Morning Glory...

Monday, June 21st

This morning started with a grueling 3,000 foot climb, to the top of Cold Mountain. Once I reached the summit I was met by a spattering of wild flowers, including this Morning Glory.

Happy Trails,
Yahtzee

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The Priest...

I've had very spotty cell service lately - sorry for the delayed posts. Yesterday (Tuesday, June 22nd) was super hot. On the upside, it was only a little humid ... thank goodness for small favors!

I hiked through unremarkable mountains on a rocky and steep trail, with few views. The huge "down" was called "The Priest" and I thought, jokingly, that tomorrow's "up" (coming out of the gap) should be called "last rites." Alas, it's not. It's called Three Ridges, which sounds like some kind of subdivision with quarter acre lots, ranch style homes and a community swimming pool. Don't ask me why ... it just does. Maybe I'm longing for a pool.

Anyway, this kind of hiking gets most thru hikers annoyed since we climb 3,000 feet for little visual reward only to drop back down on the other side of the mountain ... just to do it all again with the next. We like our vistas!

I, as well as almost everyone else I encounter, was misinformed. We were under the impression that Virginia was "flat." Whoever started that rumor should be shot! Sure Virginia has longer stretches of moderate ridge walking ... but it certainly ISN'T flat.

I don't want to give the wrong impression though ... the day wasn't all bad (they rarely are). I finally got to experience something that I've been waiting for since I started the trail ... I saw my first AT bear!

I'd just finished a long uphill climb and was walking quietly along the trail. My trekking pole struck a rock and startled the bear, which was about 75 yards in front of me. It didn't even turn to look at me ... but took off running (away from me) at full clip. I was neither startled or scared ... but very thankful that I finally got to see my first AT bear!

Unfortunately I didn't get to snap a picture, since he ran away so quickly ... hopefully next time!

It was a good reminder that even on a hot and seemingly lousy day that good things can happen in a heartbeat and we simply need to be alert and ready to appreciate the gift ... whatever it may be.

Happy Trails,
Yahtzee



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How cool is this tree??!!

Monday, June 21st

I hiked 17 miles today and found this unique tree around mile number 14 (near the north fork of the Piney River - which was more of a stream). From the trail it looked as if this tree were growing straight out of the top of this boulder and, to be honest, it basically is! Check out the other picture (below) to see what it looks like from the other side.

Rolling On...
Yahtzee

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From the other side...

Monday, June 21st

This is what the tree looked like from the other side...

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Cold Mountain...

Monday, June 21st

While near the summit of Cold Mountain, two USAF F-15's flew overhead. They were LOUD and gone in a flash ... But I had my camera out and was able to snap this shot. Note the fighter jet on the right hand side of the picture...

Roll On,
Yahtzee

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My new buddy...

I found this box turtle on the trail today and couldn't help but pick him up for a quick picture. I set him down where I found him (okay, well maybe I advanced his cause a little bit) so no harm, no foul.



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Today's Lunch Spot...

It was HOT today, so when Koopa, Big Ooh and I came upon this swimming hole we couldn't help but to stop for lunch. Of course we cooled off a bit in the cold, clear water... Where small fish nibbled on our toes and feet.

Apparently a garter snake needed a bit of cooling off too, since one slithered into the stream and swam to the other side. Who knew garter snakes could swim??!!

Happy Trails,
Yahtzee

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Mountain Beauty...

The trail passed this mountain reservoir today. In fact I got to walk along side of it for a couple of miles, just enjoying the beautiful view through the trees (you see, the AT was up high on a mountainside).

Eventually I spotted a steep access trail, which led down to the water. I didn't regret adding the extra distance to my day's mileage. The lake was stunning!

Rollin On,
Yahtzee

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The James River Foot bridge...

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The James River...

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Rock ... No roll.

Friday, June 19th.

The trail passes right below this "hanging rock." It's a super cool area found just before the top of Apple Orchard Mountain.

Rollin On,
Yahtzee

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Slow and steady...

Today I hiked 15 miles in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Southern Virginia. They were beautiful but I kept focused on my feet so as to avoid any tripping hazards.

While focused on my afore mentioned tootsies I spotted this beautiful turtle, slowly making his way down the path. I love the symbolism of a turtle on the trail ... since he may not be the fastest creature out there but he's making progress!!

Today the heat and humidity were stifling ... which made for a soggy (sweaty) day. Being from California I'm sooooo not used to humidity. I never thought I'd pine for the days in April when I was freezing my butt off ... Yet oddly I found myself daydreaming about snow, cold weather gear and chattering teeth.

Nope, it seems there's no happy medium out here (at least yet, anyway). I'll be sure to post an update when (apparently) hell freezes over and I experience a perfect day with no humidity, rain, hail or extreme weather alerts.

Hummm .... Nice weather .... Hey, a girl can dream right?

Take care everyone!
Yahtzee

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McAfee Knob...

This is me... sitting on top of McAfee Knob. I'm wearing new gaiters and a large, hinged, knee brace ... so if you're wondering what the new accessories are ... there you go.

Cheers,
Yahtzee

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McAfee Knob...

Monday, June 14th...

Today I hiked to McAfee Knob. Aside from teh finish line (atop Mt. Katahdin in Maine) this spot on the AT was my one of my most anticipated! 

It was pretty windy up there at some points .... and YES ... it's as high as it looks but I couldn't pass up getting right up to the edge.  Whoo hooo... what a view!!!

After resting my knee on Saturday and Sunday, I headed out today for a short 7.4 mile loop hike / slack pack.  My knee passed the test and I will continue hiking on it tomorrow.  It's not pain free ... but it's not bad enough to stop me ... so it's a northbound I go!

Once reaching McAfee Knob I ran into another hiker by the name of Tapeworm.  He was kind enough to snap this pic for me (and a few more too).  Awesome job Tapeworm!  Thanks again!!! 


Happy Trails,
Yahtzee


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Natural Bridge...

Sunday, June 14th...

While resting my knee from the stressors of trail hiking I decided to do some sightseeing at nearby "Natural Bridge."  Koopa, Big Ooh and Birdie joined me for a day of ease on paved trails and snack bars!  We were surprised to find that the Natural Bridge is privately owned and actually had a fee for "admission" ... which somewhat rubbed four thru-hikers the wrong way.  That said, it was a beautiful area and aside from the sweltering heat and humidity ... we all enjoyed our brief break from the trail. 


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VA Tech...

Saturday, June 12th....

Day one of my doctor recommended rest period.  He suggested two weeks ... I'm going with two days! 

It was a very stormy day (complete with weather warnings from the National Weather Service) but the rain didn't damper my spirits.  I was thrilled to visit the Virginia Tech campus! 

Since I had a rental car (and can completely relate to being stuck in a downpour) I offered several students rides.  They were fun to talk to ... and overwhelmingly LOVED the school.  I've never met so many people who only had good things to say about an institution of higher education. 

Hummm.... might this school have grad school possibilities for me?  Only time will tell....

Happy Trails,
Yahtzee


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Burruss Hall...

This is one of the more iconic buildings on the VT campus.  I had to get a picture ... even though it was raining on me! 


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Lane Stadium...

Home of the Hokies!  GOOOO HOKIES!!!

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Knee-oh, knee-oh why?

Friday, June 12th...
Hey All ... No need to worry.  I'm okay.  Just needed to see a doctor for my left knee.  I fell a few weeks back and, unfortunately, my knee was getting worse instead of better ... so I figured it was time to get a professional opinion. 

Long story short, I will rest for a couple of days and see how things feel then.  Following that, I'll cut my mileage down a bit for a while and try to lighten my pack weight by eliminating food weight.  Sadly, food and water are the heavy-weight culprits in most packs (including mine)... and I can do without sharp cheddar cheese, hot sauce and other offenders (like hard candy). 

Thanks to everyone for your prayers and good wishes ... I appreciate all your positive energy and Light!!!

Take care,
Yahtzee

Audie Murphy Memorial...

The memorial was at the top of a long, hard climb!  Whoo weee!!!  I placed a stone and said a prayer, then continued on ...

For more information regarding this memorial, please visit: http://www.audiemurphy.com/welcome.htm

Progress...

After crossing this several times ... this was the LAST time I had to cross the Eastern Continental Divide!  Whooo hoooo!!!!

One step at a time ....


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Morning Sky...

I got an early start this morning, but I couldn't help but to take a break on a ridge top and just enjoy the beauty of the sky. Some things just look different from the top of a mountain.

Wishing everyone a peaceful day.



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Memorial Plaque, Jack Kerouac Quote

The shelter I stayed at last night (6/8/2010) had this memorial plaque posted. The quote at the bottom, by Jack Kerouac, has rung true for at least three hikers this year (if you read it as a statement about death).

So far this year three hikers have lost their lives on the AT.  The first was a young man, just back from Iraq, who accidentially overdosed in a Smokey Mountain shelter.  He went to sleep and never woke up. 

The second person, a young woman who was not an AT thru hiker, was struck by lightening on the top of Max Patch (a beautiful mountaintop bald).  She was there with her boyfriend, who had intended to propose marriage.  It's reported that he ran for help and when he returned, although she was dead, he slipped the ring on her finger before EMS workers took her away.

The third person, a 60 year old man from Florida, passed away on the 6th of this month.  He had been complaining of not feeling well for several days.  The night of the 5th he crawled into his sleeping bag, in a shelter not too far north from where I am now, went to sleep and didn't wake up. 

Everyone is on a journey. Darkness and Light is simply a part of it.

Big Day!

Yesterday was a big day ... it was my first 20+ mile day. Can I get a whoo hoo!!??

Officially I hiked 21.5 miles, which took just a smidge over 11 hours to do (inclusive of breaks).

Lately I've been hiking with Koopa and Big Oooh (a husband & wife team) and a guy named Birdie. The four of us get along really well so it's fun to walk with them. We all completed the big mileage hike and treated ourselves to a Mexican food dinner at a restaurant which was a short distance from the trail.

This photo is of a nice section of trail. It's flat without roots or rocks, which makes it *easier* to hike 21.5 miles.

Happy Trails...



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Zip Line...

While this isn't part of the Official AT, stopping at The Captain's house is tradition.

The trail runs past his home, just on the other side of the river. Instead of building a bridge to allow hikers access to his property, The Captain constructed a zip line!

Hikers are welcome to tent in his back yard or help themselves to free cold sodas, which are found in a mini fridge on the porch.

I stopped into The Captain's house yesterday and loved my ride on the zip line, both going and coming (back to the trail).

Hiking the AT is a unique experience and thankfully trail angels, like The Captain, help hikers remember just how lucky we are to be a part of it.

Happy Trails...

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Hummmmm...

There's a joke within the thru hiker community, which sometimes I wonder if the locals get (since they sell the saying on everything from tee shirts to bumper stickers).

It goes, "Hike faster I hear banjo music!" I couldn't help but to think of that phrase when I ran across this offering outside a store in Pearisburg, VA.

Anyone need some throw pillows for the couch? Let me know soon since I'm sure these babies will go fast. I think they're throwing in a fishing lure and beer coosie with purchase!

Whooo we... I think I know what y'all are getting for Christmas! Sorry to spoil the surprise.

Happy Trails.


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That first step is a doozie...

Just a shot of my boots hanging over a rock ledge I was resting on. That greenery below ... those are the tops of tall trees, which I estimate was at least 100' below me. I wish my phone's camera would give this view the justice it deserves but there's no depth of field. Still thought it was neat, so I'm sharing.

Happy Trails.

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Ridge Walking...

Virginia is beautiful, both in it's natural aesthetic and for it's long stretches of relatively *flat* sections of trail. A typical day's hike will take you up one side of a mountain then down the other side, but with a substantial ridge walk in-between the "up" and "down." This is me, on a ridge, at one of the many places to look out over the valley below.

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Vestibule Cooking...

This is me, cooking in the vestibule of my tent, on the morning after I ran out of water (see details in the post below). The day only got wetter and included quarter sized hail.

Normally I wouldn't cook or eat in my tent ... but when it rains sometimes I don't really have a choice.

Happy Trails.


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Snakes on a trail...

I ran into this black snake the other day. These giant snakes are non poisonous but have been known to be aggressive when provoked. Lightening fast they've earned the nickname "Black Racer" as they will run you down if you get too close.



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Five foot black snake...

There isn't any scale in this photo, but I can assure you that this snake is over five feet long. That's its head on the right and tail on the left.


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Rambling Update ...

Hello from the Appalachian Trail! I hope everyone had a wonderful Memorial Day weekend and that your shortened work week is going well!!!

Today, Wednesday, June 2nd, I find myself just outside of Perisburg, VA at the Wood's Hole Hiker Hostel.  Ahhh... what a wonderful respite from the trail!  I arrived yesterday afternoon, soaked to the bone, from an unexpected downpour.  Normally the clouds, wind or distant thunder will give me a heads up that I'm about to take a Nature Shower but yesterday the skies simply opened up, without warning, and poured down.  By the time I'd put my pack cover on and dawned my poncho, I was completely wet. No worries though, since I was only a couple of miles from one of the best hiker hostels on the AT!  I truly can't say enough good things about Wood's Hole!  The proprietors, Neville Harris and Michale Lasecki, are truly outstanding people.  They've created a welcoming and peaceful environment for both people and pets.  This is undoubtedly the BEST hostel I've visited to date and will be sad to leave. 

This morning, following a wonderful breakfast of organic french toast and free range eggs, we welcomed the day with a yoga session.  There's something special about completing a yoga set while deeply breathing fresh mountain air and listening to birds chirping in the trees. 

Neville and Michael are both certified massage therapists.  In speaking with two of my friends who enjoyed a couples massage ... they're quite good at what they do. 

There's a lovely garden, which yields herbs and vegetables used in the daily meals (which are served family style).  When I sat down for dinner last night a fellow hiker said, "If you go away from this table hungry ... it's your own darn fault."  No truer words have been spoken.  The food is not only delicious but it's plentiful.  The hikers who stay here help with the chores.  Last night I assisted with preparing and cleaning up dinner.  This morning I've swept the bunk house and refilled the humming bird feeders.  It's such a great place that pitching in doesn't even feel like work ... but more of a privilege to be a part of something so good.  I'll be sad to hike out tomorrow but the journey must go on...

I've been out of cell service lately, mostly due to the fact that I've been hiking between 1,500 and 3,500 feet.  There are taller mountains around me that, I'm assuming, block my wonderful Verizon phone.

So, I've had some amazing experiences lately... the first was more scary than amazing ... but it was still educational.  This "California girl" got her first real taste of East Coast humidity and the affects it can have on one's body.  About five days ago I was pulling a 12 mile day.  The ridge I was on was dry, the sun was hot and the humidity was stiffening.  I started the day carrying four liters (8 pounds) of water.  Knowing that the mountain I was climbing was void of water sources I tried to conserve ... but the heat and humidity were overwhelming. I sucked down all four liters before reaching the top of the mountain.  Mistake number two that day was skipping lunch.  Without food and water my body soon revolted and my mental strength vanished.  My feet hurt, my throat was parched and all I wanted to do was quit.  If I could have climbed on a helicopter and flown off of that mountain ... I would have.  When I finally reached the mountaintop shelter (Chestnut Shelter to be exact) I found that it too was "dry" and without a water source.  Discouraged, I entered the shelter only to find six other people in the same predicament as myself.  I was also told that three of my hiking friends (Halfmoon, Koopa and her husband - whose name is escaping me) pushed on, just before I arrived, as they too were in search of water.  Ironically, it started to storm.  The thunder and lightening were amazing and I shot a short video on my cell phone's camera in order to record nature's power.  I, along with everyone else, placed my cook pot outside the shelter and waited for the impending rain storm.  It arrived, with a vengeance, but did little to fill the scattered pots and cups.  I collected a mouthful of rainwater in my pot, which allowed me to down two Advil so I could push on with my aching feet.  While waiting out the storm I ate some tuna from a pouch and other items that didn't require re hydration.  The fuel gave me the energy I needed to almost fly down the mountain to the next water source, which luckily I arrived to just prior to the second wave of rain.  I drank liberally from a murky water hole after treating it, with my drops, for the minimum required period of time.  Setting my tent up, almost in the dark, I was happy to say farewell to that day. 

The following day I experienced another storm; inclusive of quarter sized hail ... which hurt like the dickens!  Two massive storm fronts converged directly over me, Koopa, Koopa's husband, Birdie and a 19 year old novice section hiker who got separated from his group.  All of us ended up in the "lightening position" after ditching our packs, poles and anything else which might attract lightening.  After getting completely soaked, pelted with ice chunks and cowering from lightening, which was striking all around us ... we survived and made it into Bland, VA where we enjoyed overpriced showers at a local motel. 

So, I'm getting kicked off of the computer (I'm over my time limit) so just one more thing to add.  The Appalachian Trail diet is working!  I stepped on the scale last evening and I've lost 31 pounds!!!  Whoo hooo!!! 

As soon as I get some cell phone service I'll try to post pics of this hostel.  It really is a great place.  I wish you could all enjoy the peace and serenity here!!!  Go find your own little slice of heaven ... they're out there ... sometimes you just have to get off the trail to find them. 

Wishing you all the very best,
Yahtzee