I have regretfully decided to pull off the trail for the winter. It is just to risky to be out here alone in this kind of weather.
I am going down to Florida for a few weeks to heal up and then will return to New Jersey with the intention of completing the trail at some future date. I have completed 1,381.4 miles from Baxter State Park in Maine to U.S. 60 in Virginia. I will either resume at that location or walk from Georgia north to U.S. 60 to complete the Appalachain Trail.
This is not the end of this trek.
"It ain't over until the fat lady sings!"
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Monday, November 8, 2010
Cow Camp Gap Shelter
I was awoken in the early morning dark at 5:30 am by footsteps at the foot of the shelter I was sleeping in. This is particularly unnerving when you are trapped in a mummy bag that takes a good 20 seconds to free your hands from. I found three head lamps looking at me and in the scattered light from said head lamps I could discern what appeared to be three shotguns. "It's ok" came a voice "We're just hunters. Now squeal like a pig!" Just kidding about the Squeal like a pig part but you get the idea.
20 degrees this morning
Not counting wind chill. I am thinking these mountains will still be here when it gets warm again. I can't see living in a freezer with the blower going full blast for the next two months.
Stealth Camp on Priest
Stuck on the mountain for the night. This should be interesting at 4000 feet.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
From 3 Ridges
To bad I couldn't get this all in one shot. This is a truly magnificent view with a nice little farm tucked into the valley below.
Had my first snow fluries this morning and temp hovering around 32. Wind isn't to bad though. New gear is keeping me warm at night but weighs a ton. My goal right now is to try to complete Virginia before the weather forces me in for the winter.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Heading out
Should be in Glasgow on Tuesday. Will post as best I can but 3g access is iffy at best out there.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Pack Load
That is one stuffed to the breaking point pack. The new zero degree bag is significantly larger then the old 20 degree bag. In fact it does not fit in the sleeping bag compartment on the bottom. I now have the bag stuffed in the main compartment along with the night clothes and new jacket. Food is in the sleeping bag compartment. Still need to add water. Will do that tomorrow morning before leaving.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Waynesboro, Va.
Very hiker friendly town. Hitching is a breeze. I am staying at the Quality Inn which is in walking distance of the laundry mat, post office, Krogers Supermarket and Ming's Chinese buffet. Rate is $50 a night and room is top notch including refrigerator. It was also an easy hitch to the Rockfish Gap Outfitters which had all the gear a thru hiker needs.
On that note I picked up a zero degree North Face sleeping bag, Jet Boil stove and a North Face winter jacket. Yes it cost a pretty penny but beats freezing to death which is now a real possibility. My next task is to fit it all in my pack.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Armand Gap
I think. Oh, 25 degrees this morning. Should hit Waynesboro tonight. Will be looking for a warmer sleeping bag.
Monday, November 1, 2010
31 degrees this morning
And high winds. Stayed on Hightop Mtn at a shelter. A little over 3000 feet up.
Wild Turkey
She's in there somewhere. I came across a whole gaggle of them but couldn't get close enough.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Friday, October 29, 2010
Luray, Va.
I have to say I was pretty pissed when I had to walk 4 of the eight miles to town before someone gave me a ride but these folks here really know how to party! I had so much fun last night I have decided to stay another night. I plan to see the Caverns and will post some pictures.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
White Sierra Pants
Under no circumstances buy these pants. They are already falling apart on me. Left pocket has a huge hole that a wallet can fall through. Front zipper is iffy at best. I have had these pants less then two weeks. Unbelievable considering the cost.
Gravel Springs Hut, Shenandoah
I feel like I am waiting for the Confederates to come charging out of the fog covered mountains. Very foggy and no views at 3000 feet.
I am beat after two 19 mile days and badly chaffed. I think I used to much detergent at Bears Den. Haven't had chaffing issues since the wilderness in Maine. Will have to go into town tomorrow or the next day and do laundry again. Cannot hike with this.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Floyd Wayside Shelter
Made it 19 miles up some serious mountains and through some not to bad rain. I am about 1/10 of a mile from entering the Shenandoah park.
Jim & Molly Denton Shelter
Unfortunately the spring is to low to risk clogging the pump and the shelter is infested with stink bugs. I will have to push on and risk getting caught in a down pour. Have rain jacket on and it's relatively warm out so I don't think hypothermia is an issue. Plus I ate a huge lunch.
Virginia Rollercoaster
Just completed the Rollercoaster. Ten ridge climbs of about 500 feet each in 13 miles. I am beat.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Bears Den Lodge & Hostel
Really nice but to early to stop for the day.
NOTE: I actually did stay here. Very nice place but I used to much detergent and had bad chaffing problems after I left.
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