Monday, March 30, 2009

Kicked out of the Library! Sorry, Incomplete Post!

This is Luke typing from Hot Springs Public Library, 271.8 miles north on the Appalachian Trail.

We have been on the trail for exactly a week now and are definitely enjoying the life of leisure that the town life has given us today. The power in the library just shut off and I lost what I had written previously, but Caleb and I are not worried about it. We have decided to enjoy the time in town and probably won’t leave here until close to dark. Hot Springs is the first town where we have not had a family member put us up for the night, so Caleb and I have had fun learning what long distance hikers do when they come to a town. First thing we did was eat a great breakfast at the Smoky Mountain Diner. We then paid for a shower, threw some clothes in at the laundromat, went grocery shopping, and have now retreated into the public library. With us, we are all fun and games during the hike – until we arrive to the public library. It is our one chance every week or so to connect with the people we care about. It is by far the most intense/serious couple of hours every week.

We are planning on meeting my parents in Roan Mountain, TN on Saturday night at a cabin they have rented there and cannot wait to hang out with them in the jacuzzi. We will have to put in over 20-mile-days to get there, but we think we are in good enough hiker shape to do that now. But, enough about the future, let’s recap what has gone on the last week.

So, my dad (who is awesome) dropped us off at the Fontana Dam and we began our 72-mile-trek into the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We packed for 7 days worth of food, so the 3,000 feet we gained entering the Smokies was a tough climb. We were paid almost immediately, however, with a great view of the mountains around us and the dam below us from an old fire tower. Hopefully Caleb can post the video from there, because it was the most amazing view we have had this whole trip in my opinion. I apologize for my apparent sour attitude in the video – I was angry at my pack for weighing so much during the climb.

The sad news is that that was the only good view we obtained from the Smokies. It rained on us for four solid days and then sleeted on us last night. It was pretty disappointing because we would come over some amazing peeks that were over 6,000’ tall only to look at a wall of gray fog. It is a lot harder to hike up mountains when you know there will be no payoff at the top. We passed the 0.5 mile side-trail to Clingman’s Dome, the tallest point along the entire Appalachian Trail, because of hurricane-like conditions near the summit that made the extra mile onto our voyage not seem worth it.

Great news is Stephen came out and he is a trooper and awesome! Sorry I am getting kicked off the computer. There is a line here! Bye! Love you all!

Sunday, March 29, 2009

Stephen's say in all this....

Hey everyone this is Stephen,

I've been hiking the AT since Thursday morning, and I've been hiking with NoseHose and Hillraiser since Thursday night. I hiked into the smokies to meet them at Tricorner Knob, then hiked all the way to Max Patch with them over the next two days. I camped with them at Max Patch and was picked up there on Sunday morning. Despite the rain, wind, cold, aching left leg, lost map, blisters, uphill most of the way, and the almost 50 miles in three days I had a great time. I haven't gotten to go backpacking in a long time and I haven't gotten to spend some quality time with those two in a while either. There wasn't anywhere else I'd rather be on my four days off of school.

The atmosphere of the trail was crazy awesome, I met some really cool people. Most notably General and J-Bird, those two could really get you laughing. But as usual NoseHose and Hillraiser could always get me laughing as well. As I mentioned to them while on the trail, they have to uncanny ability to make the best of every situation. They are always laughing at every little thing that happens, good or bad. The last night, which we spent on max patch, luke's tent blew over in the wind and rain and all his stuff blew down the side of the mountain. After he gathered everything up he came and joined Caleb and I in my two man tent, giggling the whole time. Three of us uncomfortably crammed into a two man tent was surprisingly hilarious, especially when luke told the stories of his runaway tent at 1 in the morning. It amazes me how they remain in such high spirits. I credit a lot of my ability to make 50 miles in three days, in the rain, with achy joints, to their ability to keep me in a good mood. The best part is they were just being themselves. I don't think I would have made it if it weren't for them. As long as they have eachother and their high spirits, there is no doubt in my mind that they will make it to Maine.

I learned a few things while hiking the AT with NoseHose and Hillraiser. One is that mountains hide mountains. No matter how much you think the trail couldn't go up any more, there is another mountain behind the one you just climbed. Two is that if Luke decides not to go to law school and Caleb decides not to go back and finish, they have could have promising careers forming a band known for its catchy jingles, lengthy rhymes, interesting song topics, and hours of entertainment. Through the wisdom of J-Bird the thrid thing I learned is that there is always drama when it comes to the opposite sex, even on the AT.

Even though I am glad to be home to rest my legs, I wish I could have kept on going with them. It was good to talk about old times with them, and I will try and get back on the trail with them, maybe in May. For now I thank them for the good time they showed me and wish them luck, sometimes they really need it, haha. I also want to thank my wonderful girlfriend, Hilary, for dropping me off and letting me wander off into the woods alone, and for picking me up from my journey.

Steve-o

P.S. Guys, I had more McDonalds on Sunday for lunch than any Health and Wellness major should ever have, and am planning on mexican tonight. Luke, I'm workin' on that movie and popcorn. Enjoy all the luxuries you can find in Hot Springs, hopefully my extra food allows you to make it on a semi-full stomach.

Monday, March 23, 2009

Caleb's hike

Sometimes throughout the day I start to think in analogy. I have come to the conclusion that the trail and a novel are one. Steps turn to words, and words turn to strides. Paragraphs and mountains rise and fall. Numbers characterizes both pages and miles. A new chapter starts with a sunrise. I become lost in a static setting that engulfs a number of dynamic characters. The story line develops, and I become curious in the conclusion. While I might take a peek at the last mile marker, page number, or mountaintop I never read the last step.




Hey some people were talking about coming out and sectioning the trail with us when we arrive around Hot Springs, NC. So here's some ideas. We will be getting into a place called Max Patch, NC-1182 this coming Friday and Hot Springs around Sunday. If people wanted they could shuttle between the two over the weekend. Also Luke's cell is 828-430-1063, parking is located in both places, and also the Internet is a great tool to plan such a trip. We'll be in the smokies for the next week so I hope to see some familiar smiles when we come out. See you soon. - Caleb

Franklin to Fontana Dam, Nc

Wayah Bald lookout
A man comes and lives in a tent all of March and gives hikers coffee and hot chocolate

Luke amazed

Peas and carrots baby

older men sun bathing on the mountain

Under the roots of a Fallen Tree


Above the roots of a Fallen Tree

Sunset hiking on Wesser Bald


Again.

Mullet's at night

Mullet in the morning
First signs of Spring
Second sign of spring
My Trail Angel

Fontana Dam Lake














Smokies are Waiting...

This is Luke typing from Dragon's Rest Cabins in Robbinsville, NC.

From Thursday in Franklin, Caleb and I have hiked 56 miles to Fontana Dam, NC (which is 163.7 miles up the trail). We met my dad there, who drove us to Robbinsville (about 30 minutes away). He has put us up in this cool cabin, bought our groceries, taken us to a Mexican Restaurant, and cooked us breakfast this morning. He has been awesome.

The trail has been pretty great, too. In these past few days, we have hiked with some cool people. We've met a Harvard student taking the semester off, a singer/keyboardist/guitarist whose semi-famous band just broke up (March to May?), and a guy who lost most of his family in a homicide. The people that the trail attracts is definitely an interesting crowd and it's been fun getting to know them a little better each mile.

Today, we set back off on the trail and will begin the Smokies. We are going to hike for about a week straight and will end up in Hot Springs, NC in about a week. Right now, I know my cousin, Stephen, is planning on meeting us Thursday and if anyone else from the Asheville area would like to meet us, then please let us know! Max Patch is an amazing part of the trail and there is parking right there next to the summit...

The weather has been awesome and we see amazing views everyday. Although we're in the woods everyday, I haven't forgotten how awesome the landscape is around us. It's awesome, and early signs of Spring are showing.

Caleb encountered a mountain he couldn't climb! Well he climbed it, but not in one swoop like he has done every other mountain. During uphill stretches, Caleb leads because he's quicker and I always follow behind. Late in the day, we came to a mountain that wasn't listed in our guidebooks (it was just north of Stecoah Gap) and Caleb died with about a quarter mile to go up the hill. This was huge news to us. No mountain had forced us to take a break up to that date, but this one did the trick. I told Caleb while we were resting that this was definitely news and was going up on the blog, so here it is...

Caleb needs to get on to put on some pictures and check e-mail so here he is...

We'll post again in a week from Hot Springs, NC...

Take it easy,

NoseHose

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

107.6 miles down the trail...

This is Luke (NoseHose if you're thru-hikin') typing from the Macon County Public Library in Franklin, NC.

It's been 70 miles on the trail since we last posted. What a 70 miles! 3 days of straight rain, along with some of the most beautiful days ever! There is so much to fill you all in on...

First night out on Friday, we got wet. The condensation on the inside of my tent soaked my sleeping bag and Caleb struggled with the rain in the bivy. We hiked 17.8 miles (our most to date) on Saturday in the rain and reached the shelter on Albert Mountain where we were drinched and hoping for a miracle -- two open spots in the shelter. The other nights the shelters had reached sleeping capacity around 3 PM and Caleb and I wanted to hike later, so we've been camping on our own. But with the rain, we were dreading setting up camp. We approached the shelter and tents were set up everywhere -- a sure sign that the shelter was full. There was a campfire in front of the shelter so we tried to gain some warmth before taking off down the trail and searching for a nice, dry campsite before it got dark. Once I began talking to the people at the campfire, it turned out that the tents were from a troop of Boy Scouts that had hiked a mile up the mountain to spend the night and that there were 3 or 4 open spots in the shelter! A miracle! Caleb (aka HillRaiser to thru-hikers) and I darted into our sleeping bags and grabbed a spot in the shelter to thaw/dry out. What was better, is that the Boy Scouts made too much food and we had all-you-can-eat chicken pasta! AND, another hiker offered to put up our bear bag! What a great night! To bring us back to reality, the wind was terrible and blew rain into the shelter that night and we still got wet, but we had full bellies to deal with the wetness in the morning. We were also in a lot better shape than the other hikers (both mentally and physically)in the shelter which gave Caleb and I some much needed confidence.

Meeting the people involved with the trail has been awesome! Right now, I give thru-hikers and section-hikers about the same amount of credit. The only difference between the two is what they say they are going to do, not what they are actually doing. People that have been on the trail in this weather are dedicated and interesting people. From college students on Spring Break, to out of shape middle-aged men, to Boy Scouts, to thru-hikers, they are all awesome!

The trail magic has been great! Some people who care about thru-hikers will do favors for them during this time of year. One hiker, travelling south, asked if I was thru-hiking and when I told him that was the plan, he handed me a ten-pack of kit kats. A man who has always wanted to thru-hike but who could never find the time found Caleb and I at Dick's Creek (the road into Hiawasee, GA from the trail) and asked us if we were thru-hikers. We told him we were and he said he had some magic to give us. He walked us over to the trunk of his car and told us to help ourselves to what we wanted. He had enough food there that I resupplied out of his trunk for Franklin, NC, saving us a trip into Hiawasee. He could not have been more generous. This morning, as we were waiting for GMA Beth, my mom, and blakeley's mom to pick us up in Franklin, a church group had a table set up at the trailhead with hot coffee, hot cocoa, and all-you-could-eat snacks. They were great company while we waited on our ride. Not to mention all the effort my family has put in for me while I've been on the trail. Thank you so much, family.

The good news for me today is that I got into law school at UNC-CH! I'm pretty pumped. Now I just need to make sure I graduate in May...

Check out the pictures and videos Caleb has added. He's done a great job documenting the trip. I'm definitely glad he has come along. We hiked separate one rainy day and it made me appreciate how much more fun hiking is with caleb to joke/freestyle/talk with.

We'll update this in another week or so. We are moving at close to 15 miles/day now and are planning to be at Fontana Dam, NC on Sunday to begin hiking the Smokies. Hot Springs will follow a week after that! We are excited to dry out tonight and get a good nights rest, but are itching being indoors on a beautiful day like today.

I have so much more I could type, but need to go. Thank you all for following us on this adventure!

Don't work too hard out there in the real world,

NoseHose

p.s. - We miss you, Chris.

Caleb's Hike

Its weird how unimpeded by convention the trail is. People lose their names, and are known by their laughes. Best friends are made over night and then forgotten based upon walking pace. I've never been more grateful for a word of encouragement. Strangers become parenting figures who offer and supply food, water, shelter, assistance, or guidence. Dates are lost, and weather is remembered. Personification becomes reality and you start to not just hear but listen to nature's voice. Dreams accompany my steps during the day while my nights have grown dreamless. Everyone you meet could be anyone, but everyone is themselves. Lies don't exist.
-Caleb

Video from Albert Mountian

...Because pictures just didn't do it justice.

The rain rolls in...







Still in high spirits



Crazy mushrooms



Spooky stuff bear during night hiking


Awesome newt


NC GA line


Amazing tree right in the middle of the trail


Ocean of fog




SUN


The view before the nap


Crazy tower on some crazy mountain (Albert)


view from crazy tower

Other side of the view


100 mile mushroom!


100 mile high five!

second oldest poplar in the world.


Caleb and the second oldest poplar

Luke and second oldest poplar in the world.

peaceful little waterfall

Friday, March 13, 2009

Caleb's Hike

Thus far the trail has been amazing. amazing weather. amazing hikes. amazing views. amazing friends. Its hard to describe the attitude out on the trail. life is transformed. the trail becomes a society. its own social scene. miles become a product that you hope to acquire by bargaining water, food, feet, and moral. encouragement is found in the little things between sunrise and sunset. inspiration is acquired in a new color of a leaf, a cloud, or a flower. time is measured by drifting ideas or a completely blank mind. I'm not sure, I haven't figured our the difference yet.
Spring Mountain Ga. (Summit). This was about the time Caleb remembered that he forgot his coat.


'Justice the Snake'



Panorama of 'Sunny Rock' A Great View, a Great Nap


Sunrise on Big Cider Mountain. Caleb and Chris enjoying our first sunrise. Luke was enjoying his sleeping bag.






Blood Mountain Shelter, built in 1939

View from Blood Mountain, the highest peak on the Ga. part of the trail. Caleb's favorite hike thus far.
These are our friends "Seattle" and "Alaska" they were on spring break from UAB. Despite their fifty pound packs there were in good spirits.

"The-Can-Do-Man" this guy has hiked the trail twice once with two hip replacements, and now with a broken something ankle. He was filled with many fun filled stories, like his pet squirrel.


Neel's Gap, trail ran right through this store.













This environment is amazing.