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.
Showing posts with label dining. Show all posts
Showing posts with label dining. Show all posts
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Monday, May 21, 2012
(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.
Friday, May 4, 2012
(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?"
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.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
(2/22/12) Blood Mtn, Neels Gap - Phone Update From Brett
The call I had been waiting for! I finally got to hear from Brett last night. And already I'm looking forward to hearing from him again, in another few days or so.
After four full days hiking on the trail, Brett and Ed completed 33 miles, including a 12-mile day on Tuesday (2/21/12). The hiking they did on Saturday (2/18/12) didn't "count", since it was the approach trail and is not an official part of the Appalachian Trail. Still, Brett said the 8-plus-mile approach trail up to Springer Mountain was tough.
Brett said they have been averaging about one mile per hour. He said there are a lot of slooooow ["grandma"] steps goings up. The good news it that his feet are doing great, and his muscles are feeling good. His knees do get sore from going downhill, but they feel better after being rested.
Although he is in bed for almost 12 hours a night, Brett said he has probably been averaging only 7 hours of sleep, what with various interruptions.
There is almost no green in the forest, and Brett has essentially seen no wildlife. He might hear a crow's caw or a little bird's tweet from time to time, but apparently it's too cold for the wildlife to come out.
It rained on the guys all night on Tuesday (2/21/12). Brett said it was cold and the icy rain on the tent was so loud. He was listening to the rain when it stopped, instantly quiet. Snow. It only snowed for about 10 peaceful minutes before returning to loud, icy rain.
On Wednesday (2/22/12), Brett and Ed hiked four miles going over Blood Mountain, the highest point of the Appalachian Trail in Georgia. They arrived at the peak while it was still sunny and were rewarded with an incredible view. Brett has naturally been emotional beginning this adventure. He was teary-eyed registering at the visitor's center and going through the gateway there. He understandably lost it when he got to the peak of Springer Mountain and saw the plaque marking the start of the trail. And saying good-bye to the family was not without tears. But even a few days later Brett said he was still emotional about this trip. The view at the top of Blood Mountain brought his feelings back to the surface.
They ended up at Neels Gap on Wednesday (2/22/12), the only point where the AT goes under a roof. The trail goes through a covered breezeway between two old buildings, one of which is an outfitter. This business offers pack "shake-downs" for hikers. Hikers empty everything out of their pack and employees help them reduce their pack weight. Brett unloaded about 5 pounds (some clothing and I'm not sure what else), which he will have shipped home.
Brett and Ed stayed at a hostel there that night (shower!). Ed has friends who live nearby. They picked up the two guys and took them into town to resupply and eat a good meal (big, juicy hamburger!).
Brett said some of his trail food has been good, some just okay. The trail mix we put together earned great reviews from Brett. The instant stuffing was also a winner. The Parmesan cheese that was in a pasta dish stuck to everything and was too much of a pain to have again.
Brett said that one of things he has really enjoyed is the relationships he is forming with the people on the trail. He said there is an almost instant bond of friendship made with these "strangers," fellow hikers, that will be remembered for life. He said it is a very trusting friendship. There is no judging. They are all equals.
Besides being cold and perhaps a little tired, Brett seems to be doing well.
After four full days hiking on the trail, Brett and Ed completed 33 miles, including a 12-mile day on Tuesday (2/21/12). The hiking they did on Saturday (2/18/12) didn't "count", since it was the approach trail and is not an official part of the Appalachian Trail. Still, Brett said the 8-plus-mile approach trail up to Springer Mountain was tough.
Brett said they have been averaging about one mile per hour. He said there are a lot of slooooow ["grandma"] steps goings up. The good news it that his feet are doing great, and his muscles are feeling good. His knees do get sore from going downhill, but they feel better after being rested.
Although he is in bed for almost 12 hours a night, Brett said he has probably been averaging only 7 hours of sleep, what with various interruptions.
There is almost no green in the forest, and Brett has essentially seen no wildlife. He might hear a crow's caw or a little bird's tweet from time to time, but apparently it's too cold for the wildlife to come out.
It rained on the guys all night on Tuesday (2/21/12). Brett said it was cold and the icy rain on the tent was so loud. He was listening to the rain when it stopped, instantly quiet. Snow. It only snowed for about 10 peaceful minutes before returning to loud, icy rain.
On Wednesday (2/22/12), Brett and Ed hiked four miles going over Blood Mountain, the highest point of the Appalachian Trail in Georgia. They arrived at the peak while it was still sunny and were rewarded with an incredible view. Brett has naturally been emotional beginning this adventure. He was teary-eyed registering at the visitor's center and going through the gateway there. He understandably lost it when he got to the peak of Springer Mountain and saw the plaque marking the start of the trail. And saying good-bye to the family was not without tears. But even a few days later Brett said he was still emotional about this trip. The view at the top of Blood Mountain brought his feelings back to the surface.
They ended up at Neels Gap on Wednesday (2/22/12), the only point where the AT goes under a roof. The trail goes through a covered breezeway between two old buildings, one of which is an outfitter. This business offers pack "shake-downs" for hikers. Hikers empty everything out of their pack and employees help them reduce their pack weight. Brett unloaded about 5 pounds (some clothing and I'm not sure what else), which he will have shipped home.
Brett and Ed stayed at a hostel there that night (shower!). Ed has friends who live nearby. They picked up the two guys and took them into town to resupply and eat a good meal (big, juicy hamburger!).
Brett said some of his trail food has been good, some just okay. The trail mix we put together earned great reviews from Brett. The instant stuffing was also a winner. The Parmesan cheese that was in a pasta dish stuck to everything and was too much of a pain to have again.
Brett said that one of things he has really enjoyed is the relationships he is forming with the people on the trail. He said there is an almost instant bond of friendship made with these "strangers," fellow hikers, that will be remembered for life. He said it is a very trusting friendship. There is no judging. They are all equals.
Besides being cold and perhaps a little tired, Brett seems to be doing well.
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