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Monday, April 25, 2005
New pictures are in
I just got seven new pictures of our girl from her dad today. They are in the same photo set on flickr. You can always access the current pictures from the link in the "Links" section on the right. Here are a couple of samples that I think she'd really like.
Sunday, April 24, 2005
Snow Day
Yes! Even on the trail we get snow days! This morning I woke up to snow in the air. As the morning wore on, the snow got thicker and began to come in horizontally. The temperature in Erwin, TN(1700ft elevation) was 30degrees with a wind chill of 23degrees. If I were on the trail, I would be at about 4000ft and thus a ton colder! So, I have to suffer with a day in the Hotel room! It has been nice, despite my complaining about having to take the day off!
There are a few reasons I wanted to post today! The first reason being as a helpful note to possible future thru-hikers. There are many things mentioned on the trail, take all of them with a grain of salt. I have heard so many horror stories of people, places, and events and have found things the complete opposite! For Example, I was told of a place here in Erwin, TN called Uncle Johnies Hostel. People on the trail told me the owner was only interested in how much he could charge people for a night's stay. I stopped there today and the owner was super friendly! It was a really nice place as well! The quarters were a little cramped compared to my room at the Holiday Inn Express, but it is a hostel and the rates were not as bad as people made it sound. You get a bunk in the hostel for $12-13. Most Hostels along the trail cost $15 at least in the south! I will give a better idea of hostels in the north when I get there! So, my advice to future thru-hikers is to always check things out for yourself! Weather, people, mood can all play into people's experiences.
Another reason for posting today was because I am extremely bored having zero days, but they are very necessary. I am able to hit the miles and hit them hard upon my return to the trail! The body does need the rest despite what some people think! Even just taking short days among the long days is necessary.
One last reason for my posting is to tell everyone the flora and fauna I have seen. The first day on the trail, I scared up a deer. I have since scared up a couple more. One night, "Montana", "Three Cats", and myself had a deer snorting and stomping the ground at us. That was kind of wild. I have seen salamanders, a bunny, butterflies, variety of birds, squirrels, chipmunks, bat, and bugs! In regards to the flora, there have been beautiful fields of flowers on the mountain tops at points. The past few days, I have come across wild iris, trillium of a variety of colors, some yellow flower, as well as dandelions! The views have been boring and gorgeous. It just depends on the location and the terrain! It does seem as though the trail is getting easier, but tomorrow I head back out to jump up in elevation again. We hit Roan High Knob in a couple of days which takes us up to 6200ft. Currently, I am at 1700ft. So, there is a bit of climbing from here! I have adopted the saying: "When in doubt, go up!" They miss only a few mountain tops out here on the trail!
So, that is all for the next 10days! I hope to be to Damascus by the first part of May, but we will see what happens! Montana and I are pushing along well these days, but sometimes our pace leaves us with blisters and pain thus breaking us down for the next day! It is just a matter of one foot in front of the other!
Take care to all my loved ones. Happy birthday to my Grandpa(April 19), my friend, Renee(April 21), my aunt, Trish(April 22), and my friend, Michael(April 29). I hope everyone has/had beautiful birthdays. Mine was a great day at Dollywood and beyond! Happy Trails and I look forward to many more miles of walking!
As always, my husband is constantly on my mind. I love you, Mike, and long for the day you get to join me on my adventure. This is a trip that could not happen without you! Thank you!
There are a few reasons I wanted to post today! The first reason being as a helpful note to possible future thru-hikers. There are many things mentioned on the trail, take all of them with a grain of salt. I have heard so many horror stories of people, places, and events and have found things the complete opposite! For Example, I was told of a place here in Erwin, TN called Uncle Johnies Hostel. People on the trail told me the owner was only interested in how much he could charge people for a night's stay. I stopped there today and the owner was super friendly! It was a really nice place as well! The quarters were a little cramped compared to my room at the Holiday Inn Express, but it is a hostel and the rates were not as bad as people made it sound. You get a bunk in the hostel for $12-13. Most Hostels along the trail cost $15 at least in the south! I will give a better idea of hostels in the north when I get there! So, my advice to future thru-hikers is to always check things out for yourself! Weather, people, mood can all play into people's experiences.
Another reason for posting today was because I am extremely bored having zero days, but they are very necessary. I am able to hit the miles and hit them hard upon my return to the trail! The body does need the rest despite what some people think! Even just taking short days among the long days is necessary.
One last reason for my posting is to tell everyone the flora and fauna I have seen. The first day on the trail, I scared up a deer. I have since scared up a couple more. One night, "Montana", "Three Cats", and myself had a deer snorting and stomping the ground at us. That was kind of wild. I have seen salamanders, a bunny, butterflies, variety of birds, squirrels, chipmunks, bat, and bugs! In regards to the flora, there have been beautiful fields of flowers on the mountain tops at points. The past few days, I have come across wild iris, trillium of a variety of colors, some yellow flower, as well as dandelions! The views have been boring and gorgeous. It just depends on the location and the terrain! It does seem as though the trail is getting easier, but tomorrow I head back out to jump up in elevation again. We hit Roan High Knob in a couple of days which takes us up to 6200ft. Currently, I am at 1700ft. So, there is a bit of climbing from here! I have adopted the saying: "When in doubt, go up!" They miss only a few mountain tops out here on the trail!
So, that is all for the next 10days! I hope to be to Damascus by the first part of May, but we will see what happens! Montana and I are pushing along well these days, but sometimes our pace leaves us with blisters and pain thus breaking us down for the next day! It is just a matter of one foot in front of the other!
Take care to all my loved ones. Happy birthday to my Grandpa(April 19), my friend, Renee(April 21), my aunt, Trish(April 22), and my friend, Michael(April 29). I hope everyone has/had beautiful birthdays. Mine was a great day at Dollywood and beyond! Happy Trails and I look forward to many more miles of walking!
As always, my husband is constantly on my mind. I love you, Mike, and long for the day you get to join me on my adventure. This is a trip that could not happen without you! Thank you!
Saturday, April 23, 2005
Trail Life is Hard!
So, I am in a town again! Word on the trail is there is a snow storm headed for Tennessee. Montana and I made it off the trail after a quick 17mile day and got a room at the Holiday Inn Express! We thought briefly about the hostel, but then read about Hot Tub and a free pint of Ben&Jerry's Ice Cream and said oh yeah we are going to the Holiday Inn Express! Got in around 2pm and had a wonderful shower! Warm water felt great after hiking all morning in my shorts! The morning was beautiful, but it has gotten down right cold this afternoon! Got a ride to the grocery store and then one back to the hotel after having some pizza! Life on the trail is great!
Last night was amazing and frightening all in one! I was hauling butt in the morning with the intention of stopping and napping at the Bald Mountain Shelter. I had my stuff laid out when Montana, Pied Piper, and Goat Boy all pulled in talking of the pending storms and how many thru-hikers got off the trail at Sam's Gap. The thunder began rolling in and before you know it, we had hail! It was almost as big as the hail that damaged my car last June! I just sat there and laughed and pulled out my sleeping bag! We had 9 of us in the shelter last night after a short 10mile day! We all had fun just chatting and reading and hanging out! Thunder storm rolled in during the evening that had me almost climbing over Montana and hiding in the corner of the shelter! It scared the daylights out of me which doesn't usually happen! I had to laugh at myself! The night was unusually warm though and the morning was perfect for hiking into town!
Weather forecast not looking good for tomorrow and Montana is pushing to stay in town! I enjoy his company and thus will end up here for a second night! These zero days drive me crazy though, but being safe is more important. Not looking to die on the trail, so will stay here and stuff my face and relax while zoning out on civilization! Good company in the hotel here! Looks like tons of hikers coming off the trail for the weather! The hotel says they might as well be a hostel tonight since there are more hikers than anyone else! How fun it shall be the next couple of days!
Still doing well and have actually been enjoying myself on the trail! Today was the first day back hiking with Montana after losing him 2 days ago. He has been going slow for blisters and I have been powering through things! I think I am ahead of schedule, but not sure what this weather stop will do for my schedule! The 20milers seem easy these days depending on the terrain and the weather. Out of here there is some huge elevation gains, so I think the days will be a little shorter. I know the pace will be a little slower than this morning!
Take care everyone and know I am thinking of everyone daily! Today there were large thoughts of Od Duhu and Mike! Actually, Mike ends up on my mind all the time! I am sure Montana is tired of hearing about him! I love you Mike and hope that you continue to do well with your race schedule. I am proud of you for your placements in the first 2 of the season. Take care of yourself and know I am thinking of you daily and racing to the end so that I can get to you!
Last night was amazing and frightening all in one! I was hauling butt in the morning with the intention of stopping and napping at the Bald Mountain Shelter. I had my stuff laid out when Montana, Pied Piper, and Goat Boy all pulled in talking of the pending storms and how many thru-hikers got off the trail at Sam's Gap. The thunder began rolling in and before you know it, we had hail! It was almost as big as the hail that damaged my car last June! I just sat there and laughed and pulled out my sleeping bag! We had 9 of us in the shelter last night after a short 10mile day! We all had fun just chatting and reading and hanging out! Thunder storm rolled in during the evening that had me almost climbing over Montana and hiding in the corner of the shelter! It scared the daylights out of me which doesn't usually happen! I had to laugh at myself! The night was unusually warm though and the morning was perfect for hiking into town!
Weather forecast not looking good for tomorrow and Montana is pushing to stay in town! I enjoy his company and thus will end up here for a second night! These zero days drive me crazy though, but being safe is more important. Not looking to die on the trail, so will stay here and stuff my face and relax while zoning out on civilization! Good company in the hotel here! Looks like tons of hikers coming off the trail for the weather! The hotel says they might as well be a hostel tonight since there are more hikers than anyone else! How fun it shall be the next couple of days!
Still doing well and have actually been enjoying myself on the trail! Today was the first day back hiking with Montana after losing him 2 days ago. He has been going slow for blisters and I have been powering through things! I think I am ahead of schedule, but not sure what this weather stop will do for my schedule! The 20milers seem easy these days depending on the terrain and the weather. Out of here there is some huge elevation gains, so I think the days will be a little shorter. I know the pace will be a little slower than this morning!
Take care everyone and know I am thinking of everyone daily! Today there were large thoughts of Od Duhu and Mike! Actually, Mike ends up on my mind all the time! I am sure Montana is tired of hearing about him! I love you Mike and hope that you continue to do well with your race schedule. I am proud of you for your placements in the first 2 of the season. Take care of yourself and know I am thinking of you daily and racing to the end so that I can get to you!
Wednesday, April 20, 2005
Dad's experience
Here is the note that Kasey's dad sent me about his short excursion with her including some of his tips on how to survive out there:
The AT is no walk in the woods! I am not the "sharpest knife in the drawer" according to Kasey, but I learn quickly. I learned much from my 2 days on the AT. The trail was planned out to go across as many mountain peaks as possible. This requires much UP and DOWN hiking. Minimize weight as much as possible. Walking is not beneficial to prepare yourself physically for the rigors of the AT. Pushing yourself up and down steep hills will help. Plenty of water is needed......at least 4 quarts a day will help keep the leg cramps/fatigue to minimum. The "family" experience of thru hikers is incredible. They support and watch out for each other all along the trail. Our 2 days in Pigeon Forge (Dollywood, Dixie Stampede, brewery, hot tub, etc) were great fun! Kasey was refreshed and ready to hike on Thursday morning, even though the temperature was 20 degrees and an inch of snow on the ground at Clingman Dome. Kasey is on an incredible journey. She is a very strong woman. I am extremely proud of her. Pictures will follow when developed.
The AT is no walk in the woods! I am not the "sharpest knife in the drawer" according to Kasey, but I learn quickly. I learned much from my 2 days on the AT. The trail was planned out to go across as many mountain peaks as possible. This requires much UP and DOWN hiking. Minimize weight as much as possible. Walking is not beneficial to prepare yourself physically for the rigors of the AT. Pushing yourself up and down steep hills will help. Plenty of water is needed......at least 4 quarts a day will help keep the leg cramps/fatigue to minimum. The "family" experience of thru hikers is incredible. They support and watch out for each other all along the trail. Our 2 days in Pigeon Forge (Dollywood, Dixie Stampede, brewery, hot tub, etc) were great fun! Kasey was refreshed and ready to hike on Thursday morning, even though the temperature was 20 degrees and an inch of snow on the ground at Clingman Dome. Kasey is on an incredible journey. She is a very strong woman. I am extremely proud of her. Pictures will follow when developed.
Dad
Tuesday, April 19, 2005
Moving Right Along
So, Here I am taking my 2nd zero day since being on the trail. I am in Hot Springs, NC, where we arrived early enough for breakfast yesterday and have all day today off! For those interested, Gatlinburg was a busy time and not really a day off for relaxation. I did enjoy Dollywood, but found myself rushing to put things back together before heading back to the trail! Maybe should have taken an extra day there! Oh well! It felt good to get back on the trail.
I believe the last time I wrote, I was hiking with "One Thing" and staying in Helen, GA. Since then, I lost "one thing" and picked up "Montana" after getting into North Carolina! One thing about coming north into North Carolina is that you get kind of slapped in the face with the terrain. I don't think they believe in bypassing anything. We went straight up and straight back down! It was crazy! "Montana" plans on plowing over every knob and putting up Walmarts with the idea that all trails lead to Walmart!
It has been an exciting time since picking up "Montana"! We have done some pretty crazy miles, but when we don't then we get in early to a shelter and die of boredom. So, we press on until we about die of hiking! The day that I started hiking with him, we did 20miles and followed it with a 24mile day! That was crazy! "Montana" lucked out after the 24mile day as he took a zero day at the Nantahala Outdoor Center, while I hiked 7miles with my father.
Speaking of my father, he did not believe me when I told him the terrain was going to be rough, I guess! He made it 2 days and then spent time trying to recover in time for Dollywood!
Upon returning to the trail from Gatlinburg, we picked up some more people to add to our happy family! Last night I stayed in a Cabin along the French Broad River with "montana", "Three Cats", and "Iron Foot". I was excited to see "iron foot" again as he was a guy that I played leap frog with in the begin as well as "one thing". Actually, "one thing" is back on the trail as well! I thought he had seriously injured his knees around Franklin, but he has been doing some crazy miles and caught "Montana" and I at the Icewater Springs Shelter.
So, on the whole, things have been going well. I have been enjoying annoying "Montana" with my energy. We will get into camp in the evening and I am talking of situps and taking a jog! His feet are hurting with blisters and he is pretty tired usually. Last night as we walked back to the cabin, I was doing cartwheels, and he said he was going to crush my toes if I do it again!
It is funny how on the trail you just meet people and hang out with them for a while and it seems like you have known them forever. Yesterday coming into Hot Springs, "Montana", "Three Cats", and myself hit the first restaurant (or Rest and Rant as Montana would say) we found and got ourselves some breakfast. As I walked into the Smokey Mountain Diner, "Black Helmet", "Lobster Boy", and "Bootleg" all greeted me with a warm hello! It is great hiking your own hike as you end up coming into a town and finding people that you have not seen for a while! What a family it really is out here! I hope it continues as I hear people stop talking as they get further north due to just being ready to be done with the trail!
Anyway, stay tuned for many more stories from the trail! The next place may be Damascus, VA. I am not sure from day to day where I will end up! Out here, I have been just following the fun people I have met. So, until I come off for Dana's wedding, I will probably be at the mercy of "Montana", "Three Cats", and "Iron Foot"! Take care everyone and know I think of ya'all every day!
To my husband, I thank you for your continuous love and support. I miss you tons and think of you daily. Everyone out here has probably heard at least a little something about you! You are my sunshine!
I believe the last time I wrote, I was hiking with "One Thing" and staying in Helen, GA. Since then, I lost "one thing" and picked up "Montana" after getting into North Carolina! One thing about coming north into North Carolina is that you get kind of slapped in the face with the terrain. I don't think they believe in bypassing anything. We went straight up and straight back down! It was crazy! "Montana" plans on plowing over every knob and putting up Walmarts with the idea that all trails lead to Walmart!
It has been an exciting time since picking up "Montana"! We have done some pretty crazy miles, but when we don't then we get in early to a shelter and die of boredom. So, we press on until we about die of hiking! The day that I started hiking with him, we did 20miles and followed it with a 24mile day! That was crazy! "Montana" lucked out after the 24mile day as he took a zero day at the Nantahala Outdoor Center, while I hiked 7miles with my father.
Speaking of my father, he did not believe me when I told him the terrain was going to be rough, I guess! He made it 2 days and then spent time trying to recover in time for Dollywood!
Upon returning to the trail from Gatlinburg, we picked up some more people to add to our happy family! Last night I stayed in a Cabin along the French Broad River with "montana", "Three Cats", and "Iron Foot". I was excited to see "iron foot" again as he was a guy that I played leap frog with in the begin as well as "one thing". Actually, "one thing" is back on the trail as well! I thought he had seriously injured his knees around Franklin, but he has been doing some crazy miles and caught "Montana" and I at the Icewater Springs Shelter.
So, on the whole, things have been going well. I have been enjoying annoying "Montana" with my energy. We will get into camp in the evening and I am talking of situps and taking a jog! His feet are hurting with blisters and he is pretty tired usually. Last night as we walked back to the cabin, I was doing cartwheels, and he said he was going to crush my toes if I do it again!
It is funny how on the trail you just meet people and hang out with them for a while and it seems like you have known them forever. Yesterday coming into Hot Springs, "Montana", "Three Cats", and myself hit the first restaurant (or Rest and Rant as Montana would say) we found and got ourselves some breakfast. As I walked into the Smokey Mountain Diner, "Black Helmet", "Lobster Boy", and "Bootleg" all greeted me with a warm hello! It is great hiking your own hike as you end up coming into a town and finding people that you have not seen for a while! What a family it really is out here! I hope it continues as I hear people stop talking as they get further north due to just being ready to be done with the trail!
Anyway, stay tuned for many more stories from the trail! The next place may be Damascus, VA. I am not sure from day to day where I will end up! Out here, I have been just following the fun people I have met. So, until I come off for Dana's wedding, I will probably be at the mercy of "Montana", "Three Cats", and "Iron Foot"! Take care everyone and know I think of ya'all every day!
To my husband, I thank you for your continuous love and support. I miss you tons and think of you daily. Everyone out here has probably heard at least a little something about you! You are my sunshine!
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