Tues 22 MarchDay 12
A 6am start today to get to Winding Stair Gap by 9am for a shuttle into Franklin. We weren't too sure how my ankle would go. Had to use the head torch for the first 40mins but it was nice heading towards civilization and seeing the lights from houses dispersed in the dark. The ankle was really good and we made it to the shuttle with plenty of time to spare.
Ron Haven from the Budget Inn picked us up in his bus - he is one of the nicest people. We got into town at 10.30 and had the rest of the day to chill out. High-five had left us Dairy Queen vouchers (she rocks!!) so Forest Gimp and I went and pigged out on burgers, fries, drink and blizzards (reece's peanut butter bits whizzed through ice-cream - heaven)!
Washing got done, blog uploaded and groceries bought (always too many and adds to the weight but yummy anyway). Then it was time to eat again!! This time a much more healthy option of salad and baked potato (with a beer as big as your head of course)!
Wed 23 MarchDay13
A slow start from the Inn this morning - there were a group of about 9 of us but we didn't get dropped off at the trail 'til 9.45am (local time drop off no hurry). We had 11.2mi to get through to Wayah Bald Shelter (if we had left earlier we may have gotten to the 16mi mark).
The clouds came in and the rain started in big drops. Could almost have dodged them :) The high point of Wayah Bald had a tar sealed road, toilets and a stone tower at the top (all accessible by car). The view could only be imagined as the clouds gave a lovely white-out image instead. Few mins down trail we reached the shelter - its quite new and very clean. Hoping that High-five meets up with us again soon. Miss her :)
Heading to A Rufus Morgan Shelter tomorrow then passing through the NOC. Hope the weather clears.
Thur 24 MarchDay14
A 15.5mi day - OMG! Three ups and 2 massive downs. The first 2/3's was really good up to Wesser Bald. The view from which was stunning - 360deg vistas through the hills we have been hauling through. The hardest part was the downhill into the A. Rufus Morgan shelter. The feet were screaming that they'd had enough!! The ankle though has held up really well.
The shelter is a tiny 6ppl lean-to, with no privy or bear cables. We just hung our food on a nail and hoped for the best...:)
Fri 25 MarchDay15
A late-ish start today after 11hrs sleep!! Must have needed it after such a long haul yesterday! Forest Gimp and I had headed out by 8am for an early arrival at the NOC (Nantahala Outdoor Centre) - it is basically an OPC based on a river. The flow is controlled and they have some major kayaking events here. Breakfast was calling out loud and clear - it was less than a mile to the NOC and half an hour later we were eating French Toast, bacon & egg sandwiches and pancakes!! Complete with coffee - what a way to start the day.
Then the plans changed a bit - Forest got a phone call and has had to leave the trail :( That means I had a day of solo hiking (up the biggest hill to date - 6.9miles in 3hrs 20min!) The views back down the Nantahala Gorge were awesome. I was glad the weather was clear.
Two worrying things today - water was at a premium (learnt a lesson coz I nearly ran out) plus the trail was the most confusing so far - I didn't see a white blaze for nearly an hour. But kept on going coz I wasn't going to do extra miles checking it out up that hill! I figured if I wasn't on trail I could always pitch my tent. No need though as I'm tucked up in my sleeping bag in the shelter. It is of course nearly bed time (it's 5.21pm and I've had dinner and packed up. Just teeth to clean and last loo stop at 7pm). What a nana hey!?
Sat 26 MarDay16
Up early to be on trail by 7.30 - the weather has turned and clouds and drizzle had come in as I left. By 8.30 I was wet, had seen bob cat and sung "oughta be in love" 47+ times (to keep the bears away - after seeing the bob cat it reminded me I was all by myself :)). At the top of Cheoah Bald the view was a cloud - bit of a shame but "it is what it is". And after that descent trail magic appeared - just in time for my second bfast at 10.30 - chocolate pudding (dairy food yoghurt), a can of come and 2 slices of pepperoni pizza YUM!
That gave me the energy to blast up "Jacob's Ladder" - 1200 steps taken to get to the top (and yes, high five I counted). Time flew by and the rain slowed down and by the time I had reached Cody Gap the rain had stopped. I reached Cable Gap Shelter in 7hrs (including the 20min 2nd bfast) which was a great time for 15.2mi.
Am heading into Fontana Dam tomorrow morning (hopefully by 10am). The shelter there has a shower which I definitely need and a washing machine (yeeha)! Might take a 'nero' or a 'zero' here but will see. "Vamos a ver".
Sun 27 MarDay17
It lightning and thundered all night last night. 6 of us were packed into a shelter shoulder to shoulder with all the wet gear hung up outside on makeshift lines. It looked very rustic :) but at least there were no mice so you have to be thankful for something.
I got up later than usual and didn't get going 'til 7.50 which I was a bit bummed about but I am sitting in Fontana Dam (2nd largest dam in the US, to the Hoover Dam) doing a load of washing and updating this at 11am so not too bad. $1.25 for a wash and 25c for 8 min of dryer - at least the washing liquid was left over from someone else :)! It's all about saving something.
I will get some supplies needed for my trip into the Great Smokey Mountains (starting tomorrow probably) for the next 5-6 days.
I will hopefully catch up with High Five today - she left me a note on the info centre sign this morning so she is likely to be at the 'Fontana Hilton' shelter!! Yay :) We will head through the smokeys (in and out of Tennessee,TN) to Standing Bear Hostel just past Gatlinburg. Won't be stopping 'til Hot Springs early in April (that sounds so weird as I cant believe it will nearly have been a month). It feels like it's been 3 already!!
Postcards still haven't been sent - sorry, post offices were closed and I couldn't get international stamps. At least you know how I'm doing. Catch up again in a week :)
- posted by enzed :)
Monday, March 28, 2011
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
40 4day hikes
Mon 14 March Day 4
39 4day hikes to go! One way of looking at it to make it seem smaller :) although all said so far it has been amazing. Yesterdays blog was quite short as I was really tired after a long day. Today's effort was just as good though and it makes getting to sleep easy - I managed 10.7mi in 4.5hrs up and over Blood Mountain. My hill legs still haven't arrived - I asked at the Outfitter store here at Mountain Crossings - I hope they get here soon :) - still no blisters though.
Today there were so many squirrels, chipmunks and birds. It was a wildlife day. I haven't seen a bear yet although there have been some around, so I hear. Loads of time for that still.
I am spending the night at Neel's Gap at the Mountain Crossings backpackers - it's a great set up and just experiencing the store is worth the stopover.
Will catch up again soon. Off to take some photos!
Tue 15 March Day 5
First day of rain! Fairly good sleep at the hostel in mountain crossings-apart from the massive snorer. But set off at 8.30am and up the first hill. Walking through the fog and cloud was quite amazing. The day was not too long - 3 of us (me, high-five, and Tyler) did 11.7mi in 5.5hrs. But it was freezing cold when we reached Low Gap Shelter. Straight out of shoes into a sleeping bag to warm up. The shelter was full - 7 ppl lined up along the decking. We were in 'bed' from 2pm!! what nanas :)
The night wasn't so cold and the cloud had lifted a bit before dark.
Wed 16 March Day 6
We headed out for a big day today - my trail name is 'enzed' and I was hiking with 'high-five' and 'forest gimp'. We hoofed it along the first flat section by 12.30pm then hit the hills - 4 big ones today and 15miles hiked in total. We are now at Tray Mountain Shelter. It will be the last shelter in Georgia before the North Carolina state line. That will be crossed over on Friday.
64 miles done so far - that's 10.6mi a day. Great start - although time for a day off soon!
Thur 17 March Day 7
An early start from the veteran hikers today - 5.30am. But it was a lovely morning. The stars were out and not a cloud to be seen made for a gorgeous sunrise as we left camp. Another big day with a couple of massive hills (particularly Kelly Knob).
It was our last shelter in Georgia - we cross the GA/NC (North Carolina) state line tomorrow.
The weather has been stunning - sweating through about 25deg! Just great.
We even managed to find trail magic - apples and oatmeal cookies. Greatly appreciated at the end of the day before getting a pick up back to a motel in Hiawasee -where we were lucky enough to get a Guiness for St Paddy's Day!! To top off the day we had a huge feed at the local mexican restaurant. Yummmm!!
Fri 18 March Day 8
A crappy food start to the day - lesson learnt. Do not eat at Hardee's prior to a big day (or any day for that matter). We headed out from town at 8.30am for 11.7mi to Muskrat Creek Shelter - we were lucky to have blitzes the trail and nab a spot in the shelter (it saves setting up more gear - especially important in the mornings). Gee, getting lazy already!! :)
The days are filled with many ups and downs - nothing overly strenuous or long which is a definite plus. Mostly the view is thin, leafless forest with a few green holly, hemlock or rhododendrons brightening up the brown/grey. The vista's are quite incredible though - and reaching 4500ft gives beautiful, multi-layered hill scapes. Our biggest hill haul was up Courthouse Bald (about 1mi into NC).
Other NOBO's I have met are 'nor-easter', 'backyard boogie', 'torch', 'nosebleed', 'prophet', 'turn around', 'loose ends', 'gypsy girl', 'hazard' plus a few more of course. So many people at the shelter and camping tonight. A big scout group came in - all decked out with jeans, pop corn, sodas, massive packs etc (just like students at home).
Great nights sleep now though - so tired and finally immune to the snoring. Yay!
Sat 19 March Day 9
Ok so this was my hardest day so far! Not because of the mileage or terrain (in fact it was probably one if the easiest days in that respect) but I am knackered. I should have had a zero day but continued on with high-five and forest gimp for the extra day. Will do a zero tomorrow. And in hindsight now it was really good to get through the day in such good time despite it feeling like the most difficult :)
A scrumptious dinner of salmon and cheesy risotto - it's amazing how good basic stuff tastes when you're hungry. But if course it's eaten at 4.30-5pm at the latest and hiker bedtime is still about 7.30 (all quiet by 8.30pm).
Sun 20 March Day 10
A zero day today - that means no miles. It was great. I didn't get out of my sleeping bag 'til 9am to have bfast - I was starving as usually bfast is at 6.30! High-five went on to Rock Gap shelter as she was meeting a friend in Franklin on Monday. Forest Gimp and I hung out for the day. He attempted to 'fix' the privy which was so full you couldn't use it and I caught up with this blog. Hopefully it will all get posted in Franklin. We watched a couple of movies (good old iPhone) and listened to the pogues. Bed time still at 8.
Mon 21 MarchDay 11
Up at 6.18 this morning and under way by 7.20. It still takes a bit to get functioning in the mornings. Today we headed up Albert Mtn - which wasn't as bad as it looked on the map. A quite steep but short climb to the top. There was a fire tower at the top and gorgeous views over cloudy hills. Stunning. Then it was all down hill from there - literally and figuratively. On the flattest part of ground I have seen yet I stood on a tree root and twisted my ankle. Mum you will just laugh, I passed out twice from the pain. But Forest looked after me and eventually I was able to strap the ankle and walk out (Forest had my pack though).
I have since strapped it properly and its ready for a short hike into Franklin tomorrow. Just 3.6mi to town. It will be ok I'm sure :)
- posted by kb :)
39 4day hikes to go! One way of looking at it to make it seem smaller :) although all said so far it has been amazing. Yesterdays blog was quite short as I was really tired after a long day. Today's effort was just as good though and it makes getting to sleep easy - I managed 10.7mi in 4.5hrs up and over Blood Mountain. My hill legs still haven't arrived - I asked at the Outfitter store here at Mountain Crossings - I hope they get here soon :) - still no blisters though.
Today there were so many squirrels, chipmunks and birds. It was a wildlife day. I haven't seen a bear yet although there have been some around, so I hear. Loads of time for that still.
I am spending the night at Neel's Gap at the Mountain Crossings backpackers - it's a great set up and just experiencing the store is worth the stopover.
Will catch up again soon. Off to take some photos!
Tue 15 March Day 5
First day of rain! Fairly good sleep at the hostel in mountain crossings-apart from the massive snorer. But set off at 8.30am and up the first hill. Walking through the fog and cloud was quite amazing. The day was not too long - 3 of us (me, high-five, and Tyler) did 11.7mi in 5.5hrs. But it was freezing cold when we reached Low Gap Shelter. Straight out of shoes into a sleeping bag to warm up. The shelter was full - 7 ppl lined up along the decking. We were in 'bed' from 2pm!! what nanas :)
The night wasn't so cold and the cloud had lifted a bit before dark.
Wed 16 March Day 6
We headed out for a big day today - my trail name is 'enzed' and I was hiking with 'high-five' and 'forest gimp'. We hoofed it along the first flat section by 12.30pm then hit the hills - 4 big ones today and 15miles hiked in total. We are now at Tray Mountain Shelter. It will be the last shelter in Georgia before the North Carolina state line. That will be crossed over on Friday.
64 miles done so far - that's 10.6mi a day. Great start - although time for a day off soon!
Thur 17 March Day 7
An early start from the veteran hikers today - 5.30am. But it was a lovely morning. The stars were out and not a cloud to be seen made for a gorgeous sunrise as we left camp. Another big day with a couple of massive hills (particularly Kelly Knob).
It was our last shelter in Georgia - we cross the GA/NC (North Carolina) state line tomorrow.
The weather has been stunning - sweating through about 25deg! Just great.
We even managed to find trail magic - apples and oatmeal cookies. Greatly appreciated at the end of the day before getting a pick up back to a motel in Hiawasee -where we were lucky enough to get a Guiness for St Paddy's Day!! To top off the day we had a huge feed at the local mexican restaurant. Yummmm!!
Fri 18 March Day 8
A crappy food start to the day - lesson learnt. Do not eat at Hardee's prior to a big day (or any day for that matter). We headed out from town at 8.30am for 11.7mi to Muskrat Creek Shelter - we were lucky to have blitzes the trail and nab a spot in the shelter (it saves setting up more gear - especially important in the mornings). Gee, getting lazy already!! :)
The days are filled with many ups and downs - nothing overly strenuous or long which is a definite plus. Mostly the view is thin, leafless forest with a few green holly, hemlock or rhododendrons brightening up the brown/grey. The vista's are quite incredible though - and reaching 4500ft gives beautiful, multi-layered hill scapes. Our biggest hill haul was up Courthouse Bald (about 1mi into NC).
Other NOBO's I have met are 'nor-easter', 'backyard boogie', 'torch', 'nosebleed', 'prophet', 'turn around', 'loose ends', 'gypsy girl', 'hazard' plus a few more of course. So many people at the shelter and camping tonight. A big scout group came in - all decked out with jeans, pop corn, sodas, massive packs etc (just like students at home).
Great nights sleep now though - so tired and finally immune to the snoring. Yay!
Sat 19 March Day 9
Ok so this was my hardest day so far! Not because of the mileage or terrain (in fact it was probably one if the easiest days in that respect) but I am knackered. I should have had a zero day but continued on with high-five and forest gimp for the extra day. Will do a zero tomorrow. And in hindsight now it was really good to get through the day in such good time despite it feeling like the most difficult :)
A scrumptious dinner of salmon and cheesy risotto - it's amazing how good basic stuff tastes when you're hungry. But if course it's eaten at 4.30-5pm at the latest and hiker bedtime is still about 7.30 (all quiet by 8.30pm).
Sun 20 March Day 10
A zero day today - that means no miles. It was great. I didn't get out of my sleeping bag 'til 9am to have bfast - I was starving as usually bfast is at 6.30! High-five went on to Rock Gap shelter as she was meeting a friend in Franklin on Monday. Forest Gimp and I hung out for the day. He attempted to 'fix' the privy which was so full you couldn't use it and I caught up with this blog. Hopefully it will all get posted in Franklin. We watched a couple of movies (good old iPhone) and listened to the pogues. Bed time still at 8.
Mon 21 MarchDay 11
Up at 6.18 this morning and under way by 7.20. It still takes a bit to get functioning in the mornings. Today we headed up Albert Mtn - which wasn't as bad as it looked on the map. A quite steep but short climb to the top. There was a fire tower at the top and gorgeous views over cloudy hills. Stunning. Then it was all down hill from there - literally and figuratively. On the flattest part of ground I have seen yet I stood on a tree root and twisted my ankle. Mum you will just laugh, I passed out twice from the pain. But Forest looked after me and eventually I was able to strap the ankle and walk out (Forest had my pack though).
I have since strapped it properly and its ready for a short hike into Franklin tomorrow. Just 3.6mi to town. It will be ok I'm sure :)
- posted by kb :)
Monday, March 14, 2011
The 5million step programme begins!
Fri 11 March Day 1
The Hiker Hostel put on a lovely bfast of waffles, scrambled eggs, oatmeal and grits (corn something) all of which I topped with maple syrup :) YUM! Our drop off time was 8.30ish and we arrived at the Amicalola Falls State Park at 9.15. We signed into the log book and took the obligatory photo at the approach trail archway, then set off at 9.30.
604 single leg squats later (that's code for stairs) we got to the top of the falls. Lots of water due to lots of rain but was lucky today as the weather is sunny yet crisp.
I have spent the first day hiking with a previous 2000miler called Freefall - thanks again for all the great info, it will be helpful. We got to the top of Springer Mountain (8.8mi) in 4hrs - which I thought was a good start. He continued onward to the next shelter but I am staying here at the Springer Mountain shelter. The end of day one.
I am about to cook dinner - it's only 3.30pm but would rather do it now in the sunshine and snack on muesli bars later. We'll see how that goes :)
Sat 12 Mar Day 2
Dinner turned out to be at 4.30 and then a group of us went to see the sunset from Springer Mtn. It was beautiful - will try and put up a photo (not sure how to do that yet).
Today began with a mice running event about midnight - 3 times up and down my pack and raincoat them over the top of my head - Sharon, you wouldn't have liked it one bit. Plus a guy snoring that shook the floorboards (my loudest encounter yet)! Then a privy stop (yes that's the loo) at 6.30am -just the right time for sunrise. I didn't hang around long as it was really cold. But lovely. What a start :)
I headed to Hawk Mtn Shelter today-7.8mi in 3hrs. Another good effort. Am going to attempt a 12.5mi day tomorrow.
A day has made a difference to my packing - things fit a lot better already. It's still about 14kg though. Lots of food! Found out that my water purifier doesn't work - luckily Peregrine (man I walked with today) let me use his. Hopefully all I will have to do is sort out new batteries! A little annoying.
I am sleeping in my tent tonight. Hopefully less mice-capades and snoring. It is really warm during the day and cold at night. It was a great day today.
I heard today that there was a massive earthquake in Japan! I don't know where exactly but I hope everyone is ok. Please let me know any details.
Catch up tomorrow
Sun 13 Mar
A long day today - 13mi in 6hrs! And it even included a 15min stop and a 10min beer break. Not bad timing.
Stinking hot today - sunny and 19deg. I think I even got a bit sunburnt. But the best part was arriving at Woody Gap and getting pizza and sodas from a trail angel. It was magic and the best timing for the end of the day.
Josh from the Hiker Hostel picked some of us up and I managed to get to Walmart to replace the batteries in my Steripen. It is working now!
Got to check my washing. Catch up later.
- posted by kb :)
The Hiker Hostel put on a lovely bfast of waffles, scrambled eggs, oatmeal and grits (corn something) all of which I topped with maple syrup :) YUM! Our drop off time was 8.30ish and we arrived at the Amicalola Falls State Park at 9.15. We signed into the log book and took the obligatory photo at the approach trail archway, then set off at 9.30.
604 single leg squats later (that's code for stairs) we got to the top of the falls. Lots of water due to lots of rain but was lucky today as the weather is sunny yet crisp.
I have spent the first day hiking with a previous 2000miler called Freefall - thanks again for all the great info, it will be helpful. We got to the top of Springer Mountain (8.8mi) in 4hrs - which I thought was a good start. He continued onward to the next shelter but I am staying here at the Springer Mountain shelter. The end of day one.
I am about to cook dinner - it's only 3.30pm but would rather do it now in the sunshine and snack on muesli bars later. We'll see how that goes :)
Sat 12 Mar Day 2
Dinner turned out to be at 4.30 and then a group of us went to see the sunset from Springer Mtn. It was beautiful - will try and put up a photo (not sure how to do that yet).
Today began with a mice running event about midnight - 3 times up and down my pack and raincoat them over the top of my head - Sharon, you wouldn't have liked it one bit. Plus a guy snoring that shook the floorboards (my loudest encounter yet)! Then a privy stop (yes that's the loo) at 6.30am -just the right time for sunrise. I didn't hang around long as it was really cold. But lovely. What a start :)
I headed to Hawk Mtn Shelter today-7.8mi in 3hrs. Another good effort. Am going to attempt a 12.5mi day tomorrow.
A day has made a difference to my packing - things fit a lot better already. It's still about 14kg though. Lots of food! Found out that my water purifier doesn't work - luckily Peregrine (man I walked with today) let me use his. Hopefully all I will have to do is sort out new batteries! A little annoying.
I am sleeping in my tent tonight. Hopefully less mice-capades and snoring. It is really warm during the day and cold at night. It was a great day today.
I heard today that there was a massive earthquake in Japan! I don't know where exactly but I hope everyone is ok. Please let me know any details.
Catch up tomorrow
Sun 13 Mar
A long day today - 13mi in 6hrs! And it even included a 15min stop and a 10min beer break. Not bad timing.
Stinking hot today - sunny and 19deg. I think I even got a bit sunburnt. But the best part was arriving at Woody Gap and getting pizza and sodas from a trail angel. It was magic and the best timing for the end of the day.
Josh from the Hiker Hostel picked some of us up and I managed to get to Walmart to replace the batteries in my Steripen. It is working now!
Got to check my washing. Catch up later.
- posted by kb :)
Friday, March 11, 2011
Atlanta,GA countdown 3 days to go
Monday 7 March
I have arrived in Atlanta, Georgia (and yes the song is on my mind)! It was a bumpy, 8 1/2 hr flight from Heathrow but managed to get in a good movie haul - Black Swan, The Kings Speech & Eat, Pray, Love (again). All really good but TKS was my pick.
Immigration was hilarious-no problem with the visa, but the woman at the desk didn't really believe what I am going to do. She kept looking at me as if I'm nuts and asking me how I would eat food and sleep etc. Then she told me to follow her and took me to an office (which I thought was going to be more questions!!) but she just introduced me to a staff member who has section hiked parts of the AT!! :) classic. I was laughing the whole time.
Part two of immigration was re-checking the bags (who knows why as they had all just come off a plane) which were whisked away on another conveyor belt and ended up on the other side of the airport - I had to catch a tube through 6 stops to get it again. Crazy!!
Made it to my bed for the next few nights. Will be up and around Atlanta doing chores for the next couple of days. Maybe will also check out the Martin Luther King memorial and the Coke museum if it's not horrendously priced.
Tuesday 8 March
What an interesting day - a tube, bus and walk mission to REI to get last of gear then back again. Plus a 2hour session in the supermarket trying to work out what to buy - who knew that butter came in a spray bottle (oh yeah that's right, it's not butter)!! Then I tried to pack the bag (oops too much stuff) - it will fit, it will fit, ... Will it?
Wed 9 March
Yes it did.. but man it's full! Almost thought I'd need another pack but then realized I just need less stuff :) the dish washing and laundry liquid might have to go (they take up 150mls of space).
"I think," said Christopher Robin "that we ought to eat all our provisions now, so we don't have much to carry." What good advice :)
It is raining today - I'm heading to the post office and then maybe the tourist spots.
Thur 10 March
Tourist spots done and dusted - much sunnier day and was nice to get around town to see the Martin Luther King memorial, Olympic Park and the Coca-cola head quarters. Got picked up by the Hiker Hostel in Atlanta and am here on the eve of beginning the AT! It's a beautiful hostel and a wonderful place to start. I forgot to post postcards today-will do that as soon as I can (please let grandad know).
Have met 12 or so other hikers and have been hearing stories already. Lots of fun.
Will catch up again next week
xx
- posted by kb :)
I have arrived in Atlanta, Georgia (and yes the song is on my mind)! It was a bumpy, 8 1/2 hr flight from Heathrow but managed to get in a good movie haul - Black Swan, The Kings Speech & Eat, Pray, Love (again). All really good but TKS was my pick.
Immigration was hilarious-no problem with the visa, but the woman at the desk didn't really believe what I am going to do. She kept looking at me as if I'm nuts and asking me how I would eat food and sleep etc. Then she told me to follow her and took me to an office (which I thought was going to be more questions!!) but she just introduced me to a staff member who has section hiked parts of the AT!! :) classic. I was laughing the whole time.
Part two of immigration was re-checking the bags (who knows why as they had all just come off a plane) which were whisked away on another conveyor belt and ended up on the other side of the airport - I had to catch a tube through 6 stops to get it again. Crazy!!
Made it to my bed for the next few nights. Will be up and around Atlanta doing chores for the next couple of days. Maybe will also check out the Martin Luther King memorial and the Coke museum if it's not horrendously priced.
Tuesday 8 March
What an interesting day - a tube, bus and walk mission to REI to get last of gear then back again. Plus a 2hour session in the supermarket trying to work out what to buy - who knew that butter came in a spray bottle (oh yeah that's right, it's not butter)!! Then I tried to pack the bag (oops too much stuff) - it will fit, it will fit, ... Will it?
Wed 9 March
Yes it did.. but man it's full! Almost thought I'd need another pack but then realized I just need less stuff :) the dish washing and laundry liquid might have to go (they take up 150mls of space).
"I think," said Christopher Robin "that we ought to eat all our provisions now, so we don't have much to carry." What good advice :)
It is raining today - I'm heading to the post office and then maybe the tourist spots.
Thur 10 March
Tourist spots done and dusted - much sunnier day and was nice to get around town to see the Martin Luther King memorial, Olympic Park and the Coca-cola head quarters. Got picked up by the Hiker Hostel in Atlanta and am here on the eve of beginning the AT! It's a beautiful hostel and a wonderful place to start. I forgot to post postcards today-will do that as soon as I can (please let grandad know).
Have met 12 or so other hikers and have been hearing stories already. Lots of fun.
Will catch up again next week
xx
- posted by kb :)
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Trail countdown begins - one week to go
Hi everyone :)
The cold has snapped here again in England and I am very much looking forward to the consistent double digit temps of Atlanta (even in the 20s). There are 4 more sleeps in London - which is kind of a good thing as the concrete jungle has had it's day. While walking the miles I remembered that there is just SO much stuff and people, and cars, and buildings here...and things are so old (even Hamleys is celebrating 250yrs - that's older than NZ)! So time to move on.
Great thanks to Toni who has put me up at her flat - it has been great to have a bed to sleep in and a bathroom with running water (I am certain that these things will be luxury items in another week).
For those of you who would like to write or post something small by snail mail, I have changed my mind and will check some stops along the way.
PLEASE NOTE - Label the envelope as follows, and write the month using words, also please send within 2 weeks of eta as PO will only keep for a month:
"PLEASE HOLD FOR THRU-HIKER"
eta - 21 June (example)
Kerryn Barr
c/- General Delivery (for most except 3rd & 6th)
City
State & Zip Code
U.S.A
Here are the addresses I will be stopping at/checking during my hike:
1. Hot Springs, North Carolina 28743
eta - 25 March 2011
eg.
Please hold for thru-hiker
eta - 25 Mar '11
Kerryn Barr
c/- General Delivery
Hot Springs
North Carolina, 28743
USA
2. Damascus, Virginia 24236
eta - 8 April
3. Harpers Ferry, West Virginia (half-way ish point)
eta - 27 May
c/- Appalachian Trail Conservancy HQ
PO Box 807
Harpers Ferry
West Virginia 25425
USA
4. Fort Montgomery, New York 10922
eta - 20 June
5. Hanover, New Hampshire 03755
eta - 11 July
6. Millinocket, Maine (the end)
eta - from 22 Aug
c/- The Appalachian Trail Lodge & Cafe
33 Penobscot Avenue
Millinocket
Maine, 04462
USA
I look forward to hearing from you, even just leave a comment or two on here for moral support. I will post again next week and let you know how the final packing went.
kb :)
The cold has snapped here again in England and I am very much looking forward to the consistent double digit temps of Atlanta (even in the 20s). There are 4 more sleeps in London - which is kind of a good thing as the concrete jungle has had it's day. While walking the miles I remembered that there is just SO much stuff and people, and cars, and buildings here...and things are so old (even Hamleys is celebrating 250yrs - that's older than NZ)! So time to move on.
Great thanks to Toni who has put me up at her flat - it has been great to have a bed to sleep in and a bathroom with running water (I am certain that these things will be luxury items in another week).
For those of you who would like to write or post something small by snail mail, I have changed my mind and will check some stops along the way.
PLEASE NOTE - Label the envelope as follows, and write the month using words, also please send within 2 weeks of eta as PO will only keep for a month:
"PLEASE HOLD FOR THRU-HIKER"
eta - 21 June (example)
Kerryn Barr
c/- General Delivery (for most except 3rd & 6th)
City
State & Zip Code
U.S.A
Here are the addresses I will be stopping at/checking during my hike:
1. Hot Springs, North Carolina 28743
eta - 25 March 2011
eg.
Please hold for thru-hiker
eta - 25 Mar '11
Kerryn Barr
c/- General Delivery
Hot Springs
North Carolina, 28743
USA
2. Damascus, Virginia 24236
eta - 8 April
3. Harpers Ferry, West Virginia (half-way ish point)
eta - 27 May
c/- Appalachian Trail Conservancy HQ
PO Box 807
Harpers Ferry
West Virginia 25425
USA
4. Fort Montgomery, New York 10922
eta - 20 June
5. Hanover, New Hampshire 03755
eta - 11 July
6. Millinocket, Maine (the end)
eta - from 22 Aug
c/- The Appalachian Trail Lodge & Cafe
33 Penobscot Avenue
Millinocket
Maine, 04462
USA
I look forward to hearing from you, even just leave a comment or two on here for moral support. I will post again next week and let you know how the final packing went.
kb :)
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