3/27 A good day

14 miles hiked today, 199.1 miles N
Mnt. Collins Shelter

Today I was still feeling the after effects of yesterday. I took some time for myself and read for while before getting up. In the end I pushed off at about 9:30.
Initially I mainly had a treed in view. After that though I followed a ridge line. Although the smokies were earning their name the narrow/steep ridge allowed me to look over both sides. I was really enjoying myself and had to really focus on making sure I didn't step off the edge.
After that the trail rose into a dense pine forest. I was astonishing. The trees were so close together I doubt I could have thrown a rock much farther than 10 feet. The ground was littered with dead trees covered in moss, the ground was covered with soft soil and most moss. If I looked at most I could see nearly half a dozen different kinds and colors of mosses. I found this to be some of the most inspiring and relaxing scenery to see. This terrain held up all the way up to the top of Clingmans Dome, the highest point on the AT. The view was clouded in but the trees nearby was clouded in. There was a road going right up to the top with a spiraled concrete ramp that took visitors above the tree line. The road was a bit of a disappointment but it was closed until April 1st so there was no traffic to speak of. Up top of the tower Renaissance man, Snack break, no name, and I hung out for a while and then M.A. and Fire Marshall. Everyone started back up the trail while I poked around the other side of the peak where I found a pollution monitoring station. Also around the top there were all sorts of birds, sparrows, cardinals, and hawks circling above.
After that I pushed on down the trail and caught up with M.A. and Marshall and hiked with them until we rolled into the shelter about 2 hours. The whole time was spent in the pine forest which was a treat for me. Since the woods were so dense the shelter was in a very tight space. We all gathered and cooked around the campfire. During this we all realized we had heard the same sound. It was a really quiet deep sound, almost more felt than heard. I though it was the trees creaking, others though it sounded like a diesel engine starting. It turned out to a grouse. That all for now. More tomorrow.

3/26 The good and bad

18.3 miles hiked today, 185.6 miles N
Derrick Knob Shelter

Last night started out nice but after a while the wind picked up cooling things off and driving me deeper into my sleeping bag. The Shelter had a tarp covering the entrance, perhaps to keep the wind out(?) that flapped and woke me several times a well. I woke and packed up fairly quickly getting out before most.

After that my morning was fairly boring with lot of tree obstructed views. I had a bad hiking day in that I was feeling sluggish. I think I may not have included enough sugar in my food resupply.

It was hot out so I decided to attach my watch to my hip belt for a better reading. Later I unbuckled my hip belt for comfort and I didn't realize my mistake for about a half mile. When I went to check my watch I immediately turned around and headed back up the trail. After about 5 minutes I ran into McGyver who was coming behind and thankfully he had picked up the watch and gave it back to me. We hiked together for a while but I ended up pushing ahead over Rocky Top and Thunderhead Peak. The terrain was golden grasses all into , over, and out of the peaks with a fringe of shrubs. As result the world felt open and exposed with the sun pouring down on me. I took my time and enjoyed the lookouts. I bumped into M.A. and Fire Marshall on Rocky Top and stopped for a snack hoping that would boost my energy. I spent most of the rest of the day in the trees. I was really cruising but tiring.

I took a break in Sugartree gap when there were some nice sitting logs and laid on the ground with my feet up on the log. I relaxed for a while but then got up as I wanted to make 6.6 more miles which would get me in camp just a little before dark but that is when things started to break down to leave me nervous and twitchy all night. I hiked on for a while up and down over a peak and down. Then I came across the Sugartree gap sign which meant the the 1.1 miles to the next shelter turned out to be actually about 1 longer or about 2.1. I rolled into the next shelter, Derrick Knob, finally, but it was gonna be a haul to get to the following one, Silers Bald. I took a short break and chatted with the family who was there but since I had a lot to cover before dark I pushed on. After a while I realized I didn't have my glasses anymore. I considered it for a moment and dropped my pack and poles and jogged the .8 miles back to Derrick Knob shelter. I assumed I had dropped them at !

the shelter when I had taken the break. When I got there I couldn't find them but I did find McGyver. I was worried about leaving my pack so I jogged back to my pack and waited for McGyver who caught up with me few minutes later. I had decided that it was pointless to go back for the glasses. I would lose time and may not find them. As McGyver and I headed north I thought about it and realized that A. I wasn't going to make my mail drop in Hot Springs no matter what I did, B. this gave me an extra 2 days to hike while I would be waiting, C. I last saw the the glasses in Sugartree Gap which is not far behind Derrick Knob, especially if I slack packed back, D. I was out here to relax, not rush. Of course I realized this after we had made it about half way (2.5 miles) to Silers Bald making the problem even greater but I was very tired. My thinking was in serious need of sugar. We parted ways and turned back to depressingly cover the same territory again back to Derricks Knob. In he morning I will slack pack over the area where I dropped my glasses. I am not going to rush as I am not in a hurry.

3/25 Into the Smoke..

ies.
11.3 miles hiked today, 173.9 miles N
Mollies Shelter

Today was a short day because I got a late start. McGyver and I spent the extra time updating our journals which was nice as I was falling way behind. I also have been suffering from a pretty bad case of acne due to the extra sweating and the reduced showering so I picked up some rubbing alcohol to wipe my face with after hiking for a day.

We hit the dam about 12 and started the 2 miles road walk to the woods. Walking along the dam was neat probably mainly because I am a geek for engineering marvels. It is the largest concret dam on the east coast. Along the way McGyver realized that he has forgotten to fill out a permit for the Smokies which is located at a road crossing about 3 miles back. Just before entering the woods there was a police car and we inquired about the consequences of going permitless. In the end McGyver decided not to risk it but lucky he hitched a ride back with the cop. I continued up into the woods for a hot and sweaty climb until I got to Shuckstack Mnt. where there was a rather scary looking firetower. I went up and was treated to the sight of Fontana from way above. The tower itself was old and rusty with weathered and cracked planks for steps. Despite my doubts it held just fine. I went back down to the where the side trail to the tower rejoined the AT I realized I had left my glasses up !

at the top of the tower while taking a self portrait. I turned around and went back to get them. Then when I made it back to the AT I decided to leave a note scratched in the dirt to McGyver to tell him about the great view on the tower side trail and then headed on. Almost immediately I caught up with McGyver who was taking care of something just around a bend. I told him about the tower and then ate lunch while he took in sights.

After that we hiked past a campground where a ATC ridge runner was taking a count of thru hikers. We found out that Silver(named for her hair) was there and decided to see her but she was passed out cold so we left a message a moved on. We rolled into the shelter and started setting up and a chill settled into the air. I think it is going to be cold night though not below freezing. Oh one other thing, the shelter is infested with mice. I saw three dashing to crevices when I went in to grab something from a stuff sack. One was even on my bag. I hope they don't bug me too much!

3/24 Rest Day

1.1 miles hiked today, 162.6 miles N
Fontana Hilton/Shelter

Today was a rest day. The 1.1 miles was over the ridge line that separated the highway from the shore. I did this after doing something I had dreamed of for the last week, showered. It was glorious! :) My smell no longer precedes me. The shower is 1/2 miles from the shelter and I managed to hitch a ride back except they had no idea how to get to the shelter. As a result they ended up dropping me off on the other side of the ridge and thus I got my hike in quite unsuspectingly.
After that I headed into town for laundry and mail. When I went to the post office I found that my shoes had arrived but not my regular resupply box. I am kinda p##### as they were both sent from the chicagoland area on the same day and the other had arrived Wednesday. As a result I didn't have most of my food and toiletries. I thought briefly of waiting until Monday but knowing the USPS there was no point, the package may never arrive. I left a forward in case it does arrive to have it sent to Hot Springs NC.
Then it was time to resupply at resort town prices. In the end I suppose it was not that bad but I spent about $50 on food. For the toiletries I am going to have to mostly wait till hot springs since they didn't have very many. Fortunately the trail magic meant I had some extra staple foods and I hadn't gotten around to throwing the excess out. In the end I bought roughly one days too much food and had to give a little away but I think what I bought should hold me for 7 days.
One thing I ditched my pack towel for two bandannas. I only used it once and the bandannas can be used to dry of and much more.
When dinner time came around I asked on of the employees, Jerry, what our dining options were. They were pretty much what we had last night, pricey and good, or even more pricey shuttle into the nearest town. He did offer some humus and spinach dip that he had leftover from lunch. What a treat that turned out. They were both made by his wife and boy can she cook! This was the best dinner I have had on the trip yet! Yum! I put on tortillas and added wild chives we found growing around the area. The raw chives didn't add much but when roasted or boiled the imparted a very nice flavor.
The sunset was stunning not so much for it on the horizon but more the light it cast on the lake. The lake level is about 15-20' low and that light made the exposed dirt shore seem to glow. Very nice but with trees in the way none of my photo attempts came out. :(
Tomorrow off to the Smokies!

3/23 Dam Race

17.1 miles hiked today, 161.5 miles N

Well the scorching in my pot is pretty bad and I can't seem to scrub it clean. Hopefully I will be able to find a scrubby pad.

Our camp site turned out to be fairly well shielded from the sun an we stayed cool until we climbed up the ridge line and sun started heating us up. It was a hot long hike to Fontana after that.

Along the way at Cable Gap Shelter we ran into a group of high schoolers from Cincinnati who were out on some sort of program. The kids, about 20-30 of them were an interesting bunch who were exhausted from the 8 mile hike they had just done.

After seeing them and climbing out of the gap we got our first view of the massive lake Fontana Dam creates. We hike alongside it for the next couple. However it was always sen through trees so I never could get a good pic to show how beautiful it was.

towards the end of the hike I got a kick of energy and covered the last 4-5 miles in a hour and a half (about 4:30). At the road to the dam I found a restroom where I freshened up best I could. I found a note from Bowser saying he went to town and then would come back to the Shelter. Some people I passed earlier offered me a ride into town and So I headed in. In town I found most places had closed at 5. The two is a resort town and very much looked and acted like one out of season but the pay phone was still working and I called home for the next hour or two. Then I went up to the Fontana Lodge near by which offers $2 shuttle rides back down to the shelter and ran into McGyver.

We hung out with some other hikers and had a very good meal before heading down and meeting up with Bowser and about 10 hikers and 10 noisy boy scouts. I am so tired that I don't think the noise will keep me up.

missing everyone
great dinner

3/22 Go long

16.2 miles hiked today, 144.4 miles N
Locust Cove Gap

This morning I woke up 5 miles shy of the NOC. The NOC is one of those places that all AT hikers knows about. Gear, food, and bunks are all available, about all and hiker could want.
I was not much different than others. I hiked in and picked up a replacement spork for one I broke, a mylar blanket to use as a ground cloth under my tarp (the old one wore out), and some non liquid soap to save weight. After doing that and email I lunched with Mississippi Mule and Foot Pilot. A Spinach melt, yummy!

Then onward I went. Almost immediately I ran into a trail crew and McGyver. They were accepting voluteers and we were happy to help. He did some rock work and I did some grading and widening the trail into the steep slope on the side of the mountain. We did that about an hour and then went on our way. Everyone said their respective "thank yous" for helping build this wonderful trail.

The climb that followed was brutal, over 3000' of almost continuous up. It took over 2 hours but it was nice to be back at elevation on Cheoah Bald at 5062'.

During the climb the air started getting very smokey. It was so thick with smoke that the sun was turned red and orange and our lungs felt raspy. We hiked in the smoke for about 3 hours and for a while I thought there was a fire near by but then I caught a view of the other side of the valley and decided it must be farther out than that and that we would be fine.

This was one of those days that never seemed to end. We, McGyver and I, rolled into camp just after sunset exhausted. We threw up camp before dark but had to eat dinner in the dark. Neither of us were hungry but I eat anyhow. I didn't realize how tired I was and I spilled and scorched my food ad generally made a mess of my kit. Finally I went to bed exhausted.

3/21 Hard Day

17.9 miles hiked today, 128.2 miles N
Wessler Shelter

I woke at 6am in the dark. I had set things up pretty well last night so I could do most of my packing without a flashlight and thus avoid disturbing the others in the shelter. In all it took about 10 minutes feeling around and then out to the bear hang to get my food and toiletries.

It was rather odd hiking in the dark. I was a little tippy I suspect because I couldn't see any sort of horizon. My headlight cast a single cone of light that I had focused on the ground 10 feet ahead. I had to be sure to look up every so often to catch blazes an look for the side trail I was going to take. I came across a couple trails and spent a few minutes exploring each looking for blue blazes that would indicate the trail I was looking for. After about 45 minutes I came to clearing that looked like a ski slope that went straight to the top of the mountain. It was a steep climb but only took about 5 minutes to gain 100-200' to a point where I could see in every direction.

Unfortunately the clouds thaw ted my plans of watching the sunrise and hid the sun. I took care of some toe blisters instead and headed out early.

For some reason this was one of my longest distance-wise and lowest energy days. I think because I didn't eat dinner last night I was just zonked. Somehow through will alone I just walked. I walked but not quickly. In the end that worked though. I caught up with McGyver and Bowser who I had been hiking with most of the week but had skipped Franklin and had shot ahead.

Along the way there were many things to see and keep me distracted from my low energy. On of my favorite ground covers, heather, was abundant for a disappointingly short distance but it was there none the less. I noted a lot of sections with middle aged trees and grass ground cover. I think this was purposely made through burns as there was very little woody brush. It provided many spots that looked inviting for breaks and camping. Later I came across just such a fresh burn. I was told it was burned last week by the forest service. It was maybe 2-3 miles and was very erie. The smell of smoke was still in the air. It smelled like clothes do after sitting near a campfire, a sticky and thick sent. I swear I felt a sense of heat and poked around looking for embers but there were none. The burn was very shallow often leaving a layer of unburnt leaves just below a thin layer of leave ash.

Shorty I came to a gap where someone, it turned out to a man named Apple, had set up what has been descibed as the spaceship.It was one of those 75lbs tents that houses 16 easy. Usually they are used as base campus in high mountains like Everest. Apple had set up a kitchens with all you could eat/drink hot dogs, fridge with cold drinks, and cookies. Inside I found McGyver and Bowser who I had been chasing down all day. We relaxed there in lawn chairs and had great conversation. Apple said that I wasn't the first to notice that sense of heat in the woods above. We lingered until the need to make miles kicked in.

Stupidly I dropped my trail data book at the Spaceship so I will have to bum information off of others as to where shelters are until I can get a new one.

After that we again entered the Rhododendron where it surrounded the trail on three sides forming tunnels. Every so often rocky outcrops provided views of the vallys below and of great horizons interrupted only by neighboring peaks.

Bowser was eager to get a Bed so he pushed on into rapidly approaching night to cover the last 3.5 miles.

3/20 Easy Day

12.8 miles hiked today, 110.3 miles N
Siler Bald Shelter

Today didn't quite turn out as expected. I was shooting for 18 miles and, well I got less. I got sucked into Franklin for a couple supplies and email.
I had 18 in mind when I started. I was a hiking machine doing 3 MPH the whole 9 miles to the road. Along the way I found not one but two places where people left drinks for hikers! I grabbed Capri Sun that were cooling in a waterfall and enjoyed it as I hiked. When I arrived at the road crossing I was in for a little more magic.
There I found a friendly couple with "Jesus is my boss" hats who offered me drinks, food, and a bible. Seriously they were very nice and friendly, not pushy at all. I had a pleasant conversation with then while I waited for a ride into town which they called.
When it arrived it turned out to be Ron Haven, owner of the Budget Inn in Franklin. I met him two days ago at Standing Indian and he struck me as too friendly. Very helpful, too much so that it seemed like he was a con. Well no con he is! I got free shuttles from him and and he really knowledable about all things local. Once in town I got sucked into eating a pocket mailing for a couple hours, them hit the market for what I needed and wait for my ride back. I budgeted two hours and used four. :(
I took the easy hike in to the Siler Shelter expecting to find Bowser and Kevin but they had pushed on. I was somewhat sick from town food so I had to call it a day.
I think I have to adopt a no town food policy because when I eat in town I seem to overeat. As a result I feel sick and skip dinner.
Since today was a short day I am gonna get up at 6AM to catch the sunrise and get an early start.
As to what I saw today on the trail not much til the afternoon when I slowed down a bit. It was treed in so I didn't get much views but I did see the trees are just starting to bud. At Siler Bald Shelter there was a thinning of the trees that did afford a nice view of Franklin in the distance at night.

Your questions, my answers

Q Why do I need a new tarp?
A I don't, it was a mix up. I wanted to return and they thought I wanted a exchange.

Q Did I stay at Cloud9
A Nope, I am trying not to stay in town though I will probably spend a night at Fontana Dam NC

Q Are you going to post picks?
A Sorta. They will be delayed by a few weeks. I have to send memory cards home to have them posted. I will do that about once every two weeks. Then there is mailing time and the time it takes to get posted by my generous and probably busy friend.

Q Hunger
A The hunger has set in but not as bad as I have experienced in the past. Between town stops and trail magic I can actually feel full. Usually that sensation takes a day to return after I get back home.

Q Why am I writing this post?
A I can see your comments on my pocketmail but I can't reply directly, I can only post.

3/19 Cha Cha Changes

14.4 miles hiked today, 97.5 miles N

Today I got a really late start but I was felling good and making at least 2.5 mph, maybe even 3.

In GA we saw and walked though many rhododendron groves which surrounded us. Here these tunnels are getting bigger and more frequent. I think they like the increased altitude. The weather really improved too. I got to strip back down to shorts. That left me a tad cool but I was better than sweating for too much clothing.

When the trees break the views are getting better. This afternoon I climbed Albert Mountain. The end of the climb was near vertical with steps taking you up feet at a time. However the steepness kept the trees down too and the views we stunning. The climb was fairly short, maybe 400' feet and the view from the top went for miles and miles. There was a fire tower up there which got me out of the brush to were the view was 360. Being the highest thing round the wind was, lets say, brisk. After seeing that my dreams of doing an extra couple miles evaporated and I spent the next 45 minutes staring.

I loath to leave but camp was a short ways off were I spent the night with pretty much the same hikers as last night.

3/18 Strolling in the woods

15.4 miles hiked today, 83.1 miles N
Standing Indian Shelter

Today I awoke to temps in the 20s again. A brisk push to pack up camp and get out on the trail warmed me up and we got rolling.

Today was a long distance and cold day but by the end I think could have easily hiked another 4-5 miles if there was light.

It was quite an eventful day! First off I finished a state, Georgia. The border had a tree with a sign and we, Bowser and Kevin, stopped for photos. The traditional boundary however is Bly Gap were there is an old gnarly oak tree that is truly beautiful. The tree was in a clearing affording us some nice views and warm sun which we were happy to enjoy during lunch.

My first introduction to North Carolina was a brutal climb but after that things got more sane.

In NC the terrain had more gradual climbs but it makes up for that by rockiness and muddiness. We also now are general staying above 4000' and peaking over well over 5000'.

Despite the weather getting better (getting out of the 30s) the north sides of the mountains we still frozen solid. One of the side effects was these odd but gorgeous ice crystals that grew straight up out of the mud. Some got as long as 6" and looked like bean sprouts without the leaves.

As the day drew to an end I made a push for the Shelter. As I hiked I swore a couple times I heard Johnny Cash singing. When I would stopped clanking away at the trail to listen I couldn't hear him. Finally I come into the road crossing where there is a stereo playing Cash. Also Paddy'O and Pedro with some serious trail magic. All you could eat cookies, chips and dips, gorp, etc. They also had all you could drink Gatorade, pop, and beer. It was a party! I hung out chatting and eating for what seems like and hour. Paddy'O thru hiked last year and was paying his trail magic forward. I stayed until being in the shade caused me to shiver badly and I had to generate some heat hiking.

When I get to the shelter find trail magic heppening from an unrelated group of CastAway and Rin Tin Tin. They had a campfire going. They also had hauled up a barbecue and a mini keg of beer. They had brats and pork chops going and even had veggie chicken patties!! Yum. As all this was happening and fellow thru hiker, Ziplock took out his guitar and played by the fire.
This night was pure magic!

3/17 Shower and laundry

4.6 miles hiked today, 67.7 miles N
1.1 miles North of Dick's Creek Gap

Today was a town day. That means that the stench that is characteric of thru hikers gets to meet town folks. It was a easy hike down to the road and an even easier hitch. We almost didn't need to stick our thumb out! In town the first thing I looked for laundry and a shower which the Hiawassee Inn was happy to supply at $4.75. For another buck I refilled my fuel too. While I was waiting for my laundry to finish I wrote a bunch of email and corrected the more obvious spelling errors in my blog posts which I then sent off.

After laundry a hiking buddy, Curtis, and I got some subs. Then I headed to the grocery to buy way too much food. Finally I called home and spoke to grandma and Dana. I tried my parents too but they didn't pick up. Again I hiked a ride, this time back to the trail. Around Hiawassee it shockingly easy to get a ride. It took maybe a minute, possibly 2.

I hiked in to the first campsite N of Dick's Gap and met up with a couple of friends.

The sunset was beautiful but as it dipped the temperature dropped as well. This was compounded by the wind. We were all stuffed from town food so we skipped dinner and went for hot drinks. I set up my tarp as a leanto to shield us from the wind and we stayed up late chatting and drinking warming drinks.

Want to follow along?

I just got my very long map in the mail from the delightful US Park Service! It came in less than a week and it was free! It is a little terrifying to see in a linear way exactly how far he has to walk!

Do you want one too? Then send an email or use one of the old fashioned means of communication mentioned below:

Obtain a Printed Park Map

To request a printed park brochure (which includes a park map), please contact Frances Cherry in the NPS Office of Public Affairs:

This map is entitled Appalachian Trail, Maine to Georgia.

email: Frances_Cherry@nps.gov

address:
Frances Cherry
National Park Service
Office of Public Affairs
Room 7012
1849 C St. NW
Washington, D.C. 20240

phone: 202-208-4747

Be sure to include your address and postal code with the request.

First resupply pickup

Fontana Dam is the first place where I will try to pick up mail. Below is the address. Dana could you please send 6 dinners of your choice, I have oil and milk, and a pair of shoes. Also someone please send a sherpa. ;)

Thank you,
Grasshopper

Tim Laurence,
Expected Arrival 3/24/2007
C/O GENERAL DELIVERY
Fontana Dam, NC 28733

3/16 Foggy wonderland

3/16/2007
14.8 miles hiked today, 60.3 miles N
At Deer Gap

Today, well it sucks souls out, breaks spirits, and make you wonder if you packed enough layers. It started at about 60 degrees and at the time of this writing(8:30) the sun has just about disappeared and the temp is already at 34F. The last time I saw farther than 70' was at 10:30 this morn.

It has been windy and steadily colder all day but some how I am doing OK. I still have some dry layers to put on and may bag is mostly dry from last night..
Oh that. Last night the shelter ran out of space in the loft so I had to sleep out on the porch. Well around 3 AM I awoke to water on my face. The wind blew the rain into the porch covering me with a layer of rain. I managed to find a dry patch in the shelter and dried it out with my body heat pretty good over next few hours.
Anyhow today was one of those where one just puts the feet in front of each other as on a endless treadmill. I never could see when I was near a peak or gap so when I came upon them it was surprise. I took some photos and if the come out they should look like scenes from spooky graveyard or forest.

One thing I did manage to see was a bigger version of the newt I saw the day before. It was maybe 2 inches long and was sitting on a rock on the trail trying to warm itself despite the cloudy weather.

I managed to get to Deer Gap Shelter by 6PM. Insteed of my regular one pot of hot water for dinner I made three to stay warm. The wind really pulled the heat out of me and I retired to inside the shelter to seascape. I was lucky and got a spot in the attic where the temp stayed just above freezing were as the first floor was at 24 degrees in morning.

The next day my water bottles and wet clothes froze solid and the ground had that satisfying crunch of frost breaking.

Along the trail there was sprouts of frost that grew to 3 or inches overnight. It has to seen to believed so I took some photos. I hiked into Dick's Creek Gap to head into Hiawassee for a shower, laundry, and resupply.

3/15 Cooling off

3/15/2007
15 miles hiked today, 48.3 miles N
At Blue Ridge Shelter

Today was a steady hike. I think I am getting my rythm. There weather has been wonderful the whole time until now. There was some drizzle this afternoon and it feels like something bigger is rolling in.

Last night when I went to collect my water I thought I saw something small swimming in the spring. This morning I saw there a few things living in my water source. I tried to get photos but we will see if they come out. One looked like a white&transparent Roley Polly and the other looked like a newt perhaps that was smaller than match with tiny feet.

My other observation for the day is that the privy at Low Gap appears to be ADA compliant. No matter that is on a 30-40 degree slope it still has a ramp to get in, wide areas to maneuver and a grabber bar.

3/14 Junk Food

3/14/2007
11.1 miles hiked today, 33.3 miles N
At Spring Top Rock

Today was my first resupply stop, Neels Gap. I didn't need anything but that didn't stop me buying a pile of junk food as a nutritional supplement. The outfitter there, Mountain Crossing, is better than any in Chicago. If I had to refit this is the place I would go!

I spent 3 hours there munching and chilling. They had a phone so I checked me email and blog, then I called Dana to say "Hi, I am still alive"

After that I headed a couple miles into the woods to sleep.

3/13 Boom

3/13/2007
14.6 miles hiked today, 22.2 miles N
In or near Dan Gap

Today I got a bit of a late start. Still hiking late kept me on pace. Fairly early in the day I was in Cooper gap I was a army convoy of roughy 30-40 armed soliders. I waved at them and they waved back. What is one to do with a sizeable miliatry force? After they passed a couple guys I was later told were army ranges popped out of brush. One of them told me to clear out of the gap as they had a "rather large bomb" they were about to set off. I told them that their were hikers behind me and after a few seconds one of them got it and ran up the other side of the gap to stop them. Meanwhile a crowd of 10 or so hikers were camped out on the side of the gap waiting for the big show. I joined them for maybe 15 minutes to eat lunch before I decided to push on. 5 minutes up the trail I heard a huge boom followed by gun fire and men shouting. It must have been quite a show!

I spent most of the rest of the day playing tag with Montana Steve until I lost him as I hiked into 6PM.

It begins

3/12/07 15.3 today, 7.5 N
The jet lag kept me up a little late night but I still got 7 hours of sleep. I slept pretty well which is a change from the last month of fussy sleeping. The people I meet are nice and like most hikers are characters.

I woke up at 6:30 to the sound of my roommates packing and got started myself. Breakfast was a family style affair with everyone saying please pass the grits?, could I pleas have the eggs?, etc. Then we all waited around for our shuttles to the various points and about 8:30 I got my ride. I was the only one at the Hostel who wanted to started at Amicola Falls State Park (SP) visitor center.

I always assumed that everyone stared at the visitor center because that is what most guides and trail journals I read said. It turns out that there is a road .9 miles from springer mnt., the AT's offical start. In the past the guides didn't mention this road, I am told, to keep party goers from trashing the peak and shelter near by. Now with the internet the info only known by locals is now widely avaiable and most chose the eaiser route.

Easier it certianly is. I did a mstly uphill 7.8 mile climb up 1500' to get to springer. It was a nice trail, well kept with a senic overlook of the Falls the SP is named after.

For being in bad shape(for me that is) I did the climb in 4 hours, only a hour longer than I previously would have taken. At the top I ran into the tail end of a bit of a party and took my lunch. I talked with the care taker, ManySleep, and met DeepDish who brought along a guitar. I got to be the first of what I suspect will be many who will see the instrument. DeepDish was also from Chicago so we talked a little about Chicago pizza and how it is better than that found in OH where he studied.

The gound around here has lots of Mica and when I took my socks off during lunch I saw the dust on my feet which made them glimer.

After a short nap I headed N to Hawk Mnt. where I am camped with about 20-30 people. Most did the hike from Springer (7.5 miles) but Montana Steve left the visitor center. He is a very nice fellow from near Glaicer NP and we talk a length about the area.

To Atlanta

3/11/2007 11PM
Today was a blur. Dana and I tried to make the most of my last hours in Chicago by relaxing for while together before going out for breakfast and then the airport. She walked me to security were we had our dignified but tough departure. After over a year and a half it will be had to not talk every day.

The air flight was uneventful minus some exciting turbulence. We got to Atlanta 20-30 minutes early but most of that was lost wait 45 min for baggage. I noticed in Chicago the roads are bumpy and runways smooth. Here the runways are bumpy and roads are smooth.

The Hiker Hostel Picked me up after only 30 minutes of waiting and set me up with a bunk. We are getting up @ 7 to start so time for bed.

Inital Packing list

For everyone who is curious I have posted my packing list to the right. It omits a book to read and possibly a long sleeve shirt (6-9 OZ) but is otherwise complete and accurate. Enjoy.

Mailing me on the trail

I will have the ability to pick up packages along the trail.
First off thank you to anyone sending care packages. However I thought I should give some information to make it easier for you to figure out. Packages can be sent to GENERAL DELIVERY or to a hotel/hostel/etc where I will spend the night. Since I can't predict exactly where I will be months in the future I will be sending out updates about
every two weeks with where I will be in two weeks. This should help me
and everyone in couple ways;

* I won't have to stop as often to collect packages
* People can coordinate between each other through the blog so I
don't get 4 batches of cookies in one day. People can take turns so
one person doesn't have to make all the packages. Please add a
comment to the resupply entries in the blog when you plan on shipping
a box.
* People can coordinate amongst themselves and possible save on postage.

Some basic advice;

* The postal service says Priority Mail should get packages there in
2-3 days. I doubt this but if you send packages 7-10 days early I
pretty sure they will make it to me on time. If you miss the deadline
it is OK, I will be picking up another package in 2 weeks. Also if I
missed your package at a post office I can put in for a forwarding to
get it to my next resupply point. You can ask the post office to
return your package to you and resend it.
* If I am picking up from a non post-office location you can use the
service of your choice but for post offices it has to be USPS.
* Send only what I can use in a week. I will be picking up food every
week in town.
* Remember I will have to carry what you send up hill. Keep it light
please.
* I am vegetarian so please check those labels. Watch out for
gelatin, animal products, and fish. Eggs and milk are OK though.

For more information check out.
http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?p=95199&postcount=1

Finally THANK YOU and advance to anyone who sends a package. Know
that you efforts are truly appreciated and will be the calories that
power me down the trail.

Taking care of the car

I did a final pack check last night. I need to add a stuff sack and then I am ready to roll.

I cleaned my car out and took it in for and oil change and to replace the mirror some ******* hit and ran on.

Later I spent some time with my 16 year old little brother telling him the ins and outs of what will be his car for the next 5 months. I should be worried but I am not, I am sure he will take good care of it!

Almost ready

Well it is almost time. I have been taking care of my in town affairs and getting my gear together. I now have everything I will need. I still have to decide which stove to use but I am prety sure it will be the mini one I made. I spent most of yesterday getting the supplies for my resupply boxes. These will have things like camera batteries, qtips, and oil. They will be things that mainly are hard to get, are cheaper in bulk, or don't come in small enough sizes for a hiker.

As soon as I am done with the stove I will post my final packing list. I am worried about being too cold so my list will be on the heaver end but I am sending extra layers home if they are unneeded which should allow my pack to go sub 10 lbs and possible even sub 9 lbs.

People have been asking my how I feel about my trip or what Dana thinks of me leaving for 5 months. We both will miss each other a lot! Dana is finishing her doctorate while I am out of town. That is really hard and I am sad I can't help support her as much as I would like. On the other hand I know I am embarking on something that is substantial that may change my perspective on many things so I am excited. In the end that leaves me very confussed person emotionaly.

Dana is planning on hiking with me a ways which will make the separation shorter though I am sure no less tough.

I leave you with last minute realiztions of things I needed in my resupply boxes;
2 q-tips a week
denture cleaner to clean my night-guard
a new trash bag as a backpack cover when the old tears.

First message from PocketMail

3/2/2007

Chicago, IL

This is the first message of hopefully many I will send from my PocketMail. It works surprisingly well though it doesn't have spell checking so please bear with me.

Yesterday was great. I felt about 100' tall. Everyone was so nice in wishing me well that I feel all warm and fuzzy. I will miss the Law School greatly, it has been such a nice place to work. I have to run back there later today though since I just realized I accidentally brought some keys home with me.

I got a lot of questions and I thought I should create a little faq for people reading along. The first is "Are you going alone?" Yes I am but I m sure I will make many friends as I hike. Thousands of people hike the AT every year and I am sure I will see many of them at some point. The next is how will stay in touch? I plan on using two basic systems that both depend on phones, the pocket mail to read/send email and phone cards to make calls. Another common question is were I will get food. I plan to carry about one weeks food at a time. When get into town I will buy food in addition to checking my mail, doing laundry, and showering. This seems pretty reasonable since there is a road crossing most days that one can hitch ride into town from.

That is all for now but if you have any other questions please feel free to post them to the blog.

Last day of work

3/1/2007

Chicago, IL

Normally I am not a morning person. That is to say I don't wake up
easily but if I am up I am generally happy. Today I popped up at
6:45A.M. ready to go. I am sure it is because today is my last day of
work for the better part of a year if not longer. I feel excited
about it but I know that my sub-conscientiousness having a tough time
dealing with it. So much of my life is wrapped up in work and is a
little freaky to walk away from it.

Last night I went to Wilmette and dropped off Jeffs bike and swung by
my parents place. I picked of some of the last pieces of my kit. All
I have left now is my stove stand. The tarp I ordered is much nicer than I
anticipated but it is very noisy. Imagine those wrappers on small
candies with the twisted ends. Now imagine you had the same thing but
it was 9' X 8'! The tarp is made out of Spinnaker fabric which I am told
will soften with use like SilNylon does. I hope daily use helps this
problem along quickly. The shoes I got didn't fit the same as the
previous pair but it looks like I may be stuck with them at least
until stores replenish stock my favorites in April. Finally my wind
suit arrived as well. It looks like good quality construction though I wish I had not gotten the pants and jacket in the same color(black). When I am wearing it with the
hood up I look like a ninja. If I have time I will try to exchange
the color.

That is all for now. Off to work I go one last time.