A whole heck of a lot happens in 225 miles. Quick update:
Caught a ride back into Bland and hiked 2 long days to Pearisburg. Enjoyed time at "Dismal Falls" (much nicer than it sounds) and taking a zero in town with friends at the Holy Family Church hostel. Lots of card games and listening to local bluegrass station - caught up with some folks I thought I'd lost. One highlight involved using water from an unsupecting local's hose to make espresso with Starbucks' (trail name) french press in the yard of an abandoned house while waiting for his brother TrailBail to hike into town. Wooo Doggie.
Back on the trail we faced armies of gross gypsy moth caterpillars. I felt like human cotton candy. Gross gross gross. They produced so many little caterpillar poops from the trees they were killing that it sounded like rain. Also a hot and humid day. Invasive jerks.
As luck would have it, the following day was incredible. Hiking down early morning in the rain we hit some trail magic - lovely breakfast. The group of former thru hikers then drove our packs to the next road crossing ( 9 miles ) and had a cookout waiting for us as lunch! Afterwards they packed us "to-go" bags and we all hiked up to a scenic rock outcropping called "Dragon's Tooth" where we perched ourselved to watch the sunset and enjoy picnic number 3.
Next day we made it to McAfees Knob and Tinker Cliffs for more spectacular views (pictures to follow ASAP).
Several days later I hiked into Daleville - hit the local swimming pool and took about 9 showers. I also met a dog that can read. It's true!
On the wildlife front I've had a second Bob Cat encounter. This one did not run off instantly as it had just killed something. It took me yelling something along the lines of "Yo, Bob Cat - You better 'git!!" for it to finally back off the trail. Also a bear and many lizards.
Bumped into Trail Days friends hiking with trail dog marvel "Winston." Hiked down into town to meet Julie, but stopped first for some bridge jumping and swimming on the James River.
Miss Julie Sutsko (!) Then joined me for a magical weekend we are currently wrapping up. Hiked 20 miles on Saturday and were greeted at a Forest Service road crossing by a local church group out for a walk. They offered us sodas and eventually invited us to their picnic that afternoon! Got to ride in the back of the truck out to a local park and enjoyed ENDLESS amounts of homemade desserts and salads of every variety. A great deal of "church ladies" took care of us and even offered a place to stay. Unfortunately we had to hit the trail again and they brought us back to the road.
Today we hiked up and caught a ride into Lexington on and 18-wheeler. The driver, Mr. Dale Heartless (yep) was quite a character and often gives hikers a lift. Waiting now for Kelly to come get Julie and have to get off the computer! Hope this all makes sense and the spelling errors are not too terrible plentiful.
LOVE AND MISS YOU. Thanks for visiting me, Julie : ) We'll miss you!
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Trail Days - Damascus, VA
Caught a ride shortly after leaving that last entry with 4 others, 5 packs, and a german shepherd in a compact car - pretty cozy couple of hours.
The reason for our fashionable return to Damascus was "Trail Days" - it's essentially a celebration of hiking the AT for current and past hikers. Folks come set up tents for the weekend and enjoy lots of food, vendors, free gear repair, and of course catching up with other hikers that have since pushed forward or fallen behind.
Birthday on the 14th - sure was fun getting all that mail from Williamsport and State College! THANK YOU. The birthday ribbon earned me many high fives and free beers. And the cookies/chocolate made my day. I even shared a little... Not the hiking undies though.
A highlight of the weekend is a hiker parade in which all past and presents walk down the main streets of the town and essentially engage in a water brawl with the folks from Damascus. Silly costumes and water guns are obviously involved in this.
It also provided a great chance to re-group. I had a lot of gear fixed and replaced, as well as showers everyday (!... in a disaster relief truck) and a great deal of homemade food. Free doctor visits and bloodwork was also provided. Looks like I'm going to make it... Dizzy spells have stopped and the heels are officially healed.
On the last night Blessed and Stormcrowe talked me into contra dancing. Stormcrowes 2 adorable red-headed children joined us and we do-si-do'ed our butts off. If you've never done contra dancing I HIGHLY recommend it.
The next morning I also had the pleasure of hanging out with a friend from PSU, Lauren "Neon" Reed. Great to see a familiar face and meet all the folks I heard her talk about from her through hike last year.
Finally! Even after all these non-hiking days I signed up for something called "Hard Core." About 100 of us spent 2 days doing volunteer trail maintenance in North Carolina - this gave me a deep appreciation for all the man hours and dedication that go into the AT. Painting my own white blaze was a cool moment as well.
Recently it has been suggested to me that I slow the heck down. Somehow I've unconsciously started seeing the miles as markers of how well my day has gone and breezed past a lot of fun things. It feels good hiking fast and putting in the miles - but I keep losing track of folks I enjoy hiking with, good swimming holes here and there, etc.
THANK YOU again for the birthday love! xo Wampus Cat
The reason for our fashionable return to Damascus was "Trail Days" - it's essentially a celebration of hiking the AT for current and past hikers. Folks come set up tents for the weekend and enjoy lots of food, vendors, free gear repair, and of course catching up with other hikers that have since pushed forward or fallen behind.
Birthday on the 14th - sure was fun getting all that mail from Williamsport and State College! THANK YOU. The birthday ribbon earned me many high fives and free beers. And the cookies/chocolate made my day. I even shared a little... Not the hiking undies though.
A highlight of the weekend is a hiker parade in which all past and presents walk down the main streets of the town and essentially engage in a water brawl with the folks from Damascus. Silly costumes and water guns are obviously involved in this.
It also provided a great chance to re-group. I had a lot of gear fixed and replaced, as well as showers everyday (!... in a disaster relief truck) and a great deal of homemade food. Free doctor visits and bloodwork was also provided. Looks like I'm going to make it... Dizzy spells have stopped and the heels are officially healed.
On the last night Blessed and Stormcrowe talked me into contra dancing. Stormcrowes 2 adorable red-headed children joined us and we do-si-do'ed our butts off. If you've never done contra dancing I HIGHLY recommend it.
The next morning I also had the pleasure of hanging out with a friend from PSU, Lauren "Neon" Reed. Great to see a familiar face and meet all the folks I heard her talk about from her through hike last year.
Finally! Even after all these non-hiking days I signed up for something called "Hard Core." About 100 of us spent 2 days doing volunteer trail maintenance in North Carolina - this gave me a deep appreciation for all the man hours and dedication that go into the AT. Painting my own white blaze was a cool moment as well.
Recently it has been suggested to me that I slow the heck down. Somehow I've unconsciously started seeing the miles as markers of how well my day has gone and breezed past a lot of fun things. It feels good hiking fast and putting in the miles - but I keep losing track of folks I enjoy hiking with, good swimming holes here and there, etc.
THANK YOU again for the birthday love! xo Wampus Cat
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Damascus, VA - Bland, VA (120 miles)
Welp - I previous had the impression that Disney princesses only attracted animals of the furry baby mammal variety, but the day I posted my last entry and hiked out I crossed paths with 6 snakes in 12 miles. Mmmm. Working on getting over that fear. One particularly ornery rat snake refused to move even after being encouraged to do so multiple times with trek polls. And so August Rush and I were forced to slide down the steep bank and struggle up the other side. Stupid Snake. Gave him the stink eye as I passed by.
Next came the thunderstorms - which made the trail at all points something between a bog and a stream. Also, now that we're working our way through VA, the trail passes through a lot cow pastures and farm land which means cow patties. So: snakes, storms, cow poop, wet feet.
BUT WAIT!
Suddenly we made it to the highlands and the sun came out - gorgeous views of the surrounding balds and fields. Loads of butterflies and... wild PONIES! heeere pony pony pony pony. They greatly enjoyed licking the salt off of hikers.
Also made it to a shelter after a long day that included a shower and phone for ordering pizza! Due to a handful of big days I've been seeing a lot of new faces lately.
Overall just been walkin' and campin' a whole lot. At some point we passed a living history farm museum where we lounged and called our Mommies. One final awesome bald had us laying in the grass for over an hour. Many Names and I learned a new trick where you spin ten times in each direction to balance out your inner ears somehow (?). It was enjoyable watching everyone try it and falling over.
Now I'm off with August Rush to find a ride back to Damascus for a celebration called "Trail Days" this weekend. I'll update as soon as possible! LOVE, Wampus Cat
Next came the thunderstorms - which made the trail at all points something between a bog and a stream. Also, now that we're working our way through VA, the trail passes through a lot cow pastures and farm land which means cow patties. So: snakes, storms, cow poop, wet feet.
BUT WAIT!
Suddenly we made it to the highlands and the sun came out - gorgeous views of the surrounding balds and fields. Loads of butterflies and... wild PONIES! heeere pony pony pony pony. They greatly enjoyed licking the salt off of hikers.
Also made it to a shelter after a long day that included a shower and phone for ordering pizza! Due to a handful of big days I've been seeing a lot of new faces lately.
Overall just been walkin' and campin' a whole lot. At some point we passed a living history farm museum where we lounged and called our Mommies. One final awesome bald had us laying in the grass for over an hour. Many Names and I learned a new trick where you spin ten times in each direction to balance out your inner ears somehow (?). It was enjoyable watching everyone try it and falling over.
Now I'm off with August Rush to find a ride back to Damascus for a celebration called "Trail Days" this weekend. I'll update as soon as possible! LOVE, Wampus Cat
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Erwin, TN - Damascus, VA (125 miles)
Yet again, the weather has taken a screeching turn - this time for cooler wetter days.
Coming out of Erwin we climbed Unaka Mt in Tennessee which left us wandering through this dense patch of fur trees at the summit - thick red pine needle carpet, dark in all directions. Wild. This was shortly followed by a serious haul up Roan Mt - the last time we'll be over 6,000 ft. until Mt. Washington. The best part were all the pink ribbons on trees marking where the trail is supposed to be re-routed by next year (significantly less ridiculous than it is now).
Another highlight was a series of balds we hit the next day. You could see where the trail led for miles and watch other hikers like little blue and orange pack-cover dots moving over the hills through the rain. Passing through the horse pens was interesting... Hot Pants and I tried to go through one together and got stuck. Those gates are not intended for two people with giant packs on. Again - lookin' real smart.
Several days later I had a record hike (25) into Kincora run by famous hiker/trail maintainer/super sweet old man Bob Peoples. Stayed up on the porch playing cards, did some laundry, had a huge "family dinner," and plenty of sleep. Found the deck of cards Green Tea and I had been taking turns carrying back in March and reclaimed them! Next day I did what is called "slack packing." Bob dropped me off 9 miles north of the hostel and I hiked back with only a small day pack in a short time. On the way I saw a yearling a short way down the trail and stopped and sat down. After a few moments it moved in much closer - about 25 ft away and we had a stare down before it went on eating. Left me feeling a little like a Disney princess.
Here in Damascus we've been staying in a hostel called "the place" eating lots and I'm hunting for new trail runners.
Alright - the library here in Damscus is being a grouch and kicking us out, big wave of new hikers just came in. I've got the pictures all ready! Hopefully the next computer will be easier to work with...
Coming out of Erwin we climbed Unaka Mt in Tennessee which left us wandering through this dense patch of fur trees at the summit - thick red pine needle carpet, dark in all directions. Wild. This was shortly followed by a serious haul up Roan Mt - the last time we'll be over 6,000 ft. until Mt. Washington. The best part were all the pink ribbons on trees marking where the trail is supposed to be re-routed by next year (significantly less ridiculous than it is now).
Another highlight was a series of balds we hit the next day. You could see where the trail led for miles and watch other hikers like little blue and orange pack-cover dots moving over the hills through the rain. Passing through the horse pens was interesting... Hot Pants and I tried to go through one together and got stuck. Those gates are not intended for two people with giant packs on. Again - lookin' real smart.
Several days later I had a record hike (25) into Kincora run by famous hiker/trail maintainer/super sweet old man Bob Peoples. Stayed up on the porch playing cards, did some laundry, had a huge "family dinner," and plenty of sleep. Found the deck of cards Green Tea and I had been taking turns carrying back in March and reclaimed them! Next day I did what is called "slack packing." Bob dropped me off 9 miles north of the hostel and I hiked back with only a small day pack in a short time. On the way I saw a yearling a short way down the trail and stopped and sat down. After a few moments it moved in much closer - about 25 ft away and we had a stare down before it went on eating. Left me feeling a little like a Disney princess.
Here in Damascus we've been staying in a hostel called "the place" eating lots and I'm hunting for new trail runners.
Alright - the library here in Damscus is being a grouch and kicking us out, big wave of new hikers just came in. I've got the pictures all ready! Hopefully the next computer will be easier to work with...
Thank you for the comments and messages! It's exciting to get them in towns. xxxooo
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