Coach
I-89 underpass - Moose Mountain Shelter (New Hampshire): 20.2 mi
Although it was difficult to leave Brittany and Rockstar, we headed out today for the final push. The next 3 weeks are going to quite a challenge. My ankle did recover from the two days rest, but I know it will continue to be a problem until the end. I am going to try to stay with the Professor as long as I can, but the White Mountains are filling me with doubt. It will be the toughest part of the Trail. Highlight of the day was eating gelato in Hanover, NH, people were watching.
Professor
Today we left the slack packing of Brittany and Rock*. I have a very strong feeling that Coach and I will not be hiking together for much longer. Everytime I hear him grimace in pain behind me, I can't help but picture the profile of the Whites that lay in front of us. It totally bums me out...the idea of having to push ahead and basically leave Coach behind. It makes me feel sad like I'm bailing on him...not to mention I would rather not have to tackle 100 mile wilderness totally alone. We walked directly through Dartmouth College in Hanover, NH. (yeah, we're in New Hampshire). Totally surreal experience walking through a beautiful college campus. The students were everywhere, just getting out of school. It's times like these when I feel like an outcast. I'm starting to get tired of feeling that way.
Showing posts with label Injury. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Injury. Show all posts
Thursday, June 23, 2011
From the Journals: DAY 102, June 5
Coach
Woodstock, VT: 0mi
Still hanging out and resting my ankle with Rockstar and Brittany.
Professor
Slacked 20 miles from Kent Pond to Woodstock. I did it in 7.5 hours alone...I just wanted to get it over with so I could be with friends. Coach wanted an extra day for his ankle. Britt fixed us pot roast tonight. Mmmmmm.
Woodstock, VT: 0mi
Still hanging out and resting my ankle with Rockstar and Brittany.
Professor
Slacked 20 miles from Kent Pond to Woodstock. I did it in 7.5 hours alone...I just wanted to get it over with so I could be with friends. Coach wanted an extra day for his ankle. Britt fixed us pot roast tonight. Mmmmmm.
From the Journals: DAY 100, June 3
Coach
Peru Peak Shelter - Danby-Landgrove Rd, VT: 7.6mi
Once again, the Professor and I parted ways. It was very sad and I really hope the time off will allow me to finish this adventure with him. He continued on the Trail and hiked to the nearby town of Danby to get picked up by our friend Brittany. My ankle injury is really frustrating. I can still hike, but not the 20+ miles we need to cover a day. I guess time will tell.
Professor
On my own again...
Peru Peak Shelter - Governer Clement shelter: 29.1mi
Coach hiked the first 8 miles with me. Then I left him off at Danby-Landgrove Rd...3 miles outside of Danby, VT. It was odd Danby being where I spent some memorable times as a youth with my Uncle Billy. It was also odd to part ways at that road...Coach hobbling down a forest road, me disappearing back into the woods. I didn't like it. I hope the rest he gets this weekend will get him back in the game for good.
We woke up cold this morning, couldn't have been more than 45 degrees. Today was beautiful, lonely, and sad. 21 miles is a long way to think. As I get further North I find that I become more reflective. This has been such a long journey.
Peru Peak Shelter - Danby-Landgrove Rd, VT: 7.6mi
Once again, the Professor and I parted ways. It was very sad and I really hope the time off will allow me to finish this adventure with him. He continued on the Trail and hiked to the nearby town of Danby to get picked up by our friend Brittany. My ankle injury is really frustrating. I can still hike, but not the 20+ miles we need to cover a day. I guess time will tell.
Professor
On my own again...
Peru Peak Shelter - Governer Clement shelter: 29.1mi
Coach hiked the first 8 miles with me. Then I left him off at Danby-Landgrove Rd...3 miles outside of Danby, VT. It was odd Danby being where I spent some memorable times as a youth with my Uncle Billy. It was also odd to part ways at that road...Coach hobbling down a forest road, me disappearing back into the woods. I didn't like it. I hope the rest he gets this weekend will get him back in the game for good.
We woke up cold this morning, couldn't have been more than 45 degrees. Today was beautiful, lonely, and sad. 21 miles is a long way to think. As I get further North I find that I become more reflective. This has been such a long journey.
From the Journals: DAY 99, June 2
Coach
Stratton Mountain - Peru Peak Shelter: 23.9 mi
I was wondering when it was going to happen again and today coming off Bromley Mtn I reaggravated my ankle injury. The last couple miles were painful. We made the decision to take advantage of the fact that we had friends in the area. They agreed to come pick me up so my ankle could have time to recover. While I rest, the Professor will continue to hike, so he can stay on schedule. I will come back and slack pack this area after we finish.
Professor
We got off the mountain quick this morning. High winds and threat of a storm looming. It was cold. Colder than I've felt since Virginia. We pushed out for a while but Coach's ankle started hurting again and we had to pull up a shelter short of our goal. We've decided to separate again. He's going to pull off and get picked up by Rockstar and Britt, our friends from college. We are very lucky that they live in the area and can help us out.
Stratton Mountain - Peru Peak Shelter: 23.9 mi
I was wondering when it was going to happen again and today coming off Bromley Mtn I reaggravated my ankle injury. The last couple miles were painful. We made the decision to take advantage of the fact that we had friends in the area. They agreed to come pick me up so my ankle could have time to recover. While I rest, the Professor will continue to hike, so he can stay on schedule. I will come back and slack pack this area after we finish.
Professor
We got off the mountain quick this morning. High winds and threat of a storm looming. It was cold. Colder than I've felt since Virginia. We pushed out for a while but Coach's ankle started hurting again and we had to pull up a shelter short of our goal. We've decided to separate again. He's going to pull off and get picked up by Rockstar and Britt, our friends from college. We are very lucky that they live in the area and can help us out.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
From the Journals: DAY 92, May 26
Coach
Glen Brook Shelter - North Wilcox Mountain Shelter: 21.4mi
All I wanted to do when I got to the shelter last night was eat and then sleep. However, the shelter had three really drunk guys in it when I arrived. They were friendly and in good spirits. They gave me some vodka and quieted down when they saw me getting ready for bed. It was nice of them. Unfortunately, their drunken snoring prevented me from sleeping. My headlamp was almost out of battery life, so I was stuck until a section hiker couldn't take it anymore. At midnight we packed up and went down the Trail to get some tent platforms. I managed to get some sleep, but was tired for today. Managed to resupply in 2 hrs by skipping laundry. I also gained some more ground on the Professor. Really tired, but I think I might catch him tomorrow if I push hard. It would be 35 miles into Dalton for me.
Professor
East Mtn. Retreat Center - Upper Goose Pond Cabin: 19.0 trail miles (21.0 miles total)
Sitting on a small deck, breeze, at Upper Goose Pond Cabin. This place is a two story cabin with a huge front porch and bunks upstairs. The downstairs consists of a large community sitting area with a big fireplace, chairs, a table, and bookcases filled with old Trail guides and quirky paperback novels. The "Caretaker" is an older Jewish couple, the woman is cooking baked squash and salad and has invited me to eat some, I gladly accept, thinking how nice that will go with my freeze dried chili meal. I also eyeballed a huge bottle of Tobasco sauce on the kitchen table, I've been out of hot sauce for days now.
Today was hot...buggy of course, I sweat a ton. The last few miles felt like they dragged. As soon as I got here I ripped off my clothes and jumped into the big, cold Massachusetts Pond, I was reborn and revitalized.
The thought of Dalton drove me on. My feet hurt a bit earlier today, I'm guessing from my almost 27 miler yesterday.
Glen Brook Shelter - North Wilcox Mountain Shelter: 21.4mi
All I wanted to do when I got to the shelter last night was eat and then sleep. However, the shelter had three really drunk guys in it when I arrived. They were friendly and in good spirits. They gave me some vodka and quieted down when they saw me getting ready for bed. It was nice of them. Unfortunately, their drunken snoring prevented me from sleeping. My headlamp was almost out of battery life, so I was stuck until a section hiker couldn't take it anymore. At midnight we packed up and went down the Trail to get some tent platforms. I managed to get some sleep, but was tired for today. Managed to resupply in 2 hrs by skipping laundry. I also gained some more ground on the Professor. Really tired, but I think I might catch him tomorrow if I push hard. It would be 35 miles into Dalton for me.
Professor
East Mtn. Retreat Center - Upper Goose Pond Cabin: 19.0 trail miles (21.0 miles total)
Sitting on a small deck, breeze, at Upper Goose Pond Cabin. This place is a two story cabin with a huge front porch and bunks upstairs. The downstairs consists of a large community sitting area with a big fireplace, chairs, a table, and bookcases filled with old Trail guides and quirky paperback novels. The "Caretaker" is an older Jewish couple, the woman is cooking baked squash and salad and has invited me to eat some, I gladly accept, thinking how nice that will go with my freeze dried chili meal. I also eyeballed a huge bottle of Tobasco sauce on the kitchen table, I've been out of hot sauce for days now.
Today was hot...buggy of course, I sweat a ton. The last few miles felt like they dragged. As soon as I got here I ripped off my clothes and jumped into the big, cold Massachusetts Pond, I was reborn and revitalized.
The thought of Dalton drove me on. My feet hurt a bit earlier today, I'm guessing from my almost 27 miler yesterday.
From the Journals: DAY 90, May 24
Coach
Kent, CT - Pine Swamp Brook Shelter: 17.0 mi
Hit the trail at Noon. Quickly realized I needed to be careful and take it easy, when I got to an area called St. John's Lodges. It was a steep rocky descent. It is the type of terrain my ankle hates. Met another thru-hiker at the shelter tonight. I pumped him about other thru-hikers we knew. Can't wait to tell the Professor about what I have learned. Tomorrow, I need to push hard to try and make some ground on the Professor.
Professor
Pine Swamp Brook Shelter - Brassie Brook Shelter: 19.6 mi
Day 11 of rain...although, it seems to have cleared up this afternoon which is awesome because I got to the shelter early. It's the first time the sun has stayed out and shining in what feels like weeks! I have all of my stuff airing out over the picnic table (I'm the only one here right now)- My bag and rain gear smell pretty sour from being wet so much without air out time. Hopefully, this will do them some good. My boots and socks especially need this little bit of sunshine; I was crossing a stream with slippery ice-like rocks and fell in almost up to my knees...
The bottoms of my feet still hurt, still feels like someone taped a pebble to the bottoms and forced me to walk on them for miles and miles...they eventually go numb until the last couple of miles in the day when I let my guard down, pretty much anything over 20 miles they hurt no matter what. I've reserved to the fact that this is how it will be the rest of the trip. It's interesting to watch (and feel) what walking almost 1500 miles does to your body.
I think trail hardened is a myth when you are trying to hike the AT in a little over 4 months...more like trail battered.
The solitude of a hike is incredibly rewarding, but I have to admit, hiking the Trail alone can be lonely. I can't think of the last time I could literally count the words on one hand that I spoke in a day. This is the first night of this entire AT experience, from the gear test until now, that it looks like I'll be completely alone.
Kent, CT - Pine Swamp Brook Shelter: 17.0 mi
Hit the trail at Noon. Quickly realized I needed to be careful and take it easy, when I got to an area called St. John's Lodges. It was a steep rocky descent. It is the type of terrain my ankle hates. Met another thru-hiker at the shelter tonight. I pumped him about other thru-hikers we knew. Can't wait to tell the Professor about what I have learned. Tomorrow, I need to push hard to try and make some ground on the Professor.
Professor
Pine Swamp Brook Shelter - Brassie Brook Shelter: 19.6 mi
Day 11 of rain...although, it seems to have cleared up this afternoon which is awesome because I got to the shelter early. It's the first time the sun has stayed out and shining in what feels like weeks! I have all of my stuff airing out over the picnic table (I'm the only one here right now)- My bag and rain gear smell pretty sour from being wet so much without air out time. Hopefully, this will do them some good. My boots and socks especially need this little bit of sunshine; I was crossing a stream with slippery ice-like rocks and fell in almost up to my knees...
The bottoms of my feet still hurt, still feels like someone taped a pebble to the bottoms and forced me to walk on them for miles and miles...they eventually go numb until the last couple of miles in the day when I let my guard down, pretty much anything over 20 miles they hurt no matter what. I've reserved to the fact that this is how it will be the rest of the trip. It's interesting to watch (and feel) what walking almost 1500 miles does to your body.
I think trail hardened is a myth when you are trying to hike the AT in a little over 4 months...more like trail battered.
The solitude of a hike is incredibly rewarding, but I have to admit, hiking the Trail alone can be lonely. I can't think of the last time I could literally count the words on one hand that I spoke in a day. This is the first night of this entire AT experience, from the gear test until now, that it looks like I'll be completely alone.
From the Journals: DAY 89, May 23
Coach
Mystic, CT: 0mi
My friend, Ross, from Marine Maritime picked me up yesterday and let me stay with him while my ankle recovered. It was good to see him and hang out for a little while. Got to watch the HBO series The Pacific and eat sushi. It was a good time.
Professor
Kent, CT - Pine Swamp Brook Shelter: 16.9 mi
WOW THIS GUY WILL NOT BE QUIET. This is when you realize how nice it is to have two or more people hiking with you. That way when you meet weirdos you can tag team them so that all of the focus of the weirdo is not on you. This guy is really posted up at the shelter. I think he might be homeless, I can't tell if his "section hiker" story is true or not. I've actually had time to get dinner and get all ready for bed BEFORE dark. Awesome!... I just looked three mice in the fact. It seems they are nesting right next to my head. I can hear them. I hope it rains tonight. The shelter has a metal roof...that way I won't hear them run by my head. The guy in the shelter, I've discovered, is obsessed with killing mice. He's setting the traps out now...I went to go to the bathroom and stumbled across a dumpsite of those he has caught....
Mystic, CT: 0mi
My friend, Ross, from Marine Maritime picked me up yesterday and let me stay with him while my ankle recovered. It was good to see him and hang out for a little while. Got to watch the HBO series The Pacific and eat sushi. It was a good time.
Professor
Kent, CT - Pine Swamp Brook Shelter: 16.9 mi
WOW THIS GUY WILL NOT BE QUIET. This is when you realize how nice it is to have two or more people hiking with you. That way when you meet weirdos you can tag team them so that all of the focus of the weirdo is not on you. This guy is really posted up at the shelter. I think he might be homeless, I can't tell if his "section hiker" story is true or not. I've actually had time to get dinner and get all ready for bed BEFORE dark. Awesome!... I just looked three mice in the fact. It seems they are nesting right next to my head. I can hear them. I hope it rains tonight. The shelter has a metal roof...that way I won't hear them run by my head. The guy in the shelter, I've discovered, is obsessed with killing mice. He's setting the traps out now...I went to go to the bathroom and stumbled across a dumpsite of those he has caught....
From the Journals: DAY 88, May 22
Coach
? - Kent, CT: 12.8 mi
- Very upset hikers @ 3am because shelter was full
-Professor and I parting ways for a little while (Sad Day)
I have determined that my ankle needs more recovery time. I am still managing to keep up, but it is painful and not fun. With the half day today, a full Zero Day tomorrow, and a late start Tuesday, I can give my ankle almost a full 48 hours of rest. I think and hope that will do the trick. However, this rest period will put me 21 miles behind the Professor. I hope to catch up with him around Dalton, if all goes well. It will no doubt be weird to hike alone, but I think it will be for the best.
Professor
Today we hiked into Kent. Ross came and picked up Coach for R&R on his sprained ankle. Laundry, icecream, beer, bed and back on the Trail tomorrow.
? - Kent, CT: 12.8 mi
- Very upset hikers @ 3am because shelter was full
-Professor and I parting ways for a little while (Sad Day)
I have determined that my ankle needs more recovery time. I am still managing to keep up, but it is painful and not fun. With the half day today, a full Zero Day tomorrow, and a late start Tuesday, I can give my ankle almost a full 48 hours of rest. I think and hope that will do the trick. However, this rest period will put me 21 miles behind the Professor. I hope to catch up with him around Dalton, if all goes well. It will no doubt be weird to hike alone, but I think it will be for the best.
Professor
Today we hiked into Kent. Ross came and picked up Coach for R&R on his sprained ankle. Laundry, icecream, beer, bed and back on the Trail tomorrow.
Friday, June 3, 2011
From the Journals: DAY 87, May 21
Coach
Tentsite - Who Cares!: 26.7mi
NO FUN!
Professor
It has now rained for 8 consecutive days. We haven't had the opportunity to really dry out. Everything is some form of wet or damp. Sloppiest trail to date. Soggy socks, soggy shoes. Miniature goats baaaaa-ing behind Coach and I as we walked down a country road. Folks marveled at the spectacle. Today was a total grind out sloppy push battle through mud and slippery rocks. Almost 27 miles today, over about 14 hours. Took a spill on some rocks. Have a sweet bruise on my right leg now. Dijon chicken for dinner, almost 1,000 calories along with the honey bun it should push it over the edge. 
From the Journals: DAY 86, May 20
Coach
Ft. Montgomery, NY - Tentsite: 23.4mi
It's all up to you ANKLE BRACE.
Professor
If I was by myself, especially tonight, I have to confess I would be totally creeped out by the setting: abandoned boarded up building in a field. There is an awning to one side with a cement platform that Coach and I are asleep under.
I can tell Coach was in some pain today, we agreed that we would do our best to push in to Kent, CT. Then Coach is going to decide what to do about his ankle.
Ft. Montgomery, NY - Tentsite: 23.4mi
It's all up to you ANKLE BRACE.
Professor
If I was by myself, especially tonight, I have to confess I would be totally creeped out by the setting: abandoned boarded up building in a field. There is an awning to one side with a cement platform that Coach and I are asleep under.
I can tell Coach was in some pain today, we agreed that we would do our best to push in to Kent, CT. Then Coach is going to decide what to do about his ankle.
From the Journals: DAY 85, May 19
Coach
Ft. Montgomery, NY: 0mi
Ankle Brace was purchased. Recovery. AMC disappointed us by running a Matrix marathon instead of showing any good movies today.
Professor
Zero @ West Point. So of course the sun comes out today, but whatever we have all our gear outside in the parking lot and on the sidewalk drying! I'm sure the family owned motel loved that. Lots of West Point grads and their families milling about. Coach and I REALLY stand out. We had a pitcher of margaritas at a mexican restaurant, the Zero Day is becoming less painful.
We resupplied at a Rite Aid. Jimmy Dean Delights, Hot Pockets and Lucky Charms. Watched the Matrix and Terminator 2 on AMC.
Ft. Montgomery, NY: 0mi
Ankle Brace was purchased. Recovery. AMC disappointed us by running a Matrix marathon instead of showing any good movies today.
Professor
Zero @ West Point. So of course the sun comes out today, but whatever we have all our gear outside in the parking lot and on the sidewalk drying! I'm sure the family owned motel loved that. Lots of West Point grads and their families milling about. Coach and I REALLY stand out. We had a pitcher of margaritas at a mexican restaurant, the Zero Day is becoming less painful.
We resupplied at a Rite Aid. Jimmy Dean Delights, Hot Pockets and Lucky Charms. Watched the Matrix and Terminator 2 on AMC.
From the Journals: DAY 84, May 18
Coach
Fingerboard Shelter - Ft. Montgomery, NY: 15.6mi
Well, the morning was indicative of how bad the day would become. We had to cross a flooded stream that ended up finally doing in my left ankle. Apparently, the ankle just couldn't handle jumping from rock to rock across the stream. After the crossing, the ankle quickly deterioated, forcing us off the trail into Ft. Montgomery. The timing was not good; West Point is located here and having graduation this weekend. After several phone calls, we found a place about 20 miles away. Luckily, we looked so pathetic to the taxi driver (34 miles outside NYC mind you) that instead of taking us to the next town, a $40 ride, he took us around to a couple of motels to inquire about vacancies and then only charged us $8. Hopefully, my ankle onlyu needs 1 day of rest.
Professor
Coach is unable to hike. After about 6 or 8 miles I could look up in the mountainside and see Coach trailing behind me. This is unusual. He is almost always a hundred yards in front. When I had to carry his pack I knew we were done and needed to get off the Trail. A state trooper wouldn't help us unless we paid him. The ladies at the Visitor's Center gift shop were helpful, able to get a hold of the Ranger, who took us into Ft. Montgomery, NY about 40 miles outside of NYC. Home of West Point Military Academy, where it was graduation weekend. No vacancies, overcharging, we had the BBQ "Pig Out" meal at a nearby restaurant to make us feel better. Finally found a cheap motel room, had a 12 pack of beer. Try not to think about how few rest days we have left.
Fingerboard Shelter - Ft. Montgomery, NY: 15.6mi
Well, the morning was indicative of how bad the day would become. We had to cross a flooded stream that ended up finally doing in my left ankle. Apparently, the ankle just couldn't handle jumping from rock to rock across the stream. After the crossing, the ankle quickly deterioated, forcing us off the trail into Ft. Montgomery. The timing was not good; West Point is located here and having graduation this weekend. After several phone calls, we found a place about 20 miles away. Luckily, we looked so pathetic to the taxi driver (34 miles outside NYC mind you) that instead of taking us to the next town, a $40 ride, he took us around to a couple of motels to inquire about vacancies and then only charged us $8. Hopefully, my ankle onlyu needs 1 day of rest.
Professor
Coach is unable to hike. After about 6 or 8 miles I could look up in the mountainside and see Coach trailing behind me. This is unusual. He is almost always a hundred yards in front. When I had to carry his pack I knew we were done and needed to get off the Trail. A state trooper wouldn't help us unless we paid him. The ladies at the Visitor's Center gift shop were helpful, able to get a hold of the Ranger, who took us into Ft. Montgomery, NY about 40 miles outside of NYC. Home of West Point Military Academy, where it was graduation weekend. No vacancies, overcharging, we had the BBQ "Pig Out" meal at a nearby restaurant to make us feel better. Finally found a cheap motel room, had a 12 pack of beer. Try not to think about how few rest days we have left.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
From the Journals: DAY 83, May 17
Coach
Wildcat Shelter - Fingerboard Shelter: 14.3mi
-I don't like New York
-More rain
-Resupply
-Postal worker said we looked out of it
-Trail magic back to the trail (ie, ride)
-Left ankle is now an issue
Professor
Finally found our bump box...Had to walk 2.1 miles to the post office on the side of a busy highway in the rain. Apparently, we looked how we felt; even the postal worker lady said something.
Up and down, up and down, that's New York. It's been raining for days. Big rain, slippery rocks.
At the gas station, a man started asking questions about our hike. I asked for a ride back to the Trailhead and we lucked out. He had a crazy Pit Bull in his van that he had to hold back with one hand while driving with the other, in the rain, and looking back at us talking while the Pit Bull was growling - I white knuckled the seat.
Coach's ankle is hurting him tonight.
Wildcat Shelter - Fingerboard Shelter: 14.3mi
-I don't like New York
-More rain
-Resupply
-Postal worker said we looked out of it
-Trail magic back to the trail (ie, ride)
-Left ankle is now an issue
Professor
Finally found our bump box...Had to walk 2.1 miles to the post office on the side of a busy highway in the rain. Apparently, we looked how we felt; even the postal worker lady said something.
Up and down, up and down, that's New York. It's been raining for days. Big rain, slippery rocks.
At the gas station, a man started asking questions about our hike. I asked for a ride back to the Trailhead and we lucked out. He had a crazy Pit Bull in his van that he had to hold back with one hand while driving with the other, in the rain, and looking back at us talking while the Pit Bull was growling - I white knuckled the seat.
Coach's ankle is hurting him tonight.
From the Journals: DAY 82, May 16
Coach
NJ Route 94 - Wildcat Shelter: 17.0mi
-Enjoyed the motel room until the last minute 11am checkout
-RAIN ALL DAY
-Slippery rocks
-Left ankle might be developing into an issue
-Got to shelter after dark
Professor
Saw 2 big black bears today. They bluffed us. I yelled at them.
Tried to hitch a ride back to the Trailhead in the rain this morning- no luck.
It POURED on us!
Late start, didn't want to leave the comfort of the hotel room in the rain. Watched Rules of Engagement this morning waiting out the rain.
The Appalachian Motel is not very hiker friendly. Even though it was pouring, they wouldn't give us a ride the 1.8 miles back to the Trailhead. They were actually kind of jerks, and totally price gouged us to do laundry. Made us pay $11 for 1 load of laundry (They knew the alternative, hike 5 miles in the rain...).
Rocks were wicked slippery today. Got to the shelter really late (9pm), disturbed some older ladies, not anything we could do about it though.
Cooking dinner late, want to go to bed.
My feet hurt.
NJ Route 94 - Wildcat Shelter: 17.0mi
-Enjoyed the motel room until the last minute 11am checkout
-RAIN ALL DAY
-Slippery rocks
-Left ankle might be developing into an issue
-Got to shelter after dark
Professor
Saw 2 big black bears today. They bluffed us. I yelled at them.
Tried to hitch a ride back to the Trailhead in the rain this morning- no luck.
It POURED on us!
Late start, didn't want to leave the comfort of the hotel room in the rain. Watched Rules of Engagement this morning waiting out the rain.
The Appalachian Motel is not very hiker friendly. Even though it was pouring, they wouldn't give us a ride the 1.8 miles back to the Trailhead. They were actually kind of jerks, and totally price gouged us to do laundry. Made us pay $11 for 1 load of laundry (They knew the alternative, hike 5 miles in the rain...).
Rocks were wicked slippery today. Got to the shelter really late (9pm), disturbed some older ladies, not anything we could do about it though.
Cooking dinner late, want to go to bed.
My feet hurt.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
From the Journals: DAY 79, May 13
Coach
Backpacker campsite - Brink Road Shelter: 20.0 mi
It was nice to be able to hit our average. Although it was still painful most of the day, when we arrived at the shelter a group of New Jersians gave us a whole bunch of Scotch packaged as individual serving sizes. It was great and we had one of our few pain free nights. Another group that we camped next to also gave us some food, so it was basically a great night. It appears people from New Jersey got a really bad rap because of Jersey Shores.
Professor
Backpacker campsite - Brink Road Shelter: 20.0 mi
It was nice to be able to hit our average. Although it was still painful most of the day, when we arrived at the shelter a group of New Jersians gave us a whole bunch of Scotch packaged as individual serving sizes. It was great and we had one of our few pain free nights. Another group that we camped next to also gave us some food, so it was basically a great night. It appears people from New Jersey got a really bad rap because of Jersey Shores.
Professor
Single serving scotch + Wood + Fire = Cool NJ Trail Magic
Met some awesome New Jersey folks out for the weekend. One of the guys was developing an idea that had scotch or whiskey in single serving condiment style packages! It was great. He hooked us up with a bunch. I LOVE NEW JERSEY! (except the mosquitos hit)
From the Journals: DAY 78, May 12
Coach
Kirkridge Shelter - Backpacker Campsite: 11.2mi
Finally OUT of PA, the worst state.
Stone bruises - not fun.
I never thought I would be happy to enter the state of New Jersey.
Professor
7 or so miles into Delaware Water Gap. Coach seems to have some sort of deep stone bruise on his right heel, pretty painful. Showered up at the church hostel. Double order of garlic knots (deep fried garlic bread shaped into little balls with marinara sauce for dipping) and a large pizza with pepperoni and ham - some of the best pizza we've had on the Trail yet. I guess we are starting to get to that part of the country).
HELLO NJ! We are finally finished with Pennsylvania. PA kicked our butts, I hope my feet slowly start to heal a little with easier terrain. I don't care about ups and downs anymore. I just don't want the rocks. The godforsaken rocks.
We are at a good campsite tonight watching the sunset off the ridge, I can hear the Interstate far below..
Kirkridge Shelter - Backpacker Campsite: 11.2mi
Finally OUT of PA, the worst state.
Stone bruises - not fun.
I never thought I would be happy to enter the state of New Jersey.
Professor
7 or so miles into Delaware Water Gap. Coach seems to have some sort of deep stone bruise on his right heel, pretty painful. Showered up at the church hostel. Double order of garlic knots (deep fried garlic bread shaped into little balls with marinara sauce for dipping) and a large pizza with pepperoni and ham - some of the best pizza we've had on the Trail yet. I guess we are starting to get to that part of the country).
HELLO NJ! We are finally finished with Pennsylvania. PA kicked our butts, I hope my feet slowly start to heal a little with easier terrain. I don't care about ups and downs anymore. I just don't want the rocks. The godforsaken rocks.
We are at a good campsite tonight watching the sunset off the ridge, I can hear the Interstate far below..
From the Journals: DAY 77
Coach
Campsite - Kirkridge Shelter: 23.0 mi
After four straight days of draining our Zero Day Account, we finally banked some mileage. However, it came with a lot of pain. It was some tough terrain to make up miles on. I am looking forward to sleeping. Hopefully the pain in my heels won't be so intense in the morning. On another positive note, we will be leaving the rocks of Pennsylvania behind us. Today, I have come to the realization that pain will be my other companion for the rest of the Trail. Also, I really dislike snakes. Yet another reason PA stinks. It is snake country and we saw another one today. There is nothing more a snake loves than a hot rock that has been baking in the sun all day. Just more evidence that the sun is crafty and out to get me any way it can. Forgot to mention only one good water source all day.
Professor
I woke up at 2:30 or 3 in the morning with a giant centipede or millipede on my neck. Wide awake after that one...
Long day today, paying for it now, I wonder about my feet. I have a weird bump on the bottom of each one on the pad of my foot before my toes. It feels like a pebble permanently attached in the middle of my foot.
Staying with Fosters and Youngin tonight. Also, sipping on the bourbon Manager Mike left. It is definitely making the night easier. I forgot to mention that Manager Mike had hard boiled eggs waiting for us at the U-Haul before he left yesterday. I can't tell you how much I crave hard boiled eggs, or even better, deviled eggs. I could house like 30!
Slang terms:
Cameling up = drinking lots of water at springs
Letting your guard down = The realization that the day will end...things start to hurt
Hurty = pain
Poison = bugspray
House = eat
Campsite - Kirkridge Shelter: 23.0 mi
After four straight days of draining our Zero Day Account, we finally banked some mileage. However, it came with a lot of pain. It was some tough terrain to make up miles on. I am looking forward to sleeping. Hopefully the pain in my heels won't be so intense in the morning. On another positive note, we will be leaving the rocks of Pennsylvania behind us. Today, I have come to the realization that pain will be my other companion for the rest of the Trail. Also, I really dislike snakes. Yet another reason PA stinks. It is snake country and we saw another one today. There is nothing more a snake loves than a hot rock that has been baking in the sun all day. Just more evidence that the sun is crafty and out to get me any way it can. Forgot to mention only one good water source all day.
Professor
I woke up at 2:30 or 3 in the morning with a giant centipede or millipede on my neck. Wide awake after that one...
Long day today, paying for it now, I wonder about my feet. I have a weird bump on the bottom of each one on the pad of my foot before my toes. It feels like a pebble permanently attached in the middle of my foot.
Staying with Fosters and Youngin tonight. Also, sipping on the bourbon Manager Mike left. It is definitely making the night easier. I forgot to mention that Manager Mike had hard boiled eggs waiting for us at the U-Haul before he left yesterday. I can't tell you how much I crave hard boiled eggs, or even better, deviled eggs. I could house like 30!
Slang terms:
Cameling up = drinking lots of water at springs
Letting your guard down = The realization that the day will end...things start to hurt
Hurty = pain
Poison = bugspray
House = eat
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Update: Coach is back in the game
Coach returns to the Trail today and plans to catch up with the Professor by Sunday, May 29. Stay tuned.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Update: Coach sidelined
On May 22nd, Coach and the Professor arrived in Kent, CT. Unfortunately, today, May 23, the Professor is walking alone. Coach has twisted his ankle and needs to spend a day or two recuperating. He plans to catch up with the Professor, and nobody that knows Coach doubts that this will happen.
From the Journals: DAY 75, May 9
Coach
Saying goodbye to Manager Mike and Hell Hound at mile 1,245. Only 936 miles left.
Hawk Mountain Rd - Bake Oven Knob Shelter: 17.4mi
ROCKS !!!
Last day of slack packing. All I know is we wouldn't be where we are without Manager Mike and Hell Hound. Thank you.
Professor
Last day/night of slack packing. It has been very interesting since Duncannon... In no particular order, my summary:
-We hit the rocks finally
-Shoes totally broke down
-Feet ruined. Knocked me off the trail a day and a half.
-New shoes, very stiff, trying to break them in over rocks with ruined feet.
This would not be possible without Manager Mike, slack packing, and Hell Hound.
-I lost my trekking poles.
-Ate at Cracker Barrel 3 times in about 24 hours
-Drank scotch
-Drank bourbon
-Drank beer
Yum.
-Doyle Hotel was fun; delicious cheesesteaks; ate a deep fried cheeseburger
-Space Cowboy, Youngin, Fosters, and Victus caught up to us on our Zero Day
-Forced to take a Zero at Port Clinton
Thank god our logistics Manager was here to help us through the "ruined feet" time.
Saying goodbye to Manager Mike and Hell Hound at mile 1,245. Only 936 miles left.
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