middle of a ridge and wasn't even the highest point. "Oh well," I thought to myself. I came here to get her done and that is what I will do today. So onward I went up the mountain. About 200yds from the summit, a loud clap of thunder rang out through the sky. I trudged on. Around 100yds from the sign, the cloud I am walking in opens up and dumbs an icy rain upon my head. People are coming down from the summit and I can see the sign. One of them comments to me about my still heading up to the top. I told her I had to I was too close not to go up now! So, I trudged onward. When I reached the sign and the terminus of my journey, I stood and stared at the sign almost in shock. Then the tears began to fall...I was done! Now what?
As I waited for Mike and Jim, I took a photo looking over the sign at the back side of the mountain as it was an amazing view. The last one of my journey, I figured! When Mike and Jim arrived to the summit, we quickly took photos and I opened the miniature bottle of Tequilla I brought to the summit to celebrate. Mike and Jim did not join me in the consumption of Tequilla and I did not drink much as I figured I could share with my mother upon my descent!
With photos taken of my completion, we headed back out to the sound of rumbling in the sky. I commented to Mike and Jim, "I began my trip this way, so it is no wonder I finish in this weather." We moved quickly over the ground due to my fear of getting struck by lightening (which we never did see any) or my mother freezing while she sat on the ledge waiting for us to return (luckily my mom is smart and had already began her descent). On the way up, many people passed us, but on the way down we flew by people. It was a great relief to use my hands rather than my legs for the first part of the descent. There was a lot of boot scoot boogying down the mountain, but that made it easier to go quicker. We made it to where we left my mother and had been told she had already made her way down the mountain. I was thankful she was hopefully safe! Mike, Jim, and I made our way slowly down the rest of the trail as it was not as easy to use our hands on the stuff below treeline and thus it took a toll on our knees, feet, and legs in general.
By 3:30pm, we had made it back to the car where my mother was sitting at a covered picnic table chatting with Croc Walker & Britanica. I was excited to see them all. There was a past thru-hiker there as well joining in the celebration of the day. We broke out the champagne and finished off the tequilla. I counciled Croc Walker & Britanica on what to plan for the next day. Mike and I also had to inform them we were not burned badly from the previous day's fire incident as they had heard from the southbound couple we had been burned as well. Three Feathers came by and we exchanged information and I wished him luck on his completion of the trail tomorrow. After hanging out a bit longer with Croc Walker & Britanica, we decided we needed to head out and meet up with Marty and the Awesome MIL who had decided to golf instead of climb Mountain Katahdin that day. With hugs & promises to keep in touch to Croc Walker & Britanica, the four of us headed to Millinocket. The journey was complete!
Thank you everyone for your support and love throughout my travels. It was an amazing journey and I hope to keep a grasp of all I learned while hiking the trail. The trip could not have happened without the support from all of you! My mother once dedicated the song, 'I Hope you Dance," to me. I have danced throughout this trail and hope to continue dancing as often as life allows me to dance and experience everything life has to offer me. Thank you!

Burning Man

2005-08-24T14:04:00.000-04:00

Some of you may be familiar with the Event of "Burning Man" in Nevada. This blog has nothing to do with that event. It is my own experience with Burning Man!
It was my second to last day on the trail and I was presented with a new adventure. The day started the same as every other day on the trail...

I woke at 5:30am tired but knowing I had a long day ahead of me. Mike woke up along with me and we began to pack ourselves up. Once packed, we got ourselves some breakfast and kind of hung around chatting with a 2day old southbounder and a couple headed south on a section hike. Little did we know we would end up on fire and hiking out an injured man. Here is what went down according to those of us involved:

The southbounder, Eric, was getting his stove going for his breakfast, but was worried about running out of denatured alcohol while in the 100mile wilderness. So, he filled the inner chamber of his stove with fuel and then put just a little ontop of the canister. He lit it and it began to burn. Hooray he thought he had beaten his stove. Then, the flame went out or so he thought.-with alcohol stoves, it is difficult to see the blue flame it produces, so one is never sure if the stove is out unless feeling first with their hand.-He decided to pour more fuel into the outer chamber of the stove only to find his fuel bottle had caught on fire. His thought was, "contained fuel in the bottle would lead to explosion," thus he tried to shake the fuel out of the bottle. He was in the shelter and thus had a nice line of fuel and flames going up the side of the shelter. I was thankful I was outside of the shelter with my gear as the flames were thrown right where my stuff had been the previous evening. The next thing I remember was something being thrown out of the shelter towards Mike and me.
From here it all went really fast. I vaguely remember turning away from whatever was being thrown from the shelter (which was on fire). Then, I heard someone say, "You're on fire!" I looked down at my leg to find I was on fire. It only took a split second to notice the flame on my lower right leg and think, "fire...STOP DROP ROLL!" I'm not sure if someone said it or if I just thought it to myself, but I automatically dropped and tried putting out my leg. As I was sitting on the ground putting out my leg, I see a man on the ground rolling and flopping trying to put out the flames that engulfed his upper body. At first, I thought it was Mike and freaked out! When I realized it was Eric (the southbounder), I was relieved at first it was not Mike, but then freaked out about this guy being on fire and heading towards the creek as he flailed on the ground. I was waiting for him to end up in the creek head first and knock himself unconscious. As I got up to help him put out the fire, he got up and ripped his shirt off which was still burning. By the time I reached him, the flames were out. While I was still stunned, I did notice Mike on the ground sitting there stunned himself. I went to him and made sure he was alright. The other couple at the shelter checked on Eric.
As the other couple poured cold creek water on Eric, I inventoried his gear to see what was going to be the next move. His backpack was still smoldering and we made sure to put it out. When looking at it, I realized there was no way we could carry anything in it. So, I pulled out the garbage bag Mike and I had picked up off the trail the day before and began putting all the extinguished and ruined gear inside of it. Anything salvageable, I loaded into either my pack or Mike's pack. Mike and I were only 15miles from the end of the 100mile wilderness and that was going to be the nearest access point for getting this guy out of the woods. The other couple continued to pour cold creek water on Eric and he spent some time lying down in the creek as well. They gave him some ibuprofen and we finally got him to stop smoking from his wounds. After he had cooled down a bit, we got him warm clothes for his bottom half so not to send him into hypothermic shock or anything. He was feeling a little better and we decided to get moving towards the exit road. At that point, another northbound thru-hiker, 3 Feathers from Rangeley, ME, and we asked him to let the rangers know at the road we were bringing in a 23 year old male with severe burns. Being from Maine, he had a friend in the right place to call her from his cell phone and she arranged for transportation upon our arrival at the road. As a matter of fact, we had a Fish and Wildlife Management Ranger meet us on the trail and let us know there was an ambulance not far away. The ranger also asked us if we had family meeting us at the road. I told him we were not suppose to, but it was a possibility. He stated there was a red subaru with Michigan plates and a couple worried about their kids. Right then, Mike and I realized his parents had decided to meet us at our half way point for the day. We told the ranger it was our parents and he told the crew at the road to let Jim and Millie know their kids were fine.
That was probably my quickest 15miles of the trail. Eric and I conversed the whole way. It was my way of making sure he was still coherent. We stopped briefly for lunch along the way. Luckily, the majority of the hike into the road was raining so it kept him cool but not too cool. During lunch at the last shelter before the end of the 100mile wilderness, a woman and her 2 daughters (whom we had met the day before) arrived and the woman was a physical therapist for burn victims. She assessed Eric's burns and told him he had first thru third degree burns and pointed them out to me and Eric. This helped convince Eric he needed to go to the hospital despite not having insurance and get the burns taken care of right away. This woman also was able to give Eric an idea of length of time for healing so he could make plans for returning to the trail.
Eric felt horrible for the events of the morning and apologized often. The previous night we were talking about trail names and how one receives their name. Well, Mike and I have decided to either name Eric "Burning Man" or "Flame Thrower." Eric wanted to name himself "Dumbass," but I told him he needed to take a lighter spin on what happened and not dwell on it. He has learned from his experience and he needs to move on from there. The other couple at the shelter had one of their sleeping bags burned on the end, but they seemed to think it was salvageable. Eric felt bad about this as well as lighting Mike on fire. I am not sure if he knew I had been on fire as well. Luckily my leg flame was only surface and burned off the leg hairs I was planning on shaving off that night anyway. Saved me some work. Mike had received what looks like a cigarette burn on his left upper arm. At first I thought I had gotten away unscathed, but found I had dropped on a rock by the firepit when I STOP DROPPED & ROLLED and have thus sustained a very nice scratch with bruise on my rear. The wound looks like I tried to give myself an enema with a rock and was a little off target. It hurts like a bun of a stitch, but I am coping while Mike is laughing.
All that day the only song lyrics running through my head were..."oh oh oh I'm on fire!" It was an adventure, but it made me glad to help someone else on the trail and to show him and remind myself the extreme joy of the trail family. I wish Eric the best of luck on his travels over his life and hope to hear from him when he is better and moving along the trail again. Mike and I are fine. We joked about having Post Traumatic Stress Disorder after the event, but have not seemed to have any troubles from it, yet. There were points over the rest of the day where we thought we saw smoke infront of our eyes and I felt warm most of the evening, but on the whole we were and are doing well. Just one more adventure for the trail. Thank goodness Eric happened to do this at the time he did as well as around a Wilderness First Responder. Everything worked out for the better and nobody died!
Thank you to the woman and her daughters who helped out as well as the couple who poured the water on Eric's burns. Three Feathers deserves a large hug and reward for his help as well. Those in the Maine area, I recommend donating money to your Wildlife Fish and Game Wardens whenever you can because they do not receive money for search and rescue but are required to come out and help in situations such as what has been told above. They did an amazing job and I was extremely thankful my husband was with me and that we had not left yet from the shelter. Thank you everyone for your support and assistance in the events that day!

Friends & Trail Family

2005-08-14T19:25:00.000-04:00

I am surely going to miss this trail and this life! There are so many friends that have been made over the course of 2000miles. Yup! Crossed the 2000mile marker today! Hooray! That means only 170miles left.
There was a crowd of us headed out on the trail today...Croc Walker & Britanica, GG & Slip-n-Slide, Mountain Dancer, Mike, & I all slack packed today. It was great fun and a good re-energizing moment. Then when we returned, more friends (Bluey & Tri-Guy) had arrived at the Stratton Motel. They told me Spice Rack is only about a day behind them. Bluey tried to make it sound like Spice Rack was having a rough time without his awesome hiking partner, but I knew that was not true! Spice Rack is a strong hiker and person in general. I am sure he is doign well especially knowing he will catch the family planning on finishing on the 28th. To some degree I am jealous of his finish because of the people, but at the same time I am ready to be done!
Today was the Bigelow Mountains and thus the end of anything difficult according to trail rumor. We were a little baffled by the semi-easy trail we found ourselves on for a bit. Do not worry, the trail did make up for that short section of pleasure by throwing in roots and rocks before we finished for the day! Mother Nature also helped with trail conditions by throwing some rain on the rocks and roots to make them extra treacherous! Gotta love the AT, eh?
Tomorrow, we have a fun canoe ride across the Kennebec River into Caratunk! I look forward to checking out my packages and hoping to see my in-laws. Mike keeps promising messages from his mom! I hope she can do something for these malfunctioning knees and ankles! The day looks like a small hill (small in comparison to what we have been doing recently) in the morning followed by flat flat and more flat! Hooray! Mountains seem to be mostly shrunken by now! I like flat terrain! Looking forward to the 100mile wilderness where I may just give my gear to my in-laws and walk continuously until I reach Baxter State Park! That thought has crossed my mind multiple times in the past few days. I'm not sure my body woudl like me too much!
Oh yeah! I thought I should give a little humor to my blogspot since I have been such a downer lately. The reunion of Mike and I was a late night in North Conway. I had gotten us a sweet hotel room with a jacuzzi tub. The staff must have given me a discounted rate due to my talking to them about my AT experiences and how I was meeting my husband after being away from him for 4.5months. It was sweet and I made sure to have a nice soak in the tub while I waited for Mike to show up! The town was overwhelmed with tourists and felt kind of weird, but I enjoyed walking around watching the people! Mike arrived with Eben and Sunny around 10pm while I was finishing a large pizza on my own and drinking beer. We hung for a bit and then Eben and Sunny took off for Eben's aunt's house nearby. As Mike and I prepared for bed, I removed my top to head to bed and he began laughing. When I asked why he was laughing, he stated he recognized me until I took off my top! See,...What has happened over the course of the trail is that I left my boobs at Springer Mountain! Mike says our friend Holly and I need to compare and see who is smaller now! For once, my sister can feel great in regards to having a much larger chest size than I! Granted she is lactating. Anyway, Mike thought it funny my loss! I of course have been bothered by the loss of 2 of my favorite friends (my breasts) since the beginning of the trail. As my mother had to remind me, I will gain those back last of everything. So, I guess I will have to just be happy with how I look now, which I am!
Ok, I am not sure what the days ahead will hold for me. It looks like easy cruising, but depends on what The Awesome MIL and Father-in-law (FIL) are able to help us out with over the next few days! Mike is a little aprehensive of the 100mile wilderness as he has confessed that he cannot keep up with me on the flat portions of the trail. I have talked with him about doing 30mile days in the wilderness and the next few days. He does not sound too sure of it. We will see what happens! The GA-ME is almost over. I am sad and yet excited at the same time!
Thank you all for your support. I am celebrating my 2000mile marker with good beer and wonderful trail friends and family. It makes me ready to continue the trail with or without pack! Mike has confessed he does not like the weight of his pack and thus is working overtime to get us transportation and support. Wahoo! He has support for us! The awesome MIL and FIL are helping us out! I love it! The trail has gotten easy and my spirits have been raised tremendously! I am going to make it by the 22nd! See everyone on the flip side of the trail! Thank you for your support and love!

New Hampshire/Maine

2005-08-13T13:37:00.000-04:00

Well, the pain and agony is almost over! For the past month, I have cried at least once a day. It is beginning to get old. With the rugged schedule set for the 2week race to the finish, I am getting more worn down than I already was from this trail.
As Mike mentioned, he has joined me from Gorham, NH to the finish line. Every day he has been with me, he has seen me break down in tears at least once as well as throw one temper tantrum. I think the end is near!
So, anyway, here is what has been going on with the trail since last I wrote.
I have made my way, slowly but sure-ly, through the White Mountains. It was slow mostly for the views and the terrain. We were above treeline most of the time. The hut system through the Whites is only conducive to certain mileage.
Our first introduction to the Whites was over Mt Moosilauke. It was beautiful and a relatively easy climb. Spice Rack and I then made it down to the shelter for the evening and I was exhausted. The next day was an 8mile push into North Woodstock to meet his mom and step-dad for the afternoon. We went to the Woodstock Inn and Brewery for an early dinner. Then, Spice Rack convinced his mom and stepdad to take us to White River Jct., VT for a party being thrown by friends (Croc Walker & Britanica)we had recently made on the trail. So, we slept in White River Jct that night and received limosine service back to the trail the next morning. Spice Rack and I were wishing for hikers in the parking lot as we got out of the limo, but no such luck! I do have photos for proof.
From that point on, Spice Rack and I only had 2 days left of hiking together. We hiked separately but together. The first Hut I visited in the Whites was the Galehead Hut. These huts are like chalets in the mountains for vacationers. They allow thru-hikers to do work for stay. I was the first hiker to arrive and ask the fill-in croo (crew) about the work for stay so I was granted work. As soon as they brought me on as staff, they treated me as staff as well and I worked right along side of them. They gave me a bunk since the hut was not full for the evening and I received both all I could eat dinner as well as breakfast. We had to eat after the guests were finished, but that was fine. The fill-in croo was awesome. Because they treated me like a staff member, I worked my buns off for them. Each of them had brought their own liquor to the hut and thus I had red wine with my pasta shell dinner that night as well as Baileys for dessert. Spice Rack and I hung out with the croo and laughed and joked the night away. It was great fun. Two of the guys are headed to Colorado in September and I gave them my information to look me up while out there! I hope they do.
From there, the experiences were a little different in the huts. I only did work for stay in one more hut and that was the busiest one in the Whites...Lakes of the Clouds Hut. They had me only clean a freezer and I got to sleep on the table that evening. I did not feel I earned everything I received and felt kind of like a dirty beggar, so I left early the next morning without breakfast. From there to Gorham, NH, I was by myself as Spice Rack had left the trail to spend time with friends and family.
The Whites were overwhelming due to the crowds of people, but at the same time the people are what helped me stay on the trail when I so badly wanted to quit! At this time, I need to send out a HUGE THANK YOU to the women I had dinner with at Pinkham Notch after my miserable descent from the Presidential Range. If it were not for these ladies asking me about the trail and encouraging me to continue, I would not have gone back out on the trail. It is funny how the right people come along at the right time.
As I hiked out of Pinkham Notch that day, I silently thanked the ladies. Coming up the Wildcat Peaks, I met another couple ladies who were also impressed with my journey. They said I must feel so fit, to which I laughed and told them I was currently feeling like a crotchity old lady. When we reached the top, they wished me luck and I had enough energy to keep myself going along the trail. Thank you strangers for the words of encouragement and support when I needed it most. People like you 5 ladies are what I am talking about when I speak of the wonderful people I have met along the trail. In my world, you are the truly amazing people! Thank you again!
From the White Mountains, I have moved into Maine and it has kicked my rear worse than the Whites could have. The Mahoosuc Notch was a wonderful jungle gym of fun and not nearly as difficult as the rest of Maine has proven to be at this time. At the top of Moody Mountain, I found myself wanting to throw my pack off the mountain. Mike and I began brainstorming how to make this easier for me and get the GA-ME done. We have visited every town near the trail in Maine and it is helping a little. Currently, I am sitting in Stratton, ME with friends I have made along the way...GG&Slip-n-slide, Croc Walker & Britanica, AJ, & Iron Foot. I look forward to celebrating with them tonight and moving on up the trail. Tomorrow looks rough, but hoping for family support from Mike's parents as they are headed out this way in the next few days. From Stratton, we find ourselves in Caratunk Monday then Monson on Wednesday. Monson, ME starts the 100mile wilderness and thus my final stretch into the finish line! We are still looking to slackpack a couple more times before the 100mile wilderness, but we will see what is available. Mike needs to remember his parents' cell phone numbers so he might actually arrange something with them! We will see what happens!
Not long now and I will be done and on a plane for Colorado. I look forward to finishing and then sitting around doing nothing for a week. Mike and I are having fun but it is rough going some days. The Bigelows are tomorrow and the rumor is after that things are easy. We will see how the knees and ankles hold up for the finish. I atleast need to make it to the top of Katahdin. If they have to rescue me from the top, that is fine, but I need to make it up on my own (with Mike's support).
As always, thank you everyone for your love and support. It has been a great journey and the next posting should be of my completion. For those in the Colorado area, there is a welcome home party and hopefully everyone has gotten the evite on that one. I look forward to catching up with everyone, but most of all I look forward to holding my new nephew, Kyle in my arms and teaching him how to torture his mommy! Thank you everyone!

The last state

2005-08-11T06:58:00.000-04:00

Well, we've made it to Maine, the last state. I say we because I have joined Peeps for the final 2 weeks of her journey. I came out last weekend and we got on the trail Monday morning in NH, but after 16.5 miles we came across the state border in the middle of nowhere. We finished off with about 5 more miles for a huge 21.5 mile day. 20+ mile days have been hard to come by since she has hit the White Mountains. They are tougher than she imagined and she is getting pretty worn down. It was tough for me as well since my body isn't used to being on my feet that long and I'm not used to carrying 30+ pounds on my back. The hills are insane out here too. They don't believe in switchbacks so 1000 vertical feet in a mile is a common occurance. Following the path of least resistance is pretty rare too so any mountain between here and there and we'll climb it. There are been some great views when you're not surrounded by miles of trees in every direction.
Unfortunately due to my poor planning we've had to set an unreasonable schedule in order to catch our flight back to Colorado and after 3 days of this torture we couldn't take it any longer. We hitched a ride into Andover, ME (Good luck finding it on a map) and spent the night at the Andover Guest House. Kasey has left with no pack and minimal supplies and I have stayed back to try and find transportation. I may rent a car or I'll get the innkeeper to drive me half way to the next town then call a place in the next town to pick up our gear so that I can finish the day with Kasey. I'm off to get some breakfast then start making some calls. Wish us luck because we'll need it.

Mike

Movin' Right Along

2005-07-26T17:23:00.000-04:00

So, I was told today by Baltimore Jack to plan on 37+ days from when I leave Hanover, NH to get to Katahdin. If that is the case, then I have a long way to go or I have some heavy miles to do! Anyway, we will see what happens. Baltimore Jack has hiked the trail multiple times, so maybe he knows something I do not know! I am looking at meeting Mike in Gorham, NH as that seems to be the best place based on road access. Anyway,...

The past few miles have been fun. Massachusetts ended with an unexpected trip to Boston, which was great. I spent the day sleeping. Every time Spice Rack attempted to talk to me, I was either on the phone, using the restroom, or sleeping. It was a much needed break and I got to meet his friends and family. So, I have met everyone in his life. Once back on the trail from Boston, we decided to take it easy and visit Bennington, VT for a hiker feed. We try not to pass up free food and beer. It was nice as we got to meet some South Bound(SOBOs) Hikers. The mix was pretty even for SOBOs & NOBOs. There is definitely a difference between the 2 groups. We have 1600miles under our belts and they have only 500. They are still in the excited to be doing this trip, whereas most of the NOBOs are ready for it to be done! We went to bed around 9pm and the SOBOs were still hanging out having fun! It is interesting to see the difference.

From Bennington, we did some long crazy miles to make it to our next meeting, which was Eben in Vermont. Eben is Mike's friend and we had him pick us up at the VT11. We had dinner with him and then he and his girlfriend, Sunny, took Spice Rack and I home with them to their place about an hour from the trail. We had a great time hanging out. Spice Rack talked to his girlfriend, while Eben showed me great videos of he and Mike when they were younger. It was exactly what I needed to keep me going. As he dropped us off at the trail the next day, he played "Sweet Honey Pie" by the Beetles as per Mike's request. It was sweet and just what I needed as I had called Mike from Bennington asking for a pep talk! I hiked the next day with a new outlook on the trail. I felt great. Of course it also helped knowing at the end of the day I was meeting my favorite aunts on the Soles side, Karen & Brenda.

So, I went from Eben's house, to the trail, to staying with my Aunts that night. Spice Rack tagged along with me and had a great time. We got a hotel room in Rutland, VT the first night. My aunts met me on the trail with a wonderful canoe trip call to which I of course had to answer back...Yip Yip Yip Yip Yahoo Yahoo! What a sound coming through the forest! :) We avoided not 1thunderstorm, but 2. The next day, they returned us to the trail with only food and water in our packs. We were going to slack pack 32miles, but got a late start as we realized it was the weekend and needed to pick up our mail drops or we would miss them. So, we opted for hanging out with the awesome aunts versus killing ourselves and did only 20miles instead of 32. That evening, we hung out in the pub for dinner and some music. It was alot of fun. I got up and got embarassed by not being able to sing. Then Spice Rack rescued me on a Beetles' song. I ditched him to sing his own song and relaxed with some more beer. It was a great night full of much needed fun. We met people working at a Farm for Dual Diagnosis people nearby and danced with them as well as chit chatted. I hope my aunts had fun because I know Spice Rack and I had a blast.
The next day was a rough one, but we saw some great sights. We climbed Killington Peak with our mostly empty packs and then left the Long Trail behind as we made our way to the VT 100 and hitched back to the Inn at the Long Trail to pick up our stuff and continue another 7miles. The last 7miles of the day were done in the dark and it was a straight up and down. We are heading back into the mountains. Luckily, when we reached the shelter there was nobody there and we made ourselves quite at home. The fun times were now behind us and we were hiking with a new bounce in our step, but very tiredly!
So, there has been trail life in a nutshell. I am currently in Hanover, NH. Just passed into New Hampshire today! What a feeling. Plan on spending a night in a hotel tonight and then back on the trail for a long couple of days before heading into North Woodstock on the 30th. From there, the plans go whacky, but should be fun. My plan is to meet up with my husband in less than 2weeks in Gorham, NH. Things are moving along and the anxiety is mounting for the end of the trip. I came to the relization yesterday I am ready to get back to work and my life in Colorado even though I heard they are having crazy heat issues. Yuck! Maybe I will go to Canada instead! Just kidding Mikey my love! I am looking forward to going back home with my husband. I told him I wasn't going to leave his side for about a week. He told me he could use some help at work! So, we will see what Colorado life holds in store for me. All I know is that I am ready for this to be done and looking forward to the White Mountains of New Hampshire!
Thank you everyone for your support and know that you are in my thoughts always. Take care and my love goes out to each and every one of you!

Connecticut/Massachusetts

2005-07-15T12:02:00.000-04:00

Well, I am easily out of Connecticut and on my way out of Massachusetts. There is not much to say about Connecticut. It was short and sweet. A couple of great climbs on my way out of the state left me glad to be in a hotel in Great Barrington, MA. It was a Comfort Inn and they had a hot tub. So, after a wonderful dinner at the nearby Mexican Restaurant, Spice Rack and I headed to the hot tub. Three Cats offerred to do our laundry and we got done at the pool and hot tub in time to put our wet clothes in with our laundry! It felt great to sit and relax. A huge THANK YOU goes out to Spice Rack's father who sprung for the rooms. He is a great trail angel as is Spice Rack for inviting the rest of us along on his visit with his father!
The altitude is getting back up there. The mosquitos and the humidity are reminding me why I live in Colorado! Pretty much every day I am dripping sweat from my chin and elbows due to the climbs and the humidity. It is pleasant. I have made a few more town stops as they are near the trail and being able to eat real food is a necessity these days.
Currently, I am sitting in Dalton, MA taking a much needed day off. To anyone reading this and thinking of doing the trail, be sure to schedule plenty of rest days towards the end. Many people are ready to be done with the trail as am I. It leads to injury as people push themselves harder than they have in the past just to get done. There is a huge mental game to be played after having walked, ambled, and stumbled along for 1500miles. The last 600 are physically challenging as well as mentally. Four months of the same old thing day after day needs to be broken up with days to just sit on a bench and stare at the cars and people. Thank goodness there are great people in Dalton, MA who make relaxing possible.
Yesterday, I slack packed from Dalton, where I had lunch after 10miles, to Cheshire, MA. A wonderful man named Rob Bird, who runs a "secret" hiker hostel in Dalton, picked me up from Cheshire and brought me back to his house. Once there, I had a wonderful shower and drank beer while conversing with Rob and another hiker, Bluey. Rob did my laundry before heading out to do his own thing leaving Bluey and I to do our own thing. We basically had his house for the evening. He returned around 10pm and we watched the end of the yankees/red soxs game on TV. It was a very relaxed evening. This morning, I woke up as Bluey was packing to head out on the trail and chatted with him trying to convince him to stay...No Luck! So, I sat and watched TV this morning and thought of my husband while watching The Princess Bride. I sure do miss my honey! After the movie, I wandered down to the General Store and bought a toothbrush (I recently noticed mine was growing mold) and a card. Returned to the house and proceeded to write to my husband while watching more TV. Rob came home briefly and we chatted a bit before he headed off to work again. What a relaxed little place. He offerred his place to my friend and I for tonight as well, which is a wonderful treat. Rob has been a great person who has come into my trail life at the right time.
Somehow, it seems when I am down on the trail and wanting to leave, the right people come along and renew my energy. Yesterday, sitting outside of the sub shop while my hiking companions were inside soaking up the AC, a woman approached me and talked to me about my hike. Thru-hikers are pretty noticeable, especially in a town where the trail goes through it. She told me she often hosts hikers and would be willing to take me to her place for the evening. I told her of my plans to hike over to Cheshire and then take today off in Dalton and trying to figure out all of the logistics. She mentioned she had a retreat this weekend and we realized it would not work out, but I thanked her for her generosity. After buying her lunch at the sub shop, she came out and slipped me a $10bill. I protested, but she insisted and said it was trail magic. She was already to her car, and so I slipped the $10 into my wallet. Then, I headed to the post office to get my packages. As I was headed there, a gentleman starts walking towards me from the Shell Station. He introduces himself to me as Rob. I had heard of him back in NY/NJ area from a guy who hiked last year. So, I talked to him about my plans and he offerred to pick me up from Cheshire. He got me settled at his place and then I headed back to meet the guys to head to Cheshire. It was nice hiking without my pack for 9miles. The view from the Cobbles was beautiful. I wished I could have hung up there longer, but had told Rob to pick me up in Cheshire at 5:30pm. For those of you who know me, I hate making people wait as I do not like having to wait for people. So, I made sure I was down there by 5:15pm. As I was walking toward the post office, he was coming down the street. It was perfect timing.
Anyway, between the lady on the street and Rob, I have a renewed energy to keep going up the trail. Tonight, Rob and his band are playing in a nearby town and he has offerred to take my friend, Tricia, and I with him if we want. I am looking forward to hearing some good music, but am not sure what Tricia will be up for doing. It will be nice to be in a relaxed place again for the evening and to be back on the trail tomorrow. Dalton, MA is a magical town full of many nice people. I have not met all of them, so I cannot say if they are all nice or not! So far, I have been very impressed and recommend making a stop here to anyone coming through the area or hiking the trail. It has been my fountain of youth! Thank you Dalton, MA.
My love and thoughts continue to go out to my husband. I also want to thank everyone who has been supportive of me along the trail. My aunt Carol, cousin Erin, and Jaime sent me a great package of food filled with love! It was great and I am still bouncing things forward. Thank you Holly for the little bit of love you put in my package. Those will come in handy to numb the pains that come along the trail these days! I miss everyone lots and think of many of you (at least the people I know) often on the trail. There isn't much else to do when walking miles a day through the woods and across mountains. Thank you for your support and I look forward to the next 600miles of adventure.

New York

2005-07-08T12:00:00.000-04:00

Here it is another State down! I am soooo excited to be out of New York! Although, fireworks were great on the 4th of July weekend! Here is how the state went for me and many others.
We entered New York on a ridge where there is a box on a tree with a register. Not long after that, we had rocks and lots of ups and downs. New York as I am told, is very proud of their High Points and thus like to take you to the top of each and everyone of them. I have missed this kind of workout as the past few states have been pretty gentle! In Harriman State Park, I got to experience Rock Climbing with my pack on. Ok, I actually took my pack off and hoisted up onto the rocks rather than seeing if it would pull me backwards to my death! Gotta play it safe this late in the game! We passed through many State Parks and were overwhelmed by the number of people out grilling and celebrating the 4th of July. At one of the lakes inside Harriman State Park, Spice Rack, Morel, Swifty, and I just sat and stared at all the people. We were in the minority at that lake, which was kind of fun but yet overwhelming as well. I think there was a language barrier to yogi-ing for food. Yes, Thru-hikers become similar to beggars while on the trail. We just try our luck at being more discrete. There is a saying on the trail: The only difference between a beggar and a thru-hiker are the trekking poles! It sure felt like it at the lake when we found a perfectly good watermelon in the garbage can and rescued it for our own feeding. I felt like I had sunk to an all time low that day! It was tasty though and we sure laughed about it.
For the 4th of July Weekend, we had the most amazing seats for a variety of fireworks shows. On the 3rd, we (1/4 of the way, Spice Rack, Handyman, Morel, Swifty, Naked Sun, and Slow Barbara) sat atop Black Mtn, where we could see maybe 10-15different shows. We also could see the night skyline of NYC. It was beautiful and the area was perfect. As we were setting up camp, the sun was setting so we had that beauty to cook our dinner. The next morning, I woke up to watch the sunrise. I sat ontop of the mountain, naked in my sleeping bag, watching the sunrise. It was surreal! How often does one get to do that? For the 4th, we headed to Graymoor Friary for the night. First, we had to pass through Bear Mtn Park. That again was overwhelming with the people. Spice Rack's friend, Laurie, picked us up for lunch and by the time she brought us back, the park was closed due to being full. She dropped us on the side of the road and off we went. At Bear Mtn Park, there is a zoo which the trail passes through. We headed for that and found a line. Luckily the line was for the swimming pool rather than the zoo. Thru the zoo, then crossed the Bear Mtn Bridge to head up another mountain and onto Graymoor in time for dinner at 5pm. Graymoor was not what I was expecting, but it was nice all the same. They had a beautiful rock area where we were able to hang out with the alcohol and drug rehab guys while watching the fireworks! Again, we could see NYC. Some of the best displays were in Peekskill which was the closest city to us! The friars fed us a beautiful meal of chicken and vegetables, then took us on a tour of the friary. It was neat, but still not what I was expecting. Oh well. Seems like the friary is on its last leg. Someone said this was the last month they would be doing the meals for thru-hikers. Glad I got in on that tradition before it vanishes! What a way to celebrate the 4th. It was wonderful and fun with great company, although I did wish very strongly that my husband was there with me!
After the 4th, things were back to the same old bump and grind. New York was horrible with their trail conditions and blazing of the trail. Even in the state parks, we would find ourselves lost! It was crazy. Then, at road crossings, they had signs warning about lye disease from ticks, but yet we had to walk through high grasses and overgrown weeds covering the trail. Definitely planning on a visit to the doctor when I get home to make sure I have not become good friends with Lyme Disease. I have pulled my fair share of ticks off my legs in the past week.
It is nice to be in a new state and getting ready to leave the state of CT in about another 2-3 days. Many people to see and visit as I finish up the trail. Spice Rack is meeting friends and family through Massachusettes as am I. Vermont is where I get to see more family and friends. I look forward to the support from everyone I see. Physically, the hike is relatively easy at this point. Mentally, it is taking its toll on many people.
Found myself really needing a day off and thus took it here in Kent, CT despite the cost of things. I could have tented in the churchyard, but was having one of those desires to be human and pampered. So, I got a room with Three Cats & AJ. Since I was in town before them, I was able to pick up some epsom salts and baking soda to take a long luke warm bath. It felt great to just soak. My body was in much need of relaxation.
Getting some heavy rain today due to hurricanes, but that is what makes it so nice to be off the trail. Perfect sleeping weather, which is what I am planning on doing here in a few minutes. I like raining lazy days!
Well, I am 2/3 of the way done and moving along fine. I look forward to the distractions through the next few states. It will be good for the psyche. Still planning a day off in Cheshire, MA despite our current day off. With any hope, I will still be finishing the trail on August 21.
Less than a month until my husband joins me and I am already getting excited for his companionship. I called him the other day and started crying when he asked how I was doing because it was just so good to hear his voice. When I told him I was fine until I called him, he asked me why I called him, then. The silly guy. He knows I miss him and just need to hear his voice every so often. The journey is taking its toll on me, but I have not lost my sense of adventure or my love of the excursion. Well,...ok, I did lose it the other day, which helped me realize I needed a day off. When you look at the slightest incline on the trail and just cry about having to go up, you know it is time for a break. My body is thanking me for that as well, even though my pocketbook may not be thanking me!
I hope all is well on the home front. I need to give a good shout out to my sis as she called and left me a signing telegram! Hehehehe! Thanks! I like those sort of odd voicemails. Thank you everyone still for all your support. I love you all and look forward to seeing my aunts in Vermont as well as Tricia in MA. Take care and know everyone is on my mind constantly.

New Jersey

2005-07-01T16:07:00.000-04:00

So, start looking for me to tick off states now! I left Delaware Water Gap and moved into New Jersey! Everyone said PA was bad with their rocks, well Jersey is bad with their trails. There have been bushes covering the trail to the point of wondering if you are going the right way. "Morel", "Spice Rack", and I actually did get semi-lost one day. Luckily, I turned things around by telling them it did not look right, and they listened! Anyway...
Spice Rack and I left Delaware Water Gap, PA around noon on the 28 June 2005. Yes, we are no good at getting an early start out of towns! So, we had to climb up onto a ridge, but luckily it was an easy, well graded trail. We made it up to Sunfish Pond where we decided to set down our packs for an afternoon break. Little did we know we were on the other side of the bushes from "Morel". We talked with him a bit and all three of us decided the pond looked too nice not to get in as the day was hot and humid! A nice swim led to sunning ourselves on the rocks and reading a passage from Travels with Charley by Steinbeck. It was a beautiful day. Around 3:30pm, the three of us decided to travel on to the YMCA camp for the night! The camp was a little difficult to find, but once there it was a nice rickety cabin by the lake/pond. We listened to the frogs croaking throughout the evening. That was probably the best night of sleep I have had on the trail! There were beds in the cabin.
The next morning, we were all slow moving to get out of the camp. Luckily, "Spice Rack" and I were only going a short distance of about 4miles. We convinced "Morel" to join us in our slacking off. It has been nice hanging with him again! A pass through Cluvers Gap allowed me beer and grilled cheese to power me into camp. It rained mostly all day! My Patagonia sports bra is not very good at wicking away moisture and I will look to my husband to send me the tank top I asked for! Camp was nice and we had a full shelter.
From the Gren Anderson Shelter, we had another short day to the "secret Shelter" on the Murray property. It was a beautiful farm land area where we had a little cabin to stay in with a shower and a sink. It was a beautiful area and we saw skunk, woodchuck, racoon, and mating mules. The cabin was warm and my fellow hikers left me alone in there to pitch their tents outside. So, I pitched my tent inside the shelter, opened the windows, and slept soundly! It was great! I had to laugh.
Today was a glorious hike into Vernon, NJ. Not much up and I ran into "Iron Foot" again. We hiked together for a bit and talked about our 2nd or 3rd day sitting the south side of Blood Mtn trying to decide whether to go over it or go around it. It is always great running into "Iron Foot" as he and I started together and hopefully will finish aroudn the same time. Just as I came to the road, there was a farmers market to the left. I found Bubble Gum ice cream, Chocolate Milk, peaches, and plums. It was wonderful. I indulged! Spice Rack arrived and we caught a hitch into town. The guy who picked us up knew exactly where to take us and drove like a bat out of... The town seems nice and the St.Thomas Church is a great hostel place with all the hiker ammenities: shower, laundry, internet, and sodas. What more could a person ask for? Maybe my bed from home.
So, anyway, things are going well still on the trail. The humidity is a bear, but I have not seen the bears people say are everywhere in Jersey. Maybe they will come lick my toes in New York or futher North! Looking to possibly do a mountain top for the 4th or hang with the monks! We will see where the trail takes us!
I continue to look forward to seeing my husband and am counting down the days! He is on my mind constantly and always in my heart. This trip has made me realize just how wonderful he is and what an impact he has on my life. I love you my darling with all my heart!

The Other Pennsylvania

2005-06-28T11:08:00.000-04:00

So, I mentioned in my first PA blog how nice it was on the trail. Well, after Duncannon, PA, as Renee pointed out, it got rocky! After Port Clinton, PA it got even rockier. However, I am at the end of PA heading to New Jersey today if I can just get motivated. It rained last night and I am not sure if that helped or hurt things! The humidity is a killer out here. I miss Colorado!
Here is the low down of what has been going on:
Out of Duncannon, Spice Rack and I hiked with Renee and David. Poor Spice rack got a little bored with the pace and would run ahead ocassionally, but always met us in the evening. He was quite the trooper and made me appreciate his companionship all that much more! Renee and David were troopers as well. It was not all that easy terrain as Renee mentioned, but I am glad they made it home safely. I told them I was worried about them making it back to their car as both seemed to be hurting some on the 2nd and third days! Their company was a blessing, though and reminded me why I am out here.
Upon leaving Renee and David, I was in a race to catch Spice Rack by dark. He was about 13+ miles ahead of me at that point and I was starting at my usual siesta time. My pace was as quick as I could go over the rocks without breaking myself. Twice I fell, once forward and once backward. It was frustrating. Then, I got to the shelter just before the PA501 shelter (where I was to meet Spice Rack) and found I was just 45minutes behind him. So, I took off in a slow sprint from the shelter as it was uphill out of the shelter and trotted down the trail hoping to catch him on the trail as he wrote in the register about pizza at the 501. No luck catching him and I arrived to the 501 first to find a thru-hiker who is always angry about something. My spirits fell and I looked around for the register to see if Spice Rack left me instructions of where to go. Luckily, I found the register with Spice Rack! Hooray! There was pizza at the shelter which I ate happily as I cooked a box of Spongebob Squarepants Mac&Cheese(actually 2boxes).
Reunited with Spice Rack, we headed to Port Clinton, PA the next day. A long day, but nice to be in a town. We got ourselves a room at the Port Clinton Hotel which was not worth what we paid, but it saved us from dealing with the angry thru-hiker and the other weirdos at the pavilion. The next day, we did a short day to the Eckville Shelter which use to be a hostel. It was loaded with sodas and all sorts of goodies you could have for donations. The place was sweet! We enjoyed it immensely! From there, we found ourselves back out on the trail pushing over more rocks and heading closer to Palmerton, PA. The distance was too great, so we camped by a road on a Friday night! Silly idea as we got the locals shooting off fireworks next to our tents, basically. What excitement. The next day we did a short day into the Jailhouse hostel in Palmerton, PA. It is nice to have short days.
From there, we had a huge rock climb to Wind Gap with limited water as the weather has been hot and humid and dried up most of the springs. It was nice to be in a hotel in Wind Gap with the AC on full blast. From there, we were able to push into Delaware Water Gap, where I am currently using the computer at the Church of the Mountains Hostel. It is a nice place. The pastor and crew are great people. I highly recommend checking it out. Now, it looks like either 10 or 17miles out of town and into New Jersey! No more long states until Maine. Looks like I am going to make it! We will see what happens. There are suppose to be lots of friendly bears in Jersey. So hopefully, I do not get eaten by a bear! We will see what happens. There are many snake photos on my camera currently which I hope to make sure Gabe, the 10yr old I was working with before I left, gets a chance to see them. I know he would appreciate their beauty.
And of course, I could not end my blog without a shout out to my husband who commented to me the other day when we talked that I truly am his soulmate! I love you my darling and am counting down the miles until I get to see you and spend the rest of my life with you! Only 615miles until I am with you! Love you lots! Thank you everyone for your support and love. Take care and keep in touch with the progress as I move north! Lots of Love to everyone!

Renee's Trail report

2005-06-27T13:58:00.000-04:00

Here is a trail report from Peeps' friend Renee who with her boyfriend David joined the adventure for a couple of days.

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We started out Saturday night at the famous Doyle Hotel. It was pretty clean (except for the bathrooms!) and quiet. We met a few other thru-hikers and section hikers including Spice Rack, Clockwork Orange, Forever North, Snail, and Lo Di Do. No euchre tonight as David and I had not slept much the night before. It was good to see Peeps (Kasey) again.

Day 1 – We covered about 11 ½ miles from Duncannon to a shelter. Saw a timber rattlesnake in the trail that rattled at us, and then it finally decided to move off of the trail. We scrambled over many good-sized rocks while traveling along the ridge line. The rocky trails out there are nothing like the dusty (and smooth) ones here in California. I kept wondering what I had gotten us into.

Day 2 – More mileage today, about 13 total. The first half was fairly easy, and then we began a long uphill climb over smaller rocks that kept wobbling every time you stepped on them. There wasn’t very much water around, and I think I must have been dehydrated because I got a migraine around mid-afternoon. I kept telling myself not to throw up. By the time we got to camp my head felt better, but my feet were killing me. My hiking boots didn’t have enough arch support, and my until-then mild case of plantar fasciitis (from running) was now full-blown.

Day 3 – We turned around about half-way through the day after having lunch with Peeps, as we wanted to have a bit of a time cushion to get back. Today was supposed to be Naked Hiker Day, but we only saw one couple wearing strategically-placed bandanas. Everyone else had clothes on, so no exciting photos – ha ha! I can’t imagine hiking with only boots on – the chafing would be brutal! I think we covered about 12 ½ miles.

Day 4 – Back down the wobbly rocks for about 13 miles again. We saw a doe, a black bear, and a snake today, in addition to hiking through a small thunderstorm. David was sick and dehydrated, and my feet hurt so badly I was nearly in tears. I think we covered this section slower than on the way out. There was just way too much drama today.

Day 5 – We met some really nice trail volunteers and their dog Casey. It was cool in the morning but got much warmer later on. We eventually made our way back to Duncannon and I was SO happy to get off my feet! Later that evening we decided if we were thru-hikers and had trail names, David’s would be No Sweat (because he sweat so much even his shorts got soaked) and mine would be Cat Lady (because I have 2 cats and volunteer at an animal shelter).

Friday we visited Gettysburg, and Saturday we went home. We ended up getting home about 10 hours late due to flight delays and cancellations (note to self: don’t fly Northwest!)

Despite all the foot pain, it was a fun trip. I will be much more appreciative of the dirt trails out here from now on!

I really want to thank Peeps (Kasey) for inviting us to join her, for cutting her daily mileage in half for us slowpokes, for running down to the spring at Peter’s Mountain shelter (that was a LONG way down the hill!), and for the Slim Jims! Also thanks to Spice Rack for waiting for us periodically and for letting us use his spices for our mac & cheese! The mental and physical strength that the thru-hikers have is really impressive. Happy travels to Maine, Peeps!

Pennsylvania

2005-06-18T13:12:00.000-04:00

Another state and many more miles under my belt. Out here, some people talk about the trail not being about the trail miles, but more the S-miles. There have been many smiles lately as well as tears. I have been doing some good reflecting and learning about myself as I approached the halfway point and gone on by! There is an odd sense of accomplishment having made it this far! "Spice Rack" and I were talking the other day as we sat on a stone bench and looked out at the valley below about how it took us 3 months to get this far and yet will take us only 2 months to do the other half of the trail! It seems odd, but we are more fit now than in the beginning. Another thing about the trail is the passage of time. Some feel the time has passed slowly, while I feel like it is flying by. I do not feel as though I have been on the trail for 3 months. Every day there is something new to see and experience. Sure the walking gets old sometimes, but then you crest a hill and see a view or you decide to check out the trail in the dark for a night hike. Every day is an adventure. New people to meet as they come from behind and leave you in the dust. I just met a guy, "Teach," who began on April 27 (a month after me) and has caught me at this point. He is a teacher, thus the trail name, and needs to be done by school time. Great group of people in my general vicinity these days! Have run into "Three Cats" again as he was off enjoying his wife and daughter's visit.
So far, Pennsylvania has proven to be a very beautiful state. Sure the heat and humidity have been hard at times, but the terrain has been great. We have gone from a nice graded trail to rocks to fields of wheat and corn. The terrain varies so much in one day it keeps me from getting bored! I have encountered many snakes as well. Most of the snakes have not been poisonous, but some have been. In the Shenandoahs, I passed a timber rattlesnake. That was exciting. "Spice Rack" was leading and the snake only began rattling after I had gone by him. It was crazy! We stopped and took photos of the snake before he decided we were bothering him and he moved into the woods. Then, between Bears Den Hostel and Harpers Ferry, I almost stepped on a Copperhead. He seemed unphased by our presence. "Spice Rack" and I waited for "Mongrel" to make sure he saw the snake and we all took photos before the snake moved off the trail. There have been many black snakes along the trail as well as little baby snakes. It has been interesting to see so many snakes. Good thing the snakes do not scare me.
Currently, I am in Duncannon, PA waiting for Renee and David to come in for the night before hiking with me tomorrow. "Spice Rack" and I are looking for a good game of Eucre tonight if Renee and David are up for it when they get in! I think the shock of the Doyle Hotel here in Duncannon will make things interesting. Here is what has been written about the Doyle Hotel: "The 4-story brick building was one of 1200hotels built by the Anheuser Busch Brewing Co. to market their beer. It replaced the National Hotel, known by some as the Johnson Hotel that had occupied the same lot. The flag topped turret can be seen for long distance. The building had 30 guest rooms and is an Italianate design with arched windows and doorways. It was sold in 1932 to John Lukens. New laws had made it impossible for a brewing company to own a retail business. This building is known to most hikers passing as a respite from the trail." The hotel is an old building and would best be described as a boarding house setting. No air-conditioning, but there is a ceiling fan and luckily the nights have been cool lately as well as the days! Glad to be taking a day off today and looking forward to seeing Renee & David.
Today, a hiker had his daughters arrive to surprise him. It made me wish Mike and I lived closer to the trail so I could see him. "Teach" had his girlfriend come down from Jersey last night and again I wished Mike was closer to the trail. It is hard to make do with just talking on the phone, but it is a reprieve to know he will be out this way in a month and a half. He is always on my mind and forever in my heart! Those are the 2 pieces of my body and soul which drive me along the trail. I love you my darling! Not long now and I will be with you again forever.

Half way there!

2005-06-16T16:02:00.000-04:00

I got a quick call from our girl today so that she could tell me that she has passed the half way point and is passing through Boiling Springs, PA. Apparently it is customary to celebrate this occasion with the half gallon challenge. Never one to pass up a good challenge she downed half a gallon of Cherries Jubilee ice cream last night in about an hour and a half. Unfortunately I also have to report that the Snickers challenge was a dismal failure. I think that she made it just over a day eating around 20 Snickers bars before digging into some real food and promptly handing the rest out as Trail Magic. One final point is that since she is staying so far ahead of schedule I have finally posted a list mail drop locations with an estimated date of arrival. I'll try to keep this as up to date as possible if she varies from her schedule, but always try to get stuff there at least a couple of days before the expected date just in case she goes on a distance rampage some day. This list is in the links section on the right side of the page.

Harpers Ferry, West Virginia

2005-06-11T10:39:00.000-04:00

So, I have hiked 1009.8miles by this point. It is exciting, but I have another 1165.1miles to go. The next few states look easy and I have a fun hiking partner for now! Also, Maryland looks like it will be interesting. For those who do not know yet, Spice Rack and I agreed at some point in the Shenandoahs we were going to hike the state of Maryland eating just snickers bars and flintstone vitamins. So, today will begin the experience. We decided we cannot call it a challenge and thus have termed it an experience.
Not much has occurred since Bears Den Hostel from where I last wrote. That place was amazing and it was great fun hanging out with Susan and Rob. Good games of Eucre as well as reisling, beer, and smores. The 20miles into Harpers Ferry were long but leisurely the next day!
Once in Harpers Ferry, we connected with Spice Rack's Dad who picked us up and took us to Fredricks, MD for the next couple evenings. We took yesterday off to rest and relax. Spice Rack's dad is big into trains and we spent our day at the B&O Railroad Museum in Baltimore, MD. From there, we headed back to the hotel to get situated and packed before heading out to watch Shakespeare Under the Stars on the campus of Hood College in Frederick, MD. It was a fun evening watching Much Ado About Nothing. When we got back to the hotel, Spice Rack and I celebrated our 1000mile achievement with Chimay and Rogue Dead Guy Ale as we organized things further and I talked to the love of my life! For those who may not know who that is...It is my HUSBAND! Around 2am, we finally relaxed into our beds for the evening, planning to depart from the hotel by 8am.
That brings me to the current moment. I am at the ATC headquarters in Harpers Ferry, WV checking in and using the facilities. For those curious, I am holding strong at 160pounds. I think the scale here actually has me at about 162lbs. It was nice to know I had not lost the 10pounds the scale at Bears Den said I had lost! After eating well in town, I am now ready to conquer the trail with just 54Snicker Bars and a bottle of Flintstone Vitamins. We will see how things go over the next few days! The next people to join me along the trail are my friend, Renee, and her boyfriend, David. I look forward to their company as they will be with me for part of Naked Hiker Day on June 21st. Watch for photos from then! HAHAHA! Take care everyone and be sure to call or write my husband and wish him a happy birthday today! I wish I was there to give him a great big birthday hug! Don't overwhelm him though with attention. He is still my shy little guy! Lots of love to you my darling and to all my friends and family!

M.I.L.'s AT journal

2005-06-09T12:09:00.000-04:00

Oh, where to start! Such an experience - out of the ordinary stuff for an old lady like me. But I did it (or at least part of it). 55 miles at the age of 55 - nothing to be ashamed of. It started in Ann Arbor, MI where I met Peeps who had come off the trail to attend the wedding of a friend. Memorial day morning we were waiting in an alley for the Greyhound. 24 hours later we got off of the Greyhound in Waynesboro, VA. It was difficult to get much quality sleep on the bus. Several layovers - one at 2:55a.m. - 3:55a.m. The bus ride was probably the least fun of the whole adventure. We walked a few blocks to the Post Office in Waynesboro so Peeps could check her mail and send a package. There were several thru hikers showing up there - many had had to wait out the holiday weekend in Waynesboro to collect their mail drops. I was anxious and curious but not really nervous. I met and talked to Beam a little bit and did run into her later in a shelter. We had just donned our packs to head out the door when a man asked if we were walking to the trailhead (about 4 1/2 miles) or did we want a ride? Duh? He took us to the visitor center at the trailhead and we drank hot chocolate and used the restroom.

I stepped foot on the trail about 9:24 a.m., Tuesday, May 31, 2005. Only seven miles the first day to Calf Mountain Shelter. I knew that would go o.k. - and it did. I had a little trepidation going over my first "ladder like" barrier (there should be a picture of this event coming). But it was the first of many firsts I would experience. Shelter life was nice. 2 recent high school grads camping near the shelter when we got there. We thought we might be the only ones in the shelter that night as it was only 7 miles from town. But we were soon joined by Box 'o fun and Ang; then Mouth in his kilt; then Hunter (the dog with his own pack) and Birdie and ?. Interesting to hear all the trail talk - who is where, who is no longer on the trail, trail sightings, etc. I felt a little out of it as I knew none of them and the whole camping thing was new for me. So I just kind of sat back and listened. There was a concern about Beam who was supposed to be at the shelter but never showed up. I got a good sense of the trail journals that are in each shelter and how these help the hikers keep tabs on each other. Pretty cool.

June 1 - day 2 and 13 miles to go today. Not too worried and as it turned out the first 12 went by quite easily and I was making much better time than the day before. There were lots of pink flowering bushes lining the trail - very nice smelling. We saw a deer close by when we took our lunch break. Both of us were more talkitive and did a lot of singing to and with each other. Then Peeps saw a sign that there was a spring 100 yds off the trail and a warning that there might not be water at the shelter. That meant that we had to fill our bladders in our backpack and our water bottles to make sure we'd have enough for cooking and the next 13 mile day. That added about 6 - 8 pounds to my pack and as I had already projected we'd be there soon with only a mile to go, I complained just a little on the last mile (all up hill of course). But we were there before 5:00 and again had lots of company in the shelter - One Thing, Spice Rack, Mongrel, Hot & Sweaty, & one other ?. The 2 high school boys were camped there also - looked like they were having a tough time.

June 2 - day 3 and another 13+ miles to go today. Shouldn't be difficult since I made it the day before without any major problems. Oh - the weather - it started raining just as we were packing to leave and it never stopped until late the following afternoon. At about 7 miles, there was a wayside camp store. We stopped there and bot 8 hamburg buns, 2 pkgs of cold meats, a large pkg of cheese and a large bag of chips -- all of which we ate (except for a few of the chips) before we left there. There were some of the other hikers there and a couple from the campground that were doing their laundry. They let me put my wet jacket and hat in one of their dryers while we ate. Everyone is so friendly out there. Then it was back out in the rain to do the last 6+ miles for the day. Stayed at Pine Gap Hut (shelter) that nite. I think we made even better time today as there was no reason or wanting to stop along the way. I think there may have been some spectacular views from some of the mountain tops, but the fog was so thick we couldn't see anything. It was One Thing, Spice Rack, Peeps and myself (trail name was M.I.L. for mother-in-law).

June 3 - day 4 - was scheduled to be just an 8 mile day. But we were at the 8 mile point by 1:00 - again the rain kept us moving quite fast. That shelter wasn't real pleasant so we agreed to push on. The problem for me was that the next shelter was another 12+ miles. After about 6 more miles we came to a major highway intersection and I decided to hitch a ride to the campground about 1 mile before our next shelter. Peeps and Spice Rack stayed with me until I caught a safe ride with a family from KY who were going to the same campground. I was able to freshen up a little in the restroom there, buy some snacks and call home while I waited for Peeps and Spice Rack. We then went the last mile to the shelter which was quite full. We had caught up with Box 'o fun and Ang. One Thing was there and Beam. Also two older (my age) couples who were section hiking.

June 4 - day 5. Saturday morning and I had to decide whether to call Jim to come as it was a Saturday and he wouldn't be able to come until the next weekend if not today. I didn't mention that my right big toe was sore since day 1 or 2. My nail had been hitting the front of my boot and caused a blister under the nail. Quite painful with every downhill step. I was afraid the nail might come off within the next week and that would have been more painful. So I decided that I had experienced the trail and was very glad I did - but I knew my limits and decided to call Jim. It was a tough and emotional decision but looking back I think I made the right call. We made reservations at Big Meadows resort - 8 miles further down the trail and told Jim to meet us there. Spice Rack, Box 'o fun & Ang were waiting for us at the shelter after hiking the mile both ways to make the calls. I invited them to share the room with us which they were delighted to do. They & peeps hiked an additional 8 miles that day and hitched rides back to Big Meadows where I was waiting, refreshed after a bath and a shower and ready to give them all a massage. It was a great nite with lots of laughs, a game of hearts and a real pillow to sleep on. Jim made it to the resort about 11:00p.m. We all had a real breakfast together in the morning, packed all 6 of us with all the packs, etc. in our little Subaru and got the four of them back on the trail at Skyland resort about 11:00 a.m. Oh, the last day of hiking was probably the nicest for me. (Maybe because I knew I was going home the next day.) There were a few sort of tough mountains but there were also miles of level lush green forests and lots of deer sightings. I felt like I was walking through an enchanted forest - like in a fairy tale - the visual will always be with me. The weather was also very nice that day - sunshine and not too humid. We also had a spectacular view from some rocks just before we entered the Big Meadows resort. I want to thank Kasey (Peeps) for allowing me to tag along on a small portion of her journey. I have great admiration for what she is doing. She will have stories to tell her children and grandchildren for years to come. (You are planning to give me grandchildren some day - aren't you?) She will know herself much better because of this thing she is doing. As I know myself better from the short week I was out there. And I am a better person for it. Bye, M.I.L.

On the Trail Again

2005-06-08T16:53:00.000-04:00

So, I posted how it went with the Awesome M.I.L on the trail, but I have not mentioned anything since then. I have acquired a new hiking friend and enjoy his company immensely.
On Sunday, 5 June 2005, Spice Rack and I left the Awesome M.I.L and her wonderful husband, Jim, around 11am to head out on a 24mile trek. Bad idea to start so late in the day. We had intentions of making it to Elk Wallow Gap Wayside in Shenandoah National Park before they closed at 5:30pm. That meant we would have to do about 18miles in 6 hours. We did not think it was possible but held onto the idea! It did not work! We got there around 6:30pm to find everything closed as well as the bathrooms. We entertained thoughts of staying there for the night and getting shakes in the morning, but decided after cooking ourselves dinner we would move on! About 9pm, we took off for our last 5.5miles of the day! Yup! In the dark we headed for the hills. It was crazy, but I felt secure as long as I had someone to hike with in the dark. Night hiking was really neat, but I've realized I need a brighter light. It was a little hard to see everything and not trip over rocks. As a matter of fact, I did trip and went all the way to the ground. Spice Rack helped me up and we moved on to great views of the night sky! The night was beautiful but tiring. We pulled into the shelter at true midnight versus hiker midnight (9pm). What a day!
The next day we planned a stop in Front Royal to pick up Spice Rack's P.O. drop. Since we did not get Mountain Blackberry shakes in the park, I decided I wanted a Wendy's Frosty in town and thus joined Spice Rack on his hitch into town. It was another scalding day and we hung out in the P.O. and any air conditioned location we could find. Then it was back to the trail where we stayed at the Jim & Molly Denton Shelter for the night. Nice cold shower there got the heart racing, but felt good to be slightly clean. Ran into Freeheel and Motorin again. It was nice to see friendly faces again.
In the morning, we were still at the shelter when in rolled Iron Foot. Now, some of you may remember I started with Iron Foot back when he was named Kyle. I helped name him Iron Foot. It was great to see him and for the past 2 days Spice Rack and I have been playing leap frog with he and his british companions, GG & Slip.
Currently, I am at Bears Den Hostel awaiting the arrival of my friend, Susan, from DC. She is going to stay the night here with Spice Rack and I. We did the 10miles here over the Dreaded Rollercoaster Section (which was more like a log flume than a true rollercoaster) before 1pm. We then headed down to have lunch at the Horseshoe Curve Restaurant with Iron Foot, GG, & Slip. Nothing like fried food and beer on a hot day. Spice Rack and I left our packs at the Bears Den and hiked down to the restaurant so we just had to hike back up a mile. Upon return it was a great shower with some after bath splash to make me feel like a lady again! No stinky girl here! That will change in the heat tomorrow as I descend upon Harpers Ferry. Will be there tomorrow night with the intention of taking a day off to check out the place!
Hope all is going well with my friends and family throughout the country. For those reading this, please make sure and either email, write, or call my husband to congratulate him on winning his first marathon over memorial day weekend. Also, commend him on a job well done this past weekend at yet another marathon! He won his age group and ran the marathon in 3:15hours+/-. Do go to the link and check out how he is doing with his races. He needs the support since I am not there to give it to him! I hope he knows how much I send out all my positive energy to him on each of his race days and worry about him all day! I look forward to town stops when I can check it out and see how he is doing! My husband is my best friend in the world as well as my motivator and inspiration for many things. Thank you my love and continue to do well in your races! My love is always with you!

The Awesome M.I.L

2005-06-06T15:03:00.000-04:00

Well, I am back on the trail and for the last week I brought my mother-in-law (M.I.L) with me. She was quite the trooper! Here is my version of our time together. She is suppose to write Mike with her version of the trail!
The greyhound ride back to Waynesboro, VA was worse than the ride to AnnArbor, MI. I think every bus we took from AnnArbor to Stauton, VA was the oldest and dirtiest buses they owned! We had a 2+ hour layover in Detroit, where the awesome M.I.L was unable to defend against the crazies. I think she helped me attract them! That was an experience. Both guys who talked to us thought she was my sister. We were glad to leave there.
Upon arrival in Waynesboro, VA, we went to the P.O. to mail some items up the trail. As we waited at the P.O. for it to open, in walks One Thing. It was good to see a familiar face especially someone I had started with. I realized trail life was going to be just as good as it was in the beginning. While I took care of my package, M.I.L met another thru-hiker named Beam and chatted a bit with her. As we headed out of the building, One Thing informed me Woody and Irma were not at the hostel thus no reason to take M.I.L to meet them. Infront of the P.O., a gentleman asked if we were headed to the trail today to which we replied, "yes!" He then asked if we were walking or did we want a ride. It does not take much convincing for a thru-hiker to accept an easy hitch, so off we went. He stopped by the outfitters on the way to the trail only to find it closed! So, it was off to the trail.
It was a slow go on the first day due to both of us lacking sleep. We did a pace of just over 1mile per hour. It was crazy, but I was just glad to be back on the trail. That night at the shelter, we met Box of Fun, Ange, Mouth, Hemlock Muppet, Birdy, and Hunter. It was also my introduction to the Bear Poles in Shenandoah national park. We had a blast hanging bear bags in the evening as well as taking them down the next day. The pole we used to put the bags up was heavier than most of us could lift on our own, so we were quite a sight! It was tons of laughs.
The next day was M.I.L's first 13mile day. I think we both were a little nervous, but confident she would make it. We were slow and steady and had a great time. It was a sunny day but not a hot day. Still some fog, but it made for an enjoyable hike. At the shelter on the second night, more people I had started with arrived. It was great! I was excited to see Bootleg as he was my beacon in the snowstorm back from Helen, GA to Hiawassee, GA. M.I.L got to meet more people and the shelter was fuller than the night before. It was shaping up to be a good hike.
Then came the rain the next day! We both knew she would not escape 2 weeks on the AT without rain, but was unsure of how it would work out. We had fun despite the wetness and coldness. It was the first day we came across a wayside/campstore in the Park. We arrived to find a group of thru-hikers hanging out in the laundry room. M.I.L and I bought some food and joined the others in the laundry room. As we were getting our food, we met Spice Rack; who was actually at the shelter the night before. In the laundry room, we made sandwiches and conversed with fellow hikers. Spice Rack was quiet as he hugged a dryer for heat. The longer I sat still, the colder I got and ended up joining Spice Rack in the dryer hugging. As he and I hugged the dryer together, I talked him into joining M.I.L and I at the next shelter. He was shooting for a 26mile day. He was still debating when he left. We left a little after the others, but arrived at the shelter to find both Spice Rack and One Thing hanging out there. It was nice to have friends! During the evening, Spice Rack wheeled and dealed with M.I.L for the following day.
The next morning, the deal to do 20miles was in place as long as Spice Rack and I carried the weight in M.I.L's pack. We left her with her sleeping bag, water, and some snacks. It was a lot lighter and we set out on the trail. About 12miles into the day, M.I.L decided to grab a hitch as her toe was hurting from a blister under the nail. During lunch, Spice Rack had helped her tie her boot in a way that helped a little, but she was still unsure about the 20miles. We caught her a ride and Spice Rack and I did the last 8miles in to meet her. There was no cabin available, so we headed to the shelter, where we found Ange and Box of Fun. They were glad to see M.I.L and the night was filled with laughter.
The next day was planned to be a 16mile day, but M.I.L woke up saying she was done and heading home. At first I did not believe her. She spent a good portion of the morning crying which was partially due to her sugar intake as well as the great people she had already met along the way cheering her on. We hiked back a mile to the campground where she had caught the hitch to the day before and called Big Meadows to secure a room and then Jim to secure a ride. From there, we headed back to the shelter, where we found Spice Rack, Ange, and Box of Fun waiting for us. During the hike back, I had come up with the idea of doing 16miles with half of it being a slack pack and then all of us staying at Big Meadows together. Right away Spice Rack was in for it, but Ange and Box of Fun took some convincing, but not much! The day was set and it seemed as though all were happy. Spice Rack again hiked with M.I.L and I for the day. At Big Meadows Lodge, M.I.L checked into her room and saw us off as she headed for a nice soak in her bathtub. Spice Rack and I headed for the trail. Ange and Box of Fun were going to actually remain pure to the trail by carrying their packs the whole way but hitching a ride back to stay with us for the night. Off Spice Rack and I went down the trail. We met up with Box of Fun first and decided to scare her a little. We pretended we were being chased by a bear and Spice Rack actually got her to take off running with her pack on and everything. I broke down in the trail laughing until they stopped running. It was great. At the end of the 8mile slack pack, Spice Rack and I caught an easy hitch back to Big Meadows with a park employee. Not long behind us came Box of Fun and Ange. We headed down to the taproom for dinner and the live entertainment. From there, we headed back to the room and played cards until Jim arrived. We finished the game and it was well past our bedtime (hiker midnight = 9pm and we were up until real midnight). The night was full of fun and I think it was a good celebration of the Awesome M.I.L! She was truly amazing out there!

Civilization

2005-05-27T09:51:00.000-04:00

Although it feels weird and I have a burning to get out and walk, I think it is good for me to have this time off from the trail. It is a little disruptive to the flow and the people with whom I was hiking, but I am getting nutrients I don't normally get on the trail as well as good sleep! This will give me an idea of how life will be after the trail as well. Lucky for me, I live in Colorado where if I am itching to hike I have mountains to climb!
Today, I woke up, used the flush toilet device versus the bushes, and went back to my sleeping bag. The hard part of civilization is no more breakfast in bed. Hardcore hiker taught me the joy of breakfast in bed on the trail. Basically, you retrieve your food bag and remain in your sleeping bag while eating breakfast. It is a nice feeling, and I tried to get breakfast in bed from Dana & Darrell this morning, but it did not work.
One thing I have been learning up here is that things are really expensive compared to the Trail towns and the south. I looked at buying broccoli yesterday at Kroger and it was crazy priced way too high for my liking. Dinner out in downtown AnnArbor last night was extremely expensive as well. Mike and I could have eaten for the price I paid just for my food. Granted, I am eating more these days, but I had an appetizer, plate meal, dessert, and 2 beers and it was $35. I suppose that does not seem unreal to many living in the real world on a normal basis, but on the trail, there are many restaurants that serve healthy portions for good prices. I think the most I have spent on food in a trail town thus far has been $20. Usually, there are all you can eat(AYCE) buffets which many thru-hikers try to close down. I think it was because the place we went to last night was an Irish Pub in downtown AnnArbor. It was nice to hang out with friends.
Still looking forward to getting back to the trail. My itching for the trail is as strong this far away from the trail as it is when I take days off along the trail. I think I will be reducing days off along the trail as I travel north. We will see. Trail lore has it the New England States lack the Southern Hospitality we are experiencing right now. We will see. I was also told Virginia was flat!
Stay tuned for news on the wedding and my travels back to the trail as well as my 2weeks with my mother-in-law. I look forward to those meeting me along the trail and am eager to return to my adventures. Everyday, I feel the changes the trail is providing in my life and hope to embrace the many to come. I love my family and friends greatly and look forward to the celebration of my friend, Dana's marriage to Darrell.
Thank you all for the continued support and love. It makes the trail much easier to endure at times. I also thank those looking over my husband while I am out here. He is my lifeline and without him, I would be lost. During the marriage of Dana & Darrell, I will be thinking of my own marriage and how lucky I am to have such a wonderful man to support me on this crazy journey of self discovery. Thank you my love! You are with me always despite the distance. I love you lots!

Greyhound Adventures

2005-05-26T12:07:00.000-04:00

So, as many of you know, I took a 24hour bus ride on Greyhound from Waynesboro, VA to AnnArbor, MI for my friend, Dana's wedding. Now many of you may be wondering why I interrupted my trail experience for this wedding when I am not exactly in the wedding. It is because it is my friend, Dana.
Anyway, the trip on the bus was long and exhausting and I can't wait to take my mother-in-law back with me on the return trip. It is a lot of stress wondering where they are not going to let you go any further due to your ticket having a future date on it, but it was never questioned along my journey.
The first bus was from Waynesboro to Washington DC. As I departed Waynesboro, I wept a little to be leaving my friends and family from the trail not to mention the wonderful people who helped get me on the bus (Woody and Irma). Then I settled in for the long haul and finished my book by the time I reached DC. After DC, I travelled through Pennsylvania and could see ridgelines and I wondered if those were ridgelines where my friends would be upon my return from Michigan. That made me cry all over again. Trying to make myself happy wasn't working to stop the tears either. As I thought of my friends and family that I would see over the Memorial Day weekend, I also began to cry. Life seemed to go in slow motion and seemed almost surreal at that point. I had to try my hardest not to cry the whole way home to Michigan. Upon arriving in Michigan and travelling from Detroit to AnnArbor, I again began to cry because soon enough I would be visiting with my friends and see my family. It felt so weird. What do I say to them? Will they be asking me all sorts of questions from the trail? With my emotions on the fritz would I just start bawling when I saw them? How about those friends I left on the trail...Would I see them again? So, much worry for such simple things. MY heart beat rapidly as I approached AnnArbor. Thank Goodness Dana was not there right away to get me from the bus because if she had been standing outside the bus when I got off, I know I would have lost it and again cried my little heart out. It was bad enough that I reported my fragile state of mind and then began crying right there. How could someone who has hiked 850miles be such a blubbering baby? The tears did not last long despite being just below the surface and ready to spill at any moment. Dana and I ran some errands and then got some breakfast. I ate all of my meal and half of Dana's. Guess I still have an appetite.
Going back to the greyhound trip itself, there were not too many weird people until I got to Cleveland, OH. As we were approaching Cleveland, I was laying with my head towards the aisle and almost had it kicked in by the guy behind me putting his foot on my armrest. He apologized and then began to talk to me about my destination. From there, he started telling me how beautiful I am and it went down hill from there. He asked me if I was married and whether I would ever cheat on my husband. I told him as long as it was him, I sure would! HAHAHAHA! No! I did not say that. I told him I would never cheat on my husband! He just kept telling me how pretty I was and patting my head. I was glad to get off the bus and find somewhere away from him to sit and wait for the bus to take me to Detroit.
In that seat inside the bus station; however, I had another guy strike up conversation with me. He was not as bad as the other guy, but you could tell there was something mentally wrong with him. We talked about the buses and he told me he was headed to Vermont and I told him I was headed to Michigan. We talked about our jobs and he then went into talking about mental facilities and high strung communities. He was going to apply for dual citizenship with Canada because his great grandfather was Canadian, and once in Canada this guy had a bad experience with the people and so he wants to be able to tell them where to stuff their attitude or something like that. It was weird how quickly the topic changed as we conversed and he kept asking me if I got it. The bathroom was my refuge from this guy.
During my encounters with these 2 guys, I thought of Montana's coaching me on how to safely hitch a ride. He told me to just hang out by a gas station or some store and just watch the people to find the one who looks safe and ask them for a ride. I decided after this experience, I am just a magnet for weirdos and will not be hitching by myself. Despite my ability to read the safe from the unsafe, I am a magnet for the looney bin escapies. So, no hitching for me unless with other people!
On the whole, the experience was a decent trip and I look forward to taking the bus back home...to the trail. Oh no! I am calling the trail my home. I really have flipped my lid! At least on the return trip, I will have my mother-in-law along for company. Maybe the weirdos will stay away if there are 2 of us! Can't wait to find out!

Hospitality in the Valley

2005-05-26T11:50:00.000-04:00

I have been in many trail towns along the Appalachian Trail, but none have been as friendly as Waynesboro up to this point. Sure most of them have been super friendly, but Waynesboro was full of wonderful people. I hope thru-hikers do not ever give Waynesboro a reason to dislike us.
It began with the list of Trail Angels (people who volunteer their time to provide support for thru-hikers) at the information center. The volunteer there, called an older gentleman to pick us (Hardcore Hiker, Mad Cow, and me) up from the trail and take us into the New Hostel in Waynesboro. Unfortunately, the hostel did not open until 5pm and we got in around 3:30pm. SO, the gentleman offerred to take us anywhere else we desired. We went to the post office and picked up packages before deciding to head for Weasies Kitchen for the Pancake challenge. This gentleman dropped us off and gave us his phone number to call him when we were done and he would pick us back up and take us to the hostel. We didn't even have to call him, he just showed up as we were finishing up and took us to the hostel.
The Grace Lutheran Church in Waynesboro had just opened their church in the evening to house thru-hikers for free. We three were the first guests along with another hiker, Hikerx05. Irma and Woody were the spearheaders of this project and thus the volunteers there to greet us at the door and give us the tour along with the rules. They were great people and we sat for a long period of time chatting with them about the trail and life in general. At one point Irma went and got movies from the library incase we wanted to watch anything that evening. None of us ended up watching TV, but it is the thought that counts. The pastor stopped in and invited us to Vespers as to kick off the Hostel's opening night. It was a nice little service.
The next day, while doing errands, we ran into Tulip & Cheerios (2 hikers doing the trail as continuous day hikes) at the laundromat and they offered us a ride to the outfitters which was about a half mile from the laundromat. They took us there after taking Hardcore Hiker back to CVS to exchange her watch. We were extremely grateful to them as well.
At the Outfitters, Hardcore and I were talking to a guy in line at the checkout and he eventually offerred to pay for Hardcores boot gaiters she was waiting to pay for. We could not believe our fortune that day.
On Wednesday morning, Irma volunteered Woody to go with me to the Greyhound stop in Waynesboro and see about getting me on a bus despite what the Verona, VA gentleman had said about not being able to exchange my ticket. Woody stayed with me until the bus arrived and was sure they were going to let me ride. Then he told the bus driver to take good care of me.
All this friendliness and care from people who hardly knew us. I felt truly blessed and a little sad leaving these great people. Irma agreed to mail my bounce box up the trail for me and I left her with money for that as well as a donation to the church for their hostel services. It was truly a great visit and I hope the Hostel is able to keep going. Best of Luck to the town of Waynesboro. It was truly Hospitality in the Valley as their sign said!

New photos

2005-05-25T19:15:00.000-04:00

I finally got the new photos online and have put them into two sets. Click on the photos to view the entire sets. The first set is of the trip down with the stop at Jack Daniels and the rain day spent with my(Mike's) parents.

The second set is pretty much the rest of the memory card and takes us from the start of the trail through to Gatlinburg and the day spent at Dollywood.

I tried to keep them all in order, but some may have gotten out of order while uploading. I'll see if I can sort through them in the coming days. In the mean time you can tell by the name of the file where it should be in the order. Also, note that I had to scale the pictures by about 50% resolution and compress them a little so that they stayed in my upload limit. If anybody would like the full size version of any photo please let me know and I can either post it somewhere or Email it to you.

Hiker Friendly Towns

2005-05-24T15:17:00.000-04:00

Another trail town. This one is pretty sweet but spread out! I am in Waynesboro and a few days early! Do not worry friends and family joining me on the trail, I am ahead of schedule right now, but the wedding is putting me right back on schedule. I am going to try to move up my greyhound departure from this town, but am not sure if it will work or not! I may just show up at the bus stop tomorrow morning and see if they will take my May 27 ticket! Waynesboro, VA is a wonderful little place full of friendly people. However, the town itself is spread out a bit and hard to get around! So, I am thinking I will make it to Ann Arbor a little earlier and play around there. We will see what happens.
So, in regards to the trail, I spent an evening by myself in a shelter while people were off for Trail Days and it renewed my sense of self! I hiked the next day and caught up with the people I was talking to outside my hotel in Pearisburg and stayed in a shelter with them. Met up with Montana for dinner in Daleville, where I attempted to find internet connection and make Ann Arbor travel arrangements. Not a Hiker Friendly town! While pushing through from Daleville to Waynesboro, I met Hardcore Hiker and she and I created an itinerary for the next few days push into Waynesboro. So, we actually ended up pushing each other into Waynesboro as we were looking forward to the pancake challenge. Both of us failed miserably, but I do know that I truly do not like pancakes. Almost 9 pancakes was enough for me, but I did get my moneys worth! Met a hiker named Mad Cow who helped push us into Waynesboro as well! He was entertaining and made the day pass by quickly! Hardcore has been a great person to hike with and would actually be someone I could probably hike the rest of the trail with if it weren't for all the other people I am looking forward to meeting up with along the trail (i.e., renee&david, millie, susan, my aunts, my husband, and my mommy).
Trail life has been grand again and I am renewed with my love of the journey! I feel more secure with myself and am looking forward to my future adventures! Take care and love to all!

Virginia Blues / Bipolar Day

2005-05-24T14:45:00.000-04:00

So, the Virginia Blues hit this lone little hiker back towards the middle of May! It was an odd sort of day. I started out from a shelter where I had spent the previous night with a southbound flip flop hiker who shared his trail knowledge of where I was headed. The morning was a little long and wore me down as I miscalculated the distance by 2 miles. When I got to the shelter for lunch, I did a little dance around on some blue blaze trails trying to find water before returning to the trail where I had come from. After a good break and removal of my superfeet insoles, I was ready for another 15miles up a ridgeline. I was not looking forward to climbing up the ridge in the heat of the day, so the clouds came along and gave me reprieve from the sun! Then, as I approached the top of the ridge, the thunder began. I was in my own little patch of sunshine as I traversed the ridge heading towards the storm cloud. The raindrops began and I started singing various rain related songs. As I moved along, I found myself singing and dancing in the rain. My life felt grand at that moment and the rain never came down very hard on me. I passed up a free bunk house offering a shower and phone use to keep moving towards Pearisburg, VA. At the last shelter before Pearisburg, I met a new group of thru-hikers and learned they were headed to the same campsite I was planning on for the night. After chatting with them during their dinner, I set off again for the campsite. About 10minutes after leaving them, I began crying nonstop. I tried to think happy thoughts and sing again, but the only songs that came to my mind were ones that made me think of my husband. I tried not to think of "my husband," but even thinking his name made me cry hard! At that point, I was determined to get off the trail and be done with this insanity! I just wanted to be normal! So, on I plugged into Pearisburg, VA arriving in the dark to a hotel only 1/4 mile off the trail. Once securely in my room, I broke down into tears again. After collecting myself a little, I called my husband but he was running. So, I called my mommy and let it all out! Only 3days earlier, I had been telling my mother how great things were on the trail! She was the one who told me there would be days like that day! It was a great help to just talk to familiar people and hear a friendly voice.
The next day, I got done what I needed to do in town and then sat infront of my hotel room and met a few more hikers who were procrastinating from getting on the trail. There were other hikers around who were meeting family, friends, or heading back to Damascus, VA for Trail Days. As I watched those people, I got sad and would have to retreat into my room for a quick cry! After a while, I just stayed in my room occasionally looking out my door to see if anyone I knew was coming into the hotel. No luck!
Finally, it was time for me to head back out on the trail, and I was ready to bolt. I was suppose to do only 7miles to the first shelter that day, but I was going stir crazy in the hotel room the night before and ended up with a 19mile day instead! Throughout the day, I would think of my husband and again bawl like a big old baby. Was I really going to make it all the way to Maine? In Pearisburg, my husband had told me he would not pick me up from the airport nor let me in the house if I were to return at this point. I joked that I would find my way around his not letting me in, but knew in my heart I would be way too disappointed in myself for not finishing my journey. So, here I was back on the trail a mess and crossing tons of roads hoping nobody would catch me crying. That night, I was not alone and that was a good thing for my emotional rollercoaster ride. I met some section hikers who had too much food and thus helped fill my belly and raise my spirits. That evening, I joked about rearranging my schedule to fit theirs so I could be fed every night they were out. Unfortunately, one of the guy's watch alarm went off at 5am and I was really looking forward to sleeping in the next morning. So, I took off on the trail alone the next day wondering what I would discover!

Moving right along

2005-05-23T12:31:00.000-04:00

It has been awhile since I've posted. That is mostly because that hasn't been any major news recently, but also because I've been lazy. I have heard from Kasey via the phone a couple of times since she hit Virginia. She has backed off her mileage a little so that she doesn't overshoot the bus stop she needs to hit for her trip back to Michigan for Dana's wedding. Many of the other thru hikers deserted the trail the other week to head down to Trail Days in Damascus. Kasey decided not to go and was left a little lonely for a few days. She had been hiking with and around a pretty solid group of friends for so long this loneliness hit her as a bit of a shock. That coupled with her slower pace and I think that she started to get bored out there. After the trip to Michigan she'll be picking up my mom who plans to hike with her for up to a couple of weeks. Completing most if not all of Shenandoah National Park. Keep looking this week as I'm hoping to get some more pictures posted to the flickr site. I'll post a notice with some samples here when they are ready. Mike

New State

2005-05-02T15:24:00.000-04:00

Well, It has been an adventure since the last post! Where was I last? Oh yeah! Erwin, TN! So, we left there in cloudy skies with a chill in the air! It got sunnier as we moved on during the day but not real warm! Good day for hiking! It was a somewhat short day since we got going a little later in the day! Also, we were trying to save ourselves for the next day when we would shoot for 22miles over Roan High Knob!

Roan High Knob is another high point along the trail! It sits at 6200ft or so! Due to the snow we waited out in Erwin, the knob was slushy and icy. It was kind of interesting, but I did it in my shorts, which means I am either real tough or real ignorant! Based on how I felt by the time I made it to Overmountain Shelter, I would say I am ignorant. I was so cold and tired all I could do was just stare at the place. Of course it did not help that we got there to find about 20people already in the barn shelter and they had put up their tents inside the shelter! We knew of about 10more people coming to the shelter that night and Montana and I had to squeeze into a spot between a couple of tents. When Pied Piper showed up, we squeezed him in as well! It was tight sleeping that night, but at least we were warm! We used Pied Piper's tarp to cover our bags and that helped hold in the heat! The shelter was neat other than the people who had to sprawl all over! The other downer of the shelter was these guys who were section hikers and decided to wake up in the morning after snoring all night and smoke first a cigarette and then some marijuana! Annoying jerks! I left rather quickly that morning!

Upon my departure from Overmountain Shelter, I had some more balds to cross. Oh that reminds me of the day before crossing out of Carver's Gap! We crossed 2 balds there and about blew away! I was walking slanted and had to make sure I had at least 3 points of contact at all times! Yes! Trekking poles are becoming my friends! It was crazy and a lot of work! Anyway, the next day as I was crossing yet a few more balds, I was passed by Montana and happened to look behind me and get scared by the big black cloud chasing me! Montana and I decided to head for Roan and get lunch while we watched the storm pass. We found information on Buck's Place just a mile off the trail! We headed there and took a 3 hour break for lunch! It was great! We then got back on the trail and hiked another 8-10miles before setting up camp!

From there, we headed into Dennis Cove Road where we planned to do our resupply and stay over night! One night turned into 2 nights due to us being afraid of a little rain! Actually, we woke up in the morning to heavy rain and decided just to rest before pushing ourselves into Damascus in 2 days! It was a nice relaxing location at the Laurel Fork Lodge where we had a cabin to ourselves. Some people I had been playing leapfrog with from the beginning moved to Laurel Fork Lodge from Kencora Hostel! It was neat to hang out and chat with them! So, it all worked out well!

The rain did not let up for the following day and we headed out anyway! Laurel Fork gorge area was really neat! We enjoyed our hiking that day! It was a bit of a change compared to everything we had seen up to that point! We are getting tired of people telling us about the trail and them being wrong in our book. Maybe us western-ers are just use to more challenging things, who knows! We did 24miles that day and thought we would have the shelter to ourselves. It ended up being 5 of us in a shelter that holds 8, so it wasn't too bad! Got cold during the evening though! Wonderful terrain as we found we had done about a 3-3.5mile pace for the day!

So, I am in Damascus, VA! Pretty exciting to be in yet another state! Not exactly as I imagined the town, but it is quaint all the same. They are preparing for Trail Days here in a week. I do not plan on returning for the celebration. It sounds like a big party with a bunch of hikers drinking! Get enough of that on the trail at certain stops as it is these days! We will see how things are going at that point though! Montana and I pushed 26miles yesterday and got into Damascus around 5pm. It was a quick day and we were not as tired as we have been on other 20mile days! Again, the terrain was conducive to the pace! Last night, we had italian for dinner and then walked all over town as though we had been in town for days! It was crazy! Looking to head out tomorrow depending on our moods. We do have another night in our little hostel location if we so desire. I think we are both ready to go though. It will be a late start and we hope to have a good breakfast first. Then we are going to slow down the pace to try not to burn out through Virginia. It is going to be a long hike, but we have enjoyed it so far!

I hope all is well along the home front. I am thinking of everyone constantly! Looking for post cards to send but nothing much here in Damascus, VA. Thank you mommy for the drops along the way! I helped feed a local guy today with the cheese crackers. Maybe Montana will send me the photo he took of me with my new townie friend. Today, I also helped a head start school put together a sand and water table. Most places allow you a work for stay type deal! The school offered me lunch but it was scarey looking food, so I kindly declined! It gave me something to do on my day off the trail! Anyway, take care all! Like I said, I think of everyone often and love everyone lots!

Of course, my thoughts are always on my husband. I hope you are doing well my love and taking good care of yourself! I look forward to when I get to see you and hug you and just plain cuddle with you! There isn't anyone out here to cuddle with...mostly because I am not THAT close with the people out here! I love you lots my beautiful beaming beacon of god light!

New pictures are in

2005-04-25T13:17:00.000-04:00

I just got seven new pictures of our girl from her dad today. They are in the same photo set on flickr. You can always access the current pictures from the link in the "Links" section on the right. Here are a couple of samples that I think she'd really like.

Snow Day

2005-04-24T14:00:00.000-04:00

Yes! Even on the trail we get snow days! This morning I woke up to snow in the air. As the morning wore on, the snow got thicker and began to come in horizontally. The temperature in Erwin, TN(1700ft elevation) was 30degrees with a wind chill of 23degrees. If I were on the trail, I would be at about 4000ft and thus a ton colder! So, I have to suffer with a day in the Hotel room! It has been nice, despite my complaining about having to take the day off!

There are a few reasons I wanted to post today! The first reason being as a helpful note to possible future thru-hikers. There are many things mentioned on the trail, take all of them with a grain of salt. I have heard so many horror stories of people, places, and events and have found things the complete opposite! For Example, I was told of a place here in Erwin, TN called Uncle Johnies Hostel. People on the trail told me the owner was only interested in how much he could charge people for a night's stay. I stopped there today and the owner was super friendly! It was a really nice place as well! The quarters were a little cramped compared to my room at the Holiday Inn Express, but it is a hostel and the rates were not as bad as people made it sound. You get a bunk in the hostel for $12-13. Most Hostels along the trail cost $15 at least in the south! I will give a better idea of hostels in the north when I get there! So, my advice to future thru-hikers is to always check things out for yourself! Weather, people, mood can all play into people's experiences.

Another reason for posting today was because I am extremely bored having zero days, but they are very necessary. I am able to hit the miles and hit them hard upon my return to the trail! The body does need the rest despite what some people think! Even just taking short days among the long days is necessary.

One last reason for my posting is to tell everyone the flora and fauna I have seen. The first day on the trail, I scared up a deer. I have since scared up a couple more. One night, "Montana", "Three Cats", and myself had a deer snorting and stomping the ground at us. That was kind of wild. I have seen salamanders, a bunny, butterflies, variety of birds, squirrels, chipmunks, bat, and bugs! In regards to the flora, there have been beautiful fields of flowers on the mountain tops at points. The past few days, I have come across wild iris, trillium of a variety of colors, some yellow flower, as well as dandelions! The views have been boring and gorgeous. It just depends on the location and the terrain! It does seem as though the trail is getting easier, but tomorrow I head back out to jump up in elevation again. We hit Roan High Knob in a couple of days which takes us up to 6200ft. Currently, I am at 1700ft. So, there is a bit of climbing from here! I have adopted the saying: "When in doubt, go up!" They miss only a few mountain tops out here on the trail!

So, that is all for the next 10days! I hope to be to Damascus by the first part of May, but we will see what happens! Montana and I are pushing along well these days, but sometimes our pace leaves us with blisters and pain thus breaking us down for the next day! It is just a matter of one foot in front of the other!

Take care to all my loved ones. Happy birthday to my Grandpa(April 19), my friend, Renee(April 21), my aunt, Trish(April 22), and my friend, Michael(April 29). I hope everyone has/had beautiful birthdays. Mine was a great day at Dollywood and beyond! Happy Trails and I look forward to many more miles of walking!

As always, my husband is constantly on my mind. I love you, Mike, and long for the day you get to join me on my adventure. This is a trip that could not happen without you! Thank you!

Trail Life is Hard!

2005-04-23T17:12:00.000-04:00

So, I am in a town again! Word on the trail is there is a snow storm headed for Tennessee. Montana and I made it off the trail after a quick 17mile day and got a room at the Holiday Inn Express! We thought briefly about the hostel, but then read about Hot Tub and a free pint of Ben&Jerry's Ice Cream and said oh yeah we are going to the Holiday Inn Express! Got in around 2pm and had a wonderful shower! Warm water felt great after hiking all morning in my shorts! The morning was beautiful, but it has gotten down right cold this afternoon! Got a ride to the grocery store and then one back to the hotel after having some pizza! Life on the trail is great!

Last night was amazing and frightening all in one! I was hauling butt in the morning with the intention of stopping and napping at the Bald Mountain Shelter. I had my stuff laid out when Montana, Pied Piper, and Goat Boy all pulled in talking of the pending storms and how many thru-hikers got off the trail at Sam's Gap. The thunder began rolling in and before you know it, we had hail! It was almost as big as the hail that damaged my car last June! I just sat there and laughed and pulled out my sleeping bag! We had 9 of us in the shelter last night after a short 10mile day! We all had fun just chatting and reading and hanging out! Thunder storm rolled in during the evening that had me almost climbing over Montana and hiding in the corner of the shelter! It scared the daylights out of me which doesn't usually happen! I had to laugh at myself! The night was unusually warm though and the morning was perfect for hiking into town!

Weather forecast not looking good for tomorrow and Montana is pushing to stay in town! I enjoy his company and thus will end up here for a second night! These zero days drive me crazy though, but being safe is more important. Not looking to die on the trail, so will stay here and stuff my face and relax while zoning out on civilization! Good company in the hotel here! Looks like tons of hikers coming off the trail for the weather! The hotel says they might as well be a hostel tonight since there are more hikers than anyone else! How fun it shall be the next couple of days!

Still doing well and have actually been enjoying myself on the trail! Today was the first day back hiking with Montana after losing him 2 days ago. He has been going slow for blisters and I have been powering through things! I think I am ahead of schedule, but not sure what this weather stop will do for my schedule! The 20milers seem easy these days depending on the terrain and the weather. Out of here there is some huge elevation gains, so I think the days will be a little shorter. I know the pace will be a little slower than this morning!

Take care everyone and know I am thinking of everyone daily! Today there were large thoughts of Od Duhu and Mike! Actually, Mike ends up on my mind all the time! I am sure Montana is tired of hearing about him! I love you Mike and hope that you continue to do well with your race schedule. I am proud of you for your placements in the first 2 of the season. Take care of yourself and know I am thinking of you daily and racing to the end so that I can get to you!

Dad's experience

2005-04-20T14:52:00.000-04:00

Here is the note that Kasey's dad sent me about his short excursion with her including some of his tips on how to survive out there:

The AT is no walk in the woods! I am not the "sharpest knife in the drawer" according to Kasey, but I learn quickly. I learned much from my 2 days on the AT. The trail was planned out to go across as many mountain peaks as possible. This requires much UP and DOWN hiking. Minimize weight as much as possible. Walking is not beneficial to prepare yourself physically for the rigors of the AT. Pushing yourself up and down steep hills will help. Plenty of water is needed......at least 4 quarts a day will help keep the leg cramps/fatigue to minimum. The "family" experience of thru hikers is incredible. They support and watch out for each other all along the trail. Our 2 days in Pigeon Forge (Dollywood, Dixie Stampede, brewery, hot tub, etc) were great fun! Kasey was refreshed and ready to hike on Thursday morning, even though the temperature was 20 degrees and an inch of snow on the ground at Clingman Dome. Kasey is on an incredible journey. She is a very strong woman. I am extremely proud of her. Pictures will follow when developed.

Dad

Moving Right Along

2005-04-19T11:13:00.000-04:00

So, Here I am taking my 2nd zero day since being on the trail. I am in Hot Springs, NC, where we arrived early enough for breakfast yesterday and have all day today off! For those interested, Gatlinburg was a busy time and not really a day off for relaxation. I did enjoy Dollywood, but found myself rushing to put things back together before heading back to the trail! Maybe should have taken an extra day there! Oh well! It felt good to get back on the trail.

I believe the last time I wrote, I was hiking with "One Thing" and staying in Helen, GA. Since then, I lost "one thing" and picked up "Montana" after getting into North Carolina! One thing about coming north into North Carolina is that you get kind of slapped in the face with the terrain. I don't think they believe in bypassing anything. We went straight up and straight back down! It was crazy! "Montana" plans on plowing over every knob and putting up Walmarts with the idea that all trails lead to Walmart!

It has been an exciting time since picking up "Montana"! We have done some pretty crazy miles, but when we don't then we get in early to a shelter and die of boredom. So, we press on until we about die of hiking! The day that I started hiking with him, we did 20miles and followed it with a 24mile day! That was crazy! "Montana" lucked out after the 24mile day as he took a zero day at the Nantahala Outdoor Center, while I hiked 7miles with my father.
Speaking of my father, he did not believe me when I told him the terrain was going to be rough, I guess! He made it 2 days and then spent time trying to recover in time for Dollywood!

Upon returning to the trail from Gatlinburg, we picked up some more people to add to our happy family! Last night I stayed in a Cabin along the French Broad River with "montana", "Three Cats", and "Iron Foot". I was excited to see "iron foot" again as he was a guy that I played leap frog with in the begin as well as "one thing". Actually, "one thing" is back on the trail as well! I thought he had seriously injured his knees around Franklin, but he has been doing some crazy miles and caught "Montana" and I at the Icewater Springs Shelter.

So, on the whole, things have been going well. I have been enjoying annoying "Montana" with my energy. We will get into camp in the evening and I am talking of situps and taking a jog! His feet are hurting with blisters and he is pretty tired usually. Last night as we walked back to the cabin, I was doing cartwheels, and he said he was going to crush my toes if I do it again!

It is funny how on the trail you just meet people and hang out with them for a while and it seems like you have known them forever. Yesterday coming into Hot Springs, "Montana", "Three Cats", and myself hit the first restaurant (or Rest and Rant as Montana would say) we found and got ourselves some breakfast. As I walked into the Smokey Mountain Diner, "Black Helmet", "Lobster Boy", and "Bootleg" all greeted me with a warm hello! It is great hiking your own hike as you end up coming into a town and finding people that you have not seen for a while! What a family it really is out here! I hope it continues as I hear people stop talking as they get further north due to just being ready to be done with the trail!

Anyway, stay tuned for many more stories from the trail! The next place may be Damascus, VA. I am not sure from day to day where I will end up! Out here, I have been just following the fun people I have met. So, until I come off for Dana's wedding, I will probably be at the mercy of "Montana", "Three Cats", and "Iron Foot"! Take care everyone and know I think of ya'all every day!

To my husband, I thank you for your continuous love and support. I miss you tons and think of you daily. Everyone out here has probably heard at least a little something about you! You are my sunshine!

Happy Birthday!

2005-04-13T13:16:00.000-04:00

Today is Kasey's (peeps') Birthday and to celebrate she is taking her first zero day. That is a day with zero trail miles logged. She made it to Clingman's Dome fairly early yesterday where her dad picked her up and threw her into the shower because she stinks after being on the trail so long. She is hopefully going to be spending some quality time at Dollywood today, but there may be rain in which case she'll check out "Ripley's Believe It or Not!" museum both of which are premier attractions in the entertainment capital of the Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg, TN. Tomorrow she'll be hauled back up to Clingman's Dome and given a swift kick in the rear and told to get hiking. :)

This all means that she is now back on schedule. She was able to put in a couple of 20+ mile days to make it to where she met her dad the first time. He was supposed to hike with her to Clingman's dome, but the weight of his pack(Hint: Don't carry a 15 pound shovel) and the lack of switchbacks going straight up and down those mountains didn't agree with his legs. He hitched a ride back into town after a couple of days and then couldn't walk the next day. Hopefully we'll get a more complete story(and maybe some pictures) from him when he gets home.

If you have her phone number give her a call today and wish her a very happy birthday. This is one of the few times when the outside world will be able to contact her.

First photos from the Trail

2005-04-03T17:17:00.000-04:00

The guy(William "Bill" Hoyt) that peeps hitched a ride with on April 1 took some pictures of her and her friends and sent them to me via Email. I have posted them to my flickr.com account and started a photo set that I'll use for the whole trip.

Snow Storms and Hiking

2005-04-03T08:07:00.000-04:00

So, I catch the shuttle out of Helen, GA at 8:45am yesterday back to the AT. They drop us off and up the hill about 7 of us go! I was in the lead, but got passed by "One Thing" eventually. The further up the mountain I went, the worse the weather got. By the time I was 0.5 miles from the peak of Tray Mountain, I had red legs and the snow had blown such that ice crystals were forming on my leg hairs. So, I stopped and put on both layers of pants and that warmed me up! "One Thing" and I made it to the top of Tray Mountain and stopped at the Shelter. I wanted to get out my camera because I figured nobody would believe me if I said we had snow storms.

Once I was all set, I looked at One thing because he seemed a little apprehensive about hiking in the snow by himself or letting me hike by myself in the snow for fear of getting lost. He told me it was fine with him if I felt safe enough to take off hiking without him. So, I said goodbye and headed off on the trail. It was pretty easy to follow the trail despite the blowing snow. The terrain was rough and the day was getting late, but I was enjoying the snow, especially when the mountains would block the wind! I have some great photos from yesterday. As the day wore on and I found myself getting colder and people kept passing me talking of going into town, I began to think they had the right idea.

When Dark Helmet and Lobster Boy passed me in the last little bit to the shelter and said cricket, Lisa, sheeba, and they were all headed into town, I said I had to go in with them. So, I made my way to the road where I met up with Bootleg who was trying to catch a ride as well as Dark Helmet and Lobster Boy. They got a ride first and by then there were 4 more hikers out of the mountains. I rode into Hiawassee with Lisa, Sheeba, Cricket, and another guy. The other guy headed to the Blueberry Patch and I headed into town with the others. All four of us got a room together at the Holiday Inn Express and did some laundry, showered, and then went for dinner. It was kind of a surreal night. This group of hikers is tons of fun. We were up until midnight laughing, joking, and drinking beer. It was tons of fun! I think they may be taking a 0 day today and then back out on the trail tomorrow. Although, Sheeba sounded like she wanted to be back on the trail so they may head out today. We will see what happens.

Currently, the sun is out and I am waiting for the 9am shuttle to come take me back to the mountains. I have a semi long day but it will pale in comparison to yesterday as the sun is out and I am not doing 16miles with fierce winds! :) The forecast looks iffy for the next week though. I look forward to what it throws my way! Looks like thunderstorms around the time I meet up with my father, so I hope he is prepared for that! It is wicked out here on the AT in the thunderstorms. Lets hope for no lightening strikes nearby during those days!

Take care everyone and know that I am making good choices and staying safe! My love goes out to everyone!

More weather delays, but plenty of friends

2005-04-01T13:41:00.000-05:00

I got a call from Kasey today, she is doing well, but the weather still isn't cooperating. I also got a short call from her on Wednesday when she was chowing down on Pizza at Neels Gap. She found a library with internet access and sent me the letter below. I will try to hack into her account on our computer at home to find her username and password so she'll be able to post on her own in the future.

Hello my love! I know I only spoke to you the other day, but I made my way into a town for the night since they were calling for thundershowers and possibly snow above 3500 ft. I read the blog and tried to post to it, but it cannot find my account for some reason. I will probably give you a call since I am in a town. "One Thing" + I checked into the Helenbrau Hotel/Inn in Helen, GA for the night. He came down the trail behind me today and told me all the things nearby this inn and made it sound tons better than the shelter in thunderstorms. My knee and feet were killing me, so I said what the heck. This time of year they have shuttles running from the parking lot at Unicoi Gap into either Helen or Hiawassee. We actually had a man and his son from South Carolina take us into town. They had come out here just to do some trail magic and found nobody yesterday, so they checked out of their hotel today and checked the lot for thru hikers. They seemed nice. I was thankful I was not alone and could have taken a shuttle if I so desired. We are in a room next door to "Wookie", "Cold Feet", + another guy whose name is too hard to pronounce. I did receive my trail name today! :) I am Peeps! Those people in my family who caused this trail name should be proud of themselves! I did make a few people happy with my peeps on the trail though! :) Tons of interesting people out here and so many trail angels. If you want to check out "one thing" and "wookie", both have journals at trailjournals.com. One thing is listed as one thing whereas wookie is under Benjamin Ward. I just met wookie today as well as the other two next door to me. One thing I have been playing leap frog with since I started the trail. The hills are not as bad as they were in the beginning. I did have the people at Neels Gap shake down my pack and I sent home probably all the stuff you told me not to take. My pack is a lot lighter now, but the raincover is not keeping things dry! I am going to see about getting a new one in town here, but we will see what happens. What would be nice is if it would just stop raining. We are suppose to see a break in the clouds tomorrow afternoon. Pushing for a 13 mile day tomorrow. I still have not called my father to let him know I am a day behind and may be even further than that. He may not get to hike too much with me or we may not get to do Dollywood. We will see what happens. Coming out today to a city, puts me a little further behind, but I will check out the maps and see what I can do. Helen, GA is a funking little town. It is a tourist trap as one person put it, but cute. It is done in Bavarian style. All the buildings are Bavarian and there are cute little shops. Your parents would enjoy this place, I think!

Well, I am still doing fine although I was ready to come home yesterday when my knee was blazing in the morning during the thunderstorm hike. Luckily, good people help keep me on the trail. I have met some wonderfully interesting people. I am alone hiking during the daytime with passings from other hikers, but at night in the shelters(which I have only stayed in one) there are about 10-20 people! I'm probably going to pass up One Thing here soon! I usually leave early in the morning while he is still drinking his coffee and eating his breakfast, but not far down the trail he has caught me in the past. Today, I had to wait for him to come into Unicoi Gap. He was only 5-10 minutes behind me, but still! He never caught me until then! :)

Start delayed due to weather

2005-03-28T14:20:00.000-05:00

Kasey called me yesterday to let me know that although she had planned to start on Easter heavy rains, high winds, and the possibility of hail made her decide to stay off the trail for an extra day. I think that she was still with my parents and I heard her ordering a stout so I know that she is fine. I haven't heard from her today so I am assuming that she did make it out although I have checked the weather and there are some high wind alerts and calls for some rain. She has to go sometime and the weather isn't going to cooperate the entire way so why should it start sunny and warm.

Kasey has left the building

2005-03-27T14:01:00.000-05:00

This past weekend I said goodbye to my wife for the next 5 months. I'll still be able to talk to her occasionally on the phone and we'll be writing letters and exchanging digital photos, but no direct contact with her until Mid-August in New Hampshire. We left Thursday night from Denver (where it was snowing) and drove through the night all the way to Columbia, MO. There we met my parents, got some breakfast/lunch and then I said goodbye. It was much more difficult than I thought it would be, but I put on tough act because I knew she was nervous about the trip and I didn't want her to worry about me. I immediately went to find a place to run so that I could clear my mind. You can read about that experience soon on my blog "Tales from Rocky Mountain Trails". The hardest part was when I finally arrived home Saturday evening. I'm used to looking for the other car to see if she is home. I realized that this doesn't hold true any longer and I'll always be coming home to an empty home. I think that I'm going to move the other car so that I don't see it when I come home.

P.S. I'm going to put all of my(Mike) posts in green so that you'll know when I'm talking and leave Kasey's posts in black so you'll know it is her.

Nervousness

2005-03-15T23:51:00.000-05:00

So here we are looking at 12 days until departure. It feels like it will never get here! As I hear more and more of news around the trail, i get nervous and anxious. A friend of mine in PA tells me of a serial rapist attacking solo women on hiking trails in the area. One of my co-workers, tells me of people being rescued from Smokey Mountain National Park with hypothermia. Am I really prepared enough for this excursion?

I suppose it is good that I hear all of this information, as it makes me more aware of what is going on and to remember to be safe. Many I talk to tell me to carry pepper spray! Is it legal? Is it safe for someone like me? I suppose that is part of the adventure. Some of the books I have been reading talk about over preparation ruining the trail experience. So, I try not to over prepare, but what exactly is over preparation?

For the most part, I feel ready. Mentally, I am more than ready to get out of here. At the same time, I wonder if I am fooling myself into thinking I will have alone time on the trail when there are thousands of backpackers hiking this trail each year! I suppose even with 1000 backpackers on a 2200mile trail there is at least 2miles of area for each backpacker. Everything is going to be fine! What a crazy excursion on which to embark! I'm just eager to get out there and experience it all and take in all that is to be absorbed!

Thank you everyone for your support! Please do not worry about me as I will finally be able to worry about me! Take over worrying about yourselves as that is what I have been doing for the past 21years! I need to know everyone I have worried about for the past 21 years will be alright while I am gone! You know who you are and I hope all will be well with you. All my love to all of you! Enjoy my journey as I will be enjoying the time to reflect and introspect upon myself.

3 Weeks to Adventure

2005-03-06T18:44:00.000-05:00

Well, here comes adventure! Only 3 weeks left until my dream trip begins. For a procrastinator, planning this trip has been difficult! Luckily, it is pretty much set, and I am more than ready to go! These last few weeks are just touch up time on the beauty of my journey! So, much to do and set in place to make sure everyone here is fine and to be able to enjoy my travels to the highest level.

I look forward to starting my excursion along side of many other crazy people much like myself who will start around the same time! The trip will travel from Georgia north to Maine. For those looking to talk about me, I will be affectionately termed a Northbound Thru-hiker. Much about the trail can be learned either through the Appalachian Trail Conference Website or by visiting my website when it gets up and running. This is just the initiation of my blog and the birth of a website! Please stay tuned for humor and excitement from the trail. Maybe there will be lions and tigers and bears...Oh MY! Stay tuned!