Unaka Mountain, A.T. Thruhike 2012

     The forests of the Southern Appalachians thus far have been a very unique experience for me. Having never hiked in some of these states previously, I was pleasantly surprised at how new and exciting the little things would be to me.
     In Georgia, the ground was not the Earth I am used to in the Northeast. Nor is it similar to that of the West. No, here the soil itself was a clay. A dark red clay that managed to stand out in contrast vividly to the greens and brownish-greys of the forest.
      Georgia also gave an affect of a jungle setting at times. With thick vines, vines that often outnumbered the trees; and waxy green leaves, thick and dominant.
     Since breaking into North Carolina, the vines and jungle characteristics gave way to thick forest of poplar trees and many small flowers and brush.
     An interesting feature once north of the Smokies is the American history lost to the woods... These forests are dotted with old grave stones, foundations, and many old fences just hanging precariously amongst young regrowth.
     What I have noticed thus far in Tennessee alone is an abundance of water. Falls, cascades, rivers and large streams have been a constant since walking through this fine state.
    
     There was a different feeling one day, a unique moment in these southern forests.
     I began climbing up Unaka mountain. A typical day, one where I sweat and push myself steadily uphill, reminding myself there will be a less exhausting yet joint-punishing downhill in the near future.
     As I close in on the top, a change begins to take place. The bare trees begin to form needles. The crunching leaves below begin to fade, along with the small brush plants and flowers; in their wake, a brown floor of needles take their place.
     I have walked into a red spruce forest. This is not a place typical of the south, it is instead a sky island of a forest more at home in the Northeast. A place more like what I have called home in recent years.
     The trail grows darker under the cover of branches thick with needles. The air grows moist. The air chills, and an icey breeze follows. Moss, thick and deep green, becomes dominant around tree roots and anywhere the brown needles on the ground give space. The birds sing different tunes.
     I have this to myself; nobody in front or behind me. I slow down, to take this experience in.
     I breathe deep, letting the cool, moist air caress my lungs. The scent of pine sap in the air.
     I close my eyes.
     I am walking an autumn afternoon, breathing deep the cool crisp air. I enjoy the act of hiking, the steady pace and constant changing scenery. The sound of the soft ground beneath my feet, a bed of needles and moss.
     I am in Maine, in the Maine woods. It is a beautiful afternoon, spent hiking as I often would. I am sore, and naturally tired; it has been a long day of hiking.
     But I am just here for the weekend, and my weekend is coming to a close. I will soon hop in my truck, my faithful little Chevy I have babied. I will have a pleasant drive, through the town of Monson and down winding scenic back roads. I will play my music I love.
     The dog will be so excited to see me, jumping and wagging her tale. I will crack open an ice cold drink, and put some meat on the grill.
     Checking on my vegetables, darn squash beetles on my cucumbers again. I will have to do something about them. I pick some lettuce, mustard, and some ripe tomatoes for a salad.
     I stop to grab any eggs out of the coop.
     Tomorrow is work. I dread the alarm, the monotony; but I do look forward to talking to friends and being productive.
     A warm bed tonight. A warm fire. A good book. Riding bicycles with friends after work, then laughing over some drinks downtown.
     I open my eyes.
     As I begin to descend Unaka, the branches grow increasingly bare, the sun beginning to warm the air. The soft ground slithers away, and I hear the crunch of dead leaves once again.
     The moss gives way to small stemmed plants. The moisture in the air leaves, and so does the cool breeze.
     I am in a typical forest of the Southern Appalachians once again.
     I walk, walking everyday. Every day. I wake in my tent, eat my oatmeal, brush my teeth, and proceed North. There is no truck, no dog. These woods are where I rest my eyes, and where I spend my days.
     I have many miles to go, and many experiences ahead.
     Both physically, and also within.

Welcome To North Carolina! A.T. Thruhike 3/24/12

      After a nice breakfast included in our stay in the small countryside of Northern Georgia, we packed up our gear and food to begin heading back to the trail. The weather called for severe storms, but Coffee2go, Kdoe and I did not come here to dwell in town.
     My pack was on the heavy side, with a good supply of food. But overall I am using very lightweight gear so a little extra food does not hurt, and will allow me to push a little farther without needing to leave the trail for resupplying.
     We got a hitch almost immediately from a very friendly young girl with a strong southern accent, named Tex. It was a pleasure to get a ride from such an interesting character. She was an art student, and the car was filled with nice paintings! She had a knack for painting mushrooms and planets. Unfortunately her school does not consider it to be art, but it all looked nice to me!
     Back on the trail, we took some pictures at Dicks Creek Gap, then proceeded to climb.
     It was rainy and windy. Honestly, I very much enjoyed trudging through mud and puddles today! It added a sense of ruggedness and adventure that I can never fully saturate.
     We felt so energetic and refreshed that we pushed right along the trail. It felt like my first day, full of energy and a smile you couldn't slap off my face.
     After a lunch break at one of the shelters, we pushed up and over several good humps. No real large climbs, but several smaller ones in succession.

     And then it came...

     Standing before me, a crooked tree in the middle of a clearing... I made it to North Carolina! I have officially completed the Georgia portion of the Appalachian Trail...
    
     I cannot begin to express the excitement. In less than a week, including the Approach Trail, I have made it through the first state.
     I have dreamed of this moment. I have seen the pictures of the tree, and read of it in countless books. And here it was.
     A tear came to my eye and I leaped in the air, letting out a yelp. Not because I ever questioned my ability. No, it was because I have imagined this moment for the longest time! I still can not believe I am out here, doing this.
    After posing for some pictures and laughing it up with new friends, we decided to set up camp there near Bly Gap.
It was such an amazing, epic moment, that it just made sense to stay and take it all in. Besides, the forecast called for storms, and it was clear for the time.
     We ate our dinners, and it began to downpour hard. I was very thankful to have my tent set up! 
     The rain let up close to sunset, and a beautiful rainbow appeared in the sky.
     Goodbye, Georgia. It was a great journey, and I would love to return someday. But for now, I have a trail to walk.

Dicks Creek Gap, AT Thruhike

So I have made it to Dicks Creek Gap here on the Appalachian Trail. 70 miles in, 80 miles from my start on the approach. I have been hiking without a day off for almost a week. I started in pouring rain, then marched on through humid and hot, been met with pure fog, then back to rain. And I wouldn't have it any other way. After a lot of great climbs over a few days, it was great to have my friend Brent join for a while. He and I got to summit Blood Mountain, which was an enjoyable climb. A tall mountain with great views, and a very cool and old stone shelter on top! The weather was just so absolutely beautiful. We descended steeply into Neels Gap, and I fed on a burrito and enjoyed an easy fill of water. While some hikers choose to stay in the hostel or cabins located here, I felt it was to early in the trip for such luxeries, and I felt eager to camp. So we pressed on to a nice tentsite just a mile or two past. I awoke that morning to the sound of yelling and the banging of pots. I emerged quickly to discover a bear in our camp! It had come close, and was not the least bit afraid of us at first! I began assisting in scaring it away, and with myself and a few other neighboring campers, we managed to drive it from our camp. I managed to snap a quick photo as well of the amazing creature. Brent and I had a lazy morning, which was nice since we hadn't hung out much in a while. It was fun to just stick around camp for an extra hour or two, take time with breakfast and whatnot. We enjoyed some pine tea, and shared some laughs. We had a great day of hiking, and at Tesnatee Gap, I watched him take a hitch into town. I continued on to a campsite near Low Gap Shelter. It was the largest concentration of campers I had seen yet. I enjoyed socializing with many new people. The next day it was foggy and moist. I much appreciated the break from the sun! I easily put in over 15 miles in this enjoyable weather. It was soothing on my sun burned skin. I woke to rain the following morning. It was nice to lay in my tent, listening to the water hitting my tent. Rather soothing in a way. Eventually I emerged, quickly packing my gear, and just using my tarp to sit and enjoy my breakfast. I was low on food. Thankfully, I just had 11 miles or so to a gap that would bring me to town to resupply. I got to hike with a few other thruhikers I had met, "Coffee-To-Go", a friendly medical student from Germany, and "KDoe", an interesting Ohio man who is using the trail to find himself. It was an exhausting day, climbing a couple peaks in full rain gear, with cold wind blowing. I had to push hard to keep up with my hikers friends who hungered for town. We had agreed to all share a room in town, so that we could refresh on the cheap. After a few hard, fast paced miles of foggy and rainy trail, we came to Dicks Creek Gap. We took a ride into town from a woman named Sally. Kind, she told us a lot about life in Northern Georgia. The people around here have proven to be of the friendliest thus far! Eventually we arrived in Hiawassee, and it was a great time. I showered for the first time since my start, resupplied in a real grocery store, ate a wonderful meal, and even soaked in a hot tub! I also threw my clothes in the laundry, and aired out all my gear. I really enjoyed getting to know these guys today. After meeting many various hikers, it was nice to disperse in a small group to make some genuine friends. I look forward to walking with them at points down the trail! With our gear sprawled across the floor, we are about to sleep, with a busy morning of packing and hitting the trail. After a nice breakfast of course! It is supposed to rain for the next few days, followed by some nice weather. Tomorrow is supposed to be pretty nasty in particular. Fingers crossed it doesn't slow me down.

On Tray Mountain... 3/21/12

So it has been just so surreal thus far. I still can't believe I am really out here! Tonight I am camped in my tent near Tray Mountain Shelter, around 4200'.
     Everything has been going very well. I feel great, and believe it or not no blisters! I have witnessed a few other hikers removing their shoes, revealing mounds of tape and band aids. The only pain I am suffering from is a bit of sunburn. I received a little "trail magic" when some folks decided to give me a bottle of sun block... So kind!
     A very large black bear came into my camp the other night near Neels Gap! My friend Brent and two other hikers had to chase it off! It didn't seem to be very afraid of us!
     I must keep this post short and sweet, but will probably update tomorrow night, as I will be in the town of Hiawasee, sharing a room with a couple other hikers. One is a guy from Germany, with the trail name "Coffee-To-Go".
     A few peaks tomorrow and then my first chance to recharge the batteries, do some laundry, and take a shower! Then its back on the trail!

Woody Gap!

     So far so very good on the Appalachian Trail! Having the time of my life! It's hard climbs and brutal weather at times, sure, but there is nothing I want to do more right now than exactly this! As I push through Georgia, I am met with some very breathtaking views and some awesome hiking! The woods here are very unique, with tall hardwoods, red clay and waxy green leaves.
     The Approach Trail was so worthwhile, and I am very glad I did it. It was pouring out, but I had rain gear on and you couldn't wipe the smile off my face! The climb was steep up the falls but very impressive to look at. Making it to the top was one of many small accomplishments.
     Eventually, I made it to Springer Mountain, the southern terminus of the A.T.!!! My excitement could not be contained as I signed the book, and took my first steps past the very first white blaze... I was walking into a dream come true...
     As I walked, I was almost in tears with excitement and I daydreamed about the many amazing people in history who have walked this very dirt. I am actually doing it!
     I had planned out an itinerary prior to the trip to ease my anxiety. As soon as I made it to the first shelter I intended to camp at, that itinerary was crumpled and became fire starter. When I got there it was only 2 pm! And I felt great! So, I kept walking north...
     Eventually I came to a beautiful campsite that looked like something out of a painting. Babbling brook, beautiful flora, the works. So that is where I spent my first night.
     Three fellows joined me at my spot. They are hiking for a week or two, and were really friendly. One of them, dubbed "Hot Wing", had previously attempted the trail in 2009. He dropped out from drinking bad water though. I could tell from his eyes a part of him was not going to want to get off trail in 2 weeks...
     The next day, today, was full of interesting characters. I met a couple guys, "Big Brother and Little Brother" from Australia. I met a woman from Germany. I walked with a young man from North Carolina for some time.
     One of the most interesting one was somebody I met on the Approach Trail, only a few miles in. "Meandering Snail" was his name... It took home 4 days to get just a couple miles in!
     I past many interesting folk, and loved talking to them, getting their story. It is sad that many of them I may not see.   again.
     I am making good time. Much faster than I expected! My original plan was to go slow the first few days, but I loved the hike so much I kept going! Today I put in 17.5 miles! I am a little sore, but not bad at all and loving this so much.
     I made it to Woody Gap today, and am camped just a little past it. I am very excited, because a good friend is coming here to meet me and hike with me for a few days! He is coming tonight and tomorrow I climb Blood Mountain, a tall one I am really looking forward to, and then I will be hitting Neels Gap, a big milestone early on! I am hoping to push right to there, to avoid camping in the area before it which has some serious problem bears.
     To cap off tonight, I just want to say again that I am truly loving this experience and I love all my friends and family who without them I could not be here!
     Signing off and proceeding to enjoy camp!

Hello from Atlanta, Georgia!

     So here it is, I have traveled to Georgia. There is no turning back now...
     I arrived this afternoon via plane to Atlanta. I was immediately greeted by nice warm weather. Taking the train gave me a quick tour of the city. It seems exciting and fresh to me!
     I had a chance to walk around a bit today, and to soak in some of Atlanta. I figure I might as well make the most of the city while I am here. Soon I will be seeing very little pavement or billboards. Before I know it I will be taking a long, long walk through the "green tunnel".
     I have the privilege of staying with an awesome and generous friend here in Atlanta. I look forward to seeing him when he has some free time from work. He may even walk the first couple days with me on the trail!
     At the least, he has offered me a place to stay, and even a ride to the trail. It means a lot to me, I can't think of a better way to start off than with a friend.
     I did a little research, and I see that there is a good outfitters not more than a 40 minute walk from here, and a few grocery choices just minutes away. At some point I will probably hit these up for fuel, supply, and first couple days of food.
     My gear should arrive soon, either today or tomorrow. I shipped it through UPS, because it was cheaper and also easier than bringing it on the plane. Hopefully it all arrives in one piece!
     So, I have to say, I have all sorts of mixed feelings right now. It was so hard to say goodbye to everyone in Maine, and just a few days later, to loved ones in Mass. I know what I am in for, this will be a very testing journey. It just all seems to be hitting me now. I have dreamed of this chance for many years. And that chance has come.
     No matter how far I make it, or what happens, this is a privilege I will not take for granted. I will walk the trail as best I can, and the trail will in turn give me a journey I will not soon forget.
     For now, I am looking forward to seeing a good friend and hopefully checking out Atlanta a bit. Live life to the fullest, because today only happens once!