Brett called me fairly late tonight, exhausted and DONE.
Brett said that the hike to the top of Katahdin was the toughest 5-mile section on the trail. It was a good challenge, worthy of the ending of the Appalachian Trail. Brett said that it was quite a scramble climbing up, and equally difficult coming back down.
However, Brett didn't feel the difficulty of the climb. He was so full of emotion he couldn't feel anything. The weather was a perfect day for being at the summit, but Brett doesn't remember any of the views.
Brett spent a couple of hours at the top. After climbing back down, Brett went to Millinocket with Coconut and Tailwind where they are staying in a hostel tonight. Tomorrow they will set out early to finish hiking the 10-mile section they skipped in order to summit on a good-weather day. Brett said that Coconut and Tailwind wanted to go back, and because it is an easy and flat section they should be able to finish hiking around Noon. Then they'll be heading south by car.
Brett will spend Tuesday getting cleaned up and reorganized. He said he was even planning on going to the store to maybe buy some clothes. He'll start looking for a flight home and with luck, should be home on Wednesday.
Monday, August 20, 2012
Sunday, August 19, 2012
(Sun. 8/19/12) Katahdin, ME
My e-mail to Brett today:
Dearest Brett,
I can’t stop thinking about you this weekend. This is it! You are at Baxter State Park
Apparently, Brett tried calling me while I was at church. (I hate missing his calls!) His cell phone is out of juice, so he was borrowing someone else's. He was able to get in touch with his dad who let me know that Brett was at the top of Katahdin. Brett's dad said that Brett was very emotional as he finished his six-month, 2,180-mile hike of the Appalachian Trail. I don't doubt it. I don't think any of us have the faintest idea of what Brett's experience has been. I think you would have to be on the trail for a solid month to really have a clue. I will admit to being clueless in my understanding of Brett has gone through to make it to Katahdin. But I will reiterate what I wrote to Brett: I am so proud of him. I never doubted that he would finish.
And now I can't wait to have him back.
(Thu. 8/16/12) White House Landing Wilderness Camps, ME (phone call)
Knowing that Brett was in the Hundred Mile Wilderness, I really didn't expect to hear from him again. Brett surprisingly had some cell service and was able to call home. He just doesn't have a way of recharging his phone. He is staying in a hostel in the middle of nowhere which has no electricity. They cook and run everything (including lights and refrigeration) on propane gas. The hostel is right on a lake. You blow an air horn when you get to their dock, and they come by boat to pick you up.
Brett said there are lakes everywhere. Katahdin may be only about 15 miles as the crow flies, but the trails twists and turns around the water. You see planes flying everywhere.
Brett hiked 3 miles to the hostel, leaving him only 46 more miles to go. The weather is terrible. Brett said that it has rained five of the last seven days. "Even my bones are wet." Brett, and quite a few other hikers (the hostel is full with 12 people), welcomed a chance to get out of the rain and stay in a hostel. Brett plans to hike the summit of Katahdin on Sunday, weather permitting. Sunday had the best forecast, and Brett may have to skip up to 10 miles in order to be at the top in decent weather--a sacrifice that Brett will gladly make.
The plan for Brett's return is that Coconut and her dad (whose name I finally discovered is Tailwind), as well as fellow hiker, BP, will drive down I-95 and drop off Brett in Kittery. Brett said he is ready to go home and sleep.
I asked Brett about Buzzkill, who started hiking the A.T. when Brett did, and whom Brett has kept up with almost the entire time. Brett saw Buzzkill a few days ago. They talked about summitting together, but Buzzkill got ahead of Brett and was ready to be done and get home.
Brett came into the hostel with an almost empty food bag. The hostel has a pantry for hikers to resupply. After this there may be one more "supply pantry". But Brett is starting to throw away some of his food containers now as he finishes them. He has only about one more meal on the trail. Then one last guilt-free meal in Millinocket (the town closest to Katahdin where Brett will probably stay after he summits).
Brett has only one more page of "The A.T. Guide" left. This is the book that has given him all the details of the trail along the way. He would rip out one page at a time, keeping it in his pocket for easy reference as he hiked. Then, when he finished that section he would throw it away and tear out the next page to carry. Now all that is left is one page.
Brett said that he is ready to be done. He is ready to be home. But, he is still enjoying this last section of trail. I hoped that Brett wouldn't be so focused on getting it over with, that he missed enjoying the finish. It sounds like he will enjoy the finish as well as being finished.
Brett said there are lakes everywhere. Katahdin may be only about 15 miles as the crow flies, but the trails twists and turns around the water. You see planes flying everywhere.
Brett hiked 3 miles to the hostel, leaving him only 46 more miles to go. The weather is terrible. Brett said that it has rained five of the last seven days. "Even my bones are wet." Brett, and quite a few other hikers (the hostel is full with 12 people), welcomed a chance to get out of the rain and stay in a hostel. Brett plans to hike the summit of Katahdin on Sunday, weather permitting. Sunday had the best forecast, and Brett may have to skip up to 10 miles in order to be at the top in decent weather--a sacrifice that Brett will gladly make.
The plan for Brett's return is that Coconut and her dad (whose name I finally discovered is Tailwind), as well as fellow hiker, BP, will drive down I-95 and drop off Brett in Kittery. Brett said he is ready to go home and sleep.
I asked Brett about Buzzkill, who started hiking the A.T. when Brett did, and whom Brett has kept up with almost the entire time. Brett saw Buzzkill a few days ago. They talked about summitting together, but Buzzkill got ahead of Brett and was ready to be done and get home.
Brett came into the hostel with an almost empty food bag. The hostel has a pantry for hikers to resupply. After this there may be one more "supply pantry". But Brett is starting to throw away some of his food containers now as he finishes them. He has only about one more meal on the trail. Then one last guilt-free meal in Millinocket (the town closest to Katahdin where Brett will probably stay after he summits).
Brett has only one more page of "The A.T. Guide" left. This is the book that has given him all the details of the trail along the way. He would rip out one page at a time, keeping it in his pocket for easy reference as he hiked. Then, when he finished that section he would throw it away and tear out the next page to carry. Now all that is left is one page.
Brett said that he is ready to be done. He is ready to be home. But, he is still enjoying this last section of trail. I hoped that Brett wouldn't be so focused on getting it over with, that he missed enjoying the finish. It sounds like he will enjoy the finish as well as being finished.
(Fri. 8/10/12) Monson, ME (phone call)
I expected cell phone service in Maine to be terrible. It was still hard for me not to hear an update after Brett told me about his black and broken foot. I was finally able to hear from Brett and get an update.
Brett said the part of his foot that is broken is the bump on the outside of his foot right below his little toe. He said it hurts, "but what can you do?" [The answer that comes to my mind is "see a doctor".] Although it hurts, it doesn't sound like his foot has really slowed Brett down. I hope that Brett will have it looked at when he returns home, but I know he does not want to think about that yet.
Brett said that he had only about a hundred more miles, about one week, left on the trail. Monson is the last town near the trail before the "Hundred Mile Wilderness." Brett's pack is heavy with all the food that he will need. This was essentially his last resupply. I am sure that at this point Brett will be noticing many "lasts".
The weather in Maine has not been very good to Brett. It sounds like there has been a lot of rain.
Brett has continued hiking with Coconut and her dad since Andover, ME. I'm really grateful that I was able to meet them in Gorham, NH, the day I dropped Brett off. They seemed very nice, and I'm glad that Brett has some good companions.
Coconut and her dad even offered to give Brett a ride back to my parents' house. They will be picked up at Katahdin and will be driving down I-95, which goes right through Kittery and Portsmouth. I was given an assignment to start checking out flights. Brett should be home in less than two weeks!
Brett said the part of his foot that is broken is the bump on the outside of his foot right below his little toe. He said it hurts, "but what can you do?" [The answer that comes to my mind is "see a doctor".] Although it hurts, it doesn't sound like his foot has really slowed Brett down. I hope that Brett will have it looked at when he returns home, but I know he does not want to think about that yet.
Brett said that he had only about a hundred more miles, about one week, left on the trail. Monson is the last town near the trail before the "Hundred Mile Wilderness." Brett's pack is heavy with all the food that he will need. This was essentially his last resupply. I am sure that at this point Brett will be noticing many "lasts".
The weather in Maine has not been very good to Brett. It sounds like there has been a lot of rain.
Brett has continued hiking with Coconut and her dad since Andover, ME. I'm really grateful that I was able to meet them in Gorham, NH, the day I dropped Brett off. They seemed very nice, and I'm glad that Brett has some good companions.
Coconut and her dad even offered to give Brett a ride back to my parents' house. They will be picked up at Katahdin and will be driving down I-95, which goes right through Kittery and Portsmouth. I was given an assignment to start checking out flights. Brett should be home in less than two weeks!
(Mon. 8/6/12) Maine (text)
I am truly grateful for you as well. I do think of you often and how lucky I am to have you. I love you, Hun.
Welcome words to hear. But how are you walking on a broken foot?
Welcome words to hear. But how are you walking on a broken foot?
(Sat. 8/4/12) Maine (text, e-mail)
While out and about I received this text from Brett:
Tough days. I have broken part of my foot from a trip and fall. Will update when I have service where I can make a call, but it may be a while.
Later, I received this e-mail:
Feel better from being sick--100 percent recovered. However, I took a fall and think I have broken a part in my foot. It's totally black, and I can barely get a shoe on. I am making slow progress but still going. I have been hiking with Coconut and her dad since we have met up again. No cell reception anywhere. I am slow but still pushing on. Thinking around the 20th.
Nothing like having bad news with no way of talking to Brett!
Tough days. I have broken part of my foot from a trip and fall. Will update when I have service where I can make a call, but it may be a while.
Later, I received this e-mail:
Feel better from being sick--100 percent recovered. However, I took a fall and think I have broken a part in my foot. It's totally black, and I can barely get a shoe on. I am making slow progress but still going. I have been hiking with Coconut and her dad since we have met up again. No cell reception anywhere. I am slow but still pushing on. Thinking around the 20th.
Nothing like having bad news with no way of talking to Brett!
(Wed. 8/1/12) Andover, ME (phone call)
Brett called on Tuesday morning to say that he was feeling a little better and was going to try to eat something. Brett called me back on Wednesday afternoon to say that he was feeling better and was pretty much over the stomach bug. I asked him if he was up to 70/80% healthy-normal. He said that was functioning at 95%. That was great news. I was happy to hear that it was a fairly short illness.
Monday, July 30, 2012
(Mon. 7/30/12) Andover, ME (phone call)
I got a surprise phone call from Brett fairly late tonight. We only talked for a few minutes--just long enough for him to tell me that he was miserable and that Maine was killing him. I immediately thought it must be sore muscles or blistered feet. I was sad to hear that Brett, along with a large number of other hikers in that section of the trail, has come down with a stomach virus.
Brett said that it hit him at 4:00am. He went in search of some lodging and found a bed and bathroom at Pine Ellis Lodge. Brett said there are five other hikers in the hostel with the same symptoms he is experiencing (including Coconut, whom I met in Gorham, NH, and her dad). The hostel right by the trail in Gorham is full, with some sick hikers. And there are more sick hikers in the hostel north of Brett.
Brett had told me before that hikers don't often get sick, because germs don't get passed around the same way that they might in a community with more people. It is unusual for this many hikers to get sick. It makes you wonder if there's something in the water.
Whatever it is, I hope that Brett isn't miserable too long. I hope he doesn't lose any more weight from being sick. And I hope that he gains his strength back quickly. Brett said that he planned on taking a zero day tomorrow (Duh!). I hope that he is able to rest his body back to health.
Brett said that it hit him at 4:00am. He went in search of some lodging and found a bed and bathroom at Pine Ellis Lodge. Brett said there are five other hikers in the hostel with the same symptoms he is experiencing (including Coconut, whom I met in Gorham, NH, and her dad). The hostel right by the trail in Gorham is full, with some sick hikers. And there are more sick hikers in the hostel north of Brett.
Brett had told me before that hikers don't often get sick, because germs don't get passed around the same way that they might in a community with more people. It is unusual for this many hikers to get sick. It makes you wonder if there's something in the water.
Whatever it is, I hope that Brett isn't miserable too long. I hope he doesn't lose any more weight from being sick. And I hope that he gains his strength back quickly. Brett said that he planned on taking a zero day tomorrow (Duh!). I hope that he is able to rest his body back to health.
(Sat. 7/21/12 - Fri. 7/27/12) Kittery, ME (Family Visit/Break From the Trail)
I picked up Brett in Gorham, NH, as previously arranged. I got there early and hiked down the trail a little bit. I found a perfect spot by the creek that followed the trail for a bit and sat on a rock with my feet in the water while I waited for Brett to come down the trail. I was so happy to see Brett after so long (four months since Spring Break) that I cried. It took me a while for my eyes and emotions to get back to normal.
Brett has lost 50 pounds on the trail. He is skin and bones compared to what he was before. For the first few days, every time I saw him or put my arms around him it took me by surprise. It took about five days for me to look at him and not immediately think "He's so skinny!"
Brett also has an almost fully gray beard and looks "so old". Brett is fairly proud of his beard. He says it easily identifies him as a northbound thru-hiker, and he is respected by southbound hikers (who haven't been on the trail that long) or section hikers he meets on the way. I think Brett's beard is one small way to measure everything he has done so far.
It was so nice to have time with Brett. Brett's two goals for his time off were to spend time with the family and rest. So we spent most of our time at my parents' house just hanging out rather than going out or sight-seeing. (Being around crowds is the last thing Brett wants right now!) It was good to be together as a family again, although it may have made it a little harder for Brett to get back on the trail. My parents live on the water, and being on the water also made Brett realize how much he missed it.
Brett took care of some gear issues while he was here. He had a new pack shipped because the frame in his old one broke. He had to do some sewing to make minor modifications, just as he did with his previous two packs. He had to replace his hiking shoes, because sole on one of his shoes started separating. He also had to replace his pillow which wasn't holding air like it should. And of course, he unpacked, washed, and aired all of his gear out. Evidence of Brett was seen in many rooms of the house as well as on both the front and back porches.
I'm hoping the first few days on the trail weren't too tough for Brett. I had thought that the White Mountains in New Hampshire were the toughest part of the trail, but Brett said that the first 100 miles of Maine were supposedly the toughest. So Brett has just begun a very difficult section of the trail with new shoes, muscles that need to be worked back in, and a twinge or homesickness after spending so much time with the family. I know that he will get back into the swing of things soon. I am proud of him, and continue to be amazed at what he has done.
Here are a few Brett photos from our time together. First, a photo of Brett and his shadow (i.e. Ryan) hunting for treasure by my parents' house in Kittery, Maine.
The only tourist-y activity we did: stopping by the fisherman's memorial in Gloucester, Mass., on our way back from a trip to REI (new shoes).
Mending a small tear in his shorts.
First, we watched the lobster boats unload their catch from my parents' house. Then we went and bought the fresh, live lobsters (only $4.00 a pound!). Then Brett played with the lobsters. Later, Brett washed and steamed the lobsters (with no help). Finally, we all ate the lobsters (with step-by-step instruction from my parents).
Following our family tradition, we all wore our "Support Daddy Tie-Dye T-Shirts" on our first day with Brett, on our family outing to REI and Gloucester, and on our last day together.
Only three more weeks 'til Katahdin. We're proud of you, "The Dude".
Brett has lost 50 pounds on the trail. He is skin and bones compared to what he was before. For the first few days, every time I saw him or put my arms around him it took me by surprise. It took about five days for me to look at him and not immediately think "He's so skinny!"
Brett also has an almost fully gray beard and looks "so old". Brett is fairly proud of his beard. He says it easily identifies him as a northbound thru-hiker, and he is respected by southbound hikers (who haven't been on the trail that long) or section hikers he meets on the way. I think Brett's beard is one small way to measure everything he has done so far.
It was so nice to have time with Brett. Brett's two goals for his time off were to spend time with the family and rest. So we spent most of our time at my parents' house just hanging out rather than going out or sight-seeing. (Being around crowds is the last thing Brett wants right now!) It was good to be together as a family again, although it may have made it a little harder for Brett to get back on the trail. My parents live on the water, and being on the water also made Brett realize how much he missed it.
Brett took care of some gear issues while he was here. He had a new pack shipped because the frame in his old one broke. He had to do some sewing to make minor modifications, just as he did with his previous two packs. He had to replace his hiking shoes, because sole on one of his shoes started separating. He also had to replace his pillow which wasn't holding air like it should. And of course, he unpacked, washed, and aired all of his gear out. Evidence of Brett was seen in many rooms of the house as well as on both the front and back porches.
I'm hoping the first few days on the trail weren't too tough for Brett. I had thought that the White Mountains in New Hampshire were the toughest part of the trail, but Brett said that the first 100 miles of Maine were supposedly the toughest. So Brett has just begun a very difficult section of the trail with new shoes, muscles that need to be worked back in, and a twinge or homesickness after spending so much time with the family. I know that he will get back into the swing of things soon. I am proud of him, and continue to be amazed at what he has done.
Here are a few Brett photos from our time together. First, a photo of Brett and his shadow (i.e. Ryan) hunting for treasure by my parents' house in Kittery, Maine.
At a rest stop in the White Mountains on the way to dropping Brett back off on the trail (before the emotional good-byes hit). The peak of Mount Washington was covered in clouds. We had rain on the three-hour drive there, but I think most of it had passed by the time we got to the trail.
Only three more weeks 'til Katahdin. We're proud of you, "The Dude".
(Fri. 7/20/12) White Mountains, NH (Text)
Can you make it tomorrow?...You can pick me up and bring me back for a few days.
Can you be in Gorham, NH at 3:00?
I will try to be at the trail crossing at 3:00.... There should be a parking area. Do not be late.
[I won't! So excited to see Brett!]
Can you be in Gorham, NH at 3:00?
I will try to be at the trail crossing at 3:00.... There should be a parking area. Do not be late.
[I won't! So excited to see Brett!]
Friday, July 20, 2012
(Thu. 7/19/12) White Mountains, NH (Phone/Text)
I finally got a phone call from Brett, but it ended up being a very frustrating one. I had sent him a few texts and e-mails this last week with almost no response. I was thrilled to hear his voice, then crushed when the phone cut off on us. We were only able to talk long enough to make a tentative plan to have me pick him up on Sunday.
Later that evening he was able to follow up with a short text:
Should be Sunday afternoon near Gorham, NH. I will update soon.
[I hope so!]
Later that evening he was able to follow up with a short text:
Should be Sunday afternoon near Gorham, NH. I will update soon.
[I hope so!]
(7/15/12-718/12) White Mountains, NH (E-mails)
Sun. 7/15/12 E-mail:
What is your parents' address? I need to get another pack sent to them.
[This would be his third backpack!]
Wed. 7/18/12 E-mail:
I should summit Washington tomorrow am. No cell coverage at all. I am thinking of having you pick me up late this weekend. I will finish the Whites by then.
What is your parents' address? I need to get another pack sent to them.
[This would be his third backpack!]
Wed. 7/18/12 E-mail:
I should summit Washington tomorrow am. No cell coverage at all. I am thinking of having you pick me up late this weekend. I will finish the Whites by then.
(Wed. 7/11/12) Smarts Mountain, NH (E-mail/Phone Update)
I got an e-mail from Brett on Wed. 7/11/12:
I am unable to call. I should be in Glencliff, NH tomorrow early afternoon. It should be about 2.5 hrs away. What time will you be able to be there? I will need long john bottoms, wool long sleeve shirt, down jacket, and clothes to wear for the day.
Brett called me late that night from the top of a fire tower where he had some reception. I believe it was the fire tower on Smarts Mountain. Brett said he was there alone, sleeping on top of the tower. The wind had woken him up and he was a little cold. That was when he decided to call, knowing that I would still be awake. I had just flown in to New England from Utah and was still getting settled though it was almost midnight. Brett said he would be in Glencliff, NH the next day. We made arrangements for me to meet up with him.
The next morning, Thu. 7/12/12, everyone here slept in. The boys were still asleep at 10am. I ended up taking too long to unpack from my trip, to pack what I needed to take to Brett, and get ready to go. I spent too long talking to my mom and figuring out my route to the Whites. I ended up leaving about two hours later than I had planned with Brett. Brett called to check on my status, heard that I had only just left, and suggested that I go back home and we would find another place to meet up. Needless to say, we were both disappointed.
Brett continued hiking through the White Mountains. The Whites are one of the most difficult sections on the trail. I think that Brett decided to just keep pushing forward through the Whites with a plan to meet up with me when he finished.
I am unable to call. I should be in Glencliff, NH tomorrow early afternoon. It should be about 2.5 hrs away. What time will you be able to be there? I will need long john bottoms, wool long sleeve shirt, down jacket, and clothes to wear for the day.
Brett called me late that night from the top of a fire tower where he had some reception. I believe it was the fire tower on Smarts Mountain. Brett said he was there alone, sleeping on top of the tower. The wind had woken him up and he was a little cold. That was when he decided to call, knowing that I would still be awake. I had just flown in to New England from Utah and was still getting settled though it was almost midnight. Brett said he would be in Glencliff, NH the next day. We made arrangements for me to meet up with him.
The next morning, Thu. 7/12/12, everyone here slept in. The boys were still asleep at 10am. I ended up taking too long to unpack from my trip, to pack what I needed to take to Brett, and get ready to go. I spent too long talking to my mom and figuring out my route to the Whites. I ended up leaving about two hours later than I had planned with Brett. Brett called to check on my status, heard that I had only just left, and suggested that I go back home and we would find another place to meet up. Needless to say, we were both disappointed.
Brett continued hiking through the White Mountains. The Whites are one of the most difficult sections on the trail. I think that Brett decided to just keep pushing forward through the Whites with a plan to meet up with me when he finished.
(Sat. 7/6/12) Killington, VT (Phone Update)
Brett was staying at The Inn at Long Trail, near where The Long Trail and the Appalachian Trail split. Brett said it had rained all day and he was tired. He decided to share a hotel room with another hiker, Gun Runner.
I asked how Brett's Fourth of July celebration was. He said it was a bust. He got a rider to a soccer field in town to participate in the festivities. They had a nice presentation before the fireworks but they had to delay the fireworks because of a big lightning storm the next town over. They delayed again. And again. Then there were reports of hail the next town over, so they had to cancel the fireworks altogether. Brett had to walk to meet back up with his ride and ended up soaking wet. Bummer.
Brett said he crossed the point where there are less than 500 miles left to go. He still faces mental challenges every day. Every hill is still a challenge.
Killington is the first 4,000-ft. climb since maybe VA. He met up with four college kids were there hiking Killington as part of a reunion. He climbed with them and talked the whole way. Brett said it was nice to have the company while climbing. It made it go by faster and easier.
I asked Brett if he could feel that the uphill climbs were easier now that he has been hiking for over four months. Brett said that every climb is tough. But the recovery after a climb is quicker and the breaks are shorter.
We talked about wildlife on the trail. Brett had not seen a moose, but he did see moose turd. He saw a porcupine in New York. And he saw a bear in Mass. Brett was a switchback down from the bear. The bear came down from a tree, sat on the trail, and walked off.
Brett said that he hasn't been hiking with many other hikers. There was a section hiker, G-Paw (?) that Brett had been enjoying hiking with. But he broke his wrist and was now off the trail. Brett said he is about two weeks ahead of the pack. Brett left in mid/late February, and most set off in March. Brett said he "had my lonely fill" and would be okay with some more people.
I asked how Brett's Fourth of July celebration was. He said it was a bust. He got a rider to a soccer field in town to participate in the festivities. They had a nice presentation before the fireworks but they had to delay the fireworks because of a big lightning storm the next town over. They delayed again. And again. Then there were reports of hail the next town over, so they had to cancel the fireworks altogether. Brett had to walk to meet back up with his ride and ended up soaking wet. Bummer.
Brett said he crossed the point where there are less than 500 miles left to go. He still faces mental challenges every day. Every hill is still a challenge.
Killington is the first 4,000-ft. climb since maybe VA. He met up with four college kids were there hiking Killington as part of a reunion. He climbed with them and talked the whole way. Brett said it was nice to have the company while climbing. It made it go by faster and easier.
I asked Brett if he could feel that the uphill climbs were easier now that he has been hiking for over four months. Brett said that every climb is tough. But the recovery after a climb is quicker and the breaks are shorter.
We talked about wildlife on the trail. Brett had not seen a moose, but he did see moose turd. He saw a porcupine in New York. And he saw a bear in Mass. Brett was a switchback down from the bear. The bear came down from a tree, sat on the trail, and walked off.
Brett said that he hasn't been hiking with many other hikers. There was a section hiker, G-Paw (?) that Brett had been enjoying hiking with. But he broke his wrist and was now off the trail. Brett said he is about two weeks ahead of the pack. Brett left in mid/late February, and most set off in March. Brett said he "had my lonely fill" and would be okay with some more people.
(Tue. 7/3/12) Manchester Center, VT (Phone Update)
The text that I received from Brett on Mon. 7/2/12 is typical: "I should be able to call tomorrow. Terrible cell coverage in VT." Of course, we traded texts back and forth on Tuesday trying to figure out when we would be free to talk. I was spending the morning with family at a hot air balloon festival when he called. Brett was in the middle of eating lunch when I returned his call. We traded a few more texts working out our schedules and finally talked that afternoon.
Brett said the Green Mountains in Vermont were really nice. He had a few tough days of exhaustion where his muscles just didn't seem to want to work any more. So he planned on taking it easy and resting a bit.
He was staying at Green Mountain House Hiker Hostel in Manchester, VT. He said it was a really nice place. In fact, it was the nicest place he has ever stayed in on the trail. They give all of their guests a free pint of Ben & Jerry's ice cream.
My parents were able to meet up with Brett the day before. They went out for dinner and took Brett to a grocery store to resupply. I asked Brett if they said anything about his appearance. I had told my parents that Brett had not cut his hair or shaved his beard, that he had lost a lot of weight and generally looked homeless. Brett said my mom's words were, "I just didn't expect it to be this extreme." Brett said he has a whole mountain man beard. My mom took one snapshot of him which I have now seen. He really doesn't look much like the man I last saw four months ago.
Brett said that he is "seeing the light". He is getting more enjoyment out of the hike, though he still has a lot of hard hiking ahead.
There was a tragedy on the trail a few weeks ago. Brett said that this far along on the trail, all the thru-hikers know of most all the other thru-hikers for that year. They may not have met them all, but they are aware of most of the AT Thru-Hikers Class of 2012. One of the thru-hikers in the class, a younger kid named Parkside died 50 miles from Katahdin. He dove into a lake, and the word is that his body instantly cramped up and he drowned. Five fellow hikers left the trail to attend his funeral. They were now carrying his ashes the rest of the way to Katahdin. He said the tragedy was felt strongly by everyone in their "class".
Brett said he can't really feel his big toes anymore. They are almost totally numb. He also thinks he'll always have a lingering limp from stress of the trail. And he has really big calf muscles. I asked Brett if having minor, but permanent damage to his body would be worth it in the end. His response was, "Totally".
Brett said the Green Mountains in Vermont were really nice. He had a few tough days of exhaustion where his muscles just didn't seem to want to work any more. So he planned on taking it easy and resting a bit.
He was staying at Green Mountain House Hiker Hostel in Manchester, VT. He said it was a really nice place. In fact, it was the nicest place he has ever stayed in on the trail. They give all of their guests a free pint of Ben & Jerry's ice cream.
My parents were able to meet up with Brett the day before. They went out for dinner and took Brett to a grocery store to resupply. I asked Brett if they said anything about his appearance. I had told my parents that Brett had not cut his hair or shaved his beard, that he had lost a lot of weight and generally looked homeless. Brett said my mom's words were, "I just didn't expect it to be this extreme." Brett said he has a whole mountain man beard. My mom took one snapshot of him which I have now seen. He really doesn't look much like the man I last saw four months ago.
Brett said that he is "seeing the light". He is getting more enjoyment out of the hike, though he still has a lot of hard hiking ahead.
There was a tragedy on the trail a few weeks ago. Brett said that this far along on the trail, all the thru-hikers know of most all the other thru-hikers for that year. They may not have met them all, but they are aware of most of the AT Thru-Hikers Class of 2012. One of the thru-hikers in the class, a younger kid named Parkside died 50 miles from Katahdin. He dove into a lake, and the word is that his body instantly cramped up and he drowned. Five fellow hikers left the trail to attend his funeral. They were now carrying his ashes the rest of the way to Katahdin. He said the tragedy was felt strongly by everyone in their "class".
Brett said he can't really feel his big toes anymore. They are almost totally numb. He also thinks he'll always have a lingering limp from stress of the trail. And he has really big calf muscles. I asked Brett if having minor, but permanent damage to his body would be worth it in the end. His response was, "Totally".
(6/2_ /12) Great Barrington, MA (Phone Update)
Ugh. I was able to chat with Brett for a while, but I was so busy taking notes of his activities that I never wrote down the date of this phone call.
Brett had pushed himself the day before, hiking 26 miles. He said it was too much and he was hurting because of it. He had blisters from his new shoes. He hiked only a few miles and arrived at a hostel that morning-what they call a Nero day (near zero). His goal was to hike 20 miles the next day.
He was spending the day at the hostel taking care of errands-phone calls, laundry, and a shower. He planned on ordering pizza for dinner.
Brett said he hiked all through Connecticut without really seeing other hikers. He was in kind of a weird bubble. Some hikers were about a day ahead, some about a day behind, but he was really hiking alone.
They had record heat the previous weekend. Brett said the smell has gone up to a whole different level. He sat in a creek pouring water over his head to cool down his core temp. He said to himself, I could handle some rain. Not much later he was stuck in a thunderstorm with hail the size of a cherry or grape, with nowhere to go. It was June and there was an inch of ice on the ground. He from hot to freezing in about 15 minutes. The hail was smooth and round, making it difficult to walk over. Brett said you have to be careful what you wish for. Brett said it was raining again; another grey day.
Brett was in Massachusetts and said that the mosquitoes were the worst he's ever seen. They continued biting even while he was moving.
On the positive side, Brett said there were wild blueberries all over the place. He was out of the range of the wild raspberries, and the huckleberries weren't ripe yet. He passed by a small, out-of-the-way, but busy creamery. I told him folks know how to do ice cream in New England.
Brett was in Great Barrington, MA. He planned to resupply in Lee.
I didn't hear much about it, but Brett was able to have visitors along the way. His friend Nancy and her sister were able to hike with him for a couple of days. Although I think Brett had to significantly slow down his pace, it's worth it to be able to have good company for a little while.
Brett had pushed himself the day before, hiking 26 miles. He said it was too much and he was hurting because of it. He had blisters from his new shoes. He hiked only a few miles and arrived at a hostel that morning-what they call a Nero day (near zero). His goal was to hike 20 miles the next day.
He was spending the day at the hostel taking care of errands-phone calls, laundry, and a shower. He planned on ordering pizza for dinner.
Brett said he hiked all through Connecticut without really seeing other hikers. He was in kind of a weird bubble. Some hikers were about a day ahead, some about a day behind, but he was really hiking alone.
They had record heat the previous weekend. Brett said the smell has gone up to a whole different level. He sat in a creek pouring water over his head to cool down his core temp. He said to himself, I could handle some rain. Not much later he was stuck in a thunderstorm with hail the size of a cherry or grape, with nowhere to go. It was June and there was an inch of ice on the ground. He from hot to freezing in about 15 minutes. The hail was smooth and round, making it difficult to walk over. Brett said you have to be careful what you wish for. Brett said it was raining again; another grey day.
Brett was in Massachusetts and said that the mosquitoes were the worst he's ever seen. They continued biting even while he was moving.
On the positive side, Brett said there were wild blueberries all over the place. He was out of the range of the wild raspberries, and the huckleberries weren't ripe yet. He passed by a small, out-of-the-way, but busy creamery. I told him folks know how to do ice cream in New England.
Brett was in Great Barrington, MA. He planned to resupply in Lee.
I didn't hear much about it, but Brett was able to have visitors along the way. His friend Nancy and her sister were able to hike with him for a couple of days. Although I think Brett had to significantly slow down his pace, it's worth it to be able to have good company for a little while.
(Fri. 6/15/12) Perkins Memorial Tower on Bear Mtn., NY (Phone Update)
This was one of the few days that I was able to actually talk to Brett for a while. He was on top of a mountain looking at the New York City skyline off in the distance. Brett said he hoped to walk 12 miles to a campsite that was supposed to have a good view of the skyline. He said that having a shorter day of hiking should be worth seeing the city skyline at night. Brett said he got a little emotional looking at the skyline. He was looking at a big spot on the map, a place that everyone knows and he walked all the way there.
Brett was at Perkins memorial Tower and said he would cross the Hudson River the next day. He would also be hiking through a zoo (Trailside Museum and Zoo-the trail goes right through it, so there is no fee for hikes just passing through). He would hike about 12 miles to stay in the field by a monastery (Graymoor Spiritual Life Center).
Brett was at Perkins memorial Tower and said he would cross the Hudson River the next day. He would also be hiking through a zoo (Trailside Museum and Zoo-the trail goes right through it, so there is no fee for hikes just passing through). He would hike about 12 miles to stay in the field by a monastery (Graymoor Spiritual Life Center).
(Tue. 6/12/12) NY (Phone Update)
I apologize for those who may have been waiting to hear updates from from Brett for the past month. I have not had easy access to a computer during that time. In addition, I have not had very much communication with Brett. Most of the problem has been cell phone reception. But Brett also may not have called as much because he did not want to interrupt my time with family, and finding time when he was not hiking and when I was at home to talk to him without being surrounded by family was a little difficult.
During this short phone call Brett did not let me know his location. He crossed into New York two days before. He was staying in the basement of a church with a kitchen and was taking a walk to the grocery store to get some snacky food. He decided to take a zero day. Brett said he was ready for one; besides, it was going to be raining all day.
Brett said that there were no more outfitters around for him to easily get supplies. He asked me to start looking for some things for him. He second pair of shoes were going out. I ended up shipping him a new pair of shoes, sock liners, hiking pole tips, and a smaller pair of underwear.
Brett has lost 45 pounds and now weighs close to 195 pounds.
During this short phone call Brett did not let me know his location. He crossed into New York two days before. He was staying in the basement of a church with a kitchen and was taking a walk to the grocery store to get some snacky food. He decided to take a zero day. Brett said he was ready for one; besides, it was going to be raining all day.
Brett said that there were no more outfitters around for him to easily get supplies. He asked me to start looking for some things for him. He second pair of shoes were going out. I ended up shipping him a new pair of shoes, sock liners, hiking pole tips, and a smaller pair of underwear.
Brett has lost 45 pounds and now weighs close to 195 pounds.
Thursday, June 21, 2012
(Sun. 6/10/12) High Point State Park, NY (Phone Update)
Brett called fairly late (for him) from High Point State Park. The park is actually located in New York, but the trail is not quite done with New Jersey. He should cross the official NJ/NY border soon and spend about a week hiking New York. This was, sadly, a very short phone update. I think Brett was started to fall asleep on the phone. He's working hard!
(Fri. 6/8/12) - Sunfish Pond, NJ (Phone Update)
Brett called me while stopping for lunch on the trail. He found the perfect place to stop and enjoy the view at Sunfish Pond in NJ. I was told it was the southern-most glacier-formed lake (in the U.S.? on the trail?). Brett said it was an absolutely beautiful alpine lake. He found a nice boulder to sit on. What started out as a lunch stop turned into an hour-long (at least) break of enjoying the scenery.
A few other other hikers stopped by while Brett was on the phone, and I was able to say hello to Hawkeye and one other (I can't remember now who it was). It sounds like Brett has met a few nice guys who have continued to pass each other (leap-frog) and keep up with one another since they started in February.
A few other other hikers stopped by while Brett was on the phone, and I was able to say hello to Hawkeye and one other (I can't remember now who it was). It sounds like Brett has met a few nice guys who have continued to pass each other (leap-frog) and keep up with one another since they started in February.
New Jersey Timeline (6/8/12 - )
6/8/12 (Fri.)? - Crossed the PA/NJ border [1288.0 mi.].
6/8/12 (Fri.) - Lunch at Sunfish Pond, NJ [1293. mi.].
6/10/12 (Sun.) - High Point State Park, NY [1330.3 mi.]
6/12/12 (Tue.) - St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Vernon, NJ [1350.9 mi.].
6/15/12 (Fri.) - Views of NYC Skyline from Black Mountain, NY [1388.9 mi.]
6/16/12 (Sat.) - Graymoor Spiritual Life Center, Peekskill, NY [1404.1 mi.]
6/8/12 (Fri.) - Lunch at Sunfish Pond, NJ [1293. mi.].
6/10/12 (Sun.) - High Point State Park, NY [1330.3 mi.]
6/12/12 (Tue.) - St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Vernon, NJ [1350.9 mi.].
6/15/12 (Fri.) - Views of NYC Skyline from Black Mountain, NY [1388.9 mi.]
6/16/12 (Sat.) - Graymoor Spiritual Life Center, Peekskill, NY [1404.1 mi.]
(Thu. 6/7/12) Delaware Water Gap, PA - Phone Update
Brett said that he hasn't minded the "Pennsylvania Rocks" as much as he expected. However, the last three days had been tough. He climbed Lehigh Gap the other day, and it was the toughest climb on the trail so far. He was literally climbing over boulders. It was tough, "but fun". Brett hiked about 16 or 17 miles this day. Brett said he can really tell that the days are getting longer, so he is hiking more.
Brett recently had a nice meeting with some of his extended Wendel family.
I asked Brett about how it felt to sleep on a mattress either in a hotel room or in a house with a family. Brett said he actually preferred to sleep on his air mattress bed rather than a hotel room bed. He has a better sleep. However, he misses his pillow. In his words, "I can take the bed or leave it. But pillows are nice. I miss pillows so much."
Brett recently had a nice meeting with some of his extended Wendel family.
I asked Brett about how it felt to sleep on a mattress either in a hotel room or in a house with a family. Brett said he actually preferred to sleep on his air mattress bed rather than a hotel room bed. He has a better sleep. However, he misses his pillow. In his words, "I can take the bed or leave it. But pillows are nice. I miss pillows so much."
Sunday, June 3, 2012
(Tue. 5/29/12) Duncannon, PA - E-mail From Brett
I am past Duncannon in another shelter as a big thunderstorm is in for the evening. I have poison ivy on my arm. The weather is the hottest that it has been so far for the last few days. It is hot even for the Florida boy. Water has been scarce. I am carrying a lot of extra weight, because I do not want to run out. I miss you, it seems like more each day. It feels like it has been so long since I have seen you--much longer than it has felt for you, because time goes by slower on the trail. I know your birthday is coming up. I never know if I will have service the next day, so happy birthday if I do not have service. I do not know what town I will be in next, but I will figure it out in a day or two and let you know my plan.
(Sat./Sun. 6/2-6/3/12) Port Clinton, PA - Phone Update From Brett
I got two calls from this weekend. He called Saturday, and first thing Sunday morning. I don't have much to report. Brett didn't have a lot to say from his end, and we spent more time talking about things from home.
Brett came into the town of Port Clinton on Saturday. He planned on going to a Cabela's store there as soon as it opened on Sunday, and then would get back on the trail. He has had a gift certificate sitting on the desk for quite a while, and this was a perfect opportunity for him to use. Brett's dad said he thought Brett needed to buy new shoes (again?), but I had not heard that. I wonder how many pairs of shoes Brett will end up going through before it's all over.
Brett had been able to meet up with his dad's cousins a few weeks ago. He expects to be able to meet up with his dad's cousin's daughter on Monday afternoon. (That would be Wendell's daughter Kristin, i.e. Brett's second cousin.)
Brett came into the town of Port Clinton on Saturday. He planned on going to a Cabela's store there as soon as it opened on Sunday, and then would get back on the trail. He has had a gift certificate sitting on the desk for quite a while, and this was a perfect opportunity for him to use. Brett's dad said he thought Brett needed to buy new shoes (again?), but I had not heard that. I wonder how many pairs of shoes Brett will end up going through before it's all over.
Brett had been able to meet up with his dad's cousins a few weeks ago. He expects to be able to meet up with his dad's cousin's daughter on Monday afternoon. (That would be Wendell's daughter Kristin, i.e. Brett's second cousin.)
(Fri. 6/1/12) 501 Shelter, PA - Phone Update from Brett
I was able to talk to Brett twice today. It was my birthday, so he called me first thing in the morning. He called me again in the middle of the day when we had more time to talk.
Brett chose to take a zero day at the shelter. It is a pretty decent shelter. He was able to order to pizza the night before and said he would order it again that evening. There was supposed to be some pretty bad weather coming in at 1:00pm that day. Brett didn't think he would be able to reach the next shelter before it got bad, so he decided to enjoy the Zero. However, by lunch the weather didn't look like it was really going to get that bad.
Brett had been able to meet up with two of his dad's cousins when he was in Harper's Ferry. In the next few days Brett will be able to meet up with his second cousin. Brett has never met any of them before, though his dad keeps in touch. I think it's really neat that they are interested in Brett and want to show their support for him, just based on the contact Brett's dad has had with them. Without this experience, I doubt Brett would ever have had an opportunity to meet them.
Brett had a cool nature-encounter. He was walking over a bridge going over a pretty big river. While he crossing he was dive-bombed by a pair of peregrine falcons. The falcons had nested under the bridge and there were two fledgelings in the nest. Apparently, the parents felt like Brett was getting too close to the nest and they swooped down at him. The birds flew pretty close to Brett, obviously. Of course, Brett would likely never have noticed the nest if they hadn't drawn attention to themselves.
Brett chose to take a zero day at the shelter. It is a pretty decent shelter. He was able to order to pizza the night before and said he would order it again that evening. There was supposed to be some pretty bad weather coming in at 1:00pm that day. Brett didn't think he would be able to reach the next shelter before it got bad, so he decided to enjoy the Zero. However, by lunch the weather didn't look like it was really going to get that bad.
Brett had been able to meet up with two of his dad's cousins when he was in Harper's Ferry. In the next few days Brett will be able to meet up with his second cousin. Brett has never met any of them before, though his dad keeps in touch. I think it's really neat that they are interested in Brett and want to show their support for him, just based on the contact Brett's dad has had with them. Without this experience, I doubt Brett would ever have had an opportunity to meet them.
Brett had a cool nature-encounter. He was walking over a bridge going over a pretty big river. While he crossing he was dive-bombed by a pair of peregrine falcons. The falcons had nested under the bridge and there were two fledgelings in the nest. Apparently, the parents felt like Brett was getting too close to the nest and they swooped down at him. The birds flew pretty close to Brett, obviously. Of course, Brett would likely never have noticed the nest if they hadn't drawn attention to themselves.
(Thu. 5/31/12) Shy of the 501 Shelter, PA - Phone Update From Brett
Brett called me while eating his lunch on the top of a mountain. He had good cell phone reception and wanted to call me while he had a chance (didn't want to miss my birthday). Lunch was a tortilla with tuna fish and hot sauce.
Brett said that is was a nice day, the first nice day he had in over a week. He was enjoying an absolutely clear sky. It had cooled down to 60 degrees the previous night and was supposed to go down to the 50's that night. With a light breeze on the mountain, dry air, and a slightly wet shirt, Brett was almost chilly. He said he was looking forward to snuggling up in his sleeping bag instead of laying naked on top. The weather in Penn. has been unseasonably hot with high humidity. He said he was hearing locals complain about the weather, and didn't think they were used to is.
Brett said they got some of the tail winds of Albert, a tropical storm that came through. It rained for about a day and a half.
Brett woke up to a clear, bright sunny morning and started hiking early. He finished 10 miles by lunch and only had 6 more miles to go before his goal of reaching the 501 Shelter. The 501 Shelter is close to the road. You can order pizza there, and there is also a place to charge cell phones.
Brett said people easily recognize him as "The Dude". While I was on the phone with Brett another hiker said, "Oh, you must be 'The Dude'." I asked Brett how this hiker would know that if they had never met before. Brett said if the hiker had seen his name in a log, it would be easy for him to match the name with the right person. Recently another hiker said to Brett, "I sure hope your name is 'Lebowski' or something like that." When Brett told him that it was "The Dude", this hiker replied that Brett had one of the most fitting names. I have never seen the movie this is from, but apparently the resemblance is striking.
Brett had complained about his knee hurting. When I asked him about it again, Brett said that it is not bothering him anymore, but that it did take about a week for the pain to go away. Now his has a cramp in the bottom of the foot. He's not the only one who is feeling the aches and pains. He said everyone walks with the Hiker Hobble. Your body stiffens up after any kind of break. Brett did say that the hills are almost getting easier. Brett has consistently complaining about going uphill, so this was good new to hear.
Brett got some poison ivy. He said that is bothering him. When treated, it heals faster. But Brett said it would probably take a couple of weeks for the rash to completely clear up.
Brett said that he had a nice visit with his friend Don. Brett could have stayed longer, but he felt like he needed to get going. He didn't want to sit around too much. Brett and Don worked together on an out-of-town project in GA some years ago, but Don is friends with a dentist her in Niceville. Another case of It's a Small World.
Brett said that is was a nice day, the first nice day he had in over a week. He was enjoying an absolutely clear sky. It had cooled down to 60 degrees the previous night and was supposed to go down to the 50's that night. With a light breeze on the mountain, dry air, and a slightly wet shirt, Brett was almost chilly. He said he was looking forward to snuggling up in his sleeping bag instead of laying naked on top. The weather in Penn. has been unseasonably hot with high humidity. He said he was hearing locals complain about the weather, and didn't think they were used to is.
Brett said they got some of the tail winds of Albert, a tropical storm that came through. It rained for about a day and a half.
Brett woke up to a clear, bright sunny morning and started hiking early. He finished 10 miles by lunch and only had 6 more miles to go before his goal of reaching the 501 Shelter. The 501 Shelter is close to the road. You can order pizza there, and there is also a place to charge cell phones.
Brett said people easily recognize him as "The Dude". While I was on the phone with Brett another hiker said, "Oh, you must be 'The Dude'." I asked Brett how this hiker would know that if they had never met before. Brett said if the hiker had seen his name in a log, it would be easy for him to match the name with the right person. Recently another hiker said to Brett, "I sure hope your name is 'Lebowski' or something like that." When Brett told him that it was "The Dude", this hiker replied that Brett had one of the most fitting names. I have never seen the movie this is from, but apparently the resemblance is striking.
Brett had complained about his knee hurting. When I asked him about it again, Brett said that it is not bothering him anymore, but that it did take about a week for the pain to go away. Now his has a cramp in the bottom of the foot. He's not the only one who is feeling the aches and pains. He said everyone walks with the Hiker Hobble. Your body stiffens up after any kind of break. Brett did say that the hills are almost getting easier. Brett has consistently complaining about going uphill, so this was good new to hear.
Brett got some poison ivy. He said that is bothering him. When treated, it heals faster. But Brett said it would probably take a couple of weeks for the rash to completely clear up.
Brett said that he had a nice visit with his friend Don. Brett could have stayed longer, but he felt like he needed to get going. He didn't want to sit around too much. Brett and Don worked together on an out-of-town project in GA some years ago, but Don is friends with a dentist her in Niceville. Another case of It's a Small World.
(Sun. 5/27/12) Carlisle, PA - Phone Update from Brett
Brett arrived in Carlisle, PA on Friday. Brett's friend Don, a former coworker who lives just a few miles from the trail, had invited Brett to stay with him a few days when he passed through. Brett stayed at the house with Don and his family. He was able to do laundry and get clean again.
On Saturday Brett helped Don do yard work. They worked hard outside, but Brett said it was nice to do something different with his muscles. He said it also felt like a weekend. At home Brett would be very likely to help out a friend with a weekend project. They also watched a movie ("We Bought a Zoo"), which he enjoyed.
I had made a dentist appointment for Brett in Carlisle, but the earliest time I could get for him was Wednesday. I thought that was pretty good, considering that it was Memorial Day weekend. However, in the end, Brett decided to cancel. His tooth has not been bothering him as much, and he didn't want to wait that long. One of two Zero Days is okay, but then the thru-hiker feels the itch to get back on the trail and keep moving.
Brett ended up leaving Don's on Monday.
On Saturday Brett helped Don do yard work. They worked hard outside, but Brett said it was nice to do something different with his muscles. He said it also felt like a weekend. At home Brett would be very likely to help out a friend with a weekend project. They also watched a movie ("We Bought a Zoo"), which he enjoyed.
I had made a dentist appointment for Brett in Carlisle, but the earliest time I could get for him was Wednesday. I thought that was pretty good, considering that it was Memorial Day weekend. However, in the end, Brett decided to cancel. His tooth has not been bothering him as much, and he didn't want to wait that long. One of two Zero Days is okay, but then the thru-hiker feels the itch to get back on the trail and keep moving.
Brett ended up leaving Don's on Monday.
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Pennsylvania Timeline (5/22/12 - 6/8/12)
5/22/12 (Tue.) - Crossed the MD/PA border [1058.2 mi.].
5/25/12 (Fri.) - 5/28/12 (Mon.) - Carlisle, PA [1123.2 mi.].
5/31/12 (Fri.) - 501 Shelter, PA [1187.6 mi.].
6/1/12 (Fri.) - 501 Shelter, PA [1187.6 mi.].
6/2/12 (Sat.) - Port Clinton, PA [1211.7 mi.].
6/7/12 (Thu.) - Delaware Water Gap, PA [1287.7 mi.]
6/8/12 (Fri.)? - Crossed the PA/NJ border [1288.0 mi.]
5/25/12 (Fri.) - 5/28/12 (Mon.) - Carlisle, PA [1123.2 mi.].
5/31/12 (Fri.) - 501 Shelter, PA [1187.6 mi.].
6/1/12 (Fri.) - 501 Shelter, PA [1187.6 mi.].
6/2/12 (Sat.) - Port Clinton, PA [1211.7 mi.].
6/7/12 (Thu.) - Delaware Water Gap, PA [1287.7 mi.]
6/8/12 (Fri.)? - Crossed the PA/NJ border [1288.0 mi.]
Maryland Timeline (5/20/12 - 5/22/12)
5/20/12 (Sun.) - Crossed the WV/MD border [1017.5 mi.].
5/22/12 (Tue.) - Crossed the MD/PA border [1058.2 mi.].
5/22/12 (Tue.) - Crossed the MD/PA border [1058.2 mi.].
(Tue. 5/22/12) ?, PA - Becca/Brett Exchanges
5/22/12 Text from Becca to Brett:
Sitting at the ball field thinking of you. Will try to type our family news soon. Sorry it's been a while. Wrens left the nest today. Miss you when I watch them. Hope to talk to you soon. Love you!
5/22/12 Text from Brett to Becca:
Crossed into PA today and left the comfort of the south. I was also thinking that I really do miss you. The past two days have been solid rain. I want to dry out. Dry is a feeling that I take for granted when I am at home.
5/21/12 E-mail from Becca to Brett:
Sitting at the ball field thinking of you. Will try to type our family news soon. Sorry it's been a while. Wrens left the nest today. Miss you when I watch them. Hope to talk to you soon. Love you!
5/22/12 Text from Brett to Becca:
Crossed into PA today and left the comfort of the south. I was also thinking that I really do miss you. The past two days have been solid rain. I want to dry out. Dry is a feeling that I take for granted when I am at home.
5/21/12 E-mail from Becca to Brett:
Brett, I was just looking through the book and noticed this description of Pine Grove General Store (1095.6 mi., “home of the half gallon challenge”):
“open 7 days Labor day to Memorial Day….”
First of all, I think it is supposed to say “…Memorial Day to Labor Day….” My concern is this: are you going to get there before Memorial Day [next Monday, 5/29/12]? And will they be open?
5/22/12 Email from Brett to Becca:
I have heard that they are open. If not I will do my challenge at Don's house. I should be there this weekend. If you could, get a list of dentists around Carlisle PA that take our insurance. My tooth is beginning to hurt again. But not worse than my feet right now. Two days of rain and walking with soaked shoes makes all the feet soft and wore three or four blisters today. But I am a few days from hopefully getting everything clean and dry.
Monday, May 21, 2012
West Virginia Timeline (5/18/12 - 5/20/12)
5/18/12 (Fri.) - Crossed the (first) VA/WV border [1000.0 mi.]
5/18/12 (Fri.) - Hiked 1,000 miles! (VA/WV border)
5/19/12 (Sat.) - Crossed the (final) VA/WV border [1014.9 mi.]
5/19/12 (Sat.) - Stayed at the Teahorse Hostel, Harpers Ferry, WV [1017.3 mi.]
? 5/20/12 (Sun.) - Crossed the WV/MD border [1017.5 mi.]
5/18/12 (Fri.) - Hiked 1,000 miles! (VA/WV border)
5/19/12 (Sat.) - Crossed the (final) VA/WV border [1014.9 mi.]
5/19/12 (Sat.) - Stayed at the Teahorse Hostel, Harpers Ferry, WV [1017.3 mi.]
? 5/20/12 (Sun.) - Crossed the WV/MD border [1017.5 mi.]
(Fri. 5/18/12) Blackburn AT Center, VA - Phone Update From Brett
Brett is sounding really good on the phone these days. It makes me happy to hear him so positive again. He was camping (alone) at the Blackburn AT Center just at the end of VA.
Brett is now a "Thousand-Miler". Brett has walked over 1,000 miles. One Thousand Miles! That is huge.
Brett said he would be arriving in Harpers Ferry over the weekend, staying in the Teahorse Hostel. Brett's dad has two cousins who live relatively close to Harpers Ferry who were both interested in meeting Brett there. Brett has never met them and it has been a number of years since his dad has been able to see them, but they were interested in meeting up with Brett, taking him out to eat, and showing their family support.
[Brett called me on Saturday. He arrived in town and was working out his plans for the weekend. He had been hoping to make a detour to check out Washington D.C., but it didn't look like it would work out.]
Brett is now a "Thousand-Miler". Brett has walked over 1,000 miles. One Thousand Miles! That is huge.
Harpers Ferry is the unofficial half-way point of the trail. It is where the Appalachian Trail Conservancy Headquarters are. Thru-hikers are encouraged to check in and have their photo taken for an album kept there. Although it's not the half-way point in terms of mileage, it is kind of the psychological half-way point.
The true half-way point [1092.1 miles] is coming up in Pennsylvania. Just past the true half-way point hikers can participate in the Half Gallon Challenge at the Pine Grove General Store. Finish a half gallon of ice cream by yourself in one sitting and you get . . . I'm not actually sure--the ice cream for free? a T-shirt? bragging rights? Brett said he didn't think he would have any problem completing the challenge.
[Brett called me on Saturday. He arrived in town and was working out his plans for the weekend. He had been hoping to make a detour to check out Washington D.C., but it didn't look like it would work out.]
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
(Tue. 5/15/12) Front Royal, VA - Phone Update From Brett
Brett made it to Front Royal today. (He kept trying to call it Fort Royale, but it's FRONT Royal.) I had a mail drop sent to a hostel for Brett. The hostel was in the basement of someone's home. Brett said it was nicer than most of the hostels he's stayed in: simple, but nice; clean; one of his favorites so far.
"Buzz Kill" was staying at the shelter as well. It sounds like their pace has been very similar.
He was able to do some laundry, take a shower, and dry off from all the rain he's had. He has walked in wet socks for two days. They just never had a chance to dry out.
The shelter is so nice that Brett was tempted to take a zero day. He will definitely take a shuttle in to town to resupply and maybe go to the library to use the computer and print off some information. (I forgot to send the pages he needed from his A.T. Guide--Bad Hun!)
Brett finished the Shenandoah's today, another milestone for him. Harpers Ferry is about 60 miles away. Brett thinks it will take him about 4 days to get there, so he should arrive sometime this weekend. Between Front Royal and Harpers Ferry Brett will have to hike "The Roller Coaster," thirteen 500-foot hills, up-down-up-down-repeat. Those kind of hikes are known as PUD's: pointless ups and downs.
Everyone says that you can't go through Shenandoah National Park without seeing a bear. Brett heard a bear in camp; he saw bear poop; but he never saw a bear. Other hikers saw a bear. A few asked him, "Hey, did you see that bear back there?" Apparently, Brett just missed it. I'm sure he'll have more opportunities to see a bear along the trail.
I think Brett enjoyed hiking through Shenandoah N.P. There are "waysides" along the way, concession stands where you can resupply as well as get a hot meal (burgers, fries, and a blackberry shake). Apparently, the park is known for their blackberries. They sell blackberry everything: jams, syrups, etc.
On Mother's Day, another hiker encouraged Brett to eat the Sunday brunch at a resort/lodge. It was a fancier restaurant and they were keeping longer hours for the holiday. It ended up being a little more expensive than they expected, because they had a more extensive buffet. Brett said they were serving a pork loin with red cabbage (a traditional German meal) as well as pickled/marinated mushrooms (a traditional Mitchell appetizer). Those foods really tasted good, a reminder of home.
Brett had another funny "homeless" experience. Brett had tented in a grassy city park by the YMCA in Waynesboro. He had set up his tent, picked up his new backpack, emptied the old pack, and left it there for a bit. He picked up his complimentary shower kit (soap, shampoo, etc.) at the YMCA and showered. When he got back to his tent he started packing everything into his new backpack when he saw a few dollar bills in the tent. Brett thought it was kind of odd, but thought maybe he had dropped some bills with all the packing/unpacking. Later, a lady approached him with some grocery bags full of food, books, etc. She said something like, "I'm so glad I saw you. I went home and couldn't stop thinking about. I put these bags together for you. Just thinking of me as your angel. Don't you worry. We've all be there. It'll get better." Poor Brett just didn't what to say. The woman was so sincere in her desire to help homeless-looking Brett that he simply couldn't refuse her. Brett did tell the woman he was hiking the trail. But that made her desire to help just as great; after all, he'll really need all this food to make it to Maine! In the end, Brett took the donations to the YMCA and asked them to donate it to the church that puts the shower kits together for the hikers. Surely they can find someone in greater need than Brett.
I'm sure that Brett was very gracious as he talked with this woman. It's nice to hear about people being kind and generous with no expectation of compensation or reward.
"Buzz Kill" was staying at the shelter as well. It sounds like their pace has been very similar.
He was able to do some laundry, take a shower, and dry off from all the rain he's had. He has walked in wet socks for two days. They just never had a chance to dry out.
The shelter is so nice that Brett was tempted to take a zero day. He will definitely take a shuttle in to town to resupply and maybe go to the library to use the computer and print off some information. (I forgot to send the pages he needed from his A.T. Guide--Bad Hun!)
Brett finished the Shenandoah's today, another milestone for him. Harpers Ferry is about 60 miles away. Brett thinks it will take him about 4 days to get there, so he should arrive sometime this weekend. Between Front Royal and Harpers Ferry Brett will have to hike "The Roller Coaster," thirteen 500-foot hills, up-down-up-down-repeat. Those kind of hikes are known as PUD's: pointless ups and downs.
Everyone says that you can't go through Shenandoah National Park without seeing a bear. Brett heard a bear in camp; he saw bear poop; but he never saw a bear. Other hikers saw a bear. A few asked him, "Hey, did you see that bear back there?" Apparently, Brett just missed it. I'm sure he'll have more opportunities to see a bear along the trail.
I think Brett enjoyed hiking through Shenandoah N.P. There are "waysides" along the way, concession stands where you can resupply as well as get a hot meal (burgers, fries, and a blackberry shake). Apparently, the park is known for their blackberries. They sell blackberry everything: jams, syrups, etc.
On Mother's Day, another hiker encouraged Brett to eat the Sunday brunch at a resort/lodge. It was a fancier restaurant and they were keeping longer hours for the holiday. It ended up being a little more expensive than they expected, because they had a more extensive buffet. Brett said they were serving a pork loin with red cabbage (a traditional German meal) as well as pickled/marinated mushrooms (a traditional Mitchell appetizer). Those foods really tasted good, a reminder of home.
Brett had another funny "homeless" experience. Brett had tented in a grassy city park by the YMCA in Waynesboro. He had set up his tent, picked up his new backpack, emptied the old pack, and left it there for a bit. He picked up his complimentary shower kit (soap, shampoo, etc.) at the YMCA and showered. When he got back to his tent he started packing everything into his new backpack when he saw a few dollar bills in the tent. Brett thought it was kind of odd, but thought maybe he had dropped some bills with all the packing/unpacking. Later, a lady approached him with some grocery bags full of food, books, etc. She said something like, "I'm so glad I saw you. I went home and couldn't stop thinking about. I put these bags together for you. Just thinking of me as your angel. Don't you worry. We've all be there. It'll get better." Poor Brett just didn't what to say. The woman was so sincere in her desire to help homeless-looking Brett that he simply couldn't refuse her. Brett did tell the woman he was hiking the trail. But that made her desire to help just as great; after all, he'll really need all this food to make it to Maine! In the end, Brett took the donations to the YMCA and asked them to donate it to the church that puts the shower kits together for the hikers. Surely they can find someone in greater need than Brett.
I'm sure that Brett was very gracious as he talked with this woman. It's nice to hear about people being kind and generous with no expectation of compensation or reward.
(Sun. 5/13/12) ?, VA - Phone Update From Brett
What a great start to my Mother's Day--hearing from Brett before I headed off to church. I didn't get to take my shower, and I was still 10 minutes late to church, but it was worth it. We talked mostly about home and less about updates from the trail.
Brett had mentioned that one thing he misses on the trail is hearing his cuckoo clock. Brett took off the weights before he left, knowing that I wouldn't care to keep up with winding it every week. So, I have not heard the cuckoo clock singing every half hour either. But I can't really say that I have missed it.
Brett was still in the Shenandoah's and was expecting to see more wildlife. He heard a bear come by the shelter during the night, snorting and checking out camp. But the bear got spooked and took off. Brett never got to see it.
There are a lot of tame deer in the area. Brett had gotten up early and peed about 5 feet away from his tent. That morning there was a deer who was eating the dry, brown leaves Brett had peed on. The deer got spooked off for a minute, but came right back to the same spot to munch on the pee-leaves. Brett thinks there must be something the deer needed from the urine--salt? Very strange, a little gross, but also kind of interesting.
Brett was calling from the peak of a mountain and expected to be in Front Royal in about two days.
Brett had mentioned that one thing he misses on the trail is hearing his cuckoo clock. Brett took off the weights before he left, knowing that I wouldn't care to keep up with winding it every week. So, I have not heard the cuckoo clock singing every half hour either. But I can't really say that I have missed it.
Brett was still in the Shenandoah's and was expecting to see more wildlife. He heard a bear come by the shelter during the night, snorting and checking out camp. But the bear got spooked and took off. Brett never got to see it.
There are a lot of tame deer in the area. Brett had gotten up early and peed about 5 feet away from his tent. That morning there was a deer who was eating the dry, brown leaves Brett had peed on. The deer got spooked off for a minute, but came right back to the same spot to munch on the pee-leaves. Brett thinks there must be something the deer needed from the urine--salt? Very strange, a little gross, but also kind of interesting.
Brett was calling from the peak of a mountain and expected to be in Front Royal in about two days.
Monday, May 14, 2012
(Tue. 5/8/12) Waynesboro, VA - Phone Update From Brett
Brett made it into Waynesboro, so he had reliable phone service. He was tenting outside of the YMCA. They allow hikers to set up tents outside and use the showers in the YMCA. He was expecting heavy thunderstorms that evening.
Brett had to replace his backpack. He had a new one shipped to Waynesboro. Brett had made some modifications to his first backpack. There was a few things, including a "poofy pocket" for a water bottle, that he wanted to add to this new backpack as well. So he ended up spending about two hours sewing the new pack until his fingers were bleeding. He whittled down some of his gear again and sent a box back home.
Brett has been hiking in his Chaco sandals for about 100 miles so far. He has always been a sandal person, and the weather is only getting better for them.
It was still early enough that Brett was headed to the library in town. I think he was looking forward to having some indoor quiet time for writing in his journal and maybe using the computer (if they allowed non-residents to use them).
Brett finished the Blue Ridge Parkway that day and would be starting the Shenandoah National Park/Skyline Drive. The trail in Shenandoah should be easier.
Brett is down at least 37.5 pounds, even though he's eating as much as he can carry. (Yes, he's taking his vitamins.)
Brett's tooth is feeling better this week. It's not hurting like it was. I hope that he will get it taken care of when he visits his friend Don in Pennsylvania.
I asked about wildlife. He sid that he is hearing more birds in the woods, but hasn't seen anything spectacular. He did see a black and white nuthatch that was pretty. He saw a big rattlesnake on top of a mountain. And while he was walking through Waynesboro he saw some pretty cute baby goslings in the park.
When he was staying at the Dutch House Hostel he enjoyed seeing the pretty goldfinches and hummingbirds at the feeders the owner had said up. Apparently, at certain times of the year the hummingbirds come through in such great numbers that the feeders have to be refilled daily.
What Brett has really liked seeing on the trail are the red/bright orange salamanders. He said the color is so unreal, they look like little gummy worms you could just pick up and eat. (I'll have to get him to identify the species when we get to a computer.)
I think Brett is looking forward to seeing more wildlife in Shenandoah, which is known for tame deer . . . and bears . . . and ticks. He has found about a dozen or so ticks on him, only two of which were buried in. The rest he could just brush off.
Brett is really enjoying the small towns on the trail: small-town America. He feels completely comfortable in these small towns and doesn't feel out of place. He does look a little out of place, though. Brett said he definitely looks homeless: long hair, long beard, dirty, smelly, with pants that keep falling down. He had been sitting by the side of a road. Someone passing by stopped and offered him a beer saying, "You look like you could use one." (Brett graciously declined.)
Brett did comment on the sad dental state of many a small-town West Virginia/Virginia resident. He was shopping in a Dollar General recently, and the young, pretty girl at the cash register had just one front tooth. Brett said these kind of toothless smiles are, sadly, prevalent.
I asked Brett whether he has been keeping the same pace with any hikers. He said "Buzz Kill" is still around. They started at Springer on the same day and have leap-frogged each other throughout their hikes. The last few days he enjoyed keeping up with a retired Marine from Virginia Beach. The Marine was a section hiker who would be getting off in Harpers Ferry, I believe.
Brett's attitude is definitely getting better. I can hear the difference in his voice as we talk. He said does not have the big doubts that he had earlier in Virginia. (Those of us at home never doubted him!)
Brett had to replace his backpack. He had a new one shipped to Waynesboro. Brett had made some modifications to his first backpack. There was a few things, including a "poofy pocket" for a water bottle, that he wanted to add to this new backpack as well. So he ended up spending about two hours sewing the new pack until his fingers were bleeding. He whittled down some of his gear again and sent a box back home.
Brett has been hiking in his Chaco sandals for about 100 miles so far. He has always been a sandal person, and the weather is only getting better for them.
It was still early enough that Brett was headed to the library in town. I think he was looking forward to having some indoor quiet time for writing in his journal and maybe using the computer (if they allowed non-residents to use them).
Brett finished the Blue Ridge Parkway that day and would be starting the Shenandoah National Park/Skyline Drive. The trail in Shenandoah should be easier.
Brett is down at least 37.5 pounds, even though he's eating as much as he can carry. (Yes, he's taking his vitamins.)
Brett's tooth is feeling better this week. It's not hurting like it was. I hope that he will get it taken care of when he visits his friend Don in Pennsylvania.
I asked about wildlife. He sid that he is hearing more birds in the woods, but hasn't seen anything spectacular. He did see a black and white nuthatch that was pretty. He saw a big rattlesnake on top of a mountain. And while he was walking through Waynesboro he saw some pretty cute baby goslings in the park.
When he was staying at the Dutch House Hostel he enjoyed seeing the pretty goldfinches and hummingbirds at the feeders the owner had said up. Apparently, at certain times of the year the hummingbirds come through in such great numbers that the feeders have to be refilled daily.
What Brett has really liked seeing on the trail are the red/bright orange salamanders. He said the color is so unreal, they look like little gummy worms you could just pick up and eat. (I'll have to get him to identify the species when we get to a computer.)
I think Brett is looking forward to seeing more wildlife in Shenandoah, which is known for tame deer . . . and bears . . . and ticks. He has found about a dozen or so ticks on him, only two of which were buried in. The rest he could just brush off.
Brett is really enjoying the small towns on the trail: small-town America. He feels completely comfortable in these small towns and doesn't feel out of place. He does look a little out of place, though. Brett said he definitely looks homeless: long hair, long beard, dirty, smelly, with pants that keep falling down. He had been sitting by the side of a road. Someone passing by stopped and offered him a beer saying, "You look like you could use one." (Brett graciously declined.)
Brett did comment on the sad dental state of many a small-town West Virginia/Virginia resident. He was shopping in a Dollar General recently, and the young, pretty girl at the cash register had just one front tooth. Brett said these kind of toothless smiles are, sadly, prevalent.
I asked Brett whether he has been keeping the same pace with any hikers. He said "Buzz Kill" is still around. They started at Springer on the same day and have leap-frogged each other throughout their hikes. The last few days he enjoyed keeping up with a retired Marine from Virginia Beach. The Marine was a section hiker who would be getting off in Harpers Ferry, I believe.
Brett's attitude is definitely getting better. I can hear the difference in his voice as we talk. He said does not have the big doubts that he had earlier in Virginia. (Those of us at home never doubted him!)
(Mon. 5/7/12) ?, VA - Phone Update From Brett
Cell phone reception is still not great. I was looking forward to hearing from Brett, and finally heard from him on Monday. Our conversation lasted about a minute, but the phone kept cutting out. Brett called back and we had about half a minute of a conversation. How frustrating!
He was about five miles outside of Waynesboro, VA, and that's all I got from the update!
He was about five miles outside of Waynesboro, VA, and that's all I got from the update!
Saturday, May 5, 2012
(Sat. 5/5/12) Montebello, VA - Email Update From Brett
I am at Dutch Haus B&B. No cell service, but I have Internet. I should be in Waynesborough on Tuesday. I have a new backpack being sent there. I am just about done with the Blue Ridge Pkwy. There is no way that we could have worked out a way for Dad to meet me. It was just not what I thought it would be.
I am having some medical issues that I am worried about but will talk to you about those later. I am in for a good rest today and should be back on the trail tomorrow afternoon. Things are still going well. Once I get to Shenandoah NP it is rumored that the terrain will get easier. I am looking forward to that.
I may not be out of the so-to-say "blues," but I do feel better again about what I am doing. I do believe that I can do this. It is just tough and somewhat monotonous. Someone I was talking to a few days ago said something to me like, "Either you think it is worth the effort [and tough it out] or you go home. It is that simple." I thought that was a good way to put it simply. It really is that easy of a choice. I know it is worth the struggle. I am the one who is making myself climb this stupid hill and cuss it the whole way. I am deciding to do this, and I can decide to quit whenever I want to. I know that it is worth the effort. What is keeping me going right now is that it will get easier soon.
I am still taking pictures, but I have to say they are tapering off, because there is not as much to see. Anything that is worthwhile I do take a picture of.
I crossed the James River the other day and was told that it was a tradition for a thru hiker to jump off the bridge. So I had to do that twice. The first time I had to see if I would survive, and the second time I jumped to get it on video to show everyone else how stupid I am. It would be like jumping off the top of Shalimar Bridge. Scary as hell to actually let go of the rail the first time. Then it was fairly easy. Gravity took over and did the rest. The water was cold but felt refreshing after a few.
We have had a few 90 degree days. It really takes a toll on hiking up hills. I think I came close to drinking 3 gallons of water the other day, and I really did not pee much.
I should be able to call in a few days. Until then, love you Hun.
Email from Brett later in the day:
If the scale here is right, I am now below 200 pounds. That is over 40 pounds lost.
I am having some medical issues that I am worried about but will talk to you about those later. I am in for a good rest today and should be back on the trail tomorrow afternoon. Things are still going well. Once I get to Shenandoah NP it is rumored that the terrain will get easier. I am looking forward to that.
I may not be out of the so-to-say "blues," but I do feel better again about what I am doing. I do believe that I can do this. It is just tough and somewhat monotonous. Someone I was talking to a few days ago said something to me like, "Either you think it is worth the effort [and tough it out] or you go home. It is that simple." I thought that was a good way to put it simply. It really is that easy of a choice. I know it is worth the struggle. I am the one who is making myself climb this stupid hill and cuss it the whole way. I am deciding to do this, and I can decide to quit whenever I want to. I know that it is worth the effort. What is keeping me going right now is that it will get easier soon.
I am still taking pictures, but I have to say they are tapering off, because there is not as much to see. Anything that is worthwhile I do take a picture of.
I crossed the James River the other day and was told that it was a tradition for a thru hiker to jump off the bridge. So I had to do that twice. The first time I had to see if I would survive, and the second time I jumped to get it on video to show everyone else how stupid I am. It would be like jumping off the top of Shalimar Bridge. Scary as hell to actually let go of the rail the first time. Then it was fairly easy. Gravity took over and did the rest. The water was cold but felt refreshing after a few.
We have had a few 90 degree days. It really takes a toll on hiking up hills. I think I came close to drinking 3 gallons of water the other day, and I really did not pee much.
I should be able to call in a few days. Until then, love you Hun.
Email from Brett later in the day:
If the scale here is right, I am now below 200 pounds. That is over 40 pounds lost.
Friday, May 4, 2012
(Wed. 5/2/12) Glasgow, VA - E-mail Update From Brett
I have been feeling better the last few days. Been trying hard and have been enjoying things more. It is still work, but I have been feeling better. I will call in a few. I was in and out of Glasgow
Perspective From a Former Thru-Hiker; and (Mon. 4/30/12) E-mail From Brett
In preparing for his hike Brett read a lot of trail journals, including the blog of Lindsey, a girl who finished her thru-hike last year. On a whim I went back to her blog and saw that she had recently posted on the anniversary of her start date. I e-mailed what she wrote to Brett. I think it helps to see it from this point of view.
Springer Fever
Springer Fever
Has it been a year already?
I remember the nerves I felt as I left Amicalola Falls State Park a year ago. I kept questioning myself and my decisions. What made me think I could complete such a seemingly impossible task? Would the reward be worth the effort?
Today, a year since I started and roughly five months since I finished, I wonder why those questions were even in my mind. Impossible? Hardly. The reward? Greater than I could have imagined.
It's amazing how much my experience still affects me. I feel a strange ache in my left foot when I walk, I refer to grocery shopping as "resupplying," and I crave Pop Tarts, peanut butter, and Knorr sides. I'm so jealous of all the people starting their thru-hikes this year.
Seth and I are going back to the trail this weekend/next week to do some trail magic and hike for a few days. I'm curious how the hike will be mentally, as well as physically. I can't wait to see a white blaze, and I'm almost looking forward to waking up with a hiker hobble again!
I remember the nerves I felt as I left Amicalola Falls State Park a year ago. I kept questioning myself and my decisions. What made me think I could complete such a seemingly impossible task? Would the reward be worth the effort?
Today, a year since I started and roughly five months since I finished, I wonder why those questions were even in my mind. Impossible? Hardly. The reward? Greater than I could have imagined.
It's amazing how much my experience still affects me. I feel a strange ache in my left foot when I walk, I refer to grocery shopping as "resupplying," and I crave Pop Tarts, peanut butter, and Knorr sides. I'm so jealous of all the people starting their thru-hikes this year.
Seth and I are going back to the trail this weekend/next week to do some trail magic and hike for a few days. I'm curious how the hike will be mentally, as well as physically. I can't wait to see a white blaze, and I'm almost looking forward to waking up with a hiker hobble again!
Brett's E-mailed Response:
Thanks for that update. Everything helps. I already know everything she said is true. It's just in the middle of the journey when the effort and struggles are tough. Today was good. Feeling good, but tired now. 20 mile day.
(Sun. 4/29/12) Troutville, VA - Phone Update From Brett
After talking to Brett late Saturday night, this Sunday evening phone call was a surprise.
Brett had stayed up on Saturday until about 2:30am. He didn't go very far in the morning, stopping by the fire station in Troutville, VA. They let thru-hikers use the station. Brett did some laundry, washing his clothes three times before they passed as "clean". He took a shower for the second day in a row, just because he could. He had time while waiting for the laundry to relax in the common room, let his knee rest, and get caught up on some journaling. Then he hiked about 4 miles to a shelter.
The shelter was at the top of a hill and there was no one around. Brett has hiked and camped alone before. But having just said good-bye to Ed and knowing that he wasn't ahead of him on the trail, in addition to Brett's own struggle, left Brett feeling a little lonely. This is the first time Brett has called home just to talk to someone.
I still have confidence in Brett. But it is hard to hear about him having a tough time and not be able to do more to help him.
Brett had stayed up on Saturday until about 2:30am. He didn't go very far in the morning, stopping by the fire station in Troutville, VA. They let thru-hikers use the station. Brett did some laundry, washing his clothes three times before they passed as "clean". He took a shower for the second day in a row, just because he could. He had time while waiting for the laundry to relax in the common room, let his knee rest, and get caught up on some journaling. Then he hiked about 4 miles to a shelter.
The shelter was at the top of a hill and there was no one around. Brett has hiked and camped alone before. But having just said good-bye to Ed and knowing that he wasn't ahead of him on the trail, in addition to Brett's own struggle, left Brett feeling a little lonely. This is the first time Brett has called home just to talk to someone.
I still have confidence in Brett. But it is hard to hear about him having a tough time and not be able to do more to help him.
(Sat. 4/28/12 late) Daleville, VA - Phone Update from Brett
After seeing the beautiful photo of Brett on McAfee Knob, I was hoping that things were going better for Brett. Not so.
It started pouring rain about a half-mile before Brett got in to Daleville. He had lunch at Pizza Hut and went shopping for supplies. He talked to Ed on the phone. Ed was ahead of Brett on the trail, and they hadn't seen each other in a few days. Ed was heading out of Daleville when the downpour started. He continued six miles on the trail before he decided he was done. Brett asked Ed walk back to Daleville. Then the two of them went out to dinner and chipped in on a hotel room. It was almost midnight EDT when Brett called me.
It sounds like Brett and Ed had a good conversation over dinner. There is a big wave of drop-outs in Georgia, and another in Virginia. Brett said he saw two other hikers walk off the trail that week. The "Virginia Blues" are hitting everyone. By the time you get to Virginia you have seen just about everything you are going to see: rain, snow, hunger, blisters, hills, and more hills. The vistas all start to look the same. You start to ask yourself, "Why am I here?"
Brett hit a wall last week, and was still in a funk the next day. Then he was climbing a hill in the rain and said, "I've got to change my attitude." He started singing out loud one song after another. Before he knew it, he was at the top. He had a dry hostel to look forward to and was starting to feel better.
Now, however, he has started questioning himself again. He saw how relieved and excited Ed was about going home. Ed was happy with his decision. There aren't many guys in the same situation as Brett and Ed. Most people on the trail don't have families and a home to be homesick for. It makes it a little tougher.
I had told Brett how people ask me whether Brett is having fun. Brett said he thought about that some more. There are a lot of things at home that Brett has fun doing. Throwing the frisbee with Copper is fun. Fishing and hunting are fun. Going out on the boat is fun. Sleeping in a warm, comfortable bed, while not exactly "fun", it sure is nice. Hiking and going up hills is not fun. But the experience is more rewarding than temporary fun is.
Brett know that this experience will be very rewarding, but feeling good about the hike "now" is a more difficult. It doesn't help that Brett's body is starting to feel the stress of hiking every day (he crossed 700 miles the day prior). His feet are starting to do better, but four days previous to the call his left knee started bothering him. It especially hurts when he is going up or down steps (hate those hills!). His tooth is also bothering him. We'll need to find a way to get him to a dentist on the trail.
Now Brett needs to reevaluate his hike. He will need to work through his emotions this week and find his answer to the question, "Why am I doing this?"
It started pouring rain about a half-mile before Brett got in to Daleville. He had lunch at Pizza Hut and went shopping for supplies. He talked to Ed on the phone. Ed was ahead of Brett on the trail, and they hadn't seen each other in a few days. Ed was heading out of Daleville when the downpour started. He continued six miles on the trail before he decided he was done. Brett asked Ed walk back to Daleville. Then the two of them went out to dinner and chipped in on a hotel room. It was almost midnight EDT when Brett called me.
It sounds like Brett and Ed had a good conversation over dinner. There is a big wave of drop-outs in Georgia, and another in Virginia. Brett said he saw two other hikers walk off the trail that week. The "Virginia Blues" are hitting everyone. By the time you get to Virginia you have seen just about everything you are going to see: rain, snow, hunger, blisters, hills, and more hills. The vistas all start to look the same. You start to ask yourself, "Why am I here?"
Brett hit a wall last week, and was still in a funk the next day. Then he was climbing a hill in the rain and said, "I've got to change my attitude." He started singing out loud one song after another. Before he knew it, he was at the top. He had a dry hostel to look forward to and was starting to feel better.
Now, however, he has started questioning himself again. He saw how relieved and excited Ed was about going home. Ed was happy with his decision. There aren't many guys in the same situation as Brett and Ed. Most people on the trail don't have families and a home to be homesick for. It makes it a little tougher.
I had told Brett how people ask me whether Brett is having fun. Brett said he thought about that some more. There are a lot of things at home that Brett has fun doing. Throwing the frisbee with Copper is fun. Fishing and hunting are fun. Going out on the boat is fun. Sleeping in a warm, comfortable bed, while not exactly "fun", it sure is nice. Hiking and going up hills is not fun. But the experience is more rewarding than temporary fun is.
Brett know that this experience will be very rewarding, but feeling good about the hike "now" is a more difficult. It doesn't help that Brett's body is starting to feel the stress of hiking every day (he crossed 700 miles the day prior). His feet are starting to do better, but four days previous to the call his left knee started bothering him. It especially hurts when he is going up or down steps (hate those hills!). His tooth is also bothering him. We'll need to find a way to get him to a dentist on the trail.
Now Brett needs to reevaluate his hike. He will need to work through his emotions this week and find his answer to the question, "Why am I doing this?"
Sunday, April 29, 2012
(Sat. 4/28/12) McAfee Knob, VA - Email and Photo From Hiker
I missed two calls from Brett, though I was anxious for an update. I was excited to get this email with a gorgeous photo attached.
We really enjoyed meeting your husband yesterday and hiking part of the way with him up to McAfee Knob.
Bob
We really enjoyed meeting your husband yesterday and hiking part of the way with him up to McAfee Knob.
Bob
(Thu. 4/26/12) Catawba, VA - Phone Update From Brett
After almost a week, I finally heard from Brett again. There hasn't been much cell phone service, especially in the valleys.
It was a tough week. In addition to raining almost all week, they got three inches of snow. Brett had a bad day the day before. He was freezing and tired. It's not fun and you start asking yourself "why?" He was staying at Four Pines Hostel, about 30 miles from Dalesville, VA. He felt a little better after showering, getting dry, and going out to eat. But he still hates going up hills. "You get sick of it."
Brett saw Ed a couple of days earlier. They stayed in a guy's backyard, hunkering down through the weather. However, he wasn't sure if he would see Ed again. Ed is pushing more, and Brett feels miserable hiking those long days.
It was a tough week. In addition to raining almost all week, they got three inches of snow. Brett had a bad day the day before. He was freezing and tired. It's not fun and you start asking yourself "why?" He was staying at Four Pines Hostel, about 30 miles from Dalesville, VA. He felt a little better after showering, getting dry, and going out to eat. But he still hates going up hills. "You get sick of it."
Brett saw Ed a couple of days earlier. They stayed in a guy's backyard, hunkering down through the weather. However, he wasn't sure if he would see Ed again. Ed is pushing more, and Brett feels miserable hiking those long days.
(Fri. 4/20/12) Pearisburg, VA - Phone Update From Brett
Brett called from Pearisburg, VA. He had stayed at Woods Hole Hostel, about 10 miles from town. He came into town town to resupply, and will go another 7 miles to the next shelter. He said some bad weather was moving in. Brett gave me a list for a mail drop for Daleville, VA for the following week.
Brett thinks he may have a cavity (his first), which will be a little difficult to address on the trail. He's going to give another week and see how it feels.
Brett met up with Ed at the hostel, but they split up again with Ed moving forward more quickly.
In answer to the question, "Is Brett enjoying the trail?" Brett came up with kind of an analogy. He guesses it may be similar to childbirth on the "fun scale". Do you enjoy it? No you don't enjoy the pain. Brett doesn't enjoy every minute of the trail--certainly not every hill or storm. But ultimately, he is enjoying the trip because he is proud of what he has accomplished and is accomplishing.
Brett thinks he may have a cavity (his first), which will be a little difficult to address on the trail. He's going to give another week and see how it feels.
Brett met up with Ed at the hostel, but they split up again with Ed moving forward more quickly.
In answer to the question, "Is Brett enjoying the trail?" Brett came up with kind of an analogy. He guesses it may be similar to childbirth on the "fun scale". Do you enjoy it? No you don't enjoy the pain. Brett doesn't enjoy every minute of the trail--certainly not every hill or storm. But ultimately, he is enjoying the trip because he is proud of what he has accomplished and is accomplishing.
(Wed. 4/18/12) Bastian, VA - Phone Update From Brett
Had a phone call from Brett this day. Brett made it to the small town of Bastian, VA, and resupplied at Trent's Grocery. He was able to take a shower, but didn't have soap or a towel. He set up in the yard of the owner's of the store. (Brett was chased by a duck while we talked.) It had rained all day and Brett was wet and cold. He expected to stay at a hostel south of Pearisburg the next day. Brett had not seen Ed in a few days. Ed was pushing on more. Brett's had about three toe blisters. He asked me to send him his Chaco sandals, saying that his toes want to spread out a bit. There is an outfitter about 100 miles north of Bastian where Brett could pick up a mail drop.
I told Brett that a lot of people ask me, "So, is Brett really enjoying it?" I never know how to answer that question. Brett agreed. Answering "yes" or "no" isn't really accurate. It is hard work. But with that hard work comes a sense of accomplishment. It is personally satisfying. One of the hard things for Brett is going uphill. There are a lot of false peaks, and sometimes Brett is just ready to get to camp. This day Brett crossed 600 miles. That is a lot of miles! Hiking the trail is a good experience. Town is fun. And it is nice living in the mountains for months.
Brett said that the water situation had not been good that week. There had not been any rain until that day.
The trees are really showing the light green of Spring. In two weeks Brett's expects to be in full shade in the mountains from the foliage. Brett saw the biggest toad in the middle of the trail. A huge, two-pound (exaggeration?) toad! He has found tons of ramps, an onion/garlic bulb that grows wild in the mountains. The leaves are strong, but the bulb is mild. Brett picked some and sauteed them with his dinner. He also found a Morel mushroom, but didn't gather or eat that.
Brett has been eating the mess out of fruit roll-ups. He has been able to resupply fairly easily. Most every small town has a Dollar General, which is where he ends up going a lot.
Virginia is pretty, though he has gone through some "dumpy" towns. The lower elevation has a lot of pastures and climbs that aren't as big.
He came across two sisters (and their dog) on the trail who grew up in Pensacola. There were going rather slow.
I told Brett that a lot of people ask me, "So, is Brett really enjoying it?" I never know how to answer that question. Brett agreed. Answering "yes" or "no" isn't really accurate. It is hard work. But with that hard work comes a sense of accomplishment. It is personally satisfying. One of the hard things for Brett is going uphill. There are a lot of false peaks, and sometimes Brett is just ready to get to camp. This day Brett crossed 600 miles. That is a lot of miles! Hiking the trail is a good experience. Town is fun. And it is nice living in the mountains for months.
Brett said that the water situation had not been good that week. There had not been any rain until that day.
The trees are really showing the light green of Spring. In two weeks Brett's expects to be in full shade in the mountains from the foliage. Brett saw the biggest toad in the middle of the trail. A huge, two-pound (exaggeration?) toad! He has found tons of ramps, an onion/garlic bulb that grows wild in the mountains. The leaves are strong, but the bulb is mild. Brett picked some and sauteed them with his dinner. He also found a Morel mushroom, but didn't gather or eat that.
Brett has been eating the mess out of fruit roll-ups. He has been able to resupply fairly easily. Most every small town has a Dollar General, which is where he ends up going a lot.
Virginia is pretty, though he has gone through some "dumpy" towns. The lower elevation has a lot of pastures and climbs that aren't as big.
He came across two sisters (and their dog) on the trail who grew up in Pensacola. There were going rather slow.
Saturday, April 14, 2012
(Sat. 4/14/12) Atkins, VA - Phone Update From Brett
I wasn't expecting to hear from Brett so soon, but I was able to talk with him an hour and a half this evening. Although they stayed in a hotel last night in Marion, Va., the two guys Brett was hiking with ("Tater Tot" and "Buzz-Kill") wanted to stay in Atkins, Va., tonight. So they are enjoying a second hotel stay.
Brett expects to be in Pearisburg, Va., in about a week where I may send him a mail drop.
This morning the guys had to hitch-hike from Marion back to the trail. They tried calling to arrange a ride through the county public transportation, but the Friday driver didn't mention that the dispatch office was off on Saturdays. They would have needed a more direct phone number for the Saturday driver in order to schedule a pick-up. Once on the trail they hiked about 12 miles into Atkins.
The reason these hungry hikers wanted to get to Atkins was to enjoy the famous One-Pound-Hiker-Burger at The Barn Restaurant. Apparently it was worth it. Brett said that it was, hands-down, the best burger he's had on the trail. It even rivals the burger he gets at Simply Good, his favorite local restaurant (a dive with a good burger and friendly employees). The Big Red Barn burger was made with two beef patties, whereas the Simply Good burger is made with one. Other than that, they were just about the same: good meat, good sauce, great burger! (I haven't actually had one of Simply Good's burgers. I think I need to talk Brett into taking me again.)
Brett found a good scale today and says he has lost a total of about 25 pounds. He feels better and stronger. Brett's beard is getting longer and is full of gray. Brett says he looks pretty rough, but he really doesn't mind looking the part of the mountain man.
Brett's feet are doing okay. He might get a little blister here or there, but they are not crippling blisters like the bad blister he had on his left heel. His first pair of shoes were his favorite before they started wearing down, but the shoes he has now are okay.
Brett and I talked about what he has accomplished so far on the trail. He has been on the trail for two months, rain or shine, with a 45-pound backpack, and has hiked over 500 miles. That is something to be proud of. Even if he had to stop now (which he has no intention of doing), this would be a success story. He definitely feels the support from his friends and family. Looking back on what he has done so far gives him a certain amount of confidence and makes continuing on through the rough patches a little easier.
Brett expects to be in Pearisburg, Va., in about a week where I may send him a mail drop.
This morning the guys had to hitch-hike from Marion back to the trail. They tried calling to arrange a ride through the county public transportation, but the Friday driver didn't mention that the dispatch office was off on Saturdays. They would have needed a more direct phone number for the Saturday driver in order to schedule a pick-up. Once on the trail they hiked about 12 miles into Atkins.
The reason these hungry hikers wanted to get to Atkins was to enjoy the famous One-Pound-Hiker-Burger at The Barn Restaurant. Apparently it was worth it. Brett said that it was, hands-down, the best burger he's had on the trail. It even rivals the burger he gets at Simply Good, his favorite local restaurant (a dive with a good burger and friendly employees). The Big Red Barn burger was made with two beef patties, whereas the Simply Good burger is made with one. Other than that, they were just about the same: good meat, good sauce, great burger! (I haven't actually had one of Simply Good's burgers. I think I need to talk Brett into taking me again.)
Brett found a good scale today and says he has lost a total of about 25 pounds. He feels better and stronger. Brett's beard is getting longer and is full of gray. Brett says he looks pretty rough, but he really doesn't mind looking the part of the mountain man.
Brett's feet are doing okay. He might get a little blister here or there, but they are not crippling blisters like the bad blister he had on his left heel. His first pair of shoes were his favorite before they started wearing down, but the shoes he has now are okay.
Brett and I talked about what he has accomplished so far on the trail. He has been on the trail for two months, rain or shine, with a 45-pound backpack, and has hiked over 500 miles. That is something to be proud of. Even if he had to stop now (which he has no intention of doing), this would be a success story. He definitely feels the support from his friends and family. Looking back on what he has done so far gives him a certain amount of confidence and makes continuing on through the rough patches a little easier.
Friday, April 13, 2012
(Fri. 4/13/12) Marion, VA - Phone Update From Brett
Brett has been out of cell phone range this last week. I was excited to hear from him last night. Unfortunately, the cell phone quickly started breaking up and we had to cut our call short.
In Damascus last weekend Brett received his package with the summer-weight sleeping bag and lighter down pullover. He boxed up his winter-weight sleeping bag, down jacket, and long johns. Then at the beginning of the week a cold front came through and Brett experienced his coldest day on the trail--with only his summer gear to help him through. He said that it was warming up (it was only supposed to be in the 30's on Friday night), but should get a little warmer in a few days.
Brett called back today. He made it into Marion, Virginia, an interstate town a couple of miles from the trail. Last night he mentioned his plan to hitch-hike into town. I am assuming he was successful. Marion is a bigger town with a Wal-mart, hotels, restaurants, etc. where they were able to get some resupplying done. Brett, Ed and another hiker pooled together and got a hotel room. Brett said it feels good to be clean. He said it is the first real shower he has had in about two weeks. Apparently, the shower he had at the hostel in Damascus ran out of hot water quickly. Tonight they have plans to do laundry and go out for dinner.
Update/End of the night call:
Brett called me on his walk back from the restaurant to the hotel. It didn't sound like he had an impressive dinner. They just chose the restaurant because it was convenient to walk to from the hotel.
I asked about whether they had to hitch-hike into town. They didn't. They were able to use county transportation to get them from their shelter last night to town. Last night they stayed at Partnership Shelter, a really nice shelter next to a National Forest Service visitor center. They have a shower (with cold water) and a phone. Apparently, a traditional thing to do when staying at this shelter is to use the phone to order a pizza delivery. So, of course, Brett has to follow tradition. Brett said he suspects that the pizza is probably pretty good when you eat it in the store, but it wasn't that great by the time they got it. It was cold and kind of dry.
In the morning, they were able to use the phone to call the county public transportation and arrange a ride into town. They plan to use the public transportation tomorrow to get from the hotel back to the trail. Not a bad deal for $0.50.
Brett said that he offered to take the floor in the hotel tonight. He said that he is quite comfortable on his sleeping pad. Brett said that he would take sleeping in his cozy tent apartment over a shelter any day. The only thing he doesn't like is setting up or taking down camp in the rain. That is no fun. He has spent only two nights in a shelter so far because of bad weather. One night was the hail storm, previously mentioned. The other time was he chose to sleep in a shelter because it had been raining for an hour before it was time to set up and was expected to rain through the night.
Brett said he has been sleeping well. That is, before the cold snap came through. He couldn't sleep last night because he was so cold with all of his warm gear gone.
A typical evening schedule might be:
7:00pm - retire to bed
8:00pm - write in journal for a while; fall asleep fairly quickly after journaling
1:00am - wake up; toss and turn for a little before falling back asleep
6:30am - wake up
7:00am - get out of bed and start packing up camp
8:00am - ready to hit the trail
Brett did say the times are starting to get a little earlier than the above with the days getting longer.
In Damascus last weekend Brett received his package with the summer-weight sleeping bag and lighter down pullover. He boxed up his winter-weight sleeping bag, down jacket, and long johns. Then at the beginning of the week a cold front came through and Brett experienced his coldest day on the trail--with only his summer gear to help him through. He said that it was warming up (it was only supposed to be in the 30's on Friday night), but should get a little warmer in a few days.
Brett called back today. He made it into Marion, Virginia, an interstate town a couple of miles from the trail. Last night he mentioned his plan to hitch-hike into town. I am assuming he was successful. Marion is a bigger town with a Wal-mart, hotels, restaurants, etc. where they were able to get some resupplying done. Brett, Ed and another hiker pooled together and got a hotel room. Brett said it feels good to be clean. He said it is the first real shower he has had in about two weeks. Apparently, the shower he had at the hostel in Damascus ran out of hot water quickly. Tonight they have plans to do laundry and go out for dinner.
Update/End of the night call:
Brett called me on his walk back from the restaurant to the hotel. It didn't sound like he had an impressive dinner. They just chose the restaurant because it was convenient to walk to from the hotel.
I asked about whether they had to hitch-hike into town. They didn't. They were able to use county transportation to get them from their shelter last night to town. Last night they stayed at Partnership Shelter, a really nice shelter next to a National Forest Service visitor center. They have a shower (with cold water) and a phone. Apparently, a traditional thing to do when staying at this shelter is to use the phone to order a pizza delivery. So, of course, Brett has to follow tradition. Brett said he suspects that the pizza is probably pretty good when you eat it in the store, but it wasn't that great by the time they got it. It was cold and kind of dry.
In the morning, they were able to use the phone to call the county public transportation and arrange a ride into town. They plan to use the public transportation tomorrow to get from the hotel back to the trail. Not a bad deal for $0.50.
Brett said that he offered to take the floor in the hotel tonight. He said that he is quite comfortable on his sleeping pad. Brett said that he would take sleeping in his cozy tent apartment over a shelter any day. The only thing he doesn't like is setting up or taking down camp in the rain. That is no fun. He has spent only two nights in a shelter so far because of bad weather. One night was the hail storm, previously mentioned. The other time was he chose to sleep in a shelter because it had been raining for an hour before it was time to set up and was expected to rain through the night.
Brett said he has been sleeping well. That is, before the cold snap came through. He couldn't sleep last night because he was so cold with all of his warm gear gone.
A typical evening schedule might be:
7:00pm - retire to bed
8:00pm - write in journal for a while; fall asleep fairly quickly after journaling
1:00am - wake up; toss and turn for a little before falling back asleep
6:30am - wake up
7:00am - get out of bed and start packing up camp
8:00am - ready to hit the trail
Brett did say the times are starting to get a little earlier than the above with the days getting longer.
(Sat. 4/7/12, Sun. 4/8/12) Damascus, VA - Phone Update From Brett
I had a couple of nice phone calls from Brett on Easter weekend. It was a treat to talk to Brett so long after not hearing from him much during the week because of poor cell phone reception.
Brett arrived in Damascus, VA, on Saturday and got the package he asked me to send him. He switched out his winter gear. Because it was Easter weekend, I included a small bag of candy and a few filled plastic Easter eggs. In addition to candy, I put a slip of paper in each egg with a sweet message. Brett opened up the box, saw the candy, and passed around the bag to share his goods with some hikers who were with them. Each of them reached in the bag and grabbed one of the plastic egg. They opened their eggs about the same time and read the sweet and loving messages inside. "Uhhh, Brett, I think these are for you."
When Brett called me on Saturday I was on the beach watching the sunset with my sister-in-law. I was glad that Brett was enjoying his own perfect spring evening in Damascus. Brett was walking down the small main street of Damascus. He said the weather was perfect, the town was quaint, and the flowering dogwood trees were beautiful.
Brett aslo called me on Sunday. He had spent the night at a hostel in Damascus. The hostel was an old bunkhouse, now run by the Methodist Church.
Brett enjoyed some trail magic in Damascus. The owners of a Bread & Breakfast (minus the breakfast) host "Sundaes on Sundays" each week. They have all the makings for sundaes including fruit, cookies, caramel, etc. Brett had a chance to talk with the owners and their daughter. They were really nice folk. Brett had a wonderful conversation with them. The father was a thru-hiker from 2000. The daughter, who was a thru-hiker from 2006(?) following in her father's footsteps, met her husband on the trail. During the course of their conversation, Brett discovered that this family moved to Damascus from Niceville about 8 years ago. The daughter graduation from NHS in 1998 and went on to FSU. They discovered some common acquaintances: Jeff W., and one of Brett's coworkers John Cl.
Brett really enjoys having intellectual conversations with people. Most of the conversations he has had with people on the trail is simply about:
1) gear
2) who you are, where you are from, etc.
3) why you are hiking the trail
Brett really enjoys former or more experienced hikers "What advice do you have me?".
[Unfortunately, I don't remember hearing if the owner of the B&B and former thru-hiker was able to answer that question for Brett.]
I was happy to hear that Brett had such an enjoyable weekend. I think it does a lot to keep one's spirits up.
Brett arrived in Damascus, VA, on Saturday and got the package he asked me to send him. He switched out his winter gear. Because it was Easter weekend, I included a small bag of candy and a few filled plastic Easter eggs. In addition to candy, I put a slip of paper in each egg with a sweet message. Brett opened up the box, saw the candy, and passed around the bag to share his goods with some hikers who were with them. Each of them reached in the bag and grabbed one of the plastic egg. They opened their eggs about the same time and read the sweet and loving messages inside. "Uhhh, Brett, I think these are for you."
When Brett called me on Saturday I was on the beach watching the sunset with my sister-in-law. I was glad that Brett was enjoying his own perfect spring evening in Damascus. Brett was walking down the small main street of Damascus. He said the weather was perfect, the town was quaint, and the flowering dogwood trees were beautiful.
Brett aslo called me on Sunday. He had spent the night at a hostel in Damascus. The hostel was an old bunkhouse, now run by the Methodist Church.
Brett enjoyed some trail magic in Damascus. The owners of a Bread & Breakfast (minus the breakfast) host "Sundaes on Sundays" each week. They have all the makings for sundaes including fruit, cookies, caramel, etc. Brett had a chance to talk with the owners and their daughter. They were really nice folk. Brett had a wonderful conversation with them. The father was a thru-hiker from 2000. The daughter, who was a thru-hiker from 2006(?) following in her father's footsteps, met her husband on the trail. During the course of their conversation, Brett discovered that this family moved to Damascus from Niceville about 8 years ago. The daughter graduation from NHS in 1998 and went on to FSU. They discovered some common acquaintances: Jeff W., and one of Brett's coworkers John Cl.
Brett really enjoys having intellectual conversations with people. Most of the conversations he has had with people on the trail is simply about:
1) gear
2) who you are, where you are from, etc.
3) why you are hiking the trail
Brett really enjoys former or more experienced hikers "What advice do you have me?".
[Unfortunately, I don't remember hearing if the owner of the B&B and former thru-hiker was able to answer that question for Brett.]
I was happy to hear that Brett had such an enjoyable weekend. I think it does a lot to keep one's spirits up.
(Fri. 4/6/12) TN - Phone Update From Brett
Brett called and said he expected to be in Damascus on Sunday, where he would spend a zero day.
His feet are feeling better, especially the blister on his left foot. However, the tops of the toes on his right foot were forming a blister where the leather of his new shoes is crimping in against his toes. He is going to try to reshape the shoe or figure something out to stop it from rubbing.
He is hoping for and looking forward to a visit from his Mom and Dad sometime in Virginia.
His feet are feeling better, especially the blister on his left foot. However, the tops of the toes on his right foot were forming a blister where the leather of his new shoes is crimping in against his toes. He is going to try to reshape the shoe or figure something out to stop it from rubbing.
He is hoping for and looking forward to a visit from his Mom and Dad sometime in Virginia.
Virginia Timeline (4/7/12 - 5/19/12)
4/7/12 (Sat.) - Crossed the TN/VA border [463.2 mi.]
4/7/12 (Sat.) - Stayed at The Place, a Methodist run hostel in Damascus, VA [468 mi.].
Switched out winter gear for summer gear.
4/8/12 (Sun.) - Easter Sunday. Spent a zero day in Damascus, VA.
4/13/12 (Fri.) - Stayed in a hotel in Marion, VA [530.7 mi.].
4/14/12 (Sat.) - Stayed in a hotel in Atkins, VA [542.2 mi.].
4/18/12 (Wed.) - Stayed in a yard near Trent's Grocery in Bastian, VA [605.5 mi.].
4/19/12 (Thu.) - Stayed at Woods Hole Hostel outside of Pearisburg, VA [619.4 mi.].
4/20/12 (Fri.) - Resupplied in Pearisburg, VA [629.8 mi.].
4/26/12 (Thu.) - Stayed at Four Pines Hostel in Catawba, VA [696.8 mi.].
4/28/12 (Sat.) - Stayed at a hotel in Daleville, VA [722.5 mi.].
4/29/12 (Sun.) - Stayed at Fullhardt Knob Shelter outside of Troutville, VA [727.5 mi.].
5/3/12 (Wed.) - Resupplied in Glasgow, VA [779.3 mi.].
5/5/12 (Sat.) - Stayed at Dutch Haus B&B in Montebello, VA [817.4 mi.].
5/8/12 (Tue.) - Tented by the YMCA in Waynesboro, VA [? mi.].
5/15/12 (Tue.) - Stayed at Front Royal Terrapin Station Hostel in Chester Gap, VA [957.3 mi.].
5/18/12 (Fri.) - Hiked 1,000 miles! (VA/WV border)
5/18/12 (Fri.) - Camped at Blackburn AT Center,VA [1004.8 mi.]
5/19/12 (Sat.) - Crossed the (final) VA/WV border [1014.9 mi.]
4/7/12 (Sat.) - Stayed at The Place, a Methodist run hostel in Damascus, VA [468 mi.].
Switched out winter gear for summer gear.
4/8/12 (Sun.) - Easter Sunday. Spent a zero day in Damascus, VA.
4/13/12 (Fri.) - Stayed in a hotel in Marion, VA [530.7 mi.].
4/14/12 (Sat.) - Stayed in a hotel in Atkins, VA [542.2 mi.].
4/18/12 (Wed.) - Stayed in a yard near Trent's Grocery in Bastian, VA [605.5 mi.].
4/19/12 (Thu.) - Stayed at Woods Hole Hostel outside of Pearisburg, VA [619.4 mi.].
4/20/12 (Fri.) - Resupplied in Pearisburg, VA [629.8 mi.].
4/26/12 (Thu.) - Stayed at Four Pines Hostel in Catawba, VA [696.8 mi.].
4/28/12 (Sat.) - Stayed at a hotel in Daleville, VA [722.5 mi.].
4/29/12 (Sun.) - Stayed at Fullhardt Knob Shelter outside of Troutville, VA [727.5 mi.].
5/3/12 (Wed.) - Resupplied in Glasgow, VA [779.3 mi.].
5/5/12 (Sat.) - Stayed at Dutch Haus B&B in Montebello, VA [817.4 mi.].
5/8/12 (Tue.) - Tented by the YMCA in Waynesboro, VA [? mi.].
5/15/12 (Tue.) - Stayed at Front Royal Terrapin Station Hostel in Chester Gap, VA [957.3 mi.].
5/18/12 (Fri.) - Hiked 1,000 miles! (VA/WV border)
5/18/12 (Fri.) - Camped at Blackburn AT Center,VA [1004.8 mi.]
5/19/12 (Sat.) - Crossed the (final) VA/WV border [1014.9 mi.]
Thursday, April 5, 2012
North Carolina / Tennessee Timeline (2/27/12 - 4/7/12)
Feb. 27 (Mon.) - Crossed the GA/NC border [78.5 mi.].
Camped in Bly Gap (NC) [78.6 mi.].
Mar. 1 (Thu.) - Hitched a ride into Franklin (NC) and back to the trail the same night [109.8 mi.].
Mar. 13 (Tue.) - Finished hiking through Great Smoky Mountains National Park (NC/TN) [238.1 mi.].
Mar. 13 (Tue.) - Hiked 18 miles and stayed at Standing Bear Farm bunkhouse (TN) [240.8 mi.]
Mar. 17 (Sat.) - Stayed at Elmers Sunnybank Inn (old Victorian home) in Hot Springs (NC) [273.9 mi.].
Mar. 18 (Sun.) - Picked up in Hot Springs (NC) to meet up with the family for Spring Break [273.9 mi.].
Mar. 24 (Sat.) - Started back on the trail in Hot Springs (NC) after a week of Zero's with the family in Gatlinburg (TN) [274.3 mi.].
Mar. 29 (Thu.) - Stayed in hostel (Uncle Johnny's?) in Erwin (TN) [341.5 mi.].
Apr. 1 (Sun.) - Stayed at Overmountain Shelter (TN) [382.7 mi.].
Apr. 2 (Mon.) - Hiked about 8 miles and stayed at Mountain Harbour B&B/Hostel in Roan Mountain (TN) [391.9 mi.].
Apr. 7 (Sat.) - Crossed TN/VA border [463.2 mi.].
Camped in Bly Gap (NC) [78.6 mi.].
Mar. 1 (Thu.) - Hitched a ride into Franklin (NC) and back to the trail the same night [109.8 mi.].
Mar. 13 (Tue.) - Finished hiking through Great Smoky Mountains National Park (NC/TN) [238.1 mi.].
Mar. 13 (Tue.) - Hiked 18 miles and stayed at Standing Bear Farm bunkhouse (TN) [240.8 mi.]
Mar. 17 (Sat.) - Stayed at Elmers Sunnybank Inn (old Victorian home) in Hot Springs (NC) [273.9 mi.].
Mar. 18 (Sun.) - Picked up in Hot Springs (NC) to meet up with the family for Spring Break [273.9 mi.].
Mar. 24 (Sat.) - Started back on the trail in Hot Springs (NC) after a week of Zero's with the family in Gatlinburg (TN) [274.3 mi.].
Mar. 29 (Thu.) - Stayed in hostel (Uncle Johnny's?) in Erwin (TN) [341.5 mi.].
Apr. 1 (Sun.) - Stayed at Overmountain Shelter (TN) [382.7 mi.].
Apr. 2 (Mon.) - Hiked about 8 miles and stayed at Mountain Harbour B&B/Hostel in Roan Mountain (TN) [391.9 mi.].
Apr. 7 (Sat.) - Crossed TN/VA border [463.2 mi.].
(Thu. 4/5/12) near Laurel Falls, TN - Phone Update From Brett
Brett has not had much cell phone service at all this week. He finally got a call in to me this morning to confirm the package that he needed me to ship today to send to Damascus, VA. Brett said they are about a day ahead of what he expected. They will probably take one "zero" day there, but he doesn't want to be waiting around longer for a package.
This is a fairly important package for Brett. It signifies a switch from some winter to summer gear. Brett and Ed will both be switching out their winter sleeping bags for lighter and cooler summer bags. I sent Brett his lighter down pullover jacket. He is also going to start using his converted aluminum beer bottle alcohol stove (a very nifty stove Brett discovered online and made prior to leaving).
Brett didn't ask for much in the way of food except a couple of Mountain House dehydrated meals (lasagna and BBQ beef). I also sent him a bag with some candy for Easter and a homemade card from me and the boys.
This is a fairly important package for Brett. It signifies a switch from some winter to summer gear. Brett and Ed will both be switching out their winter sleeping bags for lighter and cooler summer bags. I sent Brett his lighter down pullover jacket. He is also going to start using his converted aluminum beer bottle alcohol stove (a very nifty stove Brett discovered online and made prior to leaving).
Brett didn't ask for much in the way of food except a couple of Mountain House dehydrated meals (lasagna and BBQ beef). I also sent him a bag with some candy for Easter and a homemade card from me and the boys.
(Mon. 4/2/12) Roan Mountain, TN - Phone Update From Brett
Brett just got into Roan Mountain, TN, this morning after hiking 8 miles. They stayed at Overmountain Shelter last night, an old hay barn that has been converted to a shelter. Brett said it is huge and really neat.
They left the shelter this morning and had some of the worst weather so far. They were hiking in the pouring rain with 40mph winds. At some points they were essentially walking sideways down the trail to compensate for the wind. Brett said it was really tough.
What makes it sad is they were hiking from one high bald to another. They would have enjoyed some great views, had it not been for the nasty weather. ["bald", n. - (Chiefly South Midland and Southern U.S.) a treeless mountaintop or area near the top.]
Brett picked up his package in Roan Mountain, sent the "old" shoes home, and put the new shoes on his feet. They feel better than the old pair. He thinks his feet have grown (or swelled) some. His left foot has a big blister on his heel; his right foot has a blister between his big toe and the next toe over; and he has blisters on the tips of his toes from the Crocs. He wasn't able to get mole skin or anything else to stick to help with the blisters. Hopefully, he will adjust to the new shoes and recover from the old ones quickly.
The weather was bad, but not miserable. It helped having town to look forward to, knowing that he would be able to dry out later in the day and escape the wet.
He took an ibuprofin in the morning to help with a headache he woke up with. Aside from that, he hasn't had to take any "vitamin I" to alleviate hiking pains and sore muscles.
Spring has almost fully sprung in the mountains. The trees are still bare, but flowers are blooming and the grass is green. They have seen a lot of mountain salamanders. Brett said they look cool. They are orange and almost look like a fruit chew. Brett also saw some deer that were not scared off by people.
They were staying in a hostel in Roan Mountain (Mountain Harbour B&B/Hostel?), and Brett was petting a billy goat as we talked. He said he thinks the hostel owner keeps the goats on his steep hill just to mow the grass.
Brett said his "hiker hunger" has finally set in. He is starved all the time and is really losing weight. Brett thinks he is down 20 pounds at this point.
Brett expects to be in Damascus, Virginia, around Sunday. Brett said that Virginia should be flatter and faster. It should take him about six weeks to make it through Virginia, reaching the "half-way point" in Harper's Ferry. He will be hiking summer in Virginia and will go through the Shenendoah Mountains. He is hoping that his mom and dad will be able to meet up with him then. I think it helps Brett to have something to look forward to along the way.
Brett gave me a list of items to put in his next package and warned me to open the package from him outside. He would be sending wet, muddy shoes and a raincoat. Messy and stinky.
They left the shelter this morning and had some of the worst weather so far. They were hiking in the pouring rain with 40mph winds. At some points they were essentially walking sideways down the trail to compensate for the wind. Brett said it was really tough.
What makes it sad is they were hiking from one high bald to another. They would have enjoyed some great views, had it not been for the nasty weather. ["bald", n. - (Chiefly South Midland and Southern U.S.) a treeless mountaintop or area near the top.]
Brett picked up his package in Roan Mountain, sent the "old" shoes home, and put the new shoes on his feet. They feel better than the old pair. He thinks his feet have grown (or swelled) some. His left foot has a big blister on his heel; his right foot has a blister between his big toe and the next toe over; and he has blisters on the tips of his toes from the Crocs. He wasn't able to get mole skin or anything else to stick to help with the blisters. Hopefully, he will adjust to the new shoes and recover from the old ones quickly.
The weather was bad, but not miserable. It helped having town to look forward to, knowing that he would be able to dry out later in the day and escape the wet.
He took an ibuprofin in the morning to help with a headache he woke up with. Aside from that, he hasn't had to take any "vitamin I" to alleviate hiking pains and sore muscles.
Spring has almost fully sprung in the mountains. The trees are still bare, but flowers are blooming and the grass is green. They have seen a lot of mountain salamanders. Brett said they look cool. They are orange and almost look like a fruit chew. Brett also saw some deer that were not scared off by people.
They were staying in a hostel in Roan Mountain (Mountain Harbour B&B/Hostel?), and Brett was petting a billy goat as we talked. He said he thinks the hostel owner keeps the goats on his steep hill just to mow the grass.
Brett said his "hiker hunger" has finally set in. He is starved all the time and is really losing weight. Brett thinks he is down 20 pounds at this point.
Brett expects to be in Damascus, Virginia, around Sunday. Brett said that Virginia should be flatter and faster. It should take him about six weeks to make it through Virginia, reaching the "half-way point" in Harper's Ferry. He will be hiking summer in Virginia and will go through the Shenendoah Mountains. He is hoping that his mom and dad will be able to meet up with him then. I think it helps Brett to have something to look forward to along the way.
Brett gave me a list of items to put in his next package and warned me to open the package from him outside. He would be sending wet, muddy shoes and a raincoat. Messy and stinky.
(3/29/12) Erwin, TN - Email/Phone Update From Brett
Email Update From Brett:
I am in Erwin today. Just got in and have errands to run. It feels good to be clean. Can't wait for the new shoes. I have two new blisters from the Crocs. Love you.
Phone Update:
Brett called from a hostel in Erwin, TN. He's doing okay, hanging in there, but he needs his shoes. Four to five more days until Roan Mountain (and new shoes).
I am in Erwin today. Just got in and have errands to run. It feels good to be clean. Can't wait for the new shoes. I have two new blisters from the Crocs. Love you.
Phone Update:
Brett called from a hostel in Erwin, TN. He's doing okay, hanging in there, but he needs his shoes. Four to five more days until Roan Mountain (and new shoes).
(3/28/12) Sams Gap, TN? - Phone Update From Brett
It sounded like Brett was enjoying a beautiful afternoon. He called from a nicely mowed field where he was lying down, enjoying the perfect weather--warm sun and cool wind.
He was also giving his feet a break. Brett's first pair of shoes started wearing down after a month of serious hiking. Brett had ordered a new pair and had me bring them to him in Gatlinburg. He wore them all week in an attempt to break them in, but was unsuccessful. The new shoes were giving him blisters, especially bad on his heel. He had hiked all day in his Crocs, which felt okay except that he feels every rock and root when wearing them.
He called the shoe company (Merrill) and was very impressed with their customer service. They said they would send him another pair of shoes--a different style and a bigger size. But he would have to hike with what he has until he gets to the mail drop. Brett expected to be in Erwin, TN in maybe two days, but the mail drop in Roan Mountain, TN, is beyond that.
He was also giving his feet a break. Brett's first pair of shoes started wearing down after a month of serious hiking. Brett had ordered a new pair and had me bring them to him in Gatlinburg. He wore them all week in an attempt to break them in, but was unsuccessful. The new shoes were giving him blisters, especially bad on his heel. He had hiked all day in his Crocs, which felt okay except that he feels every rock and root when wearing them.
He called the shoe company (Merrill) and was very impressed with their customer service. They said they would send him another pair of shoes--a different style and a bigger size. But he would have to hike with what he has until he gets to the mail drop. Brett expected to be in Erwin, TN in maybe two days, but the mail drop in Roan Mountain, TN, is beyond that.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
(3/27/12) - E-mail From Brett
From Brett to Becca:
From Becca to Brett:
> Looks like a beautiful night. I'm glad you got to camp on a mountain
> field since you missed Max Patch.
> Love you!
From Brett to Becca;
There is a better bald higher, but four miles down the trail. I just did not have it in me to make it there, but this is good enough. Absolutely perfect. No rain fly on the tent, so I will be looking at the stars all night.
Love you, wish you were here. You would like this.
> Looks like a beautiful night. I'm glad you got to camp on a mountain
> field since you missed Max Patch.
> Love you!
From Brett to Becca;
There is a better bald higher, but four miles down the trail. I just did not have it in me to make it there, but this is good enough. Absolutely perfect. No rain fly on the tent, so I will be looking at the stars all night.
Love you, wish you were here. You would like this.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
(3/14/12) Great Smoky Mountains N.P., NC - Phone Update From Brett
Apparently, I have had a hard time keeping up with everything. Let me assure you that Brett is doing very well. He just made it out of Great Smoky Mountain National Park (NC). He had his longest day yesterday, hiking 18 miles before stopping at the hostel at Standing Bear Farm. They had planned on taking a "zero day" today, but were feeling good and decided to get back on the trail.
I was able to send my first box to him last week. I sent him everything he requested, only to have about a quarter of it come back to me. Apparently those ten pounds were a little more than he had expected. It does make me worry about him getting enough to eat. He also sent back his first filled journal, which arrived today. I am looking forward to reading it and will try to share some of his writing with you when I get a chance after Spring Break.
The families will be meeting up with the guys this weekend. I am not sure that Brett will be able to make a week of zero days after being on the trail for a month. I am also not sure how he is going to handle sharing living quarters with five kids, even if those living quarters are a spacious four-bedroom cabin. Brett has been away from the loud noises of a family for a while, and I worry that it may be an adjustment.
Brett has had some cold nights and some wet days, but I think he has been able to stay warm enough. He gets cold at the end of the day, after he stops hiking. But after he changes into his dry clothes and gets into his sleeping bag, his little "apartment" keeps him cozy at night.
Brett said that Spring is creeping into the mountains. The trees are just starting to bud. Brett has had his fair share of rain, but really hasn't had to endure much in the way of snow. He has had some beautiful days as well, including some beautiful days when it counted--at the top of a mountain with panoramic views. I can't wait to see the photos. I promise to post some of those when I get them.
Brett's trail name has morphed again. He was named "Big B" by Ed. But other hikers have separately named him "The Dude" and Brett said he just can't seem to get away from it.
It's hard to type up the main points from our phone conversations. We have so little time to talk that we end up bouncing around from topic to topic trying to catch up on things at home, where Brett has been, where is heading, how he feels about the trail, what I need to gather up to send him, plans for meeting with him, what the weather has been like, etc. I look forward to sitting with him for a while hearing about all of the little things that get overlooked on the phone.
I am grateful for modern technology. It is so nice to be able to talk with him every few days. He has been able to make his phone battery last between charging sessions by keeping it off all day, turning it on in the evening just long enough to check for messages (assuming he has a signal), and maybe make a quick phone call home.
I was able to send my first box to him last week. I sent him everything he requested, only to have about a quarter of it come back to me. Apparently those ten pounds were a little more than he had expected. It does make me worry about him getting enough to eat. He also sent back his first filled journal, which arrived today. I am looking forward to reading it and will try to share some of his writing with you when I get a chance after Spring Break.
The families will be meeting up with the guys this weekend. I am not sure that Brett will be able to make a week of zero days after being on the trail for a month. I am also not sure how he is going to handle sharing living quarters with five kids, even if those living quarters are a spacious four-bedroom cabin. Brett has been away from the loud noises of a family for a while, and I worry that it may be an adjustment.
Brett has had some cold nights and some wet days, but I think he has been able to stay warm enough. He gets cold at the end of the day, after he stops hiking. But after he changes into his dry clothes and gets into his sleeping bag, his little "apartment" keeps him cozy at night.
Brett said that Spring is creeping into the mountains. The trees are just starting to bud. Brett has had his fair share of rain, but really hasn't had to endure much in the way of snow. He has had some beautiful days as well, including some beautiful days when it counted--at the top of a mountain with panoramic views. I can't wait to see the photos. I promise to post some of those when I get them.
Brett's trail name has morphed again. He was named "Big B" by Ed. But other hikers have separately named him "The Dude" and Brett said he just can't seem to get away from it.
It's hard to type up the main points from our phone conversations. We have so little time to talk that we end up bouncing around from topic to topic trying to catch up on things at home, where Brett has been, where is heading, how he feels about the trail, what I need to gather up to send him, plans for meeting with him, what the weather has been like, etc. I look forward to sitting with him for a while hearing about all of the little things that get overlooked on the phone.
I am grateful for modern technology. It is so nice to be able to talk with him every few days. He has been able to make his phone battery last between charging sessions by keeping it off all day, turning it on in the evening just long enough to check for messages (assuming he has a signal), and maybe make a quick phone call home.
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