Wednesday, November 9, 2016
No More Campfires for Us
Weve just left Damascus and found out there is a ban in place for Tennessee, North Carolina and Georgia.
Tuesday, November 8, 2016
Best day ever!
Ok, pretty decent anyway. A $500 day for sure. The day started at 5:30am on top of the mountain. I awoke to a really strong wind and that wasn't going to work for the coffee fire. So I rallied Hummingbird out of the tent for a quick pack up in the dark. We had camped on a bald so the star viewing was pretty awesome too.
By 6:14, we were heading down the mountain. Less than a mile into it we found the perfect coffee spot. Two Starbucks instant Via cooked along with some mashed potatoes and we were back on the trail. Our goal for the day was to be our highest mileage to date at over 23. We knew this would be aggressive since we were heading into the wild ponies in the Grayson Highland State Park. Meaning, cool stuff will slow us down. And it did! We both agreed that this was about the coolest day yet. Almost immediately upon entering the park, we encountered a herd of ponies. This was only the sunrise start as the vistas were getting better and better as the day went.
The day also marked a line in the season. Seemed that all of the leaves come down in the wind. Lois completely different out here.
The day could be summarized as being the one with most pictures per mile. Even with the coffee break, the ponies, lunch time fire for the spaghetti, we hit 21 miles for our 4th biggest day.
The day also marked a line in the season. Seemed that all of the leaves come down in the wind. Lois completely different out here.
The day could be summarized as being the one with most pictures per mile. Even with the coffee break, the ponies, lunch time fire for the spaghetti, we hit 21 miles for our 4th biggest day.
Monday, November 7, 2016
Going Under 500 Miles Remaining
Tomorrow, we hit another milestone by dipping under 500 miles to go. In the middle of August we achieved the first 500 miles. Basically, two months into the trail. Now we expect to finish this last 500 in under 1 month. We are capable of it I'm sure. I also don't think we're missing anything by going too fast. I think we are a little more dialed in. Back in Vermont we moved with a little less urgency. Gunning to finish by Thanks is out. The target now is December 4. This would require daily 18.1 mile days with no days off. If we squeeze a zero day in there, 18.8.
Gear is a topic everyday. Specifically, cold weather gear. Hummingbird’s sleeping bag isn't cutting it in these 30° nights. Twenties are predicted next weekend too. A new 15° bag awaits her at Crazy Larry's Hostel in Damascus. Shipped from Moose Jaw. Gloves were insufficient this morning as neither of us handled the cold during the early pre-sunrise dawn. Putting socks over our light gloves is next. Found on the trail: a perfect John Deere hat which is warmer than my skull cap. Deployed today to great satisfaction (laundered thoroughly the other day). I had hoped to wear shorts for the entire trail. Still on track, but looking unlikely more so every day. My rain kilt has been keeping the legs warm.
Virginia will be completed on Wednesday unless we have trouble getting out of Damascus. Trouble: just feels like a zero day.
Health wise, all is good. Feet get beat up everyday and for some reason are capable enough to go through the mill again the next day.
The sleeping arrangements for tonight includes a secluded tent spot on Iron Mountain at 5,000 feet. A pack a coyotes just sang a few bars off in the distance. I'm sure we're fine!? At this altitude it will get in the twenties tonight. Hummingbird will have my rain coat and puffer jacket on top of her sleeping bag to get her through.
36°40′34″ N 81°30′4″ W
Elevation : 5,000’
Miles Remaining: 507.1
Gear is a topic everyday. Specifically, cold weather gear. Hummingbird’s sleeping bag isn't cutting it in these 30° nights. Twenties are predicted next weekend too. A new 15° bag awaits her at Crazy Larry's Hostel in Damascus. Shipped from Moose Jaw. Gloves were insufficient this morning as neither of us handled the cold during the early pre-sunrise dawn. Putting socks over our light gloves is next. Found on the trail: a perfect John Deere hat which is warmer than my skull cap. Deployed today to great satisfaction (laundered thoroughly the other day). I had hoped to wear shorts for the entire trail. Still on track, but looking unlikely more so every day. My rain kilt has been keeping the legs warm.
Virginia will be completed on Wednesday unless we have trouble getting out of Damascus. Trouble: just feels like a zero day.
Health wise, all is good. Feet get beat up everyday and for some reason are capable enough to go through the mill again the next day.
The sleeping arrangements for tonight includes a secluded tent spot on Iron Mountain at 5,000 feet. A pack a coyotes just sang a few bars off in the distance. I'm sure we're fine!? At this altitude it will get in the twenties tonight. Hummingbird will have my rain coat and puffer jacket on top of her sleeping bag to get her through.
36°40′34″ N 81°30′4″ W
Elevation : 5,000’
Miles Remaining: 507.1
Sunday, November 6, 2016
Saturday, November 5, 2016
Thursday, November 3, 2016
1579 – 1,606 (583.1 Remaining)
Southern Virginia
Today, we said goodbye to Peach and Panda (Paige and Penny). They walked almost four days with us and 47+ miles. Pretty good since she had not walked over 8 miles before. Great days and great hikes! Hummingbird and Peach were even reposted by Appalachian Trials in Instagram for a Halloween shot I took of them.
I started the day with a fast 7+ miles alone. After making the girls coffee, I packed and left them enjoying their cup. My mission included the early hike, a 4 mile hitch into town followed by another 60 mile hitch back to Pearisburg where Paige's car was parked. I made the short ride without trying, but when I found out the longer section was to go straight by a state prison, I looked for another way. Forty dollars later, I was hanging with Bubba in his sweet Dodge Caravan! He dropped me back at the Angel’s Rest Hostel. I had knocked that task off by noon and was back to the girls before 2. We said our goodbyes and went back in the woods for another 8 miles ending at a sweet spot by a creek and a fire pit. Complete with a picnic table too-we really enjoy being able to sit somewhat normally.
Today, we said goodbye to Peach and Panda (Paige and Penny). They walked almost four days with us and 47+ miles. Pretty good since she had not walked over 8 miles before. Great days and great hikes! Hummingbird and Peach were even reposted by Appalachian Trials in Instagram for a Halloween shot I took of them.
I started the day with a fast 7+ miles alone. After making the girls coffee, I packed and left them enjoying their cup. My mission included the early hike, a 4 mile hitch into town followed by another 60 mile hitch back to Pearisburg where Paige's car was parked. I made the short ride without trying, but when I found out the longer section was to go straight by a state prison, I looked for another way. Forty dollars later, I was hanging with Bubba in his sweet Dodge Caravan! He dropped me back at the Angel’s Rest Hostel. I had knocked that task off by noon and was back to the girls before 2. We said our goodbyes and went back in the woods for another 8 miles ending at a sweet spot by a creek and a fire pit. Complete with a picnic table too-we really enjoy being able to sit somewhat normally.
Tuesday, November 1, 2016
1481.4-1579 (610.1 Remaining)
139-36-20 (Days since start-Days Remaining 12/4-zero days)
37°11′10″ N 80°54′5″ W
Southern Virginia
After a few light days to align ourselves for the Paige meet, we discovered that she would be with us on Sunday rather than Friday. So we pushed on. We moved along the 60 miles to Pearisburg over the weekend and arrived at the Angels Rest Hostel at sunset on Sunday. Knowing now that Paige will join us early Monday for the walk out of town, this stop is perfect. We also met up with our trail friend Hawkwoman whom we had not seen since leaving her home in Pottsville PA. Made for a nice reunion.
The hostel is brand new to the trail and wasn't in our guide. We found a card earlier in the week stapled to a bridge. Doc Peppa picked us up on the trail and drove us to the luxurious double-wide where we checked in, grocered up at the Food Lion and watched movies until way past bedtime. We didn't think this to be a problem since we were breaking in a new hiker (Paige and dog Penny) in the morning.
We also knew it would be a short day (11.4) because we wanted to stay at the Woods Hole Hostel on Sunday night. This mileage was perfect for the first day. Woods Hole didn't disappoint either as we enjoyed showers, fresh garden vegetables in the salad, bruschetta, soup and all. Excellent dinner topped off with homemade strawberry ice cream.
We then gorged on French toast, bacon, coffee, donuts… for breakfast! All in the 1880s log cabin deep in the woods. Organic all!
Paige (Peach) and Penny (Panda) both earned their trail names today in a 13.4 day. Tomorrow, will be another of about the same distance unless they feel up to an 18. That would be tough. Regardless, that will be their last day since I'll be hitching back to the Angel’s Rest to get Paige's car early Wed.
After this, hummingbird and I will be putting in some serious miles to beat some of the snow in the many 6,000 footers yet to come. The Smokies have many. Nine out of our ten highest peaks are yet to come.
Tomorrow (Tuesday) will be our 21st day in a row hiking since coming back to the trail following the wedding of Colin and Hannah at Briar Hill. We'll have walked 360 miles over this time or roughly 120 miles/week. In order to finish by 12/2, we need to hit 133 per. Boots…get walking.
37°11′10″ N 80°54′5″ W
Southern Virginia
After a few light days to align ourselves for the Paige meet, we discovered that she would be with us on Sunday rather than Friday. So we pushed on. We moved along the 60 miles to Pearisburg over the weekend and arrived at the Angels Rest Hostel at sunset on Sunday. Knowing now that Paige will join us early Monday for the walk out of town, this stop is perfect. We also met up with our trail friend Hawkwoman whom we had not seen since leaving her home in Pottsville PA. Made for a nice reunion.
The hostel is brand new to the trail and wasn't in our guide. We found a card earlier in the week stapled to a bridge. Doc Peppa picked us up on the trail and drove us to the luxurious double-wide where we checked in, grocered up at the Food Lion and watched movies until way past bedtime. We didn't think this to be a problem since we were breaking in a new hiker (Paige and dog Penny) in the morning.
We also knew it would be a short day (11.4) because we wanted to stay at the Woods Hole Hostel on Sunday night. This mileage was perfect for the first day. Woods Hole didn't disappoint either as we enjoyed showers, fresh garden vegetables in the salad, bruschetta, soup and all. Excellent dinner topped off with homemade strawberry ice cream.
We then gorged on French toast, bacon, coffee, donuts… for breakfast! All in the 1880s log cabin deep in the woods. Organic all!
Paige (Peach) and Penny (Panda) both earned their trail names today in a 13.4 day. Tomorrow, will be another of about the same distance unless they feel up to an 18. That would be tough. Regardless, that will be their last day since I'll be hitching back to the Angel’s Rest to get Paige's car early Wed.
After this, hummingbird and I will be putting in some serious miles to beat some of the snow in the many 6,000 footers yet to come. The Smokies have many. Nine out of our ten highest peaks are yet to come.
Tomorrow (Tuesday) will be our 21st day in a row hiking since coming back to the trail following the wedding of Colin and Hannah at Briar Hill. We'll have walked 360 miles over this time or roughly 120 miles/week. In order to finish by 12/2, we need to hit 133 per. Boots…get walking.
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