Foiled Again

After all the anticipation on my part, the big climb up Mt Greylock yielded only a view of whiteout. The weather has been fantastic overall--sunny, mild, clear--but Saturday was overcast and grey. By the time I sumitted Greylock it was foggy, drizzling, and 42degrees.

Fortunately, the lodge was open and offered hot coffee and a space to warm up. It was tempting to stay overnight considering the conditions, but considering I'd just had a town day I was anxious to move on.

True to form, the next morning cleared and I got these great views looking north across the Hoosic River into Vermont.

This Is Why We Hike

Started out from Pearisburg VA on Sun 10/2 on a chilly afternoon. There had been snow flurries the previous night, but as you can see from this view the weather cleared beautifully. The first climb of 1800' didn't seem too bad (thank God) and the reward was a gorgeous 12-13 mile ridge walk along the Peters Mountain Wilderness.

It's that time again...

Hello friends,
Fall is in the air and that could mean only one thing--time to do some hiking. I've been training for the past month plus, getting ready for another Appalachian Trail adventure. Had to miss last year--2010--due to some personal issues, but I'm rearin' to go in 2011. Please stay tuned for further updates and news from the Trail. My EDT is next Sunday, Oct 02.

Jones Falls

One of the highlights of the new AT relo north of US 19E, is the side trail to Jones Falls. The video says it all.

Arriving at Damascus, VA 9/24/09

Alright! 10 days and 120 miles into our hike, Harry and I reached Damascus on a warm, late summer afternoon. The ridge walk from Hampton was beautiful but we're really ready to cool our heels (literally) with some icy beverages and salads. Damascus looks pretty quiet today, but sounds like people coming in tomorrow for the weekend. I think it's good timing for a day of rest.

Hiawassee

Walking around the little trail town of Hiawassee, GA. Good place for a rest stop and to regroup.

Crossing the NC-GA Border

On Thursday afternoon I passed this small sign indicating that I'd hiked my way through one state and into North Carolina (about mi 76). Just as I crossed the border the weather seemed to be changing too--goodbye to Indian summer, here comes some cold stuff.

Unicoi Gap

55mi into my hike, pausing on morning of day6 before the big uphill climb out of Unicoi. It will be my first 1000' climb--YIKES! Planned a short day today because of the extreme elevation change, 4500' total. Hold on knees.

Low Gap Shelter

Stopped for a lunch break at the Low Gap shelter at approx mi 40 on the AT. I was pleasantly surprised at how clean and well-maintained the shelter is. Part of my discipline hiking, especially early on, is to make frequent stops and make sure that I eat and drink plenty. What a nice spot.

Walasi-Yi Center at Neel's Gap

After 3 days of hiking the Walasi-Yi center seems like an oasis with hot shower, laundry, and supplies. The caretaker, "Pirate", a long-time AT hiker himself, has decorated the place in holiday spirit.

View back to Springer from Blood Mtn

Start of Day 4, about mile 28. A break in the rainy, foggy weather allows for a view back to Springer Mtn. The hike has been great so far, making good time. The only issue has been lack of water. With the extended drought, several water sources were dry. Had to make it through last night on cold food and half a quart of water. So it goes...

Hawk Mtn on the AT

Morning of Day 2, camsite at the Hawk Mtn shelter, mi8 on the AT. Starting out the day's hike with some beautiful weather.

Three Forks

Harry and I stop at Three Forks for a lunch break. A beautiful spot at the confluence of three streams at mile 4 of the AT.

Five days until Liftoff

Well, here it is: my first post, so I guess it's official. I'm going out for a late season section-hike on the AT. I've talked about this for years but now it's finally happening. The physical training is winding down and I'm focused on the final planning and prep: food mail drops assembled and sent out; itinerary being finalized; one or two more gear checks before heading out. It's both exciting and scary going out for a month, especially since my longest outing was 3-4 days. For now, time to sleep.