John's Appalachian Thru-Hike Journal For May 1999

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Trail Journal

Date: May 1, 1999

Travel From: Harpers Ferry Hostel

To: Blackburn Hostel

Number of Miles Hiked On Appalachian Trail: 12.5 miles

Additional Miles: 3 miles

AM Weather: 60's

PM Weather: 60's

Condition of Trail: Not a difficult trail today. Fairly level with short ups and downs.

Breakfast: orange juice, coffee and cereal

Lunch: Lipton dinner

Dinner: Rice and a blend of vegs with a spicy sauce.

Snacks: pop tarts, cheese and crackers

People I Met: Crash & Scooby

Animals: quail, turkey, deer, squirrel, many birds

Notes of the Day: Well the vacation is over so lets get the show on the road. Not a difficult trail today. During morning break I switched to Teva Approach sandals with socks. It went well with them today. I'll wear them again tomorrow. What a difference a week made in the woods. The wild flowers are blooming, trees leaves are sprouting, wildlife is busy all day long and I'm loving every minute of it. Even the bugs are okay at least for now. The trail was all mine today. When I got to the shelter it was just me. Crash and Scoobie showed: up a father and son team. Nice folks, I enjoyed their company. The folks at the main house invited us over for the leftovers. WE SAID YES. Good meal and went to bed with a full belly and a smile on my face. Nite All Folks

Main Concern of the Day: It was a real good day.

Date: May 2, 1999

Travel From: Blackburn Shelter

To: Sam Moore Shelter

Number of Miles Hiked On Appalachian Trail: 10.9 miles

Additional Miles: 1 mile

AM Weather: 60's cloudy

PM Weather: 60's cloudy

Condition of Trail: Got a real strong workout today. The old heart was pumping overtime at times. Trail in great shape, just a lot of changes in elevation during the day.

Breakfast: cereal

Lunch: Lipton dinner and English muffin

Dinner: pop tarts

Snacks: pop tart & cheese and crackers

People I Met: Timber, Dharma, Ditka & Butkus

Animals: deer, squirrels, birds, turkey, quail, chipmunk and bugs

Notes of the Day: A tough trail today. Stopped at Bear Den what a place. Had lunch on lawn and headed out. The legs were weary today.

When I got to Sam Moore shelter I saw entry in log from Ron Richards to me. In the shelter log the entry from Ron Richards was posted on April 25.

"4-25 Message for John O' 99 Thru-Hiker

John I read on your journal posting that you hit Harpers Ferry Thursday night. Took a shot at running into you around here. I miscalculated your miles? Oh well, maybe I'll get to see you down the trail. If you need something give me a call.

Ron Richards Backpacking Light List Memeber

P.S. Left some treats hanging for you to enjoy."

That was real nice Ron thanks again.

Main Concern of the Day: Not really

Date: May 3, 1999

Travel From: Sam Moore Shelter

To: Dick's Dome Shelter

Number of Miles Hiked On Appalachian Trail: 15.9 miles

Additional Miles: 1.5 miles

AM Weather: cloudy 50's

PM Weather: rain 50's

Condition of Trail: Trail crews have been here recently and cleared the trail from downed trees. A good workout on the trail today. I burned some calories today.

Breakfast: cereal

Lunch: Lipton dinner and English muffins

Dinner: pop tart

Snacks: cheese and crackers & pop tarts

People I Met: Greybeard, and 4 others but they were going so fast I couldn't catch their names. All Northbounders. A couple of section hikers. These woods are getting crowded ;)

Animals: rabbits, lots of deer, squirrel, birds, butterflies and grouse

Notes of the Day: Trail in morning was good workout for sure. Overcast sky until rain came in early afternoon. These NB'ers are hauling butt on the trail. 4 flew by me said hello, left their names and never broke stride. To be 20 years old again. I guess they are ready to pull into Harpers Ferry?

Starting to feel more comfortable hiking again. I guess I'm getting my hiking legs back? Been walking in Teva Approach sandals since first day out of Harpers Ferry. I really enjoy hiking in them. I wear a pair of socks with them. I forgot to pick up a pair of waterproof socks when I bought the sandals for rain. Today I found out the merits of those socks. It was cold in the rain and my feet suffered from it. I'll pick up a pair before I go in SNP for sure. Spring is here for sure. The birds are singing all day long. Wild flowers are blooming as I hike by them. The leaves are growing bigger each day. It’s a beautiful time of the year. The gnats are also out. Not sure what there job is in this wilderness scheme? Passed the remains of a deer just off the trail. It had been picked clean recently. Took pictures of rib cage and hide. Saw my first snake today. It crossed the trail right in front of me. About 2' long with yellow and black stripes running down the length

of the snake. I took pictures and believe it to be a garter snake? All in all, a good day on the trail. Looks like I'm the only one at the shelter tonight.

Nite Folks.

Main Concern of the Day: It was AOK today

Date: May 4, 1999

Travel From: Dick's Dome

To: Jim & Molly Denton Shelter

Number of Miles Hiked On Appalachian Trail: 9.9 miles

Additional Miles: 2 miles

AM Weather: sunny 60's

PM Weather: sunny 70's

Condition of Trail: Trail crews were just here in the past few days. They cleared some downed trees from the trail. Not a difficult hike today.

Breakfast: cereal

Lunch: 2 Ham & cheese sandwiches, ice cream, soda and candy in Linden, Va. Well PO was closed and I needed to eat didn't I???????

Dinner: Lipton dinner

Snacks: pop tarts, cheese and crackers

People I Met: Ziploc, Duke, Torso, Mardi Gras, Eagle Walker, Spaceman, Greenbush, Shady Tree, Old Crow, Avlo, Rabbit

Animals: deer, squirrels, wide range of birds, rabbits and smelled another skunk

Notes of the Day: Dick's Dome Shelter was made by a PATC member on private land and donated to hikers. It’s been here awhile and needs some work done to it. Did 4.4 miles in first 2 hours of trail. On to Linden for maildrop and resupply. The fragrance from the flowers and trees was so strong today in areas it was almost overpowering. I don't remember experiencing something like this before. Anxious to see SNP as a backpacker. I've been there twice before car camping and on a motorcycle. Decided to stay at Denton Shelter. It’s a beautiful shelter and grounds. Even has a solar shower and a covered picnic area with a large front porch with benches and chairs. Now this is wilderness. A group staying here tonight. 2 brought a 12 pack of beer to drink. They'll be asleep well before sunset is my guess. As I was approaching this shelter I heard a harmonica playing and thought it was a band at the shelter. You could hear the music loud and clear from his tape deck. Spaceman was enjoying himself as he went north for another day. Took a solar shower and got some of the road dirt off me. Feels good for sure. Early to bed as I meet Fanny Pack between 9 & 10 am at Route 522 to get waterproof socks for sandals. I called him at Linden. Hit the hay early tonight getting ready for a power day tomorrow. SNP will be on Thursday I think. Looking at Shelter Register and noticed entry from Ron Richards on May 1.

"5/1 What a great day to hike John O. I figured you would have been through here by now. You must be really living it up in Harpers Ferry.

Good Luck on your hike.

Ron Richards"

That shows that I should have alerted people that I was staying in Harpers Ferry for a week. Thanks again Ron it was real nice of you. Guess who just showed up at the shelter? Fanny Pack 96. He’s a character, he really is. Hiked in with some soda, chips and cookies. Thanks FP.

Main Concern of the Day: I don’t think so.

Date: May 5, 1999

Travel From: Denton Shelter

To: Route 522, VA

Number of Miles Hiked On Appalachian Trail: 5.2 miles

Additional Miles: 4 miles

AM Weather: 60's sunny

PM Weather: 60's partly sunny, then showers later in evening

Condition of Trail: Easy trail today through a mature forest. Didn't get the smell from flowers like yesterday before Denton Shelter. Hitched into Front Royal for supplies and to get info on forest fire in SNP (Shenandoah National Park). According to ATC the SNP is closed about at mile marker 65. Hikers are being transported around control burn that got out of hand and now is a forest fire. Rains called for next few days, so that should solve problem? A number of hikers have been talking about the over use condition the SNP is in. Many called it the Dead Zone. That reminds me of the area just south of Lehigh River, PA. Sure hope it doesn't resemble that? Will find out tomorrow.

Trail Rumors: Only 60 hikers a day are being allowed to leave from Springer Mountain due to large number of hikers? I spoke to ATC today and that is a false rumor. The ATC will not limit the number of hikers starting at any given day.

In early March a sleeping bag and pack was just left at one of the first shelters from Springer. Many say the hiker is missing under unusual circumstances.

The hiker gave up and left all his gear at shelter. This was also from ATC. One hiker did die this year from a heart attack while hiking trail.

On a much happier note May 6th is Barbara's Birthday, my wife. So let’s all wish her a Happy Birthday.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BARBARA

Come on everybody say it

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BARBARA

Breakfast: cereal

Lunch: pop tarts

Dinner: chicken parm sub and soda

Snacks: crackers and cheese

People I Met: I can't find the paper I had with the names on it? When I locate it I'll include the names.

Animals: Donkey, African antelope?, Deer, squirrel, birds and rabbits

Notes of the Day: Fast hiking and a short hike. Interesting walking past a section of the wildlife preserve of the National Zoological Park. That’s where I saw the donkey and the African antelope; what species I'm not sure. The area is double fenced in and NO TRESPASSING signs are all over the place. There is also a sign put up by a previous hiker several years ago that says "VIOLATORS WILL BE EATEN". The wooden sign is clearly visible and has become part of the AT folk lure. Hitched into Front Royal and called SNP; couldn't speak to anyone just voice mail. Did call ATC in Harpers Ferry and got answers to my questions. Resupplied and took care of some personal matters. Stayed the night Super 88 Motel which is close to a Super K-Mart and other stores. Have no idea how much food to bring for this section. As usual I'll have more than enough. I'm getting better carrying water. For now I carry 1 liter and resupply more frequently at springs along the way. If I could regulate my food now I'll be very pleased. In time this will happen if I continue to work toward it. My Teva's are working great. I'm very pleased with the results so far. No sore feet at all. Some of the trail has been rough but they have worked great. More on them later in the trip. All my gear is working quite well indeed. My new Journey pack is carrying the load very well. No snipping at all has taken place. Contacted Kevin to get transportation down pat for trip to Damascus, VA and Trail Days next weekend. Lynne Wheldon, the director of 5 million steps and light weight backpacking video and others will be there with his 1 lb pack and other lightweight gear. That’s about all for now.

Don't forget its Barbara's Birthday tomorrow. She's in her 20's I forget which one again :)

Main Concern of the Day: I remembered Barbara's Birthday nothing to worry about :)

Date: May 6, 1999

Travel From: Route 522

To: Gravel Springs Hut

Number of Miles Hiked On Appalachian Trail: 13.8 miles

Additional Miles: 2 miles

AM Weather: 60's cloudy then rain

PM Weather: 60's rain & fog so thick visibility was 20'

Condition of Trail: A good workout today with a lot of ups. Unable to see much at all due to heavy fog

Breakfast: bananas, toast, cereal, coffee, apple sauce

Lunch: pop tarts

Dinner: Lipton, bagel, cheese, pepperoni and carnation breakfast

Snacks: candy, pop tarts

People I Met: A ton of NB'ers (north bounders) today: Chewy, Sam O, Fun Love, Sweet Thing, Avigodro, Lucky, Snickers, Darkstar, Moglow, Komikozi, Damn Yankees, 2 Step, Speedy, there were a couple others but I didn't get their names. The NB'ers have arrived in force.

Animals: birds, chipmunk, dog, deer, Mongolian wild horse, Sable Antelope The donkey all have been seeing at the animal preserve is really a Mongolian wild horse. I spoke to one of the workers there today. A very informative conversation.

Notes of the Day: Happy Birthday Barbara. Called home early and spoke to Barbara and Debbie. That’s a good way to start any day. Left motel and had an easy hitch to trail. Stopped and talked with animal preserve worker about the preserve and the animals. Learned a lot about it. Also picked up a black lab with white around neck and chest as he followed me for the next 3 miles along the trail. He had a collar and probably was a local dog out for a walk. The dog knew all the shortcuts and would take off and meet me as I followed the white blazes. He had fun chasing the local chipmunks along the way. Almost as soon as I entered the SNP the heavy fog set in. blanketing the whole area. At times it was difficult to see the blazes until you were right on top of them. Not able to see anything. Reminded me of the trip we took 20 years ago to SNP under similar conditions. Meet a slew of NB'ers all within 1 hour. Spoke to several and they seemed to be having a great time. On to the shelter or hut as they call it in SNP. Some workout! I was glad when the day of hiking was over. I never stopped to prepare a meal during the day so I snacked all day long. Didn't really want to stop and fix anything in the rain. I bought some of margarine in a squeeze bottle and used that with the Lipton dinner and it tasted excellent. I was HUNGRY. Hit the hay around 8pm and slept good. I had earned my sleep tonight.

Nite All

Main Concern of the Day: Will the forest fire be out so I can finish SNP?

Date: May 7, 1999

Travel From: Gravel Spring Hut

To: Pass Mountain Hut

Number of Miles Hiked On Appalachian Trail: 13 miles

Additional Miles: 4 miles

AM Weather: heavy fog 50's then sunny high 60's

PM Weather: sunny 70's, foggy 50's, thunderstorms and heavy rain, then 50's. All that in less than 24 hours. Some weather system SNP makes for itself

Condition of Trail: Good workout again today. As always, trails are very well maintained

Breakfast: cereal & vanilla Carnation breakfast

Lunch: double hamburger with lettuce, tomato and 2 BLACKBERRY ICE CREAM SODAS

Dinner: Lipton dinner, bagel

Snacks: pop tarts

People I Met: Ryan, Jonica, High Tech Trail Walker (Mary), Molasses, Light, The Kid, Gandolf, Campbell Kid, Steady On

Animals: deer, chipmunks, birds

Notes of the Day: The weather changes here every few minutes it seems. Good cardio workout on some of the long ups. The sun zaps my energy quickly. It appears it’s going to take some adjusting time before I can do better on those ups. Didn't meet as many NB'ers today. Did meet High Tech Trail Walker at shelter. We had met at Knifes Edge in PA. She was doing a section north as I went south. She has some great lightweight suggestions. Today I saw her homemade tarp and hammock set-up and homemade base and windscreen for her Trangia stove. I took pictures of both for future considerations. She used flashing for stove base & windscreen. Set-up Nomad for a change and it got a workout last night. We had thunderstorms, heavy winds and rain from 11pm to 5am. I set-up on a slant and I'll not do that again. My sleeping bag slid to tent wall and I got enough condensation to get bottom of sleeping bag wet. Another lesson learned set-up on LEVEL ground in future. During the night some of the lighting struck really close by. The time span between thunder and the lighting striking was real close. Enjoyed the company of all at the shelter last night. Bedtime is normally 8:30 to 9:30pm, sometimes earlier if you've had a tough day.

All in all day of learning.

Heading south in am

Main Concern of the Day: Not today

Date: May 8, 1999

Travel From: Pass Mountain Hut

To: Woods near Skyland

Number of Miles Hiked On Appalachian Trail: 11 miles

Additional Miles: 2.5 miles

AM Weather: Rain and thunder around 7am. Cleared up, then cloudy, then sunny in the 60's

PM Weather: sunny 60's with some cloudiness and light rain

Condition of Trail: Some freshly fallen trees from last night’s storm. Parts of trail washed out from heavy rains last night. They did the job on the forest fire also:) Was going to stay at Skyland tonight, but they were all booked up. Didn't even see any other hikers around to split a room. Had a great turkey dinner and let after sunset. Will walk out of sight and pitch campsite. With a full belly I will sleep good tonight.

Breakfast: cereal and Carnation breakfast

Lunch: Lipton dinner & bagel

Dinner: Turkey, split pea soup, salad, bread baked potato, coffee, soda and apple pie with ice cream:)

Snacks: pop tarts, beef jerky, candy bar

People I Met: 2 Park Rangers at day hut when I was having my 2pm lunch. Had nice conversation with them. They confirmed AT opened all the way:)

Animals: deer, squirrels, Trey the Butterfly

Notes of the Day: Got up at 6am and brought my stuff, except tent, into shelter to air and dry things out. No sooner had I gotten them in the shelter and the skies opened up again with a vengeance. The 2 in the shelter and the other 2 in tents or tarps were dead asleep. In an hour the rain let up and the sun finally came out. Laid my gear out to dry in the sun for about an hour then the rains came again lightly this time. Got all packed up and headed out. Good trail today and heard great news the AT is opened all the way through starting Sunday am. YES YES YES.

Main Concern of the Day: No Fire, No Problems

Date: May 9, 1999

Travel From: Skyland Stables

To: Bearfence Hut

Number of Miles Hiked On Appalachian Trail: 16 miles

Additional Miles: 3 miles

AM Weather: sunny 60's

PM Weather: 60's sunny

Condition of Trail: A couple good ups to get the heart kicking this morning. I didn't want to loose that wonderful dinner and breakfast so took it nice and easy. Rest of the day not a difficult trail. Starting to see more rocks on trail. The woods have been more alive with growth not like before. A few downs from storm on trail.

Breakfast: Buffet at Skyland worth the $8 including tax; great price for sure:) The ups are going to be tough after this food last night and this morning

Lunch: cheese burger, milk shake Black raspberry, French fries

Dinner: Pop tart

Snacks: pop tarts, dried apricots, jerky

People I Met: John & Cheryl, Just Dan, Bee, Fire Lily

Animals: Horses, deer, mice, birds

Notes of the Day: HAPPY MOTHERS DAY. Last night when I left Skyland it was past sunset and I figured I'd just walk outside the sprawling complex and grab a little earth for a bed and sleep under the stars as the sky was clear as can be. I walked past the stable and figured what the hay, maybe they have a stall empty to sack out in? Well, John who stays at the stable in a good size apt and Cheryl who also works at the stable were sitting around talking. They invited me in and after a few minutes I was offered the spare bed to sleep in for the night:)

I took a LOOOOOOONG HOOOOOOOOOT SHOWER and washed my socks, shirt and shorts in sink and felt like a million dollars at least. Once again my bandanna was my wash cloth and towel. Had a good conversation with both and when Cheryl left the conversation continued with John. I offered to clean up the room as a way to thank him for his kindness in the am. Up at 6am even had HOT COFFEE with SUGAR:) Was debating about taking another shower and said no I didn't want to look like a rookie hiker. Figured I should go roll in the dirt to get that long distance hiker look. Changed my mind, the trail will produce enough dirt to suit me during today’s hike. Cleaned up the room and said my thanks and goodbyes and back to Skyland for BUFFET. DID I MENTION IT WAS A GOOD AYCE (all you can eat) for the price???????? Well it was:) While hiking I would sense someone was watching me and sure enough a herd of deer was just off the trail in the woods watching what I was doing. They blend so well into the forest that you need to look carefully to see them or any other animal. In SNP there are several camping spots on Skyline Drive that sell food and have gift and camp stores. Like most hikers I've been taking advantage of these stores and eating real good and drinking lots of blackberry shakes. One could get spoiled like this real easy. They also have showers $1 for 5 minutes. It takes 10 minutes just to get the trail dirt off of me. I wonder if they accept MC or VISA? I stay with the creek baths for now.

Looking forward to Trail Days next weekend. Its going to be nice to see some of the NB'ers I've seen along the way there and looking at gear displays. I said, just look at the gear on display.

Tired tonight so it’s off to bed I go.

Nite Folks

Main Concern of the Day: On Mothers Day, I don't think so

Date: May 10, 1999

Travel From: Bearfence Hut

To: Hightop Hut

Number of Miles Hiked On Appalachian Trail: 12.5 miles

Additional Miles: 1 mile

AM Weather: 60's sunny

PM Weather: 70's sunny

Condition of Trail: Good trail had some long gradual downs and 1 monster long up at day’s end;)

Breakfast: cereal, dried apricots

Lunch: pop tarts

Dinner: Lipton Dinner, bagel

Snacks: pop tarts, Snickers

People I Met: Marco Polo & Krispina, a Father & daughter team

Animals: deer, chipmunk, birds

Notes of the Day: The mice didn't wake me last night, but they were around for sure. Beautiful morning sunny and no aches or pains: a good day for sure. It’s 8am and I'm 1.5 miles from Bearfence Hut waiting for the camp store to open at 9am to get some supplies. They have a porch facing the east and comfortable chairs, soda machine and a telephone. So I'll download my messages and pick up any there for me. This Lewis campsite has nice cabins as well as tent sites.

So I'm forced to sit in a comfortable chair soaking up the warmth of the sun with a soda and telephone next to me. This wilderness life sure is tough. Remember only the strong survive:) These huts I've been using at SNP are in great shape for all the use they receive. PATC is doing a great job and I want to thank you folks for your efforts.

My gear is holding up quite well with all the use and abuse it receives on a journey like this one.

Teva Approach Sandals- still enjoying them. Actually quite pleased with the results in using them.

REI Trekking Poles- They are taking a lot of abuse and still working fine. I no longer use the loops at the top of the grips. Too my times I've slipped and never felt comfortable with loops around wrist. Even using the quick release mode with loops. I see no difference using the poles this way.

Western Mountaineering 40 Degree Sleeping Bag- So far is had keep me toasty warm. I do use the silk sleeping bag liner also. As the night passes on I go from just using the liner to liner and bag unzipped. Then in stages I zipper up the bag as the temperature lowers. My guess is the temperature ranges from mid 40's to low 50's during the night. Some campsites are at higher elevation and therefore cooler at night.

Journey Backpack- As I've said before all my gear except my sleeping pad is inside the pack with room to spare. As yet I still haven't removed anything from pack. Carrying the pack 10-12 hours a day hasn't been a problem to date. Though I'm happy when I can take it off during rests, meals and end of day.

Now if someone would volunteer to carry the pack this adventure would be even more enjoyable:) Any Taker???????????

Trangia Stove- Has worked quite well so far. I've used one in the past and was happy with it then. Using the MSR windscreen does make it more fuel efficient. I've been using the 16oz Naglene Fuel Container and this also has performed quite well. I've used rocks to support my pot, eliminating frame that comes with stove. The other night High-Tech Trail Walker was using a piece of roof flashing as support and wind screen. Hopefully while in town I can build one and eliminate MSR windscreen and rocks for a more efficient system. This will make it easier to have a level pot while cooking and a more efficient windscreen.

Nomad Tent- have only used it 3 times and still quite happy with its performance. Once the bugs become and issue in the summer nights I believe I'll be using it much more.

I'll write more later, they just opened up.

Okay were on a roll now. Picked up enough food to last to next wayside at Loft's Camp Store.

Main Concern of the Day: Maybe tomorrow?

Date: May 11, 1999

Travel From: Hightop Hut

To: Blackrock Hut

Number of Miles Hiked On Appalachian Trail: 21.5 miles

Additional Miles: 2 miles

AM Weather: 60's sunny

PM Weather: 70's sunny

Condition of Trail: Some long gradual ups that never appeared to end. Kept the old heart pumping blood. I should mention also a larger number of gradual downs were included today.

Breakfast: cereal

Lunch: Lipton dinner

Dinner: pop tart

Snacks: candy & pop tarts

People I Met: Lone Star, Mud Puppy & Wood Cutter, Yo & Yak, East Tennessee Sam, Preacher, Shavin' Dave, Red Fox, Ice Falcon, 2nd Degree, Kentucky, Ernest P, Speed, Young Einstein and dog Forest, Finnigan, Ynot2k, Uncle Bee 40

Animals: deer, birds, BIG BLACK SNAKE

Notes of the Day: Good trail speed in am, after lunch at Pinefield Hut I seemed to loose steam quickly. I needed to drink a lot of water and take more snacks to keep things going. Got to Loft campgrounds and they had no water at all turned on. They are closed till Friday due to fire. Big Meadows Inn will also be open Friday for season. I walked to Skyline Drive, which was at least 1 1/2 miles down hill and got several sodas and some water from a RV being repaired in Wayside lot. Feeling refreshed from sodas, snacks and water, back to the AT. Yeap, up that 1 1/2 mile road walk again. Pulled into hut with 2 husband wife teams and 1 man. I took top bunk shelf. Big Mistake. Not a good idea to jump off top bunk first thing in morning. Almost all do the hiker shuffle when they first get up. Some are bent over, almost all walk softly until circulation is running again. Had enjoyable conversation and to bed early. They are talking about getting up at 5am. Looks like I'll be having my earliest start in am? Sure hope I don't fall out off top bunk during night. I don't thing the couple below me will appreciate it? No water for like 10 miles after this shelter. That’s All Folks Nite Nite

Main Concern of the Day: Water sources are thinly spaced for today and tomorrow. A new experience will be learned.

Date: May 12, 1999

Travel From: Blackrock Hut

To: End of SNP

Number of Miles Hiked On Appalachian Trail: 23.1 :) miles

Additional Miles: 2 miles

AM Weather: 60's sunny

PM Weather: 70's sunny

Condition of Trail: Very easy trail with short & not steep ups or downs. A very gradual changing trail. Walked through approximately 4 miles of forest controlled, uncontrolled, burned forest from Skyline Drive Mile posts 89 to 93 or section 8 of the guide book mile posts 5.5 to 9.4, meadows walk, good growth forest with numerous fresh tree cuts as result of forest fire

Breakfast: Raisin bran cereal

Lunch: Lipton dinner

Dinner: A WHOLE MEDIUM SIZED PEPPERONI AND SAUSAGE PIZZA and a LARGE SODA

Snacks: pop tart I had NO FOOD when I left SNP. This is a first for me. Maybe I'm finally getting the hang of my body intake? I had 1/2 liter of water left.

People I Met: Grandpa Bob, Not to Worry, Tama

Animals: deer, birds

Notes of the Day: Water will be difficult to manage today, I think? I take water from hut, then no water for 12 miles. Left hut at 6:15am; others in hut were gone before me. This is good to have others leaving early, it forces me to move faster. Of course if I have a bunch of sleepy heads will I do the same? Was ripping up the miles early on. I had decided today will be my last day in SNP. It’s Waynesboro for me tonight. I was going real well and so as not to repeat my mistake the other day I kept myself hydrated with short gulps of water. I took a lot of pictures of forest fire. It’s strange, the AT footpath isn't singed in 99% of the forest fire. You see burned forest floor to each side of trail. Even a forest fire knows the AT is for foot travel only;) The burned area I could see from the trail was limited to ground covering mostly. In some areas the first 1'-2' of base of trees were slightly singed. The lower branches of trees leaves were burned. I saw some root fires in some already dead trees before fire had started. Even some of my pines were burned. The pines seemed not to fare well in the fire as up to 2/3's of their branches and needles were singed or burned inmost cases. You could see where they had dumped a white powdery substance in tough fire areas. Several journal entries in huts register spoke about hikers who were hiking through the control burn area as it was burning. Some realized something was not going properly and got the hay out of there pronto. Several hikers saw the helicopters flying over head for air strikes on the fire. That must have been exciting. I was a volunteer with my home town’s fire company and I loved the rush of driving into a brush fire spraying water on the roaring fire. It was a Pickup with a cage and water tank with 200 to 300 gallons of water. The driver just drove like a manic and you fine sprayed the fire until water was used up. Then fill up and back into the fire. Oh, you had to duck for low branches as you stood on the back of the truck. I honestly believe the driver headed for low hanging branches just to check you reflexes out;) Okay now back to SNP. So for 4 miles I viewed a different forest than I'm used to seeing. At overlook I found a SNP maintenance truck with worker cutting grass. He asked if I needed water I had some of his ICE COLD IGLOO COOLER WATER. He said I could take more so I loaded up 1 1/2 liters of water, plus drank at least as much. The water was so cold I thought I might get cramps. It tasted so good I really didn't care. I thanked him many times over and off I went with a big smile on my face. I meet Not to Worry and he's using an Exocet from North Face as his backpack. His weight was about 27 pounds with 4 days of food and water. I was definitely impressed with his system. I'll look over my gear and send some home from Waynesboro.

So today is for sure the easiest trail I've hiked. The miles flew by. Of course the ICE COLD WATER helped a lot. I keep my Platypus container inside my backpack so the sun won't warm up the water. I also don't let water lay in the hydration tube or it'll get warm as bath water. I found the north section of SNP to have the largest area of downed trees in comparison to Central and south area. I enjoyed SNP and grateful I was able to hike it due to recent fire. Hitched into Waynesboro and had a pizza and soda. That’s all for now folks.

Main Concern of the Day: No Way Jose

Date: May 13, 1999

Travel From: Waynesboro

To: Waynesboro

Number of Miles Hiked On Appalachian Trail: 0 miles

Additional Miles: 2 miles

AM Weather: 60's sunny

PM Weather: 70's sunny then cloudy and rain:)

Condition of Trail: N/A

Breakfast: coffee, cereal, juice muffins

Lunch: 2 hot dogs and soda

Dinner: Seafood Platter, Salad Bar, Key Lime Pie, Soda, and coffee

Snacks: 2 hot dogs and soda and candy

People I Met: Kevin "Paddington Bear"

Animals: Just lots of people!

Notes of the Day: Went to Rockfish Gap Outfitters just on outskirts of Waynesboro. LARGE SELECTION OF GEAR TO CHOOSE FROM. All the staff and owner Chuck were very pleasant and helpful. I got a larger mesh bag for carrying food, Leki poles, 2 pair smart wool socks (the low cut ones below ankles), short sleeve Capilene tee shirt, 2 oz camp soap and 2 oz naglene bottle.

I neglected to mention yesterday at the end of the day of hiking I needed to close up the REI poles for hitchhiking into town from trail head. Well one of them collapsed when I closed it. The lower tip area just collapsed. I had them shipped home to be taken care of at a later date. I use them everyday and needed replacement right away. When hitch hiking it looks better not to have poles in hand. I close mine up and put them on side or back of pack under compression straps. It less threatening looking if you know what a mean? Here you have 3-6 days of trail dirt on you, unshaven and you waving 2 spears while asking for a ride. For me I'll store my poles away.

I mailed home my sneakers, smaller food bag, maps and data info I didn't need any more. The weight was 2 lbs 4 ozs for items mailed home. Actually savings will be weight of sneakers, which was about 28 ozs. I always have maps and data info and the savings from food bag was overshadowed by additional weight of larger food bag. Approximate weight increase of larger food bag is 2ozs.

I had 4 rolls of film developed covering area from Harpers Ferry to Waynesboro at Quick's One Hour Photo & Portrait Studio, N.Wayne Ave. Joanie who runs the business gives hikers a discount when developing film. She very pleasant and the discount is worth a visit.

I bought a wooden picture frame on sale and had a 8"x11" poster made up saying "SELF PORTRAIT OF A THRU-HIKER". I taped the sign to bottom of the frame and will carry it in parade at Damascus Trail Days parade on Saturday. I also got a photo album to put the 100+ photos I had developed today. It will be easier to share them in photo album.

My friend Kevin arrived at motel around dinner time and off to dinner we went. We went to Captain Sam's Seafood Restaurant and had a great meal; another bellybusting meal. It was Kevin's treat. Sure is nice to have good friends like Kevin. We had a great time talking about hiking and gear as we stuffed our faces. He advised me that the Backpackinglight List had a survey and my trail name should be "Golden Tongue". So I'll be now signing registers and mail as "Golden Tongue". Thanks to all who took part in the process. My understanding is that they came up with the name as they believe I have a gift for saying the right words for yogying. It’s good to have a friend around for the weekend. We'll be leaving in the am for Damascus and Trail Days.

I finally got a massage today at Body by Nature, 946-5846. Since I left NJ I've been trying to get a message with no luck well till today. I also got adjusted by Chiropractor Dr Jay DiCicco, 943-6036. Both were much needed and enjoyed greatly.

Kevin and I talked till it was time to hit the hay.

Nite Folks.

Main Concern of the Day: Not at all

Date: May 14, 1999

Travel From: Waynesboro

To: Damascus

Number of Miles Hiked On Appalachian Trail: 0 miles

Additional Miles: 240 miles by car:)

AM Weather: rain 50's

PM Weather: rain and then clearing skies low 60's

Condition of Trail: N/A

Breakfast: coffee, cereal, muffins and juice

Lunch: subs and soda

Dinner: subs soda

Snacks: peanuts, chips and candy

People I Met: At Damascus, there are several thousand people

Animals:

Notes of the Day: Up and running errands. Getting food for my next trip on the AT. Visited Rockfish Gap Outfitters. I got a 1 oz Nalgene bottle for my camp suds and a .85 liter MSR titanium pot and lid at 2oz. That will save me 6oz over using the 1.3 liter pot and 1 1/3 cup Evernew titanium set. I've found the meals I make don't require the larger pot and I'm not drinking coffee any more. So a little change in the kitchen gear today. Kevin and I headed for Damascus and enjoyed the scenery and had good conversation. It took about 3 hours to arrive. During the trip we were in awe of the mountains and spoke about the difficulty or ease the climb would be. I now look at mountains differently than before. It used to be for their beauty, now we add ease of difficulty to climb when viewing them. The weather cleared as we approached Damascus but it remained cool.

My first visit to Damascus and its the 13th Trail Days Celebration honoring Earl Shaffer. We will stay at The Maples Bed & Breakfast 540-475-3943 for the weekend. My wife and daughter would love this home and furnishings.

A Hobo Hiker Tent site is by the river where about 300 tents are bunched together in a field. Then another 20 tent on and around "The Place" a hiker hostel, and 75 tents by recreation center area. Another 30 on island next to center. More people were arriving all day long and into Saturday, I'm sure. The Mt. Rogers Outfitters Shop is doing a booming business needless to say. I picked up a Trail Days shirt. Oh, Earl Schaffer is staying at the same B&B as we are. That’s a nice treat. I got one of his books and had him sign it for me. The streets are clogged with hikers throughout the town. The town park had booths set up for food and gear manufacturers, as does the Hobo City. Meeting a number of folks from The Ruck. I surprised myself and remembered some of their names. A slide presentation was cancelled: no projection available. Tomorrow they have a full day scheduled with parade at 2:30pm. I would think the fun continued well into the night. I called it quits at 9:30pm. My hiker body clock said it was time to get some shut eye. Earl was telling stories to a group on the front porch of the B&B. He's a very interesting man indeed.

I'm tired, nite folks.

Main Concern of the Day: I don’t think so ;-)

Date: May 15, 1999

Travel From: Damascus

To: Damascus

Number of Miles Hiked On Appalachian Trail: 0 miles

Additional Miles: 0 miles

AM Weather: 60's sunny

PM Weather: 70's sunny

Condition of Trail: N/A

Breakfast: buffet at B&B

Lunch: Hot dogs & soda

Dinner: sub & soda

Snacks: soda, pizza & candy

People I Met: A ton of folks!

Animals:

Notes of the Day: Today was another special day on my trek. Had breakfast with Earl Schaffer, Gutsy, Frenchy, GIJane, Red Rock, Spirit of 48, Kevin, Dawson and 2 other thru hikers. The conversation was excellent, needless to say. My head was swinging back and forth trying to hear all that everybody was saying at once. After breakfast, went to Post Office and mailed home more gear :) My silk weight Capilene long john pants, sierra 1-1/3 cup, 1.3 liter Evernew pot and lid, spoon, MSR windscreen and tee shirts I bought. A weight savings of about 1 pound :) The warmer it gets the more willing I become to send gear home. Once I get back to NJ I believe I'll be leaving more gear at home for my trek up to the Whites :)

After going to PO, went back to outfitter and got a Lexan spoon and 7"x11" mesh bag to hold maps and snacks during daytime.

Got back to B&B and ED GARVEY EARL SCHAFFER and SAM WADDLE were on front porch talking. It felt like I just meet Mickey Mantle and Babe Ruth, as Kevin said. The conversation was powerful and historic. Another special moment during my trip. Ed Garvey, author of Appalachian Hiker: Adventure of a Lifetime and Appalachian Hiker 2. He thru-hiked the AT twice, Earl Schaffer was the first person to thru-hike the AT in one year in 1948 from GA to ME. Then in 1965 he hiked the trail from ME to GA. Thus, he became the first person to hike the AT from North to South and South to North. In 1998 he hiked the AT from GA to ME on the 50th Anniversary of his 1st AT thru-hike and celebrated his 80th birthday during this adventure. Sam Waddle is a long time rail maintainer and shelter maintainer at Jerry's Cabin in Tennessee. He's been recognized by the Tennessee Assembly with a certificate acknowledging his volunteering on the AT and Jerry's Cabin.

Went around to all the displays and met some great people. Kahley, Pittsburgh, Woodelf, Chase, Redhead and more than I can list them all.

I as like a kid in a candy factory tour. Wanting to see all and hear all. It was a great day to say the least.

Main Concern of the Day: You’re Kidding, Right!

Date: May 16, 1999

Travel From: Interstate 64

To: Paul C. Wolfe Shelter

Number of Miles Hiked On Appalachian Trail: 5.9 miles

Additional Miles: 3 miles

AM Weather: 50's sunny

PM Weather: 50's sunny

Condition of Trail: Being away for 3 days and you can see the foliage has grown considerable. Lush vegetation in the hike to shelter. Complete contrast to hike on Thursday in SNP

Breakfast: Buffet at B&B

Lunch: Sub and soda

Dinner: Lipton dinner

Snacks: pudding, soda & candy

People I Met: Kahley, Algae, Paranoid, and many others at Damascus, and on the AT: Dr. Del, Twig & Log with dog Blaze, Dixie (dog), Chap, Tiger, Rabbitt, Ranger, Smoky, Yogi & BooBoo, Gumby, Mary, Bailey (dog)

Animals: squirrels & birds

Notes of the Day: Had breakfast with Earl Schaffer, Ed Garvey and others from yesterday, excluding Kevin. He left at 7 am for shuttle on his 2 weeks in the woods. Same as yesterday: trying to listen to all the very interesting conversations from all parts of the table. Another special breakfast on the trail.

Met Kurt the Nomad Tent maker and together we located Tom Conover. I've had numerous conversations with Tom on the redesign he made for the Zip stove. I had tried to locate him and was unable to until 9 am Sunday. It was great to finally meet someone you've spoken to via telephone & email over the last year. Tom's nursing an injury to his foot and hopes to be back on trail soon.

Kahley was giving me a ride back to trail at 11 am. She lives in PA and will be passing by where I left off. Kahley is another one I first meet on the backpacking internet sites. She's a trail angel on the AT near her home and now she's a Long Distance Trail Angel. Is that a trail name for Kahley?

Kahley / LONG DISTANCE TRAIL ANGEL

Well, Kahley and I left and before we got out of town picked up Algae and Paranoid, who were heading back on the trail. We dropped them off and they got a ride immediately by a family to their location. So it was a good hitch day for them. I'll be meeting them again in a week or so as our paths cross.

Kahley dropped me off and back in the woods I went. I met Dr. Del whose done 2 previous AT thru's and is doing a 3rd now. He's doing a GPS plotting hike this year. He had an antenna sticking from his small backpack. He gets picked up at road crossings along the way. A short enjoyable hike to shelter. Passed on info about TD's, ate a meal and hit the sack. Another great weekend was closing.

Main Concern of the Day: Maybe another day?

Date: May 17, 1999

Travel From: Paul C. Wolfe Shelter

To: Maupin Field Shelter

Number of Miles Hiked On Appalachian Trail: 12.8 miles

Additional Miles: 1.5 miles

AM Weather: 60's sunny

PM Weather: 60's cloudy

Condition of Trail: Well maintained as always. Several long ups to keep the ticker going. Some field walking today.

Breakfast: cereal

Lunch: honey & peanut butter, pepperoni, cheese and bagels

Dinner: candy and homemade pound cake

Snacks: snickers

People I Met: Tomcat, Magellan, Todd, Phoenix and parents of NB'ers thru-hiker I'll be meetin in a week or so

Animals:

Notes of the Day: Like my Cousins Dan & Denise had said to me before: after a few days off trail take it easy. They are correct and I didn't push hard today. Walked through some young forests and mature ones today. More growth than I've seen at SNP. Just plodding along today and really enjoying the outdoors once again. At an overlook I rested under a sprawling tree and parents of a thru-hiker were talking with me and gave me some homemade pound cake that was delicious. I neglected to write their names down but do remember their son is tall and blonde walking with his girl friend and dog. They are NB'ers and in about 2 weeks we'll pass on the trail. Thanks to his Mom as the pound cake was great. There was a 40' waterfall 1.5 miles from shelter. 3 locals passed by shelter on their way to waterfalls. Tired tonight went to bed real early, like 7:30pm

Nite All

Main Concern of the Day: None

Date: May 18, 1999

Travel From: Maupin Field Shelter

To: Harpers Creek Shelter

Number of Miles Hiked On Appalachian Trail: 6.2 miles

Additional Miles: 1 mile

AM Weather: rain thru the night, 50's overcast

PM Weather: 50's overcast

Condition of Trail: Fields of wild flowers all along the trail today. It was beautiful.

Breakfast: cereal

Lunch: cheese & pepperoni

Dinner: Liptons

Snacks: Snickers

People I Met: Towhee & Ben (dog), Porter, Gaseous, Golfer, Glider, Ironhorse, Grubby, Pizza Guy, Potato Picker, Blisters, Magellan, Phoenix, Fritz

Animals: salamander, squirrel, birds

Notes of the Day: It rained thru the night so no problem with creeks and springs going dry. Spoke with Phoenix and Glider about Tom Conover and updated them on his condition. They all stated they missed him and hope for his speedy recovery.

For about a mile walk today wild flowers were all over the area. It was a beautiful sight. Took a break at shelter and had enjoyable conversation with Pizza Man, Blisters and Towhee and her dog Sam. Towhee and Blisters wrote emails for friends and I'll be downloading them at next phone. Nice location for shelter next to a stream in a valley with a mature forest surrounding it. They even have a new privy. Life is good. Well I picked my spot in the shelter already. This is as far as I go today.

I've been thinking about the trail name and have decided that mine will be "Grateful". The reason for the choice of this name is that I'm grateful I'm able to be on the trail. Experiencing all that has happened so far. I appreciate the efforts of others to choose a name but "Grateful" is it. No, I'm not a deadhead.

I need to take several hours to catch up on my journal and other needs. So today will be a real short day. I'll get caught up writing emails and journal at the shelter today. I have to finish the previous several journal entries as they're only partially completed.

Main Concern of the Day: None today

Date: May 19, 1999

Travel From: Harpers Creek Shelter

To: Seeley Woodworth Shelter

Number of Miles Hiked On Appalachian Trail: 14.2 miles

Additional Miles: 1 mile

AM Weather: 50's cloudy

PM Weather: 40's partly cloudy

Condition of Trail: Today I did the Priest: 3000' elevation gain in a 4 mile UP. This is the biggest UP I've done so far. I'm proud to say I did it well :) It appears the trail maintainers were out again this past weekend. These folks bust their tushes so I can better enjoy my journey. Thanks again folks you deeds are appreciated.

Breakfast: cereal

Lunch: pepperoni, cheese & bagel

Dinner: Lipton & bagel

Snacks: Snickers

People I Met: Trillium Club, Ralph, Dan, Frito

Animals: squirrels and birds

Notes of the Day: Yesterday I had some negative feelings and today they are gone. Good night sleep and shelter to myself again. Around 7am I was on the trail heading south. I had a nice down; walked over the Tye River on a wooden foot bridge that sways and then the Priest appeared. As I passed other hikers I tried to smile but my red face and huffing and puffing told the tale. Do atheists have to due the Priest?????? As I approached the summit the winds were blowing full strength and at 4000' it was cold when I stopped for a rest. Most of the views are winter views so I saw a little of the scenery. I stopped at the Priest Shelter and ate a BIG LUNCH :) The rest of the day was small ups and downs. That is in comparison to the Priest.

At the shelter all were camping in tents. They say the mice problem is severe here? The gang of 7 called Trillium Club were ladies from around the USA who several times a year get together for outings. I believe the club has 9 members. They were doing another section of the AT and had FIG NEWTONS. They inhaled the FIG NEWTONS and enjoyed doing it. I offered them the use of Pocketmail and they sent email of to their homes. I'll down load messages tomorrow when I go to town for SHOWER and resupply and another couple of SHOWERS. Once the weather gets warmer I'll be able to take more woods baths. I'm still around 4000' elevation so its cooler than usual. After the sun went down it got COLD. I guess around low 40's. During the night I was chilled and had to zip up the sleeping bag and stay well covered. It probably was in the high 30's around 2am. While in Damascus I got my head buzzed so it felt the cold quite well. One of the trail clubs was giving free buzzs to all who wanted them. A buzz is so much easier to keep clean than longer hair. The beard stays; no discussion on that at all :) In the morning I wore my baseball hat, shorts, long pants, Zephur jacket and was still cool until I started to hike.

Main Concern of the Day: Not Really

Date: May 20, 1999

Travel From: Seeley-Woodworth Shelter

To: US 60 Highway

Number of Miles Hiked On Appalachian Trail: 13.6 miles

Additional Miles: 4 miles

AM Weather: 30's, cloudy later in am sunny and 40's

PM Weather: 50's sunny, when I got to town in lower elevation it was high 60's and sunny

Condition of Trail: Almost all easy downs today. A truly enjoyable event. Then a few short stiff ups thrown in for good measure. A good day on the trail. Lush vegetation and the fragrance from the flowers is so enjoyable. Sure smells better than I do today. I did a good bit of hiking on balds and grass fields today. Very different than I'm used to of late. I’ve been told by Coosa, trail angel from GA & NC area, that Native Americans purposely created the balds to attract the wildlife to eat the fresh growth. They could have better control of the wildlife on the bald. Thus increasing their chances of kills.

Breakfast: cereal

Lunch: pepperoni, cheese and bagels

Dinner: pizza and pasta soda and coffee

Snacks: candy and soda

People I Met: Iowa (Idiot Out Walking About) Journey, Tamarack, Waterboy, Vice, Spoons (husband & wife), Diamond, Tortise, Hare, Hankie, Full Moon, Sun Dog(dog), Sunny P, Robo Cop, Old Blue, Shaggy & Scooby (dog)

Animals:

Notes of the Day: A really enjoyable hike today. By far the easiest day I can remember in a long time. Or maybe I'm just in better shape. That would be nice if true. Over the next week or so I'll be hiking some areas that will test my endurance. I truly believe I'm up for the challenge.

I was calculating my current mileage and I've traveled 482.7 miles on the AT to date. If last year someone told me I would have hiked that many miles in a season I would have been doubtful.

Did 13.6 miles by 2:30 pm today. That is impressive in my book. Got to Hwy 60 and got a hitch to Hamm's Store, a small deli-type grocery store. Called the Budget motel as they provide shuttle service to and from trail. Had 2 cokes, 3 bags of pretzels, chips and combo's as I waited for ride. Got to motel, took a shower and then washed all my clothes in shifts. Took another shower. Had a sub for dinner and had dessert, then went food shopping. I'm learning very slowly. I truly believe I bought only the food I really need this time no extras? Went over data books and mapped out water and shelters along the way. Several stretches won't have water as frequently as I'm accustomed to having.

Off to post office in am then shuttle to trail by 9am, I hope?

Nite Folks. I Think I'll Take Another Shower :) :) :) :) :)

Main Concern of the Day: After taking several showers already what could be WRONG?????

Date: May 21, 1999

Travel From: Highway 60

To: Punchbowl Shelter

Number of Miles Hiked On Appalachian Trail: 10.6 miles

Additional Miles: 2.5 miles

AM Weather: 60's sunny

PM Weather: 80's sunny

Condition of Trail: A nice long down and flat hike for a couple of hours along side a creek. Then good long UP.

Breakfast: rolls & buns with coffee

Lunch: Snickers

Dinner: Cereal

Snacks: Candy & soda

People I Met: Ed Williams (Trail Angel), Angel, Disco, Bear Paw, Bud, Charlie Hustle, Shannara, Polish Packer, Patch, Flounder, Easy Rider, Fair Weather & Elwood (dog), Long Haired Freeky People, Dump Truck, Crop Duster, Dog Man, Chainsaw (dog)

Animals: deer, chipmunks, squirrels, birds frogs and BULL FROG

Notes of the Day: Talked to Barbara and Debbie around 6:45am and got caught up with all that’s going on at home front. That’s always a good way to start the day off:) I tried to talk to Sean, ended up leaving a message on his answering machine. Difficult to get moving in am. Got shuttle to go to Post Office and then to trail. I mailed home data info and maps. The first 5 miles were very easy along a couple of beautiful creeks without any steep UPS. The forest was mature with a full canopy. Walked by a large reservoir and took a footbridge at the base of a dam for reservoir. Is it going to hold? Is that a crack in the wall? Have their been any earthquakes lately?

The next 5 miles were a series of UPS till I reached the shelter.

Met people I saw at Trail Days and we exchanged stories.

Trail Magic Moment Ed Williams surprised us all with candy cookies and freeze-dried food at the shelter. Real nice man for sure. He and his wife Mary Ann do trail magic in the area for many years.

I didn't sleep well last night so bedtime will be early.

Enjoying conversation from other shelter people tonight. Angel is from Germany and is trying to catch up with another country man, Fritz, who I met 3 days earlier. Just relaxing for awhile longer then NITE ALL :) I been thinking about starting at ME and hiking back to NJ to finish my thru-hike. This way my family, relatives and friends could be there when I start and finish my hike. I'll have to check out transportation to ME. I'll let you know what my final plans.

Main Concern of the Day: Nope

Date: May 22, 1999

Travel From: Punchbowl Shelter

To: Highway 501

Number of Miles Hiked On Appalachian Trail: 11 miles

Additional Miles: 4 miles

AM Weather: 60's sunny

PM Weather: 80's sunny

Condition of Trail: A good 1 1/2 mile up right from the shelter. The old ticker was working AOK. Nice gradual down with some ups thrown in good measure to Hwy 501. I lost my balance during one down hill and wrenched my back real good. I probably would have been better off falling than stopping the fall? Just before I reached Highway 501 I was hiking next to Cashaw Creek and as the trail crossed the creek I stopped. It was time to cool off in the Cashaw Creek :) It was REAL COLD and felt wonderful. There were nice large flat rocks next to creek and they were perfect to lay on and dry off after a dip in creek. I had the creek all to myself and my own private beach :)

My back is stiff so I cut my hiking short for the day. I hitched into Glasgow and got a room at the Blue Ridge Motel. They have a small restaurant attached with a grocery store across the street. The owners of the Blue Ridge are from NEW JERSEY :) Don & Kathy Buck

Breakfast: cereal

Lunch: cheese & pepperoni

Dinner: grilled ham & cheese sandwich with fries, soda & coffee

Snacks: Snickers, soda candy

People I Met: Traveler, Check Dam, Wood Dr, Citrus

Animals: I'm not sure what type, but I saw around 6 lizards about 4"-6" in length, squirrels, birds

Notes of the Day: I covered it all before

Main Concern of the Day: All is AOK :)

Date: May 23, 1999

Travel From: Glasgow, VA

To: Glasgow

Number of Miles Hiked On Appalachian Trail: 0 miles

Additional Miles: 0 miles

AM Weather: early morning rain, then 60's sunny

PM Weather: 80's sunny, late night rain

Condition of Trail: N/A

Breakfast: pancakes, bacon and coffee

Lunch: sub and soda

Dinner: chicken & potatoes

Snacks: candy, ice cream

People I Met: Black Bear & Souring Eagle, Yogi, Tree, Walrus & Sparky, Thor all at motel

Animals:

Notes of the Day: A different type of day today. In a small town and no place to go. My back is pretty tight. A visit to local Dr Monday will be order of day, I believe. Just hung around today a tad bored to be sure. A highlight was being able to talk to my son this afternoon:)

Walked down to James River in afternoon about 1/2 mile from motel. Salem FD was having a water rescue drill and training session going on. A hard working group; most were volunteers.

Main Concern of the Day: Not really

Date: May 24, 1999

Travel From: Glasgow

To: Glasgow

Number of Miles Hiked On Appalachian Trail: 0 miles

Additional Miles: 0 miles

AM Weather: rain early am, low 60's cloudy

PM Weather: sunny. strong winds 60's

Condition of Trail: N/A

Breakfast: Blueberry pancakes , bacon and coffee

Lunch: grilled ham & cheese sandwich, soda & coffee

Dinner: tuna salad & coffee

Snacks: soda, candy

People I Met: Sywinder, Biohazard

Animals:

Notes of the Day: Different type of day today. Went to town Dr. to check out back and was told to come back in 2 weeks when Dr will take new customers. I explained my situation and was advised to go to Lexington, VA to hospital emergency room. Lexington is 1/2 drive from here. I smiled and left office. I got buzzed at local barber and had a great conversation on area’s history and enjoyed it greatly. Got hold of my son and had a good conversation with him. All seems to be going well for him. Back still stiff but better than before. I'll be heading out to trail in am heading southbound.

Main Concern of the Day: Not now

Date: May 25, 1999

Travel From: Highway 501

To: Thunder Hill Shelter

Number of Miles Hiked On Appalachian Trail: 15 miles

Additional Miles: 1.5 miles

AM Weather: 50's cloudy

PM Weather: 60's partly cloudy

Condition of Trail: Good many ups and downs on the gradual side. Mature full forest of soft and hard wood.

Breakfast: Ham, biscuits & coffee

Lunch: Lipton dinner

Dinner: pop tart

Snacks: Snickers

People I Met: John/Spider Bite, Bristle Cone, Spud, Ma & Pa from Grande Degire, New Brunswick, Canada hikers99@yahoo.com, Hillbilly, Pots

Animals: squirrel, deer, and chipmunk

Notes of the Day: Back stiff but not as uncomfortable as before. Got shuttle from motel owner. Long day on trail. Heading south in am.

Main Concern of the Day: Nope :)

Date: May 26, 1999

Travel From: Thunder Hill Shelter

To: under stars near Bobbets Gap Shelter

Number of Miles Hiked On Appalachian Trail: 22 miles

Additional Miles: 1 mile

AM Weather: 60's sunny

PM Weather: 60's sunny

Condition of Trail: The old ticker got a workout today. Some good ups and then a very gradual grade. I like the way VA uses the switchbacks on steep grades.

Breakfast: cereal

Lunch: Lipton

Dinner: Pop tart

Snacks: Snickers

People I Met: Court Dog, Sunshine East

Animals: birds & squirrels

Notes of the Day: Went for a long hike today. Water is spaced 8-10 miles in some areas. With the rain, I would think the springs would be overflowing? Back feels better today :) I want to get into Roanoke before weekend for equipment. Blue Ridge Parkway forest area is in much better shape than SNP. I just hiked today. Not a lot of folks on trail. Long day today Nite All

Main Concern of the Day: All AOK

Date: May 27, 1999

Travel From: near Bobblets Gap Shelter

To: Hwy 220 Troutville / Daleville

Number of Miles Hiked On Appalachian Trail: 18.5 miles

Additional Miles: 2 miles

AM Weather: 60s sunny

PM Weather: 70's sunny

Condition of Trail: An easy trail today. Mostly gradual ups and downs

Breakfast: cereal

Lunch: pop tarts

Dinner: pizza & soda

Snacks: Snickers, candy

People I Met: I forgot to write all the names down. Some section hikers, and NB'ers, Young Pup

Animals: chipmunk & deer

Notes of the Day: A long but quick hiking day. On trail by 6am. There are benefits to sleeping under stars. I should do this more often?

Not a difficult trail and my desire to get to Roanoke helped to propel me. Staying at Econo Lodge on Hwy 220 just off the AT. Got easy hitch from a local hiker and her 2 dogs. Went to Roanoke & 2 outfitters and got what I needed. Ate good, got showered and to bed I go. Heading south in morning. All the weekenders will be out starting tomorrow for 4-day weekender. Maybe I can Yogi some good meals:)

Nite All

Main Concern of the Day: I don't think so:)

Date: May 28, 1999

Travel From: Daleville

To: Campbell Shelter

Number of Miles Hiked On Appalachian Trail: 15.4 miles

Additional Miles: 2 miles

AM Weather: 60's sunny

PM Weather: 80's sunny

Condition of Trail: Today was one of the most pleasant stretches of the trail. Lush vegetation, mature forest, level most of the day though a few good ups just to get the old heart going. The fragrance from the wild flowers is strong once again today. My spirits are on the positive side today for sure.

Met a ton of folks today. If I stop and talk to all I pass I'll never get anywhere. I'll just have to be selective with whom I talk with. It looks like shelter names will be the only one I'll get until the crowds slow down?

Stopped to talk to 2 men resting and 1 of them is from Michael's Backpackinglight list, Michael from Washington State. We had an enjoyable conversation; he also is using a Journey backpack. He said he needed to replace one of the leveler straps since starting. As he was leaving a young couple arrived with a dog. A conversation ensued and they are the couple Tagalong & Waterfall with dog Mystic that a couple had mentioned who had given me that delicious pound cake right after Trail Days. So Tagalong's folks names are Bonnie & Robert. If I had written down their names when I first met them this would never had happened. A lesson learned again. So we had a good conversation and I asked him to thank his folks again for the delicious pound cake.

Headed south again with some incredible sights. Made it to Campbell Shelter and called it a night. A group was in the shelter, Mara now known as Stitches, Pace and Squeak. Squeak had collected an assortment of wild plants and was going to prepare them for din din. I was really tired and went off to sleep right after dinner.

Nite All

Breakfast: donuts and coffee

Lunch: pop tarts

Dinner: Lipton and bread

Snacks: apples and candy

People I Met: Mike, Dog Bone, Walking Home, Frog, Second Wind, Bronco, Pep Step & dog Abie, Dry Fly, Tagalong & Waterfall, Bucksnort, Rambler, McGuyver, Whittler & Travel Trotter, Angus, Aloha Maui Matt, To Hot To Handle

Animals: 3' green snake, squirrels, birds

Notes of the Day: I already posted it above :)

Main Concern of the Day: A really good day today :)

Date: May 29, 1999

Travel From: Campbell Shelter

To: Highway 311

Number of Miles Hiked On Appalachian Trail: 5 miles

Additional Miles: 2.5 miles

AM Weather: 60's sunny

PM Weather: 80's sunny

Condition of Trail: Some of the most scenic locations to date. A couple of ups and downs. Just a beautiful trail today.

Breakfast: cereal

Lunch: sub soda

Dinner: AYCE at Home Place in Catawba, VA

Snacks: candy & soda

People I Met: SouthPaw, Chile his Dad, an uncle and a friend, Barefoot, Cassiopeia & Freeky dog (dog), Biopolar Disorder, Mayo, Van Go & Abby (dog), Scotty, Snow Bear & White Pine, March Hare and M&M

Animals: birds and dogs

Notes of the Day: Up early and had a good hike today. The scenery around Mac Afee Knob is beautiful. I'm not an adventuresome as those who hang off the knob for a picture. Maybe in my younger days:) Spent a good bit just soaking in the sights. No rush today; I'm having AYCE at HOME PLACE in Catawba, VA and its only 5 miles away. Had Mac Afee Knob all to myself. Getting up early has its benefits. Nice easy walk to 311 and a easy hitch to Catawba. The grocery store is next to PO. Made PO just before they closed for day at 10:40am. Mailed some data info home I don't need any more. Most POs close at noon on Saturday; this one is a lot earlier.

Went to deli and had a good sub & sodas. Had great conversation with large group waiting around for AYCE dinner. $8.95 you get fried chicken, country ham, roast beef, salad, 2-3 vegetables, biscuits, apple jelly, lemonade, ice tea, coffee, baked beans, mashed potatoes and cherry cobbler. Not so bad, I would say:)

Chile's Dad arrived from Chile with 2 friends to hike with Chile for a week or two. He's psyched about spending time with his Dad. I was in Chile in 1969 in Valparisso and Santiago while in the Navy. He said the area had changed dramatically and I wouldn't recognize it today.

I met Scotty, Van Go and Abby (dog) while waiting for dinner. Scotty's started at Key West, FL on February 23, 1999 and is heading to Gap Gaspe, Canada to complete the International AT (IAT). He's being supported by Van Go and Abby the whole way. I'm going to use the support team and join them tomorrow for a week. This way I can tell if I can do 20+ mile days on a regular basis? If I can I believe I'll join him from NJ to Canada.

My Platypus hose clamp broke today so I'll have to replace it tomorrow. Van Go is going to Roanoke Sunday and I'll go along to get replacement for Platypus. Had a great meal with excellent conversation and laughter. Sleep on grounds of restaurant which is surrounded by a dairy farm. A great location and a full moon.

Nite Folks

Main Concern of the Day: Belly Busting Meal Day at HOME PLACE :) All is well for sure.

Date: May 30, 1999

Travel From: Highway 311

To: Highway 785

Number of Miles Hiked On Appalachian Trail: 4.5 miles

Additional Miles: 3 miles

AM Weather: 60's

PM Weather: 90's

Condition of Trail: High use area but well maintained. A lot of activity with the holiday weekend crowds.

Breakfast: cereal

Lunch: pop tarts

Dinner: chicken pot pie & coffee

Snacks: candy & soda

People I Met: Van Go & Abby, Scotty, Snow Bear, White Pine, March Hare, Mm&M

Animals:

Notes of the Day: Slept on the grounds of Home Place. Up early and to the trail. I did some miles as the other group was going to go north for day. Van Go was giving me and Snow Bear a ride to outfitter for supplies. After watching a pro-amateur bicycle race at AT parking lot we headed into Roanoke for supplies. I got my Platypus replaced and Snow Bear got her things. We waited at Highway 220 for Scotty and then all headed to Cracker Barrel for din din. I had my favorite meal: chicken pot pie. Be doing 20+ in am northbound with Scotty to see how it's going to work.

Good conversation about tentative plans for hike to Canada and a host of other topics.

Main Concern of the Day: Not Today

Date: May 31, 1999

Travel From: Highway 220

To: Black Horse Gap

Number of Miles Hiked On Appalachian Trail: 15 miles

Additional Miles: 1.5 miles

AM Weather: 60's sunny

PM Weather: 90's sunny

Condition of Trail: Narrow trail along ridge. Difficult to pass another hiker in these conditions. It seems the good ups were void of tree canopy and thus very hot during afternoon hike.

Breakfast: Cereal and coffee

Lunch: oranges, pop tarts

Dinner: cheese, crackers, apples, pepperoni & soda

Snacks: pop tarts & candy

People I Met: Van Go & Abby, Scotty, White Pine, Snow Bear, March Hare, Stitches, Squeak

Animals:

Notes of the Day: Started from Highway 220 heading north with Scotty around 7:30 am. It was getting hot quickly. Early in day, the trail was through pastures and over several stiles. Was able to go step for step with Scotty :) Stopped around 1pm for lunch at Wilson Creek Shelter. A distance of 12.5 miles or an average of about 2.3 mph. That's the most I've ever hiked even with a small pack. At the shelter were shelter maintainers. I forgot to write their names down, it's a husband wife team, Stitches and Squeak. I had spent the night with Stitches & Squeak at Campbell Shelter a few days ago. They asked what are you doing going northbound? I told them I'm directionally impaired and have no idea where or which way to go at the present time :) I did explain I was deciding if I wanted to go north to Canada with Scotty & Van Go by staying with them a few days. The shelter maintainer had brought corn, rice crackers, oranges and candy up to the shelter. He was very pleasant to talk to and very informative. He entertained all of us as his wife was cutting up downed trees with a hand saw. Now that's a different arrangement. After lunch we headed out and after a few miles the heat was taking its toll and I had hiked enough for the day. Hiking through the heat of the day isn't really enjoyable. In the warm weather I would much rather start around 6am and take a break from noon till 4pm and then hike on from 4pm to 8pm. A good number of hikers are now taking longer breaks mid-day with the warmer weather upon us.

Nite All

Main Concern of the Day: Not really

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