well we did it. The rain in the morning going up blood mountain made it feel like maine again. then the rain stopped for a while. the sun even poked out a little bit. a stray hound dog joined the hike for a little bit. we called him gooch because he joined us at gooch mountain. explosions went off in the distance as we passed the 20 mile mark over hawk mountain. the trail smoothed out and widened through a hemlock forest with only 5 miles to go. the steady ascent up springer went by quickly. 30 mile done and the four of us arrived at the top just before dusk. There were some yells and queen's 'champions' playing on the cell phone. even though it is probably one of the most anticlimactic peaks on the trail, it was a sweet moment.
hiking the mile down to the car in the dark did not even seem that bad.
the others, abe, drew and joe, (using the real names since we are officially off the trail now) stayed at the springer shelter at the top. I however could not resist the urge to sleep in a nice hotel room.
My dad and i drove down to the amicolola falls lodge, enjoyed a buffet dinner and some nice beds.
a quick breakfast in the morning and then to the visitors center to sign the register. then i did half of the trail in 10 hours. it goes by a lot faster in a car.
things are still a little surreal right now. i hope to ad some deep thoughts tomorrow. feelings right now are just... tired.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
finished!!!
its foggy and dark, but its sweet victory
- Taken at 5:52 PM on November 11, 2009 - uploaded by ShoZu
- Taken at 5:52 PM on November 11, 2009 - uploaded by ShoZu
11/10 neels gap
tropical storm ida has hit. my dad, being worn out and unprepared to hike a long distance in the rain, got a ride from the 4 mile point of the day to the hostel. statesboro and I hiked on. cold and wet it was. when we got out to the gap my dad had gone to pick up the car. he was done hiking. I hope he at least learned a little bit from it and may be motivated to get to work on getting into shape now. trudger and 12 pack were waiting at the hostel for the rain to stop. it did not. a decision was made to go out with a bang tomorrow, doing the last 30 miles to springer in a day. it will be a toughy, but hopefully it will not be raining. finishing as a pack should be fun, and my dad will be driving our heavy gear to the top for us. out... bang.
- Taken at 8:57 PM on November 10, 2009 - uploaded by ShoZu
11/9 more ga
up one mountain. back down. up again. down again. up one more time. flat to downhill. guess which part sent my dad into extreme fatigue. the last one. he was tired and cold and is apparently going to lose some toenails. reminds me of myself four months ago. we will see what tomorrow brings. he will be doing a short day in the rain and then may or may not join back up. I can't believe there are only 41.5 miles to go!!!
- Taken at 7:41 PM on November 09, 2009 - uploaded by ShoZu
11/8 first dad day
mmm. breakfast buffet at shoneys. were dropped off at the trail and it began. on the first hill my dad wanted to quit. it took a while but he got a little better. I felt like a personal trainer some of the time and a drill parent some of the time. we did not make it as far as I would have liked, but maybe it was for the best. with plan b we will get to do more camping. hope tomorrow goes a little better. we will have more time and less to worry about. my dad just has a lot to learn about hiking.
- Taken at 8:06 PM on November 08, 2009 - uploaded by ShoZu
- Taken at 8:06 PM on November 08, 2009 - uploaded by ShoZu
Saturday, November 7, 2009
11/7 last state
ok, not a lot of time, i am getting the staredown from a girl and kid here in the hotel lobby. we woke up and made some good ol' spam bacon. hiked into GEORGIA, yay!! made it to the road and my dad and trudger's mom were waiting there for us. chik fil a for lunch, beer for linner, steak for dinner, chunky munky for dessert. shoneys tommorow for breakfast and then we will see how my dad fairs on the trail....
should be interesting, only 67 miles to go........
should be interesting, only 67 miles to go........
tower highest
the weird tower atop clingman's
- Taken at 11:18 AM on November 02, 2009 - uploaded by ShoZu
- Taken at 11:18 AM on November 02, 2009 - uploaded by ShoZu
highest
clingman's dome. its all downhill from here
- Taken at 11:16 AM on November 02, 2009 - uploaded by ShoZu
- Taken at 11:16 AM on November 02, 2009 - uploaded by ShoZu
smoky mountains (late)
out of order. you can figure it out.
- Taken at 11:14 AM on November 02, 2009 - uploaded by ShoZu
- Taken at 11:14 AM on November 02, 2009 - uploaded by ShoZu
11/6 last big one
up at the crack of dawn. slight wrong turn. lost 20 minutes. freezing cold in the shade. hot in the sun. walking fast on the smooth trail. a few rough spots. we all slipped and fell atleast once. leaves on rocks are dangerous. last big day done with an easy climb up standing indian mountain. 28 miles before 4. eating all of our extra food. gets cold in the dark. dark at 6:10. made a fire in the shelter. will remove evidence in the morning. then the 16 mile day to hiawasse. eating steak and watching football. hiking will be different after tomorrow. with dad.
- Taken at 6:56 PM on November 06, 2009 - uploaded by ShoZu
11/5 the home stretch
a wonderful breakfast of eggs and bacon and sausage and cheese and toast at the log cabin, then we were on our way. out of the gorge was a tough climb , but the rest of the day was pretty easy. it got a little nippy at times in the wind. 12pack and I took off and tore up the ridges. we finished earlier than expected and were going to head into franklin. decided to wait for trudger who fell and hit his knee and came in too late to do the extra 4 miles. its ok the shelter is nice and we met a former thru hiker from 04 who made a nice fire for this chilly night. hope the mice don't try to use me to keep warm. last big day tomorrow. 28
- Taken at 7:41 PM on November 05, 2009 - uploaded by ShoZu
11/4 noc
a 4:45 am start was not as bad as expected. hiked for 2 hours in the dark over relativity smooth terrain, then things got hilly. climbing and descending over and over. I was totally drained. it did not help that we took no breaks for 6 hours. needless to say i was glad to see trudgers friends waiting for us with halloween candy. we went to lunch and I had various spicy things. got too much food at the store and then came back to a nice cabin with a hot tub for the night. it is nice travelling with people who know people. I wish some others had been with me in pennsylvania so I could have treated them to nice things. I will have to make it up to others later. random acts of kindness is the way to go.
- Taken at 11:30 PM on November 04, 2009 - uploaded by ShoZu
11/3 fontanna temptation
so we heard about this hiker feed in fontanna dam. tried to make it there by lunch time. a rollercoaster of hills stood in our way. also a strange bear just standing in the middle of the trail with no fear of people, but don't worry, he moved right before I could snap a photo. a downed tree also slowed us down. some trail maintainers working on it were the ones doing the feed and told us it was just breakfast and dinner. we said 'dam', we were not going to stay the night. they said there were sodas and fruit we could have. satisfying. also passed 2 more southbouders. sea monster and disney. doing some more pre dawn hiking in the morn. and then relaxing in a hot tub at nantahala outdoor center.
- Taken at 6:33 PM on November 03, 2009 - uploaded by ShoZu
10/2 more people less mice
woke up to an amazing sunrise, arrived in camp to an amazing sunset. the stuff in the middle was not bad either. climbed to the top of clingmans dome, the highest point on the trail. nice and sunny but a little muddy. did you know you can ride a horse through most of the smokies? i could do a little saddle blazing and have the horse carry me. just found out that there is a hikers feed where we are going tomorrow and a hotel room with a hot tub already booked for where we will be in two days. things are getting exciting. less than ten days left. passed another southbouder today named fiddler. he has mouse traps and loves to catch mice. he is having a field day at this shelter. snapping and sleeping.
- Taken at 7:45 PM on November 02, 2009 - uploaded by ShoZu
10/... wait, its november already
early start was delayed a bit by some confusion about the time change. left at light and climbed and climbed. 5000 ft in all. thought it would be tough but it was nice and gradual. because of that we cranked out 31 miles instead of the planned 23. at about 5800 ft was the cloudline and I was over and under it all day. no picture though. so imagine walking on a ridge and the trees poking out of the clouds on one side and endless green mountain tops covered in ice on the other. inexplicably beautiful. higher up tomorrow.
- Taken at 7:51 PM on November 01, 2009 - uploaded by ShoZu
10/31 halloween night
so i know know I already made an entry tonight. I thought that I needed one with less events and more, well, thoughts. first of all, I am at less than 230 miles to go. it sounds like a lot, but when I tell you that it should take 13 days you may see it too. I am almost done! only a week until my dad meets me to hike. then I start to think about what is happening after I finish. to europe to visit my sister and then to portland to see my girlfriend. all in the span of 2 weeks. it is going to be a shock back into the slightly more civilized world. should I cut my beard right away, should I eat a little less, will I be able to sleep without hiking all day. these are the questions that come to mind. lastly I think about people. leaving the ones I have met and returning to my old friends. things will be interesting to say the least. time to sleep on it all.
- Taken at 8:12 PM on October 31, 2009 - uploaded by ShoZu
- Taken at 8:12 PM on October 31, 2009 - uploaded by ShoZu
Saturday, October 31, 2009
10/29,30,31 the pack
on that sunny day 12 pack and i were caught by trudger and statesboro. they did a 31 mile day with some night hiking to catch up to us. it seems we have a little pack formed.
a sunny day into hot springs. 12 pack and i woke up early and hiked a little bit before dawn to try to get to town early. it worked, but at the cost of missing some trail magic that involved waffles. we had a greaaat lunch in hot springs and stayed at elmer's place. it is an awesome old victorian house (the oldest house in town) that he rents out to pretty much only hikers. he is a vegetarian and cooks some great meals, however the others arrived too late so we did not get a home cooked dinner. ate at the diner instead. did wash at the sketchiest store ever, and got snacks at the dollar general. I decided to stay for breakfast rather than leave early and do some big miles. a good call. we all ended up at the same shelter again last night.
woke up early and did some more pre dawn hiking to try to see the sunrise on max patch bald. some some nice city lights, but the clouds rolled in. we finished before noon at this hostel. hiked in the rain for a bit. here there are equally weird people to the other hostels. it must be something about this nc/tn border.
some beer and some subs and some dry clothes and i will be leaving early tomorrow into the smoky mountains.
also..... happy halloween. i have some pumpkin temporary tattoos to celebrate. and some vampire teeth.
a sunny day into hot springs. 12 pack and i woke up early and hiked a little bit before dawn to try to get to town early. it worked, but at the cost of missing some trail magic that involved waffles. we had a greaaat lunch in hot springs and stayed at elmer's place. it is an awesome old victorian house (the oldest house in town) that he rents out to pretty much only hikers. he is a vegetarian and cooks some great meals, however the others arrived too late so we did not get a home cooked dinner. ate at the diner instead. did wash at the sketchiest store ever, and got snacks at the dollar general. I decided to stay for breakfast rather than leave early and do some big miles. a good call. we all ended up at the same shelter again last night.
woke up early and did some more pre dawn hiking to try to see the sunrise on max patch bald. some some nice city lights, but the clouds rolled in. we finished before noon at this hostel. hiked in the rain for a bit. here there are equally weird people to the other hostels. it must be something about this nc/tn border.
some beer and some subs and some dry clothes and i will be leaving early tomorrow into the smoky mountains.
also..... happy halloween. i have some pumpkin temporary tattoos to celebrate. and some vampire teeth.
10/28 plans
today was the polar opposite of yesterday. sunny and warm. I was able to dry some stuff as I hiked over frozen knob and big butt. big butt was big and it had a nice clear spot in the middle where nothing grew. and it smelled kinda funny there. we were planning to go to another hostel tonight but decided to stay out in a shelter because we were running a little late and it is super nice out. met a section hikers who told tales of trail magic at the next road. belgian waffles and much much more. early start to get to hot springs. can't wait to sit in a hot spring. supposed to rain so I may take a day off.
- Taken at 7:24 PM on October 28, 2009 - uploaded by ShoZu
10/2-5,6,7 crazy
I am catching you up. I will just put some highlights so I don't have to type all night. crazy people - a very socially awkward hostel owner, a clearly scitzofrenic man mumbling about bombing things and hiking with a trash bag and duffel bags, a caffeine crazy hostel owner and her hateful southern neighbor who blares npr all night, a familiar nut named druid from the eckville shelter in pa, and that may be not be all. beautiful terrain - waterfalls, the 6000ft views in the roan mountain range, a hawk and songbird study area on big bald, cool clouds that carry rain, and some nice river rapids. people - trudger, six string, statesboro, 12 pack, safari. right now I am leading the charge to springer through the rain with 12 pack. we both are ready to be done with this stuff.
- Taken at 7:36 PM on October 27, 2009 - uploaded by ShoZu
Monday, October 26, 2009
10/24 dos
it was tough to leave the hostel of trail legend, bob peoples, on an
overcast day to start the day with a 2500 ft climb. but we have to
keep moving or ... well we may not beat winter. that is not even that
bad except at high elevations. guess what. there is a lot of those
left. tomorrow roan mountain. this hostel tonight is nice. and
there are some female section hikers under 50 here too. not a common
thing on the trail. teachers and fun to talk to. watched billy
madison out of the vast vhs collection. ate big double cheesburger.
need to sleep to wake up early and climb climb climb.
overcast day to start the day with a 2500 ft climb. but we have to
keep moving or ... well we may not beat winter. that is not even that
bad except at high elevations. guess what. there is a lot of those
left. tomorrow roan mountain. this hostel tonight is nice. and
there are some female section hikers under 50 here too. not a common
thing on the trail. teachers and fun to talk to. watched billy
madison out of the vast vhs collection. ate big double cheesburger.
need to sleep to wake up early and climb climb climb.
- Taken at 10:05 PM on October 24, 2009 - uploaded by ShoZu
Fwd: SNC00166
From: christopher.sheaffer@gmail.com
Date: Mon, 26 Oct 2009 23:06:15 GMT
Subject: SNC00166
To: christopher.sheaffer@gmail.com
- Taken at 2:06 PM on October 24, 2009 - uploaded by ShoZu
10/23 hostel uno
prepared for the worst and hoping for the best. it was supposed to be
crappy and rainy but it held off and there were good views. a day of
hills a cool lake and a canyon with waterfalls. I am sore. it was a
long exhausting hike. I am in a relaxing bed and had pizza and ice
cream. things are better now.
crappy and rainy but it held off and there were good views. a day of
hills a cool lake and a canyon with waterfalls. I am sore. it was a
long exhausting hike. I am in a relaxing bed and had pizza and ice
cream. things are better now.
- Taken at 9:57 PM on October 23, 2009 - uploaded by ShoZu
Fwd: SNC00165
From: christopher.sheaffer@gmail.com
Date: Sat, 24 Oct 2009 23:01:23 +0100
Subject: SNC00165
To: christopher.sheaffer@gmail.com
- Taken at 3:17 PM on October 22, 2009 - uploaded by ShoZu
10/22 bye damascus
today I was a little teary as I exited town. partially because I did
not want to leave and partially because my pack was so heavy with
water and food going up a big hill. an easy 26 miles with some great
views. I am hiking with trudger still and may be for a while as we
both do 20-29 mile days. starting tomorrow will be the hostel hop for
4 days. also it is supposed to rain. the wind is picking up right
now and I hope it at least stays warm.
not want to leave and partially because my pack was so heavy with
water and food going up a big hill. an easy 26 miles with some great
views. I am hiking with trudger still and may be for a while as we
both do 20-29 mile days. starting tomorrow will be the hostel hop for
4 days. also it is supposed to rain. the wind is picking up right
now and I hope it at least stays warm.
- Taken at 7:31 PM on October 22, 2009 - uploaded by ShoZu
Fwd: SNC00162
From: christopher.sheaffer@gmail.com
Date: Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:31:39 +0100
Subject: SNC00162
To: christopher.sheaffer@gmail.com
- Taken at 10:13 PM on October 21, 2009 - uploaded by ShoZu
10/21 town
another town again. already? yes. now I have actually officially
made it to damascus. trudger and I are back at the hikers inn where
we stayed on friday night. we considered moving on but a bed just
seemed like a good idea after we busted our butts to make it in time
for lunch. an old hiking pal from maine, fuego, has caught up with
some others I have not met yet. we all had dinner together at the
restaurant that trudger and I have now eaten at 6 times. it looks
like this will all have to be updated later because I arrived at the
coffee shop just as it was closing. my pack is full and i am ready
to hike on. only 460 miles left. i have to mention this
guy I met yesterday. he said he was hiking the trail to get out of
society for a while. he had been on for 4 days had only oatmeal to
eat and was basically a young beginning drifter. he said that the
trail was a lot more stressful than he thought it would be. I
call him ignorant.
made it to damascus. trudger and I are back at the hikers inn where
we stayed on friday night. we considered moving on but a bed just
seemed like a good idea after we busted our butts to make it in time
for lunch. an old hiking pal from maine, fuego, has caught up with
some others I have not met yet. we all had dinner together at the
restaurant that trudger and I have now eaten at 6 times. it looks
like this will all have to be updated later because I arrived at the
coffee shop just as it was closing. my pack is full and i am ready
to hike on. only 460 miles left. i have to mention this
guy I met yesterday. he said he was hiking the trail to get out of
society for a while. he had been on for 4 days had only oatmeal to
eat and was basically a young beginning drifter. he said that the
trail was a lot more stressful than he thought it would be. I
call him ignorant.
- Taken at 10:46 PM on October 21, 2009 - uploaded by ShoZu
Fwd: SNC00157
From: christopher.sheaffer@gmail.com
Date: Wed, 21 Oct 2009 19:58:43 +0100
Subject: SNC00157
To: christopher.sheaffer@gmail.com
- Taken at 11:40 AM on October 20, 2009 - uploaded by ShoZu
Fwd: SNC00156
From: christopher.sheaffer@gmail.com
Date: Wed, 21 Oct 2009 19:57:02 +0100
Subject: SNC00156
To: christopher.sheaffer@gmail.com
- Taken at 9:51 AM on October 20, 2009 - uploaded by ShoZu
Fwd: SNC00155
From: christopher.sheaffer@gmail.com
Date: Wed, 21 Oct 2009 19:54:43 +0100
Subject: SNC00155
To: christopher.sheaffer@gmail.com
- Taken at 9:50 AM on October 20, 2009 - uploaded by ShoZu
Fwd: SNC00154
From: christopher.sheaffer@gmail.com
Date: Wed, 21 Oct 2009 19:53:00 +0100
Subject: SNC00154
To: christopher.sheaffer@gmail.com
- Taken at 9:50 AM on October 20, 2009 - uploaded by ShoZu
Fwd: SNC00153
From: christopher.sheaffer@gmail.com
Date: Wed, 21 Oct 2009 19:50:59 +0100
Subject: SNC00153
To: christopher.sheaffer@gmail.com
- Taken at 9:43 AM on October 20, 2009 - uploaded by ShoZu
Fwd: SNC00152
From: christopher.sheaffer@gmail.com
Date: Wed, 21 Oct 2009 19:48:36 +0100
Subject: SNC00152
To: christopher.sheaffer@gmail.com
- Taken at 12:49 PM on October 12, 2009 - uploaded by ShoZu
Fwd: SNC00149
From: christopher.sheaffer@gmail.com
Date: Wed, 21 Oct 2009 19:46:50 +0100
Subject: SNC00149
To: christopher.sheaffer@gmail.com
- Taken at 2:58 PM on October 10, 2009 - uploaded by ShoZu
Fwd: SNC00150
From: christopher.sheaffer@gmail.com
Date: Wed, 21 Oct 2009 19:44:53 +0100
Subject: SNC00150
To: christopher.sheaffer@gmail.com
- Taken at 2:59 PM on October 10, 2009 - uploaded by ShoZu
Fwd: SNC00159
From: christopher.sheaffer@gmail.com
Date: Wed, 21 Oct 2009 19:42:56 +0100
Subject: SNC00159
To: christopher.sheaffer@gmail.com
- Taken at 11:51 AM on October 20, 2009 - uploaded by ShoZu
Fwd: SNC00160
From: christopher.sheaffer@gmail.com
Date: Wed, 21 Oct 2009 19:41:10 +0100
Subject: SNC00160
To: christopher.sheaffer@gmail.com
- Taken at 12:16 PM on October 20, 2009 - uploaded by ShoZu
Fwd: SNC00161
From: christopher.sheaffer@gmail.com
Date: Wed, 21 Oct 2009 19:39:42 +0100
Subject: SNC00161
To: christopher.sheaffer@gmail.com
- Taken at 3:15 PM on October 20, 2009 - uploaded by ShoZu
10/20 beau
an incredible night last night where I could see all of the stars. it
got a little cold but we were packed in there pretty snug. met a guy
named hydro who has thru hiked three times and hiked lots of other
places all over. he is even in a few books. he is 69 now and seeing
how his body can handle hiking again. however it was sad because
despite being that tough some comment about his snoring from the
scitzofrenic lady made him really worried about disturbing us. if
anyone had the right to snore it was him, but the comment seemed to
hit him hard and that hit me. we all are fragile. today
beautiful too... 70 degree sunshine clear views for miles. and
ponies. I am trying to take more pictures. I took a ton today.
hope some were good. damascus again tomorrow. which is good. I ate
all my food. lots of mice in these shelters. I am not leaving any
for them.
got a little cold but we were packed in there pretty snug. met a guy
named hydro who has thru hiked three times and hiked lots of other
places all over. he is even in a few books. he is 69 now and seeing
how his body can handle hiking again. however it was sad because
despite being that tough some comment about his snoring from the
scitzofrenic lady made him really worried about disturbing us. if
anyone had the right to snore it was him, but the comment seemed to
hit him hard and that hit me. we all are fragile. today
beautiful too... 70 degree sunshine clear views for miles. and
ponies. I am trying to take more pictures. I took a ton today.
hope some were good. damascus again tomorrow. which is good. I ate
all my food. lots of mice in these shelters. I am not leaving any
for them.
- Taken at 7:50 PM on October 20, 2009 - uploaded by ShoZu
10/19 break time
so I did it. and I am glad I did. after seeing the weather
report I decided to join trudger and zombie in damascus. it was cold
and snowy up at elevation, but fortunately we were safely sleeping at
bed and breakfast in town. we saw 2 movies yesterday. a serious
where the wild things are and a ridiculous zombie land. both good in
their own way. damascus was a great town and I can't wait to return.
right now I am glad we are going to see mount rodgers and the greyson
highlands with good weather and happy ferrel ponies. it has been fun
with my southbouder friends and now a lot of others I know have caught
up. it is like a reunion. we are getting to share all of our crazy
stories. a crazy scitzofrenic lady even reappeared in the area. the
one who thinks they are stealing the air. ah memories...
report I decided to join trudger and zombie in damascus. it was cold
and snowy up at elevation, but fortunately we were safely sleeping at
bed and breakfast in town. we saw 2 movies yesterday. a serious
where the wild things are and a ridiculous zombie land. both good in
their own way. damascus was a great town and I can't wait to return.
right now I am glad we are going to see mount rodgers and the greyson
highlands with good weather and happy ferrel ponies. it has been fun
with my southbouder friends and now a lot of others I know have caught
up. it is like a reunion. we are getting to share all of our crazy
stories. a crazy scitzofrenic lady even reappeared in the area. the
one who thinks they are stealing the air. ah memories...
- Taken at 8:02 PM on October 19, 2009 - uploaded by ShoZu
Saturday, October 17, 2009
York Daily Record/Sunday News: Central York grad is tracking the Appalachian Trail
This article link was mailed to you by: newlorie@comcast.net
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Chris made the back of the Sunday Sports section!
Central York grad is tracking the Appalachian Trail - By RYAN DIXON
For the Daily Record/Sunday News
Chris Sheaffer was ready for a journey, ready for something different. Now he's on a trip that many would dare never take -- 2,167 miles is a long way, especially by foot, particularly when you're by yourself. View Full Story
10/15 relax in atkins
another cold and wet day in virginia. started early and only stopped for a potty break. the sun tried to poke its way out but could not overcome the rain. got to atkins and split a hotel room at the lovely relax inn. sarcasm. a big dinner and some milk shakes and some beers and a movie and I feel a lot better. I will have to decide tomorrow whether or not to avoid some more cold weather and tag along with zombie and trudger and their families to damascus. a toughy...
- Taken at 12:08 AM on October 16, 2009 - uploaded by ShoZu
10/14 cccold rain
so I had planned for a shorter 19 miles today but I did not make it that far. it really rained and was ungodly cold. the shelter I got to after 10 miles at the top of the mountain was enclosed completely and contained another southbouder. I decided to stop there and warm up by drying off. so now it is me and trudger and zombie freezing our butts off at the top of chestnut knob. will hit a town tomorrow to resupply all the snacks I have eaten. just so you all know, today sucked. it sucked so much that I seriously considered quitting. it is more than just the weather. my shoulders hurt a lot. I miss people. and I am tired of walking all day. I will just keep hoping for a better tomorrow. I am all talk anyway. I will tough it out...
- Taken at 7:05 PM on October 14, 2009 - uploaded by ShoZu
day hiker??
a nice day for a hike, and a drive on a dirt road in my lotus
- Taken at 12:48 PM on October 12, 2009 - uploaded by ShoZu
- Taken at 12:48 PM on October 12, 2009 - uploaded by ShoZu
10/13 hikers out today
there were lots of hikers out on the trail today. I guess they were taking long weekends. the section hikers seem to like the fall. I can't blame them . I wish I could have seen maine in the fall, I may have liked it more. the colors have really developed in the last week, and they seem to be more vivid in the damp dreary days I have had lately. there is always some light in the darkness it seems.
- Taken at 7:38 PM on October 13, 2009 - uploaded by ShoZu
10/12 happy columbus day
i ate a wonderful breakfast that resulted in a late start. had fun hiking with zombie today. the first time I actually hiked with someone for awhile and talked. eventually I forged ahead, but not until after we saw a lotus elite parked on a dirt road by a trail head. it was a dismal dark day with sprinkles of rain. at the shelter it is packed with section hikers and 3 of us through hikers. tolstoy showed up too with his dog and some beer. we sat around the fire and told stories for a while. it was great. 23 mile day tomorrow. have to get out the earplugs. we have a snorer.
- Taken at 9:55 PM on October 12, 2009 - uploaded by ShoZu
10/10,11 zero and nearo
good day in blacksburg. tech really walloped boston college. met some nice people at a tailgate party before the game who gave me and dad some fried eggs, and country ham and beer. I saw two valley students, although they were not the ones I had tried to see. our seats were at the top row so seeing people was tough. it was fun, more spirited than expected. today was a sleeping in day. I picked up a sub for lunch and hit the trail as my dad drove back to pa. hiked 10 miles to an awesome hostel, woodshole. if I had more time I would stay for days. met zombie, another southbouder. will hike with him tomorrow. the people of the south are just so nice. sad and glad for a month to go...
- Taken at 11:12 PM on October 11, 2009 - uploaded by ShoZu
Friday, October 9, 2009
10/7, 8, 9 slacking
i woke up on wednesday thinking that i was going to get rid of my pack to my dad's car right away, but those damn trucks on 81. one of the wrecked and made him late. we met a little later and i was able to lose the weight before going up the big hills.
this is a really beautiful area of virginia with lots of ridges, lots of views and lots of different terrains. fortunately i have had some great weather to enjoy it in (and real beds to sleep in for a few nights while my dad visits).
He has not been just sitting around waiting for me though. He is into some intense training, trying to get in shape so that he can be ready for those last 100 ish (70 miles) with me. He hasn't hiked with a full pack yet, but i think he might just be able to suffer through it. I will have to hustle a little bit though because i found out that we have a deadline. My parents will be going to visit my sister around the thanksgiving holiday. And i found out that i can go along.
Sorry kristen, i will be a few days later to Oregon.
Hopefully i will be passing someone soon who i heard is retiring to the area after he is done hiking. Maybe he can offer some advice. Or just give me a house there. You know, if he is moving out of one.
I have started to pass some southbounders finally. they have been great to meet, but sadly i am only seeing them for a short time. I may see a few again. i am not hiking tomorrow.
GOing to a Virginia tech game tomorrow hopefully i will see valley grads....
Then back to the trail, gotta keep moving along...
this is a really beautiful area of virginia with lots of ridges, lots of views and lots of different terrains. fortunately i have had some great weather to enjoy it in (and real beds to sleep in for a few nights while my dad visits).
He has not been just sitting around waiting for me though. He is into some intense training, trying to get in shape so that he can be ready for those last 100 ish (70 miles) with me. He hasn't hiked with a full pack yet, but i think he might just be able to suffer through it. I will have to hustle a little bit though because i found out that we have a deadline. My parents will be going to visit my sister around the thanksgiving holiday. And i found out that i can go along.
Sorry kristen, i will be a few days later to Oregon.
Hopefully i will be passing someone soon who i heard is retiring to the area after he is done hiking. Maybe he can offer some advice. Or just give me a house there. You know, if he is moving out of one.
I have started to pass some southbounders finally. they have been great to meet, but sadly i am only seeing them for a short time. I may see a few again. i am not hiking tomorrow.
GOing to a Virginia tech game tomorrow hopefully i will see valley grads....
Then back to the trail, gotta keep moving along...
10/6 out of town
early morning ayce breakfast. nap. pint of ice cream. checkout. mist and clouds. another southbouder with a dog. went further than expected. only one mile to meet dad in am. good cell coverage. Facebooked. sleeping in.
was woken up by a phone call from the york daily record. interviewed me for an hour. hope its a good article.
- Taken at 7:17 PM on October 06, 2009 - uploaded by ShoZu
- Taken at 7:17 PM on October 06, 2009 - uploaded by ShoZu
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
10/5 monster day
I started early because I thought I would try it. I only took a 10 min break every 2 hours and in 10.5 hours later I had done it. just shy of 32 miles from bryant ridge to danville. it is my 100th night too... I celebrated with a baconator, and some ben and jerrys. also I am sleeping in a nice big hojo hotel bed. a good night. sorry southbouders behind me, but maybe you can catch me in ga when my dad joins me... until then I will see who I can catch.
- Taken at 10:00 PM on October 05, 2009 - uploaded by ShoZu
10/4 no apples
another big hill today. long way to the top where there was a big air force radar tower. had lunch there on apple orchard mtn but there was no actual orchard. dang. just an overweight couple with yippy dogs. came down the mountain to the biggest shelter on the AT. sharing it with a dirt poor guy who talks to himself. but he has a radio so he is ok. leaving early tomorrow. can I make it 32 miles? probably not but it is worth a shot.
- Taken at 6:32 PM on October 04, 2009 - uploaded by ShoZu
wintergreen resort
out of place again, wintergreen across the hill
- Taken at 10:05 AM on September 30, 2009 - uploaded by ShoZu
- Taken at 10:05 AM on September 30, 2009 - uploaded by ShoZu
out of place
the chinese buffet in waynesboro
- Taken at 7:37 PM on September 28, 2009 - uploaded by ShoZu
- Taken at 7:37 PM on September 28, 2009 - uploaded by ShoZu
10/3 a beautiful day
today was a perfect hiking day. the first half was uphill. then there was a great overlook halfway where I ate lunch and called kristen to wish her well in her marathon. some day hikers I met came by and gave me a fresh baked cookie. the second half was downhill. incredible views and at the bottom I crossed the james river. now here I sit in a nice shelter with a section hiker I met a few days ago who is doing a weird flip flop. he saw a big group of southbouders behind me and named some I knew. I knew they were there but itis nice to know for sure. great sleep ahead.
- Taken at 6:10 PM on October 04, 2009 - uploaded by ShoZu
- Taken at 6:10 PM on October 04, 2009 - uploaded by ShoZu
10/2 way out there
I got a late start today because I had to devour a ton of food for breakfast. eggs potatoes sausage fruit toast and 5 big pan cakes. I am definitely getting a gut. I hikers at a fast pace today to work it off a little bit. there was a threat of rain and it was really windy. if it had rained one drop before I got to the shelter I was going to call the dutch haus up and have them get me at the nearest road. fortunately or unfortunately it held off. is it bad that I wanted an excuse to go sleep in a bed and not hike? to be honest I think of reasons all the time while I am hiking to get off the trail. but of course I keep resisting that urge and last another day. here in the shelter tonight with a roaring fire and a section hiker. I made the fire, with no fire starter this time.
- Taken at 7:12 PM on October 02, 2009 - uploaded by ShoZu
big shelter
just me and my stuff in a big shelter
- Taken at 6:27 PM on September 29, 2009 - uploaded by ShoZu
- Taken at 6:27 PM on September 29, 2009 - uploaded by ShoZu
Thursday, October 1, 2009
9/30 and hello october
well, after the short hike being so nice, the long one the next day felt like torture. it was cold, and as i hiked i got hot, but when i stopped i got cold. my pack seems to hurt my back more than normal. i walked up a mountain and by wintergreen ski resort, i thought about calling my buddy christina, but then i realized that she probably was not working there anymore, considering how much she hated it there. so no way out there. i trudged along until i stopped for lunch, then i felt a little better. i walked up another big mountain. on the way down i passed 2 older ladies with a dog. that was good because then i knew they would be at the shelter with me, and a dog is fun to pet and keeps you warm and keeps the animals away. another guy showed up too and reccomended the place where i am at now...
it was easy to get up in the morning because it was not quite as cold and windy. i had a biiiigg mountain to climb, The Priest, more than 3000ft of consecutive climbing. the most since new hampshire. At the bottom there was a 12pack of coke left on the trail, so at 8 in the morning i chugged one and saved one for a victory drink at the top. The sugar must have helped because the climb did not feel too bad, althogh it was long. Then i tried to call this hostel/bed and breakfast to pick me up, but they did not answer. I hung out on top of this nice lookout called spy rock and just basked in the sun, waiting for a call back. While i waited there 3 older guys came up with a beagle puppy and gave me enough food for a couple of lunches. I ate it all there. Eventually i got up and headed down the mountain to the town. I had to walk a lot further than i expected, but it has been worth it. It is called the dutch haus. A shower, a home cooked dinner, some beers, and an awesome dessert cake. Oh, and TV and internet too. And a breakfast in the morning. anddddd if it rains, maybe some slackpacking.
pictures from today and yesterday to come later. no cell service exists here.
it was easy to get up in the morning because it was not quite as cold and windy. i had a biiiigg mountain to climb, The Priest, more than 3000ft of consecutive climbing. the most since new hampshire. At the bottom there was a 12pack of coke left on the trail, so at 8 in the morning i chugged one and saved one for a victory drink at the top. The sugar must have helped because the climb did not feel too bad, althogh it was long. Then i tried to call this hostel/bed and breakfast to pick me up, but they did not answer. I hung out on top of this nice lookout called spy rock and just basked in the sun, waiting for a call back. While i waited there 3 older guys came up with a beagle puppy and gave me enough food for a couple of lunches. I ate it all there. Eventually i got up and headed down the mountain to the town. I had to walk a lot further than i expected, but it has been worth it. It is called the dutch haus. A shower, a home cooked dinner, some beers, and an awesome dessert cake. Oh, and TV and internet too. And a breakfast in the morning. anddddd if it rains, maybe some slackpacking.
pictures from today and yesterday to come later. no cell service exists here.
9/29 short day
what a nice day today. it does not even feel like I hiked yesterday. woke up and was made a wonderful breakfast. then I went to the library for internet and discovered that I am getting another pair of new shoes for free. I picked up a sub to enjoy on the trail too. but on that trek I began tp see that I am a little short in the warm clothing area. when I was dropped off at the trail I was warm while walking but cold at rest. the wind is the worst. I enjoyed my warm meal at the site but failed at making a fire. here in the sleeping bag it is nice. near the shelter I saw a rattler and an old man passing through told me a long joke about a rattlesnake named nate, the punching was ' better nate than lever ' heard it ?
- Taken at 6:08 PM on September 29, 2009 - uploaded by ShoZu
Monday, September 28, 2009
9/27, 28 Bye Shenandoah
Not much to say about the 27th... it was a sunday. I left in the morning as the private school kids were doing some excercises and looking for their pancake mix. Hiked until i got to a campground store and bought some food to supplement my lunch. all healthy stuff: ice cream, chips, oreos, and soda. It was a nice day, cool and blustery. When i got to the shelter there was a guy there who had hiked the trail last year, and he was great to talk to. He even made a roaring fire. There was one problem though, a rat at the shelter. It ran around all night making noise and when i woke up in the morning he had stolen my had and taken it to some back corner. A pack rat, but fortunately he left my pack alone. I really did not have much food left for him to take anyway.
So, today.... I hiked out of shenandoah national park. as soon as i got out the trail developed into "crappy trail". Pointless hills and it seemed like to get somewhere you had to go every direction except directly there. It was frustrating, and to make matters worse, right before i got to the road where i was finishing the day there was a downpour and a thunderstorm. Needless to say, i am glad to be in town and staying at a bed and breakfast. Tonight i will dine at an all you can eat chinese buffet, and then have ice cream. Tomorrow i will eat breakfast and lunch in town and then hike a long 5 miles to the first shelter. Colin is very close to me i have found out. I will go slow until he catches up...
So, today.... I hiked out of shenandoah national park. as soon as i got out the trail developed into "crappy trail". Pointless hills and it seemed like to get somewhere you had to go every direction except directly there. It was frustrating, and to make matters worse, right before i got to the road where i was finishing the day there was a downpour and a thunderstorm. Needless to say, i am glad to be in town and staying at a bed and breakfast. Tonight i will dine at an all you can eat chinese buffet, and then have ice cream. Tomorrow i will eat breakfast and lunch in town and then hike a long 5 miles to the first shelter. Colin is very close to me i have found out. I will go slow until he catches up...
9/26 wild life
today i ran into a deer. they have no fear of people and do not move. the bear count went from zero to three. no dangerous encounters they just ran away. i walked through an area with a coyote problem and I saw one rum by. wild cold rain all day. when I finally got to the shelter there were tons of kids. a boy scout troop and a private adventure school for wild kids. the crazy kids are sharing the shelter with me and they fed me burritos. hope they aren't up too late. The kids were great and their leaders did a great job with them. As it turns out they go back on the trail at the end of their semester to springer mountain in GA. it is right about the time when i will be there too!! hope to see them there.
also, i just wish I had a way of recording my thoughts throughout the day. they would be disturbing and entertaining. 24 today 20 tomorrow, can't wait till town...
- Taken at 8:17 PM on September 26, 2009 - uploaded by ShoZu
- Taken at 8:17 PM on September 26, 2009 - uploaded by ShoZu
9/25 180 day
first to explain the title. it was 89 degrees and sunny yesterday and today it was rainy and barely 50. also i started the day in a bad mood, hating every step. i swore louder than i have ever yelled before. then i met a section hiker who remided me, it is about the journey not the destimation. he also reminded me the was a restaurant up ahead. I ate a nice lunch and built a fire in their fireplace and calmed. the rain stopped and the afternoon was wonderful. I even saw a horse named chris. there were some good views too. unfortunately valley teachers will not be joining me tomorrow, but I will try to blog descriptively enough that they will feel like they were. its cold now. it is sleeping bag time.
- Taken at 6:10 PM on September 25, 2009 - uploaded by ShoZu
9/24 connected
I walked 23 miles today and felt a lot better. still a little mucousy but more energy. stopped for a burger and shake at the wayside. more views than expected. here at shelter with a "bear problem". talking philosophically with a guy. more miles tomorrow.
- Taken at 7:35 PM on September 24, 2009 - uploaded by ShoZu
9/23 aracniphobia
there were gunshots at the beginning of the day yesterday passing by mount weather. today there were the spider webs. I walked through literally hundreds of them. it was unbelievable. hopefully tomorrow there are some other hikers on the trail so I can avoid some of the webs. this shelter is pretty nice and Iknow there are no mice because I saw the resident snake. I heard from the ladies last night that the mice get pretty bad in the south, so maybe I will take him with me. into shenandoah national park to a real wayside tomorrow. this one is just a shelter apparently. now it is time for bed for me and the british section hiker here with me. he ran marathons to until he got his hip replaced last year.
- Taken at 6:30 PM on September 23, 2009 - uploaded by ShoZu
no mouse problem in this shelter
sticking that hand in now?
he was not venomous. i checked
- Taken at 3:49 PM on September 23, 2009 - uploaded by ShoZu
an innocent corner
would you stick your hand in there?
- Taken at 3:49 PM on September 23, 2009 - uploaded by ShoZu
- Taken at 3:49 PM on September 23, 2009 - uploaded by ShoZu
9/22 nova break over
I miss all of my nova friends already. I forgot how nice and fun everyone was. I will have to visit again. nathan dropped me off at rt 7 today. I felt bad because we saw 2 accidents that were going to slow his return to leesburg. on sunday I got a cold somehow and it really slowed me down today. only 19 when I wanted 23. crammed in the shelter here with some nice old ladies who gave me their leftovers. using a bear pole for the first time. hope it works. I am going to find out what a wayside is tomorrow in shenandoah park. early to bed at last. I need the rest.
- Taken at 7:27 PM on September 22, 2009 - uploaded by ShoZu
scooter
i don't know what happened to this photo, but it is at killer's sister's in richmond. i think i am going to buy the scooter and take it across the country when i am done hiking. I could trade her my car for that hog, straight up....
- Taken at 6:29 PM on September 19, 2009 - uploaded by ShoZu
- Taken at 6:29 PM on September 19, 2009 - uploaded by ShoZu
ode to washington
i think he would have liked this one more
- Taken at 12:08 PM on September 16, 2009 - uploaded by ShoZu
- Taken at 12:08 PM on September 16, 2009 - uploaded by ShoZu
real washingotn monument
not as big, but it existed first
- Taken at 12:07 PM on September 16, 2009 - uploaded by ShoZu
- Taken at 12:07 PM on September 16, 2009 - uploaded by ShoZu
Monday, September 21, 2009
9/17 and on in LOCO
There are some technical difficulties at the moment, so the pictures will have to come later. As you can guess, i am in virginia right now. The land where i spent the last three years of my life. I arrived on thursday. It was a rainy day and i was glad to only have to do 6 miles until my buddy nathan picked me up in harpers ferry. It was fun to go to cross country practice and meet all of the new runner, after getting cleaned up of course.
Friday i had the pleasure of talking to the kids in Mr Sheppard's outdoor education class. They were surprisingly attentive, and even a block schedule class was not enough time to answer all of their questions. Then i got to sit in on a science department meeting; not much has changed. Luckily there was a teacher get together after school and i got to say hi to almost every teacher i wanted to see. I hope i did not miss anyone. If i did, sorry, i will pass by again when i finish. After that was a traditional trip to the movies with me and Nathan and another buddy, Bailey. We saw extract, which was funny, but i would not buy it on dvd. That should be a great description for those that know me.
Saturday, i did not know what i was thinking. I decided to run a race, a 10k. It was pretty painful, but i did get third and stayed under 37 minutes. Not bad for 3 months of no running. The rest of the day i accompanied nathan to his sister's birthday party in richmond; we manned the grill. I hope i can have a party that cool when i turn 30.
Sunday, football all day with NFL sunday ticket at bailey's house. I did not move my butt for 9 hours. It was great.
Monday, nathan hiked with me 20 miles from harper's ferry to snickers gap (rt 7). He said "you hike a pretty good pace." The hike brought back memories of when fritz and i did the same hike with only 20 oz of water on a hot hot day.
Tomorrow i am out on my own again, until the weekend when two teachers are going to hike with me no matter where i am.
It seems like this will be over before i know it. I better not have any regrets...
Friday i had the pleasure of talking to the kids in Mr Sheppard's outdoor education class. They were surprisingly attentive, and even a block schedule class was not enough time to answer all of their questions. Then i got to sit in on a science department meeting; not much has changed. Luckily there was a teacher get together after school and i got to say hi to almost every teacher i wanted to see. I hope i did not miss anyone. If i did, sorry, i will pass by again when i finish. After that was a traditional trip to the movies with me and Nathan and another buddy, Bailey. We saw extract, which was funny, but i would not buy it on dvd. That should be a great description for those that know me.
Saturday, i did not know what i was thinking. I decided to run a race, a 10k. It was pretty painful, but i did get third and stayed under 37 minutes. Not bad for 3 months of no running. The rest of the day i accompanied nathan to his sister's birthday party in richmond; we manned the grill. I hope i can have a party that cool when i turn 30.
Sunday, football all day with NFL sunday ticket at bailey's house. I did not move my butt for 9 hours. It was great.
Monday, nathan hiked with me 20 miles from harper's ferry to snickers gap (rt 7). He said "you hike a pretty good pace." The hike brought back memories of when fritz and i did the same hike with only 20 oz of water on a hot hot day.
Tomorrow i am out on my own again, until the weekend when two teachers are going to hike with me no matter where i am.
It seems like this will be over before i know it. I better not have any regrets...
9/16 almost va
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: christopher.sheaffer@gmail.com
Date: Thu, 17 Sep 2009 00:35:33 +0100
Subject: 9/16 almost va
To: christopher.sheaffer@gmail.com
From: christopher.sheaffer@gmail.com
Date: Thu, 17 Sep 2009 00:35:33 +0100
Subject: 9/16 almost va
To: christopher.sheaffer@gmail.com
I was dropped off this morning in thurmont md. it was supposed to
rain, so I told my self I would hike until it did. I was not on a
time crunch or anything, but it did not rain and I just kept going. I
would have made it to harper's ferry; however I could not get hold of
someone to pick me up so I stayed put at this shelter 6 miles away.
glad I did too... I met some funny guys on a college reunion trip and
a southbouder named cargo pockets. I have seen his entries and he
apparently has his family following him in a van as a support crew.
also I saw several baby deer and some goat just wandering along the
trail in the woods. meeting killer in the morning on the trail. I
hope he makes in further than shawn did.
- Taken at 7:23 PM on September 16, 2009 - uploaded by ShoZu
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
llbeans
- Taken at 4:52 PM on September 15, 2009 - uploaded by ShoZu
9/15 last slack
it has been a week of trail by day, home by night. oh yeah, and no big pack. tomorrow that will all change...
Today was a nice day. i crossed in to maryland, although i don't know exactly when. I am not sure then the signs started sucking, but it seems like nothing is marked well except for the signs on the roads telling drivers where they can run over hikers.
I would like to thank my dad, his friend sam, my grandpa, and my girlfriend's dad for helping me out this past week. I would also like to thank my nice llbean edition car and my good old llbean backpack. They are in this picture...
Soon i will get to visit my friends in virginia. It is supposed to rain though : (
Today was a nice day. i crossed in to maryland, although i don't know exactly when. I am not sure then the signs started sucking, but it seems like nothing is marked well except for the signs on the roads telling drivers where they can run over hikers.
I would like to thank my dad, his friend sam, my grandpa, and my girlfriend's dad for helping me out this past week. I would also like to thank my nice llbean edition car and my good old llbean backpack. They are in this picture...
Soon i will get to visit my friends in virginia. It is supposed to rain though : (
picture....
a little late is better than never.
- proof that adam survived a day of hiking with me.
that is duncannon in the background
Monday, September 14, 2009
halfway ice cream
- Taken at 5:07 PM on September 14, 2009 - uploaded by ShoZu
halfway sign
- Taken at 10:31 AM on September 14, 2009 - uploaded by ShoZu
9/14 half way for real
some old guys were comming out of pine grove furnace when i went by this morning. There were 6 of them and they had just stayed at the hostel there. When i get that old i sure hope that i can find the time to go out and do some exciting stuff like hiking on the trail. Other than that i did not see to many people. The trail was pretty nice and the shelters looked really nice too. I stopped to use the privy at one and i even kept the door open. The halfway point was on my hike too. You can see the very exciting sign in the picture.
When i finished, on my drive back i bought some ice cream to celebrate the halfway because yesterday was a bust. I got two 1.5 quart containers of ice cream. I know that is more than a half gallon, but it was cheaper than buying 4 pints. i ate one of them and then got a headache, so i will save the other for later. I could have had more, but i really wanted to be able to eat some delicious looking spaghetti for dinner.
When i finished, on my drive back i bought some ice cream to celebrate the halfway because yesterday was a bust. I got two 1.5 quart containers of ice cream. I know that is more than a half gallon, but it was cheaper than buying 4 pints. i ate one of them and then got a headache, so i will save the other for later. I could have had more, but i really wanted to be able to eat some delicious looking spaghetti for dinner.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
9/13 "half gallon" challenge
a b-e-a-utiful day for hiking today. there was a looong flat section through the cumberland valley farmlands. I rounded up a few cattle in the fields and and looked for some sweet corn along the way. Then i went by Lincoln speedway. I could not see it, but roar of the sprint cars and the classic voice of the announcer on the loudspeaker made it pretty clear what was going on.
The halfway point was still 7 miles away at the end of the day, however My family and their friends wanted to see me attempt the half gallon challenge and they have to work tomorrow, so they drove me to the pine grove furnace store where it is commonly attempted. (don't ask me why they all wanted to watch me stuff my face with ice cream)
There was one problem when we got there.... they were sold out of half gallons!!! I think my mom was more upset about it than i was. So i got a cone of moose tracks and a soda then we went out to eat. I did finish everyone's leftovers and i think that it was a suitable substitute for ice cream. Don't worry, i will try the challenge on my own and let you know how it works out.
For now i am just watching some football. Real halfway tomorrow.
The halfway point was still 7 miles away at the end of the day, however My family and their friends wanted to see me attempt the half gallon challenge and they have to work tomorrow, so they drove me to the pine grove furnace store where it is commonly attempted. (don't ask me why they all wanted to watch me stuff my face with ice cream)
There was one problem when we got there.... they were sold out of half gallons!!! I think my mom was more upset about it than i was. So i got a cone of moose tracks and a soda then we went out to eat. I did finish everyone's leftovers and i think that it was a suitable substitute for ice cream. Don't worry, i will try the challenge on my own and let you know how it works out.
For now i am just watching some football. Real halfway tomorrow.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
9/12 black ford
My buddy adam from highschool decided to make the trip from philly to join me for the hike today. I made it a little shorter for him. It was pretty wet out there and there were some dangerously slippery rocks. Luckily he survived it. It was nice to not have to simply hum the same song over and over again in my head. We talked about lots of stuff and i can't really remember much of it, but i know it was a few reasonably interesting topics. At the halfway point we stopped for a pizza pie in duncannon. A small pizza was just enough to not have to worry about waddling the rest of the way in the afternoon. After 18 total miles we were done, it didn't take us too long either. Another night of relaxing on the couch followed. It will be tough to go back to sleeping on the ground... someday.
9/10, 11
ok, so you would think that since i have been spending my evenings at home that i would have plenty of time to type things up in my nice little blog. You would be right, but what you have not considered is that i am lazy. I enjoy sitting around doing nothing, and i have also been sucked in by the tv. (mostly thanks to football)
so, i think i left off on thursday. I did a cool 25.3 miles starting a little east of fort indiantown gap. While i was walking close to the fort there were some jets flying overhead. They must have been doing some maneuvering practice because they were low and loud for at least an hour of my hike. There was supposed to be some rain, but it stayed to the south and it was perfect weather where i was, and to make things even better the trail was pretty nice terrain-wise. I had some lunch at peter's mountain shelter, it was the nicest shelter i have seen on the trail thus far. I should have taken a picture, it had 2 floors and an covered porch with a picnic table. Thought about staying the night, but a nice bed is still better, so i hiked out and drove home. Also, i got to watch the steelers game on an HD tv. They cut it close and made me stay up late but won it in they end.
on friday it rained, a lot. I was glad that i wussed out and stayed home. The day was used to finish up the legal stuff with my car, transferring it into my name and registering it with my vanity juniata college license plate. thats it. i watched a movie i rented from blockbuster and ate and sat. The gut growing. I have lost all defined abs and added some volume to the love handles.
so, i think i left off on thursday. I did a cool 25.3 miles starting a little east of fort indiantown gap. While i was walking close to the fort there were some jets flying overhead. They must have been doing some maneuvering practice because they were low and loud for at least an hour of my hike. There was supposed to be some rain, but it stayed to the south and it was perfect weather where i was, and to make things even better the trail was pretty nice terrain-wise. I had some lunch at peter's mountain shelter, it was the nicest shelter i have seen on the trail thus far. I should have taken a picture, it had 2 floors and an covered porch with a picnic table. Thought about staying the night, but a nice bed is still better, so i hiked out and drove home. Also, i got to watch the steelers game on an HD tv. They cut it close and made me stay up late but won it in they end.
on friday it rained, a lot. I was glad that i wussed out and stayed home. The day was used to finish up the legal stuff with my car, transferring it into my name and registering it with my vanity juniata college license plate. thats it. i watched a movie i rented from blockbuster and ate and sat. The gut growing. I have lost all defined abs and added some volume to the love handles.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
9/9/09 all nine day
I was done hiking today pretty early, before 10. In the nine hour. I only did 13 miles and there was a nice flat smooth section to do some jogging. A good bit of it was still rocky and annoying though, and a turtle got in my way at one point. If i went any further, it would have been difficult to do the car drop off around Fort Indiantown Gap. SO tomorrow i am hoping to get close to duncannon by doing 25, but it is supposed to rain. Figures.
I had a rough day still when i got back home. I had to go to the DMV to get a new License. That place is no picnic. After lots of waiting, i got a nice ID with a picture of me and my gross looking beard.
After a short nap in the afternoon, i had some dinner with 2.3 people. My cousin, her husband and a growing fetus. Nothing like some Mack's ice cream in a pretzel cone. Then i had to pick up some maple doughnuts for tomorrow morning.
after a dip in the hot tub to sooth my aching feet and knees, i need to get some sleep.
talk to you tomorrow night.
I had a rough day still when i got back home. I had to go to the DMV to get a new License. That place is no picnic. After lots of waiting, i got a nice ID with a picture of me and my gross looking beard.
After a short nap in the afternoon, i had some dinner with 2.3 people. My cousin, her husband and a growing fetus. Nothing like some Mack's ice cream in a pretzel cone. Then i had to pick up some maple doughnuts for tomorrow morning.
after a dip in the hot tub to sooth my aching feet and knees, i need to get some sleep.
talk to you tomorrow night.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
some view
- Taken at 8:23 AM on September 07, 2009 - uploaded by ShoZu
9/6,7,8 the road home
Got moving bright and early to make it the 25 miles to hawk mountain rd. I was actually walking before the sun came up for a bit, hoping to see the sunrise at the top of the ridge, but the top was not looking the right direction. Just my luck. As i was walking i saw lots of people. It was memorial day weekend. Some guy was on a lookout called bake oven knob doing an official raptor count. I know that they were birds that he was looking for, but could not help humming the Jurassic park theme to myself for the rest of the day. i was looking around every time i heard a chipmunk scurrying through the leaves. I heard some people saying that they saw some other people hiking south, i caught one of them, but i am surprized it did not happen sooner because he was carrying a 60 pound pack at least. he was a crazy old man with no front teeth, definitely the weirdest i have met on the trail yet. I will just leave it at that. It was a cool shelter, in the barn of a house owned by the Parks Service. I could have ordered pizza, but i had to at least make my pack a little lighter.
I made sure i left really early in the morning to avoid talking to that guy anymore. it was 15 miles to Port Clinton where i was going to meet up with kristen's dad. On the hike i rehiked some of the trail that i had walked on so many years ago in boy scouts. Saw the pinnacle and some amish people enjoying the view. I could even see the old blue mountain camp ground from up there, right next to the big boulder field.
One lady i talked to on the trail had no idea how she had gotten to where she was or how to get back to her car. I tried to help her but may have pointed her in the wrong direction. A little later i saw a couple hoping to make it to the pinacle. They had hiked 3 miles in 2 hours and i did not have the heart to tell them that it was a 20 mile round trip from where they started and that they would never make it.
When i made to port clinton kristen's dad was right there to take me to gigantic cabela's and then home to see my family for memorial day. It was not exactly a relaxing evening, but it was a little bit fun.
TOday i began the ritual that i will be practicing for the next week. I am hiking on the trail, but also sleeping at home. Here is how it works... i pick out a place to finish, and then my dad and i both drive there. i leave my car and then my dad drives me to where i left off the day before. A complicated system, but it allows for maximum relaxation while still helping me move along the trail.
Up and at it early again tomorrow, then i have to stop by the dmv and get a PA license. Just imagine the picture.
I made sure i left really early in the morning to avoid talking to that guy anymore. it was 15 miles to Port Clinton where i was going to meet up with kristen's dad. On the hike i rehiked some of the trail that i had walked on so many years ago in boy scouts. Saw the pinnacle and some amish people enjoying the view. I could even see the old blue mountain camp ground from up there, right next to the big boulder field.
One lady i talked to on the trail had no idea how she had gotten to where she was or how to get back to her car. I tried to help her but may have pointed her in the wrong direction. A little later i saw a couple hoping to make it to the pinacle. They had hiked 3 miles in 2 hours and i did not have the heart to tell them that it was a 20 mile round trip from where they started and that they would never make it.
When i made to port clinton kristen's dad was right there to take me to gigantic cabela's and then home to see my family for memorial day. It was not exactly a relaxing evening, but it was a little bit fun.
TOday i began the ritual that i will be practicing for the next week. I am hiking on the trail, but also sleeping at home. Here is how it works... i pick out a place to finish, and then my dad and i both drive there. i leave my car and then my dad drives me to where i left off the day before. A complicated system, but it allows for maximum relaxation while still helping me move along the trail.
Up and at it early again tomorrow, then i have to stop by the dmv and get a PA license. Just imagine the picture.
9/5 pa slack
continental breakfast is one of the greatest things ever invented in my opinion. I had everything you can imagine. there sometimes is the problem of closing the waist strap in on my pack after eating so much, but not today. my dad drove my pack to palmerton and I just took some food and water for 20 miles. it was a cool hike down into lehigh gap over the old zinc mines. the landscape was almost barren, see the pictures. we had lunch and watched some college football. navy should have beaten ohio state. then there was ice cream for dessert. I had to finish my dads for him. when I was dropped off at the trail I was so full that I could only make it a mile to the first shelter and I could not eat dinner. instead it is early to bed, early to rise for me. also thanks to the guys that just walked by for the yeingling. z-time at 6:30
check that, some other guys comming down the mountain talked to me for a good hour on their way down. they offered me some beef jerky but i would have had to walk down to their car to get it, and you already heard all about how full i am.
- Taken at 5:52 PM on September 05, 2009 - uploaded by ShoZu
check that, some other guys comming down the mountain talked to me for a good hour on their way down. they offered me some beef jerky but i would have had to walk down to their car to get it, and you already heard all about how full i am.
- Taken at 5:52 PM on September 05, 2009 - uploaded by ShoZu
pollution
- Taken at 12:43 PM on September 05, 2009 - uploaded by ShoZu
Friday, September 4, 2009
9/4 father farther
the PA craziness begins, not even more than a mile into the state. today my dad stopped by to hike with me. his friend/coworker drove us to drop off the car in wind gap and we hiked to it. we hiked further than last time he was with me, on rockier terrain, but it was all flat or down hill. He still has a little work to do to make it more than a day or so, but progress is being made. My shoes are falling apart a little bit so when we got back to the hotel i glued them and e-mailed the company with hopes of getting a free pair. then for dinner... my dad's friend took us to this buffet, probably the best one i have ever been to, especially if you include the desserts. Thats right, it was pluralized on purpose. Then a guinness at an irish pub in stroudsburg and now bed. tomorrow will be a nice slack pack to the next town where i will stay in the municipal building basement. hopefully i can catch a good football game at the bar.
then i will be doing some jogging on the trail and driving home at night. it should be fun, i miss being able to run, and my back could use the rest.
then i will be doing some jogging on the trail and driving home at night. it should be fun, i miss being able to run, and my back could use the rest.
gratuitious self photo
for anyone that is trying to imagine what i look like now...
- Taken at 10:18 AM on September 02, 2009 - uploaded by ShoZu
- Taken at 10:18 AM on September 02, 2009 - uploaded by ShoZu
high point memorial
veteran's memorial leaving unionville.
- Taken at 10:18 AM on September 02, 2009 - uploaded by ShoZu
- Taken at 10:18 AM on September 02, 2009 - uploaded by ShoZu
9/1, 2, 3 missed days
first of all I had a great zero day at the outhouse. I sat on my ass all day. also I heard dick tell the story of why he started entertaining hikers. long story short, partially to honor his wife who died of ms and partially because he thinks it is the way people should be. I agree totally, why can't people just help one another? he summed up what he wanted to do by showing a picture of a pebble landing in a flat lake. he was the pebble. it was tough to leave, but when I did I encountered some more orientation groups. this time from u penn. they were at every site for 25 miles. last night one of the kids just could not stop asking me things then bragging about himself. today I made it past a band camp in the morning, a hawk watching club in the afternoon, and numerous family day hikes to PA. delaware water gap. there is an awesome bakery with pot pie and half price old pies. it was a good diner. I am sleeping at another church hostel with a veteran who may or may not have a gun on him at all times. he is cool though, he bought me a beer and is scattering his friends ashes tomorrow on the trail. and putting up a plaque. dad is hiking 15 with me tomorrow. will he make it? I don't know...
- Taken at 9:16 PM on September 03, 2009 - uploaded by ShoZu
in the book
some faces to the names. taken in unionville
me, tiger (top right), wanderlust (bottom right)
- Taken at 6:24 PM on September 01, 2009 - uploaded by ShoZu
- Taken at 6:24 PM on September 01, 2009 - uploaded by ShoZu
Monday, August 31, 2009
8/31 arrested
this morning when i left the church hostel to try to get a ride back to the trail, you will never guess who stopped to pick me up. a police car pulled over and put his lights on and informed me that hitchhiking is illegal in new jersey. he took my liscence and ran it, and then told me he would give me a ride to the trail. i had to ride in the back though. my first ever ride in the back of a police car...
today was a pretty easy hike. i simply hostel hopped to unionville. this place is really cool, it is the former mayor of the town. he and he friends made us dinner and offer free beer and soda. his words were, as long as we are in the house we are like part of his family. He did make us watch an inpirational video about getting victory over the trail, but i kinda liked it. I think i am staying here tommorow too, so that i can cut out a day between here and delaware water gap.
i know it is a little far, but if you philly friends want to stop by and see me on the trail, this would probably be your chance. give me a call...
today was a pretty easy hike. i simply hostel hopped to unionville. this place is really cool, it is the former mayor of the town. he and he friends made us dinner and offer free beer and soda. his words were, as long as we are in the house we are like part of his family. He did make us watch an inpirational video about getting victory over the trail, but i kinda liked it. I think i am staying here tommorow too, so that i can cut out a day between here and delaware water gap.
i know it is a little far, but if you philly friends want to stop by and see me on the trail, this would probably be your chance. give me a call...
Sunday, August 30, 2009
8/30 and things begin to clear
it started out cloudy and slippery and it ended up sunny and awesome. i made it here to new jersey and into a happy valley of sorts. there was a market right where the trail met the road where i got some ice cream. A large was like an entire pint of ice cream on the cone. my cone collapsed. i will be going back there for some hommade doughnuts before hitting the trail tomorrow. i hitched from there into vernon, nj. there is a hostel here in a church that has everything you need. shower, laundry, internet, tv, and a map of the town. I got a meal and some more snacks. now i am nice and weighed down to hike the long 11.8 miles to the next hostel, the former mayor's in unionville, ny. still hanging with tiger and wanderlust. and by hanging i mean hiking faster than and then waiting for them at the desinations. taking a day break in unionville to hopefully heal some weary feet. Then 2 day to PA!!!!!
8/29 hurricane remnants
it really poured last night. a lot. I was the only one brave enough to leave the shelter this morning when it was raining still. I was luck though, most of the reason I got wet was just wind blowing water from the trees. I stuck to the plan and did 20 miles so I can rest at a hostel tomorrow afternoon in nj. it would have been a beautiful hike with awesome views if there was not the misty low lying clouds. so much for seeing the nyc skyline from the trail. tomorrow I will actually post this stuff when I have internet. my feet can't wait for a break. they looked rough today. I think I need a mental break too...
- Taken at 4:58 PM on August 29, 2009 - uploaded by ShoZu
8/28 a bear of a day.
so john of the friary lived up to his promise and brought egg sandwiches in the morning. then half a mile down the trail we had second breakfast at a convince store. I forged ahead and got my mail drop as it began to rain. ate lunch at a deli since the mail lacked lunch foods. then at the top of bear mountain I took a wrong turn twice. I made this easy 15 mile day into a much longer one, in the rain. looking like bad weather for the next few days too. on the up side, a day hiker gave me some bbq'd chicken. it tasted great. a cold night it will be tonight.
- Taken at 6:45 PM on August 28, 2009 - uploaded by ShoZu
8/27 new southbounders
I woke up extremely early in order to have time to do a big day and also stop at a deli for breakfast. it was cold but worth it. the breakfast sandwich was awesome and the pepperoni sub I saved for lunch was even better. I saw no one before lunch, but when I stopped to eat I met a southbouder who was getting back on the trail after a day off. his trail name is tiger. now here at the 'shelter' there is another sobo named wonderlust. I say "shelter" because it is a pavilion on a ball field on a christian faith friary compound. we ordered pizza and a guy is coming to give us egg sandwiches in the morning. right now we are watching some spanish speakers play soccer on the field. the way the shelters are working out I have no choice but to stay at the same place as these new sobos. fwiends... getting mail tomorrow
- Taken at 7:25 PM on August 27, 2009 - uploaded by ShoZu
8/26 just walking
another ronery day on the trail. more salamanders in the morning and more college orientation groups. I entered new york but missed the sign. will have to make one in town and photograph it. saw some section hikers. and there was some hippie looking guy who I asked how it was going and he replied... this is just not the planet I want to be on right now. you interpret that, I had a tough time. tonight I am tout seul at the nice shelter. I noticed a big bump on the top of my right foot. hope it is nothing serious. gotta rest to do 28 tomorrow.
- Taken at 6:44 PM on August 26, 2009 - uploaded by ShoZu
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