Day 78 - Second Mountain

Another hot one.  

Almost nothing to report on. I got 10 hours of sleep last night, and still was up and at em by 7 this morning. And today, let's see, I walked, sweated, swatted flies, walked, ate granola, more flies...  

No views, points of interest, nothing. It was flat all day. The one cool thing is that I started early, and I'll be making camp by 5!  

So May has come and gone, I'm feeling good, and methodically working my way through Pennsylvania. Score!

-Scribbles (aka Ted)
4:00 p.m. 5/31/2015

Cell Service at my campsite. 
I'm at mile 1180.6 so a 23.6 mile day today. Good doing indeed! I had 20 done by 3pm, and now that I'm in my hammock and undercover, the wind is picking up amidst intermittent thunder claps...the forcast says 1/2-3/4 of an inch of rain tonight! Bring it on!
I just hope the rain brings the "coolish" ness of Worcester!

-Scribbles (aka Ted)
6:15 p.m. 5/31/2015

Day 77 - Peter's Mountain

The good news is that it's cooled off! The bad news (but not even that bad) is that with the cold(ish) front came rain. Much of my hike out of Duncannon today was in a windy drizzle, but I'm not complaining. I made it ten miles out after a late start, and I'm camped on Peters Mountain, near an outcropping called Table Rock.

I left Duncannon feeling great. Sure, my team didn't win last night, but you know, I got to spend time with some real nice folks. I can't say enough about Duncannon and the Doyle, in all their gritty, dirty glory. The hike out was cool, as I got to cross another major river, this time the Susquehenna.

It's amazing how I've been able to witness the changes in the landscapes over time. Back in North Carolina, a "mountain" was a steep, irregular shaped landmass rising three or four thousand feet. Now, in Pennsylvania, Peters Mountain is more of an elongated rise in the land. This mountain is about 2 miles wide, but more than 10 miles long! It's more of a ridge.

Anyway, today was a drizzle, but from what I've heard tomorrow is supposed to be a downpour. That's ok, there's something about walking in the rain that I like. Perhaps it's the idea of being methodical, pushing forward despite the conditions. Or, what's more likely, it's just refreshing after all this heat!

- Scribbles (aka Ted)
7:35 p.m. 5/30/2015

Week 11 Progress Map

Week 11 Progress Map:

Day 76 - Duncannon

It's been an eventful 24 hours. When last I posted, I was about to leave for a night hike of the Cumberland Valley. Darlington Shelter was the goal that night, and Duncannon the goal today. Well, everything ended up according to plan!

But that does not mean there was lack of excitement. Last night's hike was the longest night hike I've done yet, as we started at 8:30 and got to camp at 3! I should mention, "we" is me and Chatty, a flip-flop thru-hiker who only just started in Harper's Ferry, will be going to Katahdin, returning to HF, and finishing at Springer. Chatty had a similar interest to the hockey game as I did, so we set off with the sun disappearing below the farm fields.

Night hiking can be fun. There's something invigorating about the headlamp, the cool, almost chilly air, and of course, the darkness. It's weird to see everything along the trail in a sort of half-light; it all seems spooky. Even when we would get to a footbridge or something, from a distance it looks grim! I was reminded of a videogame me and my buddies would play called Slenderman, where you run around a woodsy landscape at night avoiding a monster. The headlamp light, man! It makes everything look dead. 

The highlights of the hike were a horse in a field, only about 20 yards from us. That was probably at 10. Then it was a bunch of cows, one of which was startled as we passed and made the most un-cow-like noise you'll ever hear. It sounded like someone gasping! And then, at midnight, we hit the Middlesex Diner, a half mile down the Harrisburg Pike. It's an all-night diner that advertises "Great homeade food and plenty of it." At midnight, 8 miles into a hike, nothing could sound sweeter! Unfortunately, the 6 miles post-diner were much harder than the 8 before, and it was all I could do to pitch the hammock and konk out at the shelter.

So that was last night. Today was kinda nuts, too. It was hot and humid like always (it seems), and I was tired, but I still managed to get hiking by 9. I was strangely not hungry all day, so I only stopped for one snack break. I was sipping water, but man! I was sweating a lot and by the time I got to Duncannon around 2 I was a little dizzy. I got up to my room and laid down and I was still not hungry. So weird. But now, after I've taken a cold shower been drinking a ton, and most importantly not exerting myself in the heat, I realize that I might have been getting a bit of heat exhaustion. It's a little scary, considering I thought I was drinking enough and didn't realize it until now. Without a doubt, I'll be much more cautious on these hot days. 

But enough about that, I'm in Duncannon! I'm staying at the Doyle Hotel. It's a hotel. I think that it was a 5-star place back in the day. There's this stone entrance and grand staircase and everything. But it's just completely deteriorated. It's dirty, there's holes in the ceiling, pretty incredible actually. But at the same time it's just the friendliest place in the world, and there are these local guys who always hang out at the bar on the first floor and they told me all of the stories of convicts who have tried to hide out on the AT and have come through. It's funky for sure. 

Tonight's the big game, and then it's back to hiking tomorrow. After, of course, a much needed night of sleep in a bed! 

Go Rangers!

-Scribbles (aka Ted)
7:16 p.m. 5/29/2015

Day 75 - Boiling Springs

I only have a quick update today, as I've only done 12 miles (so far...). It's been so hot and humid these last few days. Even a thunderstorm at the end of yesterday hasn't killed the heat! I made it in to the little town of Boiling Springs at about noon today and I was just drenched in sweat. It was a huge relief to be able to rinse off in the stream here, which is fed by a ton of little ice-cold springs (seems like they messed up the name of the town, right?). I've spent the last 8 hours at the regional ATC office, hanging out on their front porch and eating food. My plan was to watch the hockey game tonight and then night hike out to beat the heat. But guess what?! The game's tomorrow! Good grief, I only found out about an hour ago and at first I thought my grand plan was ruined. Plan B it is: night hike now, still beat the heat, take a short day to Duncannon tomorrow and watch it then. Not a bad backup! Bpoiling Springs is in the Cumberland Valley, a big flat area filled with farms. In the 17 miles of trail that go through it (and I've only done 3), no camping is allowed as you are generally cutting through corn and wheat. So I'm pretty excited for tonight...at least I won't miss any views!

Got my headlamp on. Night hike!

-Scribbles (aka Ted)
8:18 p.m. 5/28/2015

Day 74 -Tagg Run Shelter

Pennsylvania, man. 

Everyone gives it a hard time. 

Rocky, hot, ticky, boring. But it's not bad at all. In fact, I like it!

The terrain, so far so good. Sure, you hit some sections of slow going, but you also hit a lot of wide, flat, smooth tread a la Shenandoah. Ticks, I haven't found one on me since Virginia! And boring, well, I'll write that off in the next paragraph. So really a pretty awesome state so far. To be fair however, I'm not yet at the rockiest part, which I hear is after Port Clinton. The heat and ticks might ramp up too. Whatever, I'm just going to enjoy this while it lasts!

So why isn't Pennsylvania boring? Well, there's always stuff to see and things to do! I've been hitting cool state parks every day. It's interesting to share these parks with dog-walkers and picnicers. Yesterday I stopped into Caledonia State Park and today it was Pine Grove Furnace. And of course there's the Half-Gallon Challenge.A half gallon of ice cream...in one sitting! It's something I've never done before and will never do again. But on the trail, all bets are off. It wasn't even much of a challenge. I did it in 35 minutes. Little traditions like that are one of the things that make the trail such a unique experience.

The fun will only continue the next few days. Tomorrow I'll reach Boiling Springs, just in time to watch the Rangers duke it out with the Lightning in another game 7. And then it's only 25 miles through the Cumberland Valley to Duncannon. 

Oh and I almost forgot! Today I reached the midpoint, 1094 miles from Springer and the same distance to Katahdin. So I'm finally closer to my endpoint than my starting point. Woo hoo!

-Scribbles (aka Ted)
7:52 p.m. 5/27/2015

Postcard From Harpers Ferry

Scribbles (aka Ted) sends us postcards from time to time from the trail to us here at the GWLT HQ.

We hang them up on the fridge, of course!

Today, we received a photo of Ted at Harpers Ferry, the halfway mark, as a postcard!
Seriously Excellent!

 
Note! Scribbles is wearing his GWLT hat! Dude, it is late May! Not that we don't love it!

Day 72 - Deer Lick Shelter

Another day, another state. Today it was Maryland that bit the dust. I have to say, the Old Line State was short, but sweet as could be. I loved my two and a half days here, swimming in the Potomac, watching a distant fireworks show from the Annapolis Rocks, and meeting tons of people. Maybe I've just been in agood mood these last few days, but I had nothing but pleasant experiences with the people there. There was Joe and Carla (actually from Akron), who brought pulled pork to the Washington Monument, Ranger Rick of the Maryland Park Service, and even this biker dude I met today, who'd never even heard of the Appalachian Trail before meeting me at High Rock. Man, it was all good.

But I've migrated farther north, past the Mason-Dixon line and into Pennsylvania! It feels GREAT to be here. What a difference mentally between Virginia and Pennsylvania! For some reason, knowing I'm in the cultural "North" makes everything seem a bit more familiar.

Today was a solid one, finishing at 21 miles. The infamous Pennsylvania rocks were almost nonexistant! But I guarantee that that will change, and my mile output with it! Eh, whatever. I'm just happy to have come this far. Home doesn't seem too far away...

-Scribbles (aka Ted)
7:55 p.m. 5/25/2015

Week 10 Progress Map

Ted's Week 10 Progress Map

Day 71 -Annapolis Rocks

So there's this thing people do on the Appalachian Trail called the "4-state challenge." In this challenge, the hiker begins the day in Virginia, hikes through West Virginia and Maryland, and ends the day in Pennsylvania. The result is a 45 mile day spent traversing 4 states!

Personally, I have no business with the 4 stater. Maryland is too darn awesome! I'm sitting at the Annapolis Rocks, after a day of views. The terrain is very amiable here, and the highlights of the day have definitely been the Rocks and the Washington Monument, a hill with a 200 year old stone tower on top. I can't imagine racing by all of it!

On top of the landscape, the people here are great! This is Memorial Day weekend, so I've been seeing hundreds of people. Day hikers, sectioners, all locals. And they're so friendly! Last night I was gifted a Mountain House dinner by a day hiker, and then some salad and bread by Dawn, a sectioner. She told me that everything I was eating- lettuce, tomatoes, carrots, celery, even the wheat in the bread- was grown on her 100 acre organic farm. Sweet deal! And last night was very pleasant sitting around a fire at the shelter chatting with everyone.And last, the trail magic!

If you measured trail magic per mile, Maryland would take the cake. In addition to the aforementioned food giveaways, I got some epic hot food. Pulled pork, potatoes, baked beans, and cole slaw. Plus snacks and sodas. Then after I crossed I-70, I hit strawberries and beer! I swear, I may not even need to resupply until Boiling Springs. So yes, it's been a swell Memorial Day weekend.

-Scribbles (aka Ted)
8:58 p.m. 5/24/2015

Day 70 - Harper's Ferry

Harper's Ferry WV

A new state, finally! There's something to be said for reaching a new state. A certain feeling of accomplishment, mental no doubt. I remember feeling awesome when I completed Georgia, even though it was only about 80 miles! Virginia has been a little more of a challenge. About 450 miles more! I've been in the Old Dominion for one month and 4 days. And finally I'm out!

I spent most of today in Harper's Ferry, a tiny little village that is dominated by a National Historic Park. All of the lower town is old brick and wood buildings. I'd say most were built in the early to mid 19th century. And of course, there's the Armory, where John Brown unsuccessfully tried to arm slaves and incite a rebellion. Fun fact: I'm distantly related to John Brown, who was originally from Torrington CT! So it was very nice to visit the location that made him infamous.

The town is packed with history, and with today being Memorial Day, tourists! It's been a while since I've been surrounded by so many cars, bikes, and people. I started the day at the ATC Headquarters, where I got my picture taken and signed the logbook. The pictures and names of thousands of hikers are preserved in an archive going all the way back to the early 90s!

Now it's off to Maryland, which is a hop and a skip across the Potomac River. The states are sure flying by now!

-Scribbles (aka Ted)
3:36 p.m. 5/23/2015

Day 67 - Rod Hollow Shelter

Not much to report on today. I took it relatively easy with an 18 mile day over smooth terrain. Tomorrow will be the treat; only 10 miles to Bear's Den Hostel! The weather today was absolutely perfect. Sunny, 70 degrees, with a breeze! All that equals very little sweating and no bugs. It was great.

I had a few bits of excitement. First was in Sky Meadows State Park. It's this big field-y area that's up on a mountain. Really cool. The trail sort of cuts through this knee-high grass all the way through, and there's no way to avoid brushing against it. Well, by the time I made it through, I checked for ticks and wouldn't you know it, I found two of the little buggers! So I suppose this is officially tick country. The other moment was at the US 50 crossing. The highway is four lanes with a median, and I think the speed limit must be 65. Crossing was a little exciting; those cars come up on you quick!

Lately I've been dealing with more nervousness in regards to the LEEP Project. But I think things are becoming more and more clear. My ideas for it are still a little scattered, and certainly need more time to develop, but I can sense that I am getting somewhere. You know? I think I'm just nervous because I'm rapidly approaching the millenium mark of the hike...wow!

-Scribbles (aka Ted)
8:34 pm 5/20/2015

Day 66 - Front Royal

Miles vs. Smiles. Yin and yang. The age-old conundrum. Every hiker faces it, and indeed every hiker has days where "miles" or "smiles" take priority. I'm of the belief that a good balance is best, and you have to regulate this balance in your hike. Some regulation is in the works for my hike right now.

I crushed Shenandoah. Every day was a 20 miler, including yesterday's marathon, and even though today was only 18, it included a stop in Front Royal! But all that walking caught up with me. Doing the last 5 miles from town to the shelter, I could feel myself slowing down, losing that good hiking feeling and wondering why the heck I've been pumping out such long days. Time to regulate.

Northern Virginia, luckily, is a good place to do it. There's good terrain, nice views, and a hostel up the road, so tomorrow and Thursday will be nice and leisurely.

After resupplying in Front Royal, I have a mere 30 miles before leaving Virginia for good! It's hard to believe that I've walked 500 miles in this state. Tonight I'm at the Denton Shelter, which includes a deck with Adirondack chairs and a solar shower. Sweet!

-Scribbles (aka Ted)
9:25 p.m. 5/19/2015

Day 65 - Shenandoah

The animals of the park are what stick out most to me. I saw a bear! Barely. I walked up on my friend Leapfrog, who was strangely quiet, and she pointed him out. It was a small guy, probably not more than 180 pounds, but it was a black bear all right! I could see him through the trees, but I couldn't get a good enough picture. No matter, it was nice to see my first bear! I also have spent some real quality time with deer. There are tons of them here, and yesterday I walked about 50 yards of trail with a deer following along beside me. It was cool! I was talking to it and stuff. The last thing to happen was this morning. I woke up and my trekking poles, which had been leaning against a tree, were covered in millipedes! Completely coated, it was so weird.

Tomorrow it's out of Shenandoah and into Front Royal, my last resupply in Virginia. Wahoo!

Today was a humdinger! I'm at Gravel Springs Hut, mile 956, so in all I made it a marathon- 26 miles! Throughout the whole of the Shenandoahs I've been doing big miles, and today was the capper. As great as it is to feel the miles fly by, I have to say I'm ready to ease off the throttle a little bit. First of all, despite the easy terrain of this area, I am probably more sore at the end of the day than usual. I think this is because I've been pushing myself to hike faster speeds.

But also, hiking long distances wears on me mentally. Sometimes I stop and ask myself "Why am I hiking so far again?" There's a number of reasons that push me to hike big miles. For sure one is money. More miles, less days on the trail, lower cost hike. But a few new ones have been creeping in. Most notable is the end of Virginia, which is a mere 50 miles away! I think this makes New England seem closer. I mean, Pennsylvania feels close to home. Northeast, right? And I am very much looking forward to being closer to home and seeing friends and family. Despite all this, however, I'm going to force myself to slow down. I don't want another experience like I had after my 30 in Pearisburg!Anyway, I'm still in Shenandoah National Park and there's a lot going on here! 

-Scribbles (a.k.a. Ted)
9:25 p.m. 5/18/2015

Day 64 - Big Meadows Wayside

Two and a half days into Shenandoah here, I might as well have been dropped into another world. It's incredible here; I'm never far from something. Sometimes that something is a campground, or maybe it's a restaurant (where I am right now), or maybe, usually it's Skyline Drive, a road that the AT criss-crosses every few miles. This place is a tourism mecca.

It's actually pretty strange. After hiking 900+ miles over mountains and through 3 (almost 4) states, I kinda forgot that most people's experience of "nature" is in spaces like this. But what's weird is that all of the organization here: signs saying "campground" or "overlook" and roads and RV parks make it seem almost fake. When everything is pointed out and made so easily accessible I think it loses some of its natural beauty.

That said, I cannot deny that Shenandoah is super pretty. There are not a lot of mountain views like the Smokies. Rather, the terrain and plants and landscapes are flat out fun to hike through. I never know if the trail will be going through a rocky field or a fern meadow or a spruce forest. But it's always very pretty. And what's more, the slopes are gentle, which is a plus!

I just ate lunch at one of the several restaurants less than a mile from the trail, at Big Meadows. At the pace I'm going, I'll be through the National Park in about 2.5 more days. Not too shabby!

-Scribbles (aka Ted)
2:17 p.m. 5/17/2015

Week 9 Map

Week 7, 8, and 9 Progress Map!

Day 61 - Shenandoah

Shenandoah here I am! It usually seems like the first day out of town is the toughest. Uphill, heavy pack, and remember "town fever?" Well, none of that today! Waynesboro was a great trail town, but I'm excited to hike now. It's Shenandoah! The next 4-5 days are sure to be breathtaking and easy on the feet. While there are some steep parts here, there are hardly any annoying roots or rocks that I have a tendency to accidentally punt.

I took a lazy day with Tate today after we had a late night watching the Rangers get the job done (woohoo!). I only did 8 miles, but it was well worth it. It was a late morning, and any kind of productive activity was further delayed by frisbee throwing and a makeshift game of stickball using my balled-up pack cover for a ball. But eventually I made important stops at the grocery store, post office, outfitter, and local hot dog joint before hitting the trail late this afternoon (by the way, the best hot dog toppings? Spicy mustard, chopped onions, and relish. Yum!).

At the outfitter, I got to meet Paul, a Marine who is super interested in all things Appalachian Trail. He's done sections and is an avid hiker, and is definitely a future thru-hiker. And boy, he had some questions for me! I was happy to answer, and it was pretty cool. I felt like some wilderness expert talking about angel hair pasta and Sawyer water filters and liner socks! Funny.Anyway, I've got some mighty pretty country ahead of me.

And with my new shoes, lack of town fever, and expert knowledge (yeah right!), I think I'll be making the most of it!

- Scribbles (aka Ted)
10:09 p.m. 5/14/2015

Day 60 - Waynesboro

Let me start off by saying NEW SHOES. I cannot believe the difference between my old pair of trail runners and a pair fresh from the box! It's like my sore tendons and blisters don't even exist! Special thanks for sure go to my Uncle Richard, who went to REI and hooked me up with exactly what I needed: a pair of La Sportiva Ultra Raptors, size 11.5, delivered by the USPS to the Waynesboro Post Office general delivery, ETA May 13th. It all worked perfectly, and now I can hike, walk, or sit in a library in comfort.

I've been enjoying Waynesboro as much as my new kicks (well, almost). This place is a city. Compared to puny Damascus or teeny tiny Hot Springs, it may as well be Shanghai. At 25,000 people it's probably the largest city I'll be in (barring an unforeseen detour) until I return to Worcester. And it's great! Three stops in a row- Troutville, Glasgow, and here- all with free camping and showers. Gotta love it! I cleaned up at the YMCA, and my hammock is currently set up at a park near the river, which has a hiker pavilion. Walking through Wayne's World is almost like flashing back to New England. There's the old industrial section, highlighted by a six story brick shell of a building, that no doubt was once the heart of a booming economy (indeed, I just looked it up and found out that Du Pont once had a big plant here). Then there are medium density row houses for a bit, then duplexes (all at least 80 years old), and then a section of old large houses, reminiscent of the ones you might see on Richmond Ave in Worcester.

Today I've been making my way (comfortably, I might add) around the town. I got a ride in from Eric, who works at a solar panel company, and he gave me an impromptu tour of the warehouse! I then got some food at Weasie's, a diner that has come the closest to matching the food of Annie's in Worcester. And I did laundry, took a shower, set up camp. I went to the Post Office, where heaven was handed to me in the form of a shoe box. It's been a great recharge day. Later this evening I plan on going to Ming Garden, another (and more hyped up by hikers) China buffet. And then I think I'll top it off with some hockey tonight. Go Rangers!

Now, since I have the time, let's get academic for a second. After all, the LEEP Project officially began about a week ago when classes ended at Clark. When I come into towns, I've noticed the unique perspective I have as an Appalachian Trail thru-hiker. I felt this quite strongly in Glasgow. Thru-hikers are kind of like pilgrims. We are never going to stay in one place long, rather, we are always just passing through. When I "just pass through" a town like Glasgow or a city like Waynesboro, I relish the opportunity to get a snapshot, a fleeting glimpse, of life in those places. Maybe I'm watching parents converse at a Little League game, or watching Eric open the solar panel company for business. This is their reality, I'm just a guest. Observing people at "home" has made me realize the value of the "home" idea. I mean, I haven't been home in two months. I've seen it written in some trail journals that "home is where you hang your food bag," but really that's not true for me. Home is a personal place, with people and things you love and are invested in. And as much as I love hiking, it's not at the level of being "at home." Anyway, it's peculiar to see everyday life from this perspective. And dude, these new shoes are awesome.

Did I mention new shoes?

-Scribbles (aka Ted)

3:52 p.m. 5/13/2014

Day 59 - George Washington National Forest

Hello! Been a while. The last few days have been mostly businesslike with a few moments of real excitement.

The two crazy moments have both happened in the last 24 hours. Late yesterday, as I neared camp, the sky went from bright blue to grey and it was like someone turned out the lights in an instant. Then the thunder and lightning started, super loud claps. And then the rain (with some hail to boot!). Walking through it was a blast. It was the first late-afternoon 20 minute thunderstorm of the year. And it felt great after a hot day! The other moment just happened not more than a few hours ago. I was coming down Three Ridges Mountain at a pretty good pace when I was stopped in my tracks by another 4 foot long snake. But this one wasn't a Black Rat snake. It was a rattler, clear as day! I stopped just in the nick of time, and I backed up about 6 feet when he started to rattle. I watched him and snapped some pictures for about 15 minutes before knocking my poles together to get him off the trail. He slowly uncurled and took his time slithering to a new sunny spot maybe 8 inches from the path. It was almost like he understood what I wanted. I wasn't taking any chances, even with 8 inches, so I dashed by  as fast as I could. Never a dull moment!

But what's really been on my mind is my feet. They hurt! Luckily, I know why and I know how to fix it. After 850 miles, my shoes are plain worn out. They served me well, and now I know how much I can get out of them. But I sure am excited to get a new pair! I alleviated the original tendon pain by loosening my shoelaces, but that has caused my feet to slide around and get a new set of blisters. I'm within striking range of Waynesboro, however. In fact, from the cliff I'm at, I can see it! I'll be there tomorrow morning, get my new kicks and take a much needed zero day. I'm looking forward to breaking in the new shoes in Shenandoah National Park in just a few days! On to Waynesboro...

- Scribbles (aka Ted)
5/12/2015

Day 57 - Bluff Mountain

It may not be summer yet, not officially for another month and a half, but it sure does feel it! Yesterday in Glasgow was 85 from what I heard. I also did some summery activities. Namely, swimming and sweating.
Swimming was more fun. Me and some other hikers backtracked to the James River footbridge to be refreshed before setting out again. I estimate the bridge was a good 35 feet above the water; plenty to get your heart racing before the plunge! We all jumped in, and man it felt great. The water was so warm I decided to swim back across the wide, calm river instead of taking the bridge. And then me and Tate hung out at the bridge for another hour, mostly skipping stones. It reminded me so much of lazy summer days at the Farmington River in Connecticut. I didn't want to leave.
But alas we did, and walked about 2 miles to the first shelter out of town. Well, here's where the sweating happened. At the shelter, I reached in my pocket and realized I was short one guidebook. D'oh! Unlike the crocs, I decided my guidebook was worth the backtrack. So, with the 85 degree sun blaring, it was back to the bridge! Hiking is more of a muscle-building activity than a cardio one, so I shouldn't have been too surprised that I was sucking wind during the whole jog there and back. I was pooped though! It wound up being a 45 minute run, not bad for 4 miles on an up-and-down trail! Don't get me wrong, however: I was drenched in sweat. 20 miles is the goal today, and with the early start I got I'll be able to take it nice and easy. And yes, I called my mom for Mother's Day!

-Scribbles (aka Ted)

9:38 a.m. 5/10/2015

Day 56 - Glasgow

Today I woke up in another town park, this one in Glasgow, Virginia. I have to say, this little section of Virginia has been one of the friendliest parts of the trail, with every town, it seems, opening its arms to hikers. Glasgow is just like Troutville: not very big or known by anyone for anything in particular. But that's what makes the friendliness so great!

I'm sitting on a picnic table right now watching the second of five little league games that will take place here today. I won't stick around for all five, at least I don't think so. But there's something addicting about being in the middle of this community. Every word I hear is encouragement for the ballplayers (10 year olds), greetings between parents and spectators, or yells of kids playing. Places like this don't need to be famous or well-known. I don't think they want to be either. Everyone is happy enough just like this (except some of the kids when they make an out!).

Anyway, as great as it is to see baseball being played, I'll need to get moving at some point. Waynesboro is 75 miles away, and new shoes await me there. So it's back to the trail!

-Scribbles (aka Ted)
11:24 a.m. 5/9/2015

Day 53 - Taylor's Mountain Overlook

Today I left Troutville, but it wasn't easy. I hung around town until past noon! The town was so friendly. I got my shower and laundry at the fire station, and was able to set up my hammock underneath the pavilion in their town park. Me and Tate and another hiker, Five spent the morning eating food from the grocery store and maildrops, throwing the frisbee in the park, and just watching the town. When I was in Troutville, I felt like I was back in time. The town isn't full of old buildings or anything like that, but everything is slowed way down. It's hard to explain; the town doesn't look old-fashioned, but it feels it. Around 11 or so children from a day-care descended on the playground, and I felt like I was back in Newington CT working at Mill Pond pool. Troutville was just very comfortable, and I thoroughly enjoyed my night there.


But, we moved on, and today covered 14 miles. Along the way I had the chance to dunk my feet in a stream, which felt great. I'm looking forward to swimming tomorrow, as it's been hot lately. The past few days have been in the 80s easy, and tomorrow doesn't appear to be an exception. Good night!

-Scribbles (aka Ted)
5/6/2015

Day 52 - Troutville

It was an eventful night at McAfee Knob. The rule is "no camping" at the knob, which seems a little hypocritical, since there are powerlines running over the mountain less than half a mile from the summit! Me, Tate (the guy I've been hiking wit), as well as some section hikers from Michigan, decided that it wouldn't be all that bad if we spread out our sleeping bags on the rock and cowboy camped. Well no sooner had the sun gone down and we hunkered down for the night than we heard some little squeaks. Upon turning on the headlamps, we discovered big, potato-sized rats! They were scurrying along the cracks and ledges and corners of the rocks. My biggest concern was my backpack; I did not want to wake up to a hole in my food bag! We all hung up our packs and Tate and the sectioners put their tents on the rocks in fear of the rats, but I figured they wouldn't bother me if I just slept away from their cracks and crevices. I am happy to report that I was right, and I woke up well rested to this morning's sunrise.

The day was good, traversing the Tinker Cliffs on the way into Daleville. At Daleville was probably the strangest trailhead I've ever seen. You come out of the woods abruptly to the parking lot of a dry cleaners! And across the street, you enter in similar abrupt fashion from a Sunoco gas station. It's very strange to me how even the best efforts to create a 2000 mile string of wilderness still end up with a few spots of development like that.

Tonight I'm in Troutville, which is really part of Daleville. The town allows hikers to camp in their park and take a shower and do laundry at the fire station! Score! Also, it's worth noting that at about 730 miles, I've walked 1/3 of the trail. Crazy.

- Scribbles (aka Ted)
9:17 p.m. 5/5/2015

Day 51 - McAfee Knob

I'm a fan of getting lost. Ask my running buddies; I'm the biggest proponent of leaving the beaten path and forging new routes. Well, it's not as fun in the woods. Yes, I got lost for the first time yesterday not too long after sending my update from Dragon's Tooth.
What happened was I had heard all about how difficult the descent was, how it's an "easier up than down." So, when I started down, I reached a switchback, thought I had seen a blaze, and continued down the steep trail instead of turning. What resulted was about 200 feet of steep rock scrambling. "Gee, this is a steep descent" I remember thinking. At the bottom, when the rock ended, so did the trail! I looked back up at the rock and decided that I did not want to go back up. So, bushwhacking commenced. I scrambled along a steep steep slope, holding on to mountain laurel for dear life! A few times, I slipped on leaves and the dense undergrowth held me up by hooking on to my pack. After about 30 minutes of up and down and slipping and sliding, I found a campsite, and from there I found the trail. I was not too worse for wear, with a few cuts and scratches on my legs and arms. What suffered was my Thermarest, which got all chewed up from the brush!
Last night I stayed at 4 Pines Hostel, which was in fact just a garage with beds and couches. The owner Joe was a really cool guy and we all had a good old time playing cornhole, cards, and eating cold pops. And, I got a ride to the Homeplace Restaurant. Oh, baby it was good. Fried chicken, roast beef, ham, mashed potatoes, gravy, biscuits (with apple butter), green beans, pinto beans, cole slaw, apple sauce, and for dessert peach cobbler. All of this was all-you-can-eat, and homeade. Some of the best food I've had yet. Even today I keep thinking back to it...Today started off slow, and I was surprised at how little I wanted to hike. Usually, a half-day like yesterday pumps me up to hike the next day. But I was strangely not feeling it this morning. I think what snapped me out of it was this John Muir quote I heard recently; "Every time I go into the woods, I feel like I'm in church." I think that recognizing the vastness and uniqueness of the space you're in is essential to fully appreciating it. I slowed down with this realization, and everything just kind of got better. It really is amazing how mental hiking is!
Today I've been at McAfee Knob, and I'll be here for sunrise tomorrow. McAfee is one of "the" places on the trail, with mega views and a sheer cliff. It's another night of cowboy camping. Can't complain tonight!

-Scribbles (aka Ted)
8:35 p.m. 5/4/2015

Week 7 Progress Map

Week 7 Progress Map

Day 50 - Dragon's Tooth

700! I'm sitting at Dragon's Tooth, a rock that juts about 40 feet straight up at the top of a mountain. It's sweet, and what's as sweet is that this is the 700 mile mark. Crazy to think that on April 22 I was at the 500 mark. There's no doubt I'll be slowing down a bit. Actually, I'm less than 4 miles from where I plan to sleep tonight; the 4 Pines Hostel, which is apparently a 3-car garage with bunks and a shower! I'm sure looking forward to it. I'm also looking forward to the next few days. I plan on doing more short ones. I only have about 14 miles from 4 Pines to McAfee Knob, where I'll camp near tomorrow, then another 15 or so Troutville, the next town. It's get well time now, as I'm still nursing my foot. I will say that 2 nights of icing in the stream have helped considerably. I almost, almost can't feel it. Which of course does not mean it's better, but is sure an upgrade over a few days ago! Overall I'm feeling much better than I did before. 800 here I come!

- Scribbles (aka Ted)
12:10 p.m. 5/3/2015

Day 49 - Kelly Knob

Well, after a few days like I had going into Pearisburg, I should have expected a letdown. The days since town have been tough. First off, I've felt very lethargic, especially the day I left. My friend Tate calls it "town fever," and I think that that's an apt description. You get used to the bed, the food, the laziness, and when the trail comes back it's like you're not ready. On top of lethargy there's a bit of apathy. I've found it difficult to get motivated these last few days. Mountains that should be easy climbs are hard, steep mountains seem impossible! And with this apathy I've been seriously neglecting my journal, blog entries are fewer, and even reading, my favorite non-hiking activity has lost some appeal. It stinks! And then there's the cherry on top of this sundae of misery: my foot.

Since Pearisburg, and especially yesterday, the top of my right foot has had this pain that seems to occur when I bend my toe up. Walking alone, all sorts of thoughts were flying through my head when it first acted up. "Stress fracture, off the trail, etc." It's scary! But, I've figured that it's just a tendon thing. I loosened my shoelaces, stretched a lot, and last night I gave my feet a 15 minute dunk in an icy stream. All of that has my foot feeling much better today, and I remain optimistic that I'll be 100% in no time. But boy, do I feel like an idiot for doing that 30 mile day! It felt good when I did it but I've got no doubts that all of this trouble started there. 

Yesterday was the hardest one since Roan Mountain. But things are looking up! How can I be unhappy when I'm on the Appalachian Trail?! This is the dream. Sure it's hard at times, but overcoming challenges is probably the most important part of a thru-hike. I've got my head on a little straighter today, and although I still have to be a little ginger with my foot, it's way better than yesterday. Not only that, but I've got some beautiful trail ahead; Dragon's Tooth, McAfee Knob, and the Tinker Cliffs. And the weather looks good too! So I won't be down for long. In the meantime, I'm sorry if the blog has suffered with me these last few days. Better times are coming!

- Scribbles (aka Ted)
11:53 a.m. 5/2/2015