[quote context: bunch of people told us to bring a gun in case we see a bear]
"It would have been unconscionable to supplant one pound of food with one pound of steel."
- David Brill
Start: Pine Knob State Park
Finish: Camp N. Sheet Iron Rock Rd
Today: 11.5 mi
Total: 89.4 mi
Avg: 11.2 mi / day
We woke up bright and early at 6 am. After packing up my sleeping bag, pad, tent, footprint, taking down bear bags, eating breakfast, spraying bug repellant, putting on gators, knee braces, and packing everything in my bag, we were off on the trail. Normally it took us one and a half hours (you can see why) but today we were out by 7:15 AM. Guess we're falling into a more efficient routine!
Walking down the trail in the morning, the forest is alive with busy animals. I don't take out my iPod until the heat and stillness of the afternoon so i can appreciate this. Ironically, the first thing that came on the iPod, in a beautiful forest, was nature sounds! As we walked a day hiker passed us. Funny, we don't smell how bad other hikers smell but we sure can smell the soap and shampoo of day hikers! After she passed Heather and I must have looked like Hansel and Gretel sniffing our way to a gingerbread house!
As we came around a bend 4 miles into the day we spotted "easy nomad" apparently hitting himself and the air around him as he hopped up and down in circles. Bees! Apparently he disturbed a hive and these nectar-suckers were angry! He got stung between 10 and 15 times. "Easy Nomad" showed me where the hive was and while we were leaving a note warning other hikers, he got stung again. Apparently bees are my friends =)
Heather and I were not about to attempt to go past the hive so we bushwhacked our way off the trail and around, being very careful not to meet any snakes along the way.
We came to where we thought the shelter would be, looked back at the map and realized Heather forgot to carry the one with her math. She said although she was wrong she was also right. I don't understand that logic, all I know is that I have another mile to lunch and I'm hungry now. We decided not to stop for lunch there, rather we convinced ourselves to go another mile to the road crossing where there was a deli (the chipmunks agreed).
After waiting out the afternoon heat, we headed off to our campsite for the night.
- Brian (Daddy Long Legs)
P.S. I saw ice cream at the Deli...don't think I'll ever eat that stuff again!
Jun 30, 2012
Jun 29, 2012
Day 7 (June 29th) - BEAR DAY
Start: Tom's Run Shelter
Finish: Pine Grove State Park
Today: 3.3 mi
Total: 77.9 mi
Avg: 11.1 mi / day
We were up and off by 830 am. I filtered our water at a stream and before long I concluded this was going to be one buggy, muggy, hot, sticky, long (enough adjectives) day! Heather's knee is still hurting just as much as yesterday so we may hike into Pine Grove State Park (3.4 mi away) for a nice, short "Nero."
Along the way we passed the AT halfway point sign. Congrats to our friends who have hiked over 1090 miles to get here. For us, our halfway point will be at the start of Massachusetts (yikes).
A half mile before the state park we came to a gravel road with a few log cabins. As I walked my eyes were drawn to my right and there it was. About 80 feet away was a big (500 lb) black bear was shuffling through the brambles. It heard me and looked straight at me. I said out loud "I don't have a pic-a-nic basket!". Just as I reached for my camera Heather caught up and, thinking I was crazy, yelled at me to move on. We walked slowly making a lot of noise. Then Heather said "wait!". "What?", I asked nervously. "Take a picture," she said. Women! After I took a picture Heather and I heard another bear about 30 feet behind us so we left Yogi and Boo Boo.
We arrived at the state park and were greeted by a general store with a big porch. On the porch, out of the sun, saw a couple of old men like something from 1950. These men were discussing how lazy young people are today.
One of the reasons it was so special to arrive here, besides getting out of the sun, was the "Half Gallon Challenge.". Now that we've arrived at the halfway point, many hikers attempt this infamous (on the trail, anyway) challenge of eating a half gallon of ice cream in one hour (and keep it down). By the way a half gallon is one of those containers in the grocery store PLUS a another pint! Heather was nearly sick after about 20 spoonfuls but I, much to the dismay of my stomach, conquered that mountain of ice cream in 30 min 42 sec. I am proud to say I am officially member of the half-gallon club!!
After checking out the AT museum, a swim in the pond, a far too long walk to campsite 15, we were done for the night.
- Brian (Daddy Long Legs)
Finish: Pine Grove State Park
Today: 3.3 mi
Total: 77.9 mi
Avg: 11.1 mi / day
We were up and off by 830 am. I filtered our water at a stream and before long I concluded this was going to be one buggy, muggy, hot, sticky, long (enough adjectives) day! Heather's knee is still hurting just as much as yesterday so we may hike into Pine Grove State Park (3.4 mi away) for a nice, short "Nero."
Along the way we passed the AT halfway point sign. Congrats to our friends who have hiked over 1090 miles to get here. For us, our halfway point will be at the start of Massachusetts (yikes).
A half mile before the state park we came to a gravel road with a few log cabins. As I walked my eyes were drawn to my right and there it was. About 80 feet away was a big (500 lb) black bear was shuffling through the brambles. It heard me and looked straight at me. I said out loud "I don't have a pic-a-nic basket!". Just as I reached for my camera Heather caught up and, thinking I was crazy, yelled at me to move on. We walked slowly making a lot of noise. Then Heather said "wait!". "What?", I asked nervously. "Take a picture," she said. Women! After I took a picture Heather and I heard another bear about 30 feet behind us so we left Yogi and Boo Boo.
We arrived at the state park and were greeted by a general store with a big porch. On the porch, out of the sun, saw a couple of old men like something from 1950. These men were discussing how lazy young people are today.
One of the reasons it was so special to arrive here, besides getting out of the sun, was the "Half Gallon Challenge.". Now that we've arrived at the halfway point, many hikers attempt this infamous (on the trail, anyway) challenge of eating a half gallon of ice cream in one hour (and keep it down). By the way a half gallon is one of those containers in the grocery store PLUS a another pint! Heather was nearly sick after about 20 spoonfuls but I, much to the dismay of my stomach, conquered that mountain of ice cream in 30 min 42 sec. I am proud to say I am officially member of the half-gallon club!!
After checking out the AT museum, a swim in the pond, a far too long walk to campsite 15, we were done for the night.
- Brian (Daddy Long Legs)
Day 6 (June 28th) - Black Fly Day
Start: Scottish Inn Motel
Finish: Tom's Run Shelter
Today: 16.2 mi
Total: 74.6 mi
Avg: 12.4 mi / day
"To me a lush carpet of pine needles or spongy grass is more welcome than the most luxurious Persian rug."
-Helen Keller
We started in Caledonia State Park, PA. The campground was so quiet. Only hikers could be seen moving around. Mornings are my favorite. I think it's the fresh promise of a new day. Wondering, as I walk through the stillness of a cool morning, what the trail will give me today. Or maybe the mornings are so nice because I don't hurt as bad. This morning I actually feel really good, very strong - but it's early yet.
As the day wore on we came upon a beautiful grove of pine trees. The scent of the pine needles lifted my spirits (the flat terrain to lunch helped even more). The pine needles turned the trail to a carpet of crimson needles!
We stopped at Birch Run Shelter for lunch after the first 7 miles. It's amazing how much of an appetite you work up climbing up and over these mountains. An ant just tried to eat some of Heather's sandwich. Let's just say the ant isn't with us anymore.
Heather's right knee is starting to hurt her really bad. I hope she feels better because I know how bad it hurts and we have enough hurts that hurt already. We were just starting to feel a bit better so she's upset about it. It's amazing, this trail is a roller coaster of emotions (often rising and falling in direct proportion to the terrain.
After lunch we jumped back on the green corridor, heading 6.2 miles to Tom's Run Shelter for the night. We grounded through the next miles slowly, Heather in terrible pain. We passed through a lower, wetter place and the bugs tormented us. Big fat flies, nasty Mosquitos, and swarms of tiny black flies that hung around your head. Finally we got to our shelter and set up camp!!! Sweet dreams! Don't let the bears bite!
~Brian (Daddy Long Legs)
At some point during the darkness of night flashes of light stirred us. Groggy, I thought it might be the Outward Bound group of 15 year olds that came to camp late. Then we heard the crack of thunder and realized rain was coming!! We grabbed our tent (which didn't have the fly on) and carried it (sleeping bags, pads, and all) inside an empty shelter. A second later the skies openness up and the soft tapping of rain eased us back to sleep. Zzzzzzz...
Finish: Tom's Run Shelter
Today: 16.2 mi
Total: 74.6 mi
Avg: 12.4 mi / day
"To me a lush carpet of pine needles or spongy grass is more welcome than the most luxurious Persian rug."
-Helen Keller
We started in Caledonia State Park, PA. The campground was so quiet. Only hikers could be seen moving around. Mornings are my favorite. I think it's the fresh promise of a new day. Wondering, as I walk through the stillness of a cool morning, what the trail will give me today. Or maybe the mornings are so nice because I don't hurt as bad. This morning I actually feel really good, very strong - but it's early yet.
As the day wore on we came upon a beautiful grove of pine trees. The scent of the pine needles lifted my spirits (the flat terrain to lunch helped even more). The pine needles turned the trail to a carpet of crimson needles!
We stopped at Birch Run Shelter for lunch after the first 7 miles. It's amazing how much of an appetite you work up climbing up and over these mountains. An ant just tried to eat some of Heather's sandwich. Let's just say the ant isn't with us anymore.
Heather's right knee is starting to hurt her really bad. I hope she feels better because I know how bad it hurts and we have enough hurts that hurt already. We were just starting to feel a bit better so she's upset about it. It's amazing, this trail is a roller coaster of emotions (often rising and falling in direct proportion to the terrain.
After lunch we jumped back on the green corridor, heading 6.2 miles to Tom's Run Shelter for the night. We grounded through the next miles slowly, Heather in terrible pain. We passed through a lower, wetter place and the bugs tormented us. Big fat flies, nasty Mosquitos, and swarms of tiny black flies that hung around your head. Finally we got to our shelter and set up camp!!! Sweet dreams! Don't let the bears bite!
~Brian (Daddy Long Legs)
At some point during the darkness of night flashes of light stirred us. Groggy, I thought it might be the Outward Bound group of 15 year olds that came to camp late. Then we heard the crack of thunder and realized rain was coming!! We grabbed our tent (which didn't have the fly on) and carried it (sleeping bags, pads, and all) inside an empty shelter. A second later the skies openness up and the soft tapping of rain eased us back to sleep. Zzzzzzz...
Day 5 (June 27th) - Pain Day
Start: Deer Lick Shelter
Finish: Scottish Inn Motel
Today: 13.2 mi
Total: 58.4 mi
Avg: 11.7 mi/day
I'll write it soon...
Finish: Scottish Inn Motel
Today: 13.2 mi
Total: 58.4 mi
Avg: 11.7 mi/day
I'll write it soon...
Day 4 (June 26th) - New State Day
"A desk is a dangerous place from which to watch the world."
-John LeCarre
Start: Free State Hiker Hostel
Finish: Deer Lick Shelter
Today: 14.5 mi
Total: 45.2 mi
Daily Avg: 11.3 mi / day
I'll write it soon...
-John LeCarre
Start: Free State Hiker Hostel
Finish: Deer Lick Shelter
Today: 14.5 mi
Total: 45.2 mi
Daily Avg: 11.3 mi / day
I'll write it soon...
Jun 25, 2012
(SOME) PICTURES
(Signed in at the Appalachian Trail Conference at Harper's Ferry)
(Sun through the trees while resting on the ground)
(Heather ready to hike on day 2!)
(Nice overlook)
(Rocky Run Shelter - I give it my best rating ever - 5 hiking poles!!!)
(Looking down from the loft at Rocky Run)
(Nice flat part of the trail)
(Heather...confused)
Day 3 (June 25th) - Pizza Day
"Each moment of the year has its own beauty, a picture which was never before and shall never be seen again."
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
Start: Pine Knob Shelter
End: Free State Hiker Shelter
Today: 8.0 mi
Total: 30.7 mi
I slept well last night but a police ranger looking for a missing person, added to nobody else at the camp site, topped with sticks cracking in the distance kept Heather awake for a couple of hours. We didn't get on the trail until 9:15 am because I needed to filter some water at the stream.
Stronger legs, a cool morning, and the promise of PIZZA at the next road crossing had me going at a fast clip. The ground switched back and forth from soft, spongy dirt to small, sharp rocks for most of the morning. The dirt portions were so nice to walk you wished they never ended. When they did end you sort of paused there, angry with the trail, but carried on anyway.
After a rocky climb and steep descent we finally came to the road crossing. The sign said .3 miles to the hiker hostel. An image of the Beggin' Strips commercial where the dog says "oh boy...oh boy...oh boy..." came to mind.
The hostel was amazing. A past thru-hiker, his wife and 4 kids lived in the house and the hikers occupied the second floor. We shared the bunks with "One," "Sugar Snap," and "Morning." 17 bunks, a hot shower, air conditioning, internet and snacks made this place seem more like a 5-star resort. Half of a delicious pizza confirmed it!!
~Brian (Daddy Long Legs)
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
Start: Pine Knob Shelter
End: Free State Hiker Shelter
Today: 8.0 mi
Total: 30.7 mi
I slept well last night but a police ranger looking for a missing person, added to nobody else at the camp site, topped with sticks cracking in the distance kept Heather awake for a couple of hours. We didn't get on the trail until 9:15 am because I needed to filter some water at the stream.
Stronger legs, a cool morning, and the promise of PIZZA at the next road crossing had me going at a fast clip. The ground switched back and forth from soft, spongy dirt to small, sharp rocks for most of the morning. The dirt portions were so nice to walk you wished they never ended. When they did end you sort of paused there, angry with the trail, but carried on anyway.
After a rocky climb and steep descent we finally came to the road crossing. The sign said .3 miles to the hiker hostel. An image of the Beggin' Strips commercial where the dog says "oh boy...oh boy...oh boy..." came to mind.
The hostel was amazing. A past thru-hiker, his wife and 4 kids lived in the house and the hikers occupied the second floor. We shared the bunks with "One," "Sugar Snap," and "Morning." 17 bunks, a hot shower, air conditioning, internet and snacks made this place seem more like a 5-star resort. Half of a delicious pizza confirmed it!!
~Brian (Daddy Long Legs)
Day 2 (June 24th) - Deer Day
"There's no reason to pray when you wake up everyday to the sunrise."
-Lyrics from "I don't Mind"
Start: Crampton Gap Shelter
End: Pine Knob Shelter
Today: 12.5 mi
Total: 22.7 mi
After hanging our bear bags last night I got into our tent while the sun was setting. Laying on my camp pad I looked up through the screen at the green forest canopy. Sunset quickly turned to dusk and in the half-light of the woods, the forest came alive. My eyesight was of no use in the darkness but my ears quickly adapted. I could hear all the crickets, locate which branch the chipmunk jumped to and I listened for the occasional thud of an acorn hitting the forest floor.
We slept well our first night and I woke up just before 7am and began breaking down camp. Heather got up a few minutes later and we ate breakfast. I had a very healthy meal (protein bar, 2 snickers, and 2 Air Heads) and on a fresh sugar-high, I began hiking. My shoulders were a bit sore but my knees held up much better than I expected (knock on the tree next to me 3x).
A little while later I came across this wonderful patch of Pine Trees whose fallen needles turned the path red. This complemented the vibrant greens of the bushes beside and the trees above. I took out my camera and almost as if that were her cue, a beautiful deer walked onto the path and looked up at me. Captivated by this moment, I forgot to take a picture and when I raised my camera it leapt over the bushes and into the forest. This experience is totally one of the reasons I'm out here.
We took a break at Rocky Run Shelter (most luxurious accomodations...with 3 walls, that is). After a very long break we convinced ourselves to move on. Finally, around 6:45 pm we rolled into Pine Knob Shelter. The shelter, built in 1939, was small, dark and dingy so I convinced Heather to camp next door at the campsites.
Extremely tired, we layed on our sleeping pads around 9pm and were probably asleep before darkness ever came!
~Brian (Daddy Long Legs)
-Lyrics from "I don't Mind"
Start: Crampton Gap Shelter
End: Pine Knob Shelter
Today: 12.5 mi
Total: 22.7 mi
After hanging our bear bags last night I got into our tent while the sun was setting. Laying on my camp pad I looked up through the screen at the green forest canopy. Sunset quickly turned to dusk and in the half-light of the woods, the forest came alive. My eyesight was of no use in the darkness but my ears quickly adapted. I could hear all the crickets, locate which branch the chipmunk jumped to and I listened for the occasional thud of an acorn hitting the forest floor.
We slept well our first night and I woke up just before 7am and began breaking down camp. Heather got up a few minutes later and we ate breakfast. I had a very healthy meal (protein bar, 2 snickers, and 2 Air Heads) and on a fresh sugar-high, I began hiking. My shoulders were a bit sore but my knees held up much better than I expected (knock on the tree next to me 3x).
A little while later I came across this wonderful patch of Pine Trees whose fallen needles turned the path red. This complemented the vibrant greens of the bushes beside and the trees above. I took out my camera and almost as if that were her cue, a beautiful deer walked onto the path and looked up at me. Captivated by this moment, I forgot to take a picture and when I raised my camera it leapt over the bushes and into the forest. This experience is totally one of the reasons I'm out here.
We took a break at Rocky Run Shelter (most luxurious accomodations...with 3 walls, that is). After a very long break we convinced ourselves to move on. Finally, around 6:45 pm we rolled into Pine Knob Shelter. The shelter, built in 1939, was small, dark and dingy so I convinced Heather to camp next door at the campsites.
Extremely tired, we layed on our sleeping pads around 9pm and were probably asleep before darkness ever came!
~Brian (Daddy Long Legs)
Jun 23, 2012
Day 1 (June 23rd) - The First Day
"Sometimes the road less traveled is less traveled for a reason."
-Jerry Seinfeld
START: Harper's Ferry
END: Crampton Gap Shelter
TODAY: 10.2 miles
TOTAL: 10.2 miles
And so it begins...our much-anticipated journey. After eating breakfast and running a few quick errands, my parents brought us to our starting point and even walked a bit with us. After an emotional goodbye, we continued on. A little while later I looked back towards them but they had shrunk down to unrecognizable dots. I better turn around and look where I'm walking or i'll trip and end this 10 week trek before the first mile!
This is what I've been waiting for for 10 years. My Path lay right before me. This simple 2 foot wide footpath may not be much to look at but it travels a daunting 1164.8 miles to Mount Katakin, ME. Only one thing is going through my mind right now. It replays itself over and over and over. Dori from Finding Nemo saying "just keep swimming...just keep swimming...just keep swimming..." Thanks for the encouragement Disney-Pixar.
A few miles in, a steep climb brought us to a ridge which we walked along for a while. We followed the white blazes of the A.T. to Ed Garvey shelter (one of the coolest shelters - has a loft you can sleep in). There was a group of people doing the "quad state challenge" where you hike 44 miles from Virginia to West Virginia to Maryland to Pennsylvania in less than 24 hours!
Heather and I decided to make her way to Crampton Gap Shelter another 4 miles up the trail. The reward? A diet Coke from a vending machine at a state park and boy was it worth it!!!
~Brian (Daddy Long Legs)
-Jerry Seinfeld
START: Harper's Ferry
END: Crampton Gap Shelter
TODAY: 10.2 miles
TOTAL: 10.2 miles
And so it begins...our much-anticipated journey. After eating breakfast and running a few quick errands, my parents brought us to our starting point and even walked a bit with us. After an emotional goodbye, we continued on. A little while later I looked back towards them but they had shrunk down to unrecognizable dots. I better turn around and look where I'm walking or i'll trip and end this 10 week trek before the first mile!
This is what I've been waiting for for 10 years. My Path lay right before me. This simple 2 foot wide footpath may not be much to look at but it travels a daunting 1164.8 miles to Mount Katakin, ME. Only one thing is going through my mind right now. It replays itself over and over and over. Dori from Finding Nemo saying "just keep swimming...just keep swimming...just keep swimming..." Thanks for the encouragement Disney-Pixar.
A few miles in, a steep climb brought us to a ridge which we walked along for a while. We followed the white blazes of the A.T. to Ed Garvey shelter (one of the coolest shelters - has a loft you can sleep in). There was a group of people doing the "quad state challenge" where you hike 44 miles from Virginia to West Virginia to Maryland to Pennsylvania in less than 24 hours!
Heather and I decided to make her way to Crampton Gap Shelter another 4 miles up the trail. The reward? A diet Coke from a vending machine at a state park and boy was it worth it!!!
~Brian (Daddy Long Legs)
June 22nd - The ride to Harper's
"Thousand of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out going to the mountains is going home; that wilderness is a necessity..."
-John Muir
After school ended, Heather and I went to my parents house and packed up my father's car. At about 2:30 PM we headed off on our way to Harpers Ferry and the beginning of our 1200 mile adventure. A minute later the rain began. As the sky grew darker the pitter-patter of the rain gave way to a downpour. Flashes of lightning and Bursts of thunder were all around us. Is the universe warning me not to hike this summer? Or is this a baptism by rain ushering me into a new and great stage of my life?
Stuck in traffic I watch the raindrops run down the window and thought about how the world is full of extraordinary people doing ordinary things. As I sit here in my parents car I feel like an ordinary person doing an extraordinary thing. I'm saturated with emotions. Thoughts and questions raced through my head. Will we have to walk in the rain for days on end? How will my knees hold up? Will I see a moose? How could the New York Mets let José Reyes go last year?
Lots of people are asking me if I'm scared about the trip. I think excitement and anxiousness are closer to the mark. Although I'm definitely scared of deer ticks and lyme disease! Because of the mild winter, these tiny, blood-sucking arachnids didn't die off so they'll be out in full force this year next...yikes!!
My pack is laying in the trunk, being carried by the car (better it than me - I have to hold for the next two months!) I'm basically carrying on my back my kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, supplies, etc.) but after much finagling I was able to get my hiking pack down to a dry weight (no food or water) of 24 pounds. With about five days of food and one day worth of water my pack weight came in at about 34 pounds (not bad compared to what some people lug around). I wish it could be even lighter but all the small stuff (toaster oven, unicycle, etc.) really add up.
We ate dinner at Red Robin (Yum) and arrived at the hotel at 10:30 PM. After a quick shakedown (spilling everything out of your pack and removing things you don't absolutely need) we went to bed. Tomorrow, we hike!!
~Brian (Daddy Long Legs)
"Thousand of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out going to the mountains is going home; that wilderness is a necessity..."
-John Muir
After school ended, Heather and I went to my parents house and packed up my father's car. At about 2:30 PM we headed off on our way to Harpers Ferry and the beginning of our 1200 mile adventure. A minute later the rain began. As the sky grew darker the pitter-patter of the rain gave way to a downpour. Flashes of lightning and Bursts of thunder were all around us. Is the universe warning me not to hike this summer? Or is this a baptism by rain ushering me into a new and great stage of my life?
Stuck in traffic I watch the raindrops run down the window and thought about how the world is full of extraordinary people doing ordinary things. As I sit here in my parents car I feel like an ordinary person doing an extraordinary thing. I'm saturated with emotions. Thoughts and questions raced through my head. Will we have to walk in the rain for days on end? How will my knees hold up? Will I see a moose? How could the New York Mets let José Reyes go last year?
Lots of people are asking me if I'm scared about the trip. I think excitement and anxiousness are closer to the mark. Although I'm definitely scared of deer ticks and lyme disease! Because of the mild winter, these tiny, blood-sucking arachnids didn't die off so they'll be out in full force this year next...yikes!!
My pack is laying in the trunk, being carried by the car (better it than me - I have to hold for the next two months!) I'm basically carrying on my back my kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, supplies, etc.) but after much finagling I was able to get my hiking pack down to a dry weight (no food or water) of 24 pounds. With about five days of food and one day worth of water my pack weight came in at about 34 pounds (not bad compared to what some people lug around). I wish it could be even lighter but all the small stuff (toaster oven, unicycle, etc.) really add up.
We ate dinner at Red Robin (Yum) and arrived at the hotel at 10:30 PM. After a quick shakedown (spilling everything out of your pack and removing things you don't absolutely need) we went to bed. Tomorrow, we hike!!
~Brian (Daddy Long Legs)
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