6/22/2014

6/22/14                      Rocky Run Shelter(s)

     Today was the most nondescript in the way of miles. 9ish more crossed off the list, but it felt as if I was simply on a conveyor belt walking in place while the belt moved the scenery around me, if that makes any sense. It is nice to walk with Fresh though; company makes miles go that much quicker. The miles were boring but the trail magic sure wasn't today. We got to Gathland State Park and took a break. There was a nice shaded pavilion with a lot of picnic tables. as we hung around for maybe five minutes, a woman who was leaving asked, "hey are you guys thru hiking?" which brought the attention of a couple other people who were just around for the day. Should've guessed seeing as it's Saturday. I naturally answered for both of us confirming we were indeed thru hikers. The woman got out of her car and opened the trunk and produced two cans of Mountain Dew for us. We both thanked her profusely as she explained she was up here for her son or nephew (clearly wasn't paying attention, sorry!) who was hiking as well. She eventually drove off and we finished our delicious liquefied sugar and caffeine. However not ten minutes later another woman drives up and asks us the same question to which we give the same answer. This time however we got more than just a soda. We got to talking and she mentioned a creamery not far down the road; maybe five miles. She offered to take Fresh and I as another big group of slackpacking thru hikers come up to the park. Her offer then extended to the group (made up of Nora V. , The Pope, Rowdy, Weatherman, and others) so four of us piled into her car and went to said creamery. On the way over the woman (who introduced herself as Vicki) was explaining how this is the best ice cream we'd ever eat ever. She wasn't kidding either; it was the best ice cream I had ever eaten. It was more a dairy farm that happened to sell fresh milk, cheese, and of course ice cream and milkshakes. We all got a cone of ice cream as well as some pints for the guys that decided to wait at the park because her car was a bit small for all eight of us. After we all enjoyed the ice cream we (just Fresh and I) hiked the 5 1/2 miles past there to the second shelter, Rocky Run Shelter. There were two shelters there, too; one old one in slight disrepair slightly past the newer and nicer one. The old one was closer to the water source and had a porch swing but the newer one was bigger and slightly cleaner. I might be living in the woods but i manage to have some cleanliness standards. 

-Sam

6/21/2014

6/21/14                      Ed Garvey Shelter

     Being back on the trail is so nice. No more stupid sun and UV heat. Hurray humidity I guess? From Front Royal VA, my buddy Will (AKA Fresh) and I got a ride up to Harper's Ferry to start hiking again after the fantastic fiasco that was our aquablaze. 7 miles out of Harper's Ferry today to the first shelter, and it may have been a bad choice. There are three different boy scout troops we are sharing the shelter with. Yes, THREE different troops here; something like 70 people in and around the shelter tonight. It was slightly overwhelming, but it was also kinda neat to see what I apparently was like. I thought for sure I was not that annoying at thirteen years old, but I'm no judge. It was kinda neat to make the passing remark 'we should start a fire tonight, huh...' and see fifteen some odd scouts run in different directions looking for firewood. Ah, to be lazy and still have your job get done...


-Sam

P.S. Iris and James are a couple of weekend hikers that were also at the shelter last night. very awesome couple indeed; especially if they were serious about sending a care package :)

6/20/2014

6/20/14                      Front Royal

    

6/30/2014

6/30/14                      Ironmasters' Mansion PA

     There's a reason I haven't updated in a few weeks. During our aqua blaze I felt it easier to make a video entry on my ipod instead of writing in my journal. After day one my toilet paper had already gotten soaked and didn't want to risk my journal as well. Plus side i made videos; downside i have no idea how to upload them. I can't do it from said ipod and from computer it seems just as finicky. So until I manage to get my videos worked out I'm gonna get really slow posting updates. I mean more slow than normal, which is already really slow. 


Sorry for the inconvenience! 

6/11/2014

6/11/14                      Waynesboro VA

     (Professor Farnsworth voice)  Good news, everyone! We managed to deliver boats to the post office!

     Made it to Waynesboro Monday and got most of the gear needed to raft down (north) the river 150 miles to Harpers Ferry WV. I still need a map and a dry bag and a cooler for the beer. Other than that I'm ready to kick my boots off for a while. It seems like most people at the beginning near Springer Mountain think, "Man, aqua blazing sounds cool, but that's a lot of trail to miss... nahh I don't think I will when I get up there." However ask the same person 800 miles later, "Dude, let's aqua blaze! 100 miles I don't have to walk!? heck yeah! screw it I'm done walking! lets just float for a while!" 

Who wouldn't wanna float down a river for a while just hangin' out drinking beer?

-Sam

6/8/2014

6/8/14                      Four Pines Hostel (Contd.)

      Zero'd today as well, but for good reason. Joe, the guy who owns the hostel, is going to give Craftsman, Grizz, and I a ride up to Waynesboro VA tomorrow.That's 150 some odd miles up the trail. All we had to do was help Joe cart 3 cords of wood to and from the hostel. I'm also planning to Aqua Blaze when I get up there, which cuts another hundred some odd miles to trail. After that I technically won't be a 2000 miler, but I dont really care. It's just a hollow title. If I still make it to Maine, It's still a thru-hike to my eyes, and that's all that matters. Over 1800 miles hiked is still ungodly and insane anyway.

-Sam

6/7/2014

6/7/14                      Four Pines Hostel

      I did end up making all seventeen miles yesterday but my feet are killing me. Dragon's Tooth was also very misleading. It should have been more aptly named Dragon's Teeth as there were quite a few false peaks. Still sick of the bubble I'm in but i did meet up with Craftsman and Ol' Grizz here last night! I would have though for sure that they were long gone past me. Also managed to go to a restaurant called The HomePlace. It's one of the trail's "must do's" to eat there. In layman's terms it was an all you can eat southern style restaurant. The whole place was inside a rennovated farm house. Man it was super delicious!

     The hostel I'm at is pretty awesome as well. It's a six car garage that's been converted into a massiv hiker community room that has cots and a few beds and couches squashed everywhere. Donation based makes it that much better. To be honest I'm always willing to give someone more is it's donation based as opposed to a $20 fee for absolutely nothing in return. I'm gonna zero here seeing as if I leave today I'll just end up waiting in Daleville on Sunday. I have a package waiting for me there and can't get it till Monday anyway.

-Sam

6/6/2014

6/6/14                      Niday Shelter

      I'm gettin' real sick of the bubble I'm in. It's not making it fun and i should meet some new people. Before I was wishing I was in a bubble. I guess after experiencing both I'd rather be solo; like the lone wolf. He don't need no pack! Trying to push seventeen extremely tough miles today. The last 5 being over Dragon's Tooth. 8:30am let's do this.

-Sam
P.S. Is it bad I left my map book somewhere?

6/5/2014

6/5/14                      Laurel Creek Shelter

      Today marks three months since my dad dropped me off at Springer Mountain in GA. Hoo-ah!

Sixteen miles yesterday, two of them past 8pm. Managed to go up 5.8 miles in a little over two hours. Sometimes you just gotta go beast mode. And thank goodness I did 'cause pretty much as soon as i dropped my pack the sky completely opened up and and rained like crazy. The storm that I managed to hike just ahead of the entire day finally caught up. I also think my sleeping pad has a hole in it somewhere cause it was mostly deflated in the morning. I'll have to get that checked when I blow it up tonight seeing as I do have a patch kit. Let's put some more miles in these boots!

-Sam

6/3/2014

6/3/14                      Pine Branch Swamp Shelter

      Ten miles today and three of them through rain. Once my boots start sloshing I'm going to call it quits for the day. 

     5/23 I got into Marion and split a motel room with Spaceman Spiff. It was the weekend of the Hiker Homecoming, planned a week after Trail Days. It was a good idea, but when most hikers are going to be in motels on one side of town and everything's happening three some odd miles on the other side of town, no one's going to walk that. We get lazy in towns. Especially when there's a 50 cent shuttle during weekdays and not the weekend (The festivities were happening Saturday and Sunday). Spaceman and I did walk down there to see if anything cool was happening. Though there's nothing cool going on when there's more locals than hikers milling about, listening to the band, whatever. We did cross train tracks twice and assumed (incorrectly) if we walked down the tracks it'd be quicker than walking down the road. About halfway back we start to hear a train horn, so we pick up the pace a bit. It blares again and we're thinking 'oh crap...'. There wasn't much room to maneuver either side of the tracks. It blares again and we start full on sprinting down the train tracks trying to find a spot away from the rails. As the train lights start shining 'round the last bend, we find a large gap in the hill to the right of the tracks and quickly hop off. thirty seconds later the trains comes around the corner and cruises past us. We eventually get back to the room safe and sound and watch TV til about 2am.  That night was supposed to be a huge meteor shower - something like 200 meteors an hour - starting at 2am till 4am. We each managed to see a handful of them through the town's light pollution and conked out around 3. 
     The following day (5/24) we get out of Marion and I hike about eight miles while Spaceman Spiff went ahead.  Haven't seen him since then either. 
     The only other thing I've yet to explain is Fort Bastian. It's a campground run by Trubrit, and old SAS guy. It's more of a glorified camp spot that you can charge up your stuff. But he does cook breakfast which is extremely delicious and shuttles you into town.
     Pearisburg was also awesome, but for different reasons. My grandfather decided to come visit / hang out for the weekend! (5/30 - 6/1) It was wonderful to spend some time with him. I also managed to get my replacement Pacemaker trek pole (You guys are fantastic!!) and a summer sleeping bag. I also got a companion for a week or so depending on how tough he is. 
     6/2 I left Pearisburg for an eight mile uphill that was a fresh reroute they opened the day before (6/1). Haven't opened the book for what I'm doing tomorrow.

-Sam
P.S. went the extra mile and change to camp at The Captain's instead. 

6/2/2014

6/2/14                      Random Campsite

      Another new journal, but this one might stand up better than the other very floppy one. Eight-ish miles so far, trying to get another four but this site is nice. The shelter outside Pearisburg didn't have a water source and neither does the campsite I'm trying to get to. I'm going to camel up here then get going. I now know I have a lot to catch up on and will do so shortly (if ever).

- Sam

5/31/2014

5/31/14                      Doc's Knob Shelter

      Soooo I lied when I said I'd explain. At this point I'm eight miles from Pearisburg VA. When I'm in town later today I will do a legitimate recap of the last week.

- Sam

5/28/2014

5/28/14                      Fort Bastian

      Seventeen miles (two unintentionally) yesterday; five of which were during heavy thundering. Pen now sucks and will explain tomorrow

-Sam

5/27/2014

5/27/14                      Chestnut Knob Shelter

      Bitches be loud super early in the morning. Two of us were still sleeping. If that's the case then usually said person packs up and makes the rustling far away from the shelter. (far away being 10 feet, but it makes a big difference.) 

     Yesterday and the day before were very awesome. I hiked with David Bowie and Connecticut Girl out of the restaurant (5/25) for another ten miles (14 total). We ended up cowboy camping in some farmer's field near the VA 610. Saw some more shooting stars / meteors that night which was fairly sweet. Woke up yesterday morning to cows mooing at each other across separate pastures. Thankfully no cows were in the field that we decided to sleep in. Got about three miles done before we had breakfast. Ten miles (and several hours) in we had a midday siesta next to a pretty cool river. Fourteen miles total and up a 2,000 ft. climb and I was dead. Total yesterday I drank about 3 liters of water (twice what i usually have) and still ran out 2 miles from the top. Dehydration happens really fast out here. 
     Couple of milestones worth mentioning: 3 days I've climbed six mountains in thirty-five miles and I'm now solidly past the 1/4 mark.
     2 days left to Bland VA where a hot shower and resupply await.

-Sam

Moo!

5/26/2014

5/26/14                      Chestnut Knob Shelter

     So dehydrated. So awesome of a day. I'm gonna get a later start tomorrow and write properly. 

-Sam

P.S. Happy Memorial Day!

5/25/2014

5/25/14                      The Barn Restaurant

     Shit was awesome in Marion. The stupid Hiker Homecoming, almost run over by a train, saw a tortoise/turtle, saw a ton of meteors and found a different bubble all in one day. Whew! So far today I've gone 4 miles into Atkins, VA. The restaurant here has Sunday lunch buffet, so I'm lucky enough to be digesting that now. It's fourteen miles to the next shelter, which I could make. It'd just be really tough. Not sure where I'm gonna end up tonight. I'll explain my Marion adventure in detail later.



-Sam

5/22/2014

5/22/14                      Partnership Shelter

     Got here about 1p.m. This shelter you can order pizza! Well not here, at the visitor's center 100 some odd feet down the road. But still how awesome is it to eat Pizza Hut in the shelter? Very awesome indeed. There's a thing this weekend in Marion VA called Hiker Homecoming. I'll go into town tomorrow to see whats up. Ten nondescript miles done today. Hoo-ah!

-Sam

5/21/2014

5/21/14                      Trimpi Shelter

     I lost my journal! :( or at least left it behind, which is the same thing. I know Tex and Husker and all them would have it 'cause I'm sure I left it at their campsite. I was copying down my DnD character in it. Thank goodness I still have the actual sheet.

     Before I get ahead of myself, let's recap. my parents came out to Ohio Thursday (5/15). Friday (5/16) the three of us drove down to Damascus seeing as I left the trail there. Friday also happened to be the start of Trail Days which is a big hiker festival. Tons of thru-hikers (from all years) get together to celebrate the trail. All the big gear vendors set up booths where you can get new gear and get stuff fixed and whatnot. It takes place from mid May every year.  Saturday my parents and I hung around for shenanigans in Damascus. Sunday (5/18) my mom and I slack-packed 18ish miles over Whitetop Mountain with my dad. 5/19 we decided to do a smaller 8 mile section up beyond Mount Rogers. 

     Yesterday (5/20) we finished up with 17ish miles over Mount Rogers and through the Grayson Highlands. Wild ponies run around in that area and is one of the 'trail must sees' in Va. Sure enough we did see ponies. They were super adorable. My parents went back up to Ohio today; first day with a full pack in three weeks. I decided to take it easy only go five miles to here, Trimpi Shelter. Tomorrow is Partnership Shelter, the only one you can order pizza to!

-Sam

5/13/2014

5/13/14                      Youngstown, Ohio

     It's been a long two weeks, but probably because i haven't moved. I've been staying with my grandparents who were nice enough to pick me up from Damascus and drive back up to Ohio. May 1st was a Thursday, and the Friday I got up here I went to the doctors to get my ribs x-rayed. Thankfully nothing was cracked or broken; just a bad bone bruise. Got some pain medication and was told to take it easy. So that's what I've done the past weeks, takin' it easy and recollecting myself. Got some of my gear fixed, replaced other things, and even made an alcohol stove that I'm going to take with me. Yes, it's extra weight for now, but in the long run it'll probably be easier to carry than the canister stove I have now. Gonna do a trial run and send one of the two back at the next town i cross on the trail. Two days till my mom comes out here. Super excited!

-Sam

5/1/2014

May First                            Damascus, Virginia

     It's been a long week wince I last wrote a journal, but then again, isn't every week? I need to find a better spot in my pack to put my journal. every time i think about writing it's, "Aw man, I don't wanna dig through my pack, it's buried in there!" and figure I'll just write tomorrow. Or the next day. Or the next day... Well a week IS technically later, just a lot later than the initial intention. The only problem is anything after yesterday is a year ago when it comes to the trail.

     Last I wrote, I was about to get back to the hostel Mountain Harbor in Roan Mountain, Tennessee. or it was the closest spot to the trail when it started thunder storming (4/24). 

     The next day (4/26) after it stopped raining, four of us (Me, Wrong Way, Fromage, and Rocky Mountain High) decided to slack-pack since a guy Swashbuckler was going to get a shuttle 25 miles north regardless. He had gotten seriously sick by the time he got there and desperately needed to come back into town to see a doctor. That was about a week before i had got there and he was nearing 100% and ready to get back out there. The four of us were going to slack-pack and meet him at Kincora hostel for that night. Seemed like a great idea until Wrong Way and I took a blue blazed trail to see some pretty awesome waterfalls. I got some neat pictures, but my boots also found the most slippery rocks. I mistepped and all of a sudden my feet flew out from under me. I hit said rock with a loud THUD and got the wind knocked out of me. As i was on the ground, Wrong Way first made sure it wasn't too serious, then just sat back down and laughed at me for climbing over wet rocks in the first place. He also was initially taking pictures for/of me and proceeded to take pictures of me fallen down. When i regained the ability to breathe, I got back up and was alright enough, nothing broken for the most part but my pride. My knee was pretty swollen and I had probably bruised my ribs as well. It also didn't help that this was six miles into our 25 mile day. Oh boy, here come 19 loooonnnggg miles. Luckily i had shoved my first-aid bag inside the modified day pack I was carrying, but it was still a DAY PACK. i had to hike the nineteen miles to get back to the rest of my gear. That was a pretty big motivating factor. Long excruciating hike later and I made it to Kincora. It was past 8p.m. and getting dark quick, but i still made it, even if i did have to limp down most of the mountain.

     The following day (4/27) a largeish gorup of guys were going to get a shuttle to Damascus because one of the guys (Forest) was sick and needed to get into a town and he didn't feel like going backwards. My ribs and knee were still killing me and i was going to zero there anyway, I figured I might as well be in a real town, too. Besides it made the cost of the shuttle go down to split it an extra way; and it was only a fifty mile jump and can be done in one day (The fifty mile challenge on the Tennessee Turnpike). If skipping that much ever does weigh on my conscience I know exactly where to do a section hike later in life. 

     Since then (4/28 - 5/1) I've stayed up here in Damascus, with a few more milestones out of the way. I've hiked over 450 miles, as well as finishing off three states. Woo! But for now I'm getting off the trail seeing as my ribs hurt just as much now as they did five days ago. Hoping it's nothing serious, but my mom was going to come out in two weeks to hike with me anyway. Seems like a reasonable time to heal up before moving on

-Sam

4/23/2014

4/23/14                                Boone, NC

     So it's Wednesday and I left my dad Monday. He dropped me off where I finished slack-packing the day before (4/21 at Iron Mountain Gap) and hiked to Roan High Knob Shelter (13 miles). The last five were over Roan High Knob and so far were the most brutal. It would have been a bit better if it wasn't at the end of the day, or if I had eaten real lunch instead of just a handful of trail mix. However the top of the mountain / knob / whatever was kinda cool. There was a large open field where a hotel had once stood. A little plaque had said that it sat directly on the Tennessee/North Carolina state line with the line actually painted across the dining room and down the middle of the banquet table or whatever. Seeing as Tennessee was a dry county at the line and North Carolina wasn't, you had to be careful where to drink there. The shelter was also pretty cool. Not only was the the highest shelter built on the trail, it also had the most walls so far! You'd think normally that wouldn't be an issue, but this shelter was basically a house. It had a door and everything, it could even lock shut! You never realize how awesome a door is until you don't have one for a month.

     From there I only did 7.1 miles to Overmountain Shelter (4/22). Roan High Knob may have had a cool shelter, but this one at Overmountain was a barn. A ligitimate barn that was fitted for people instead of horses. it was really awesome, and i now can say, "i got to sleep in a barn!" Not that anyone would ever want to say that but its still sweet. It was raining all that day and none of us from the previous shelter [Me, Voodoo, Jenaayy, Sarge, Happy Feet, Shakes(peare), and Gargoyle] felt like going farther. The rain finally ended around 4p.m. which gave all of us enough time to pick wild ramps growing along the trail. yes, ramps. Imagine tiny bulbs you pull out of the ground that look like garlic cloves but taste and smell like onions. You can eat the entirety of it from the greens shoots growing out of it to the actual bulbs. The roots however you'd want to get rid of. Needless to say we had a massive ramp roast that night. We put them in tin foil with olive oil, parmesan cheese, salt and pepper and roasted them over a campfire. Man, they were delicious. Also managed to wake up and see the sunrise. Someone had asked me if i ever get tired of seeing the sunrise every morning, and I'd have to say never.

     4/23 I hiked ten miles to the 19-E which is a major road between North Carolina and Tennessee. I met one of my friends there who's going to Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina. it's about half an hour or so away from the trail, so not too bad. (Thank you so much for everything!) And now it's time for us to go party. To the bar!

-Sam

(Insert martini glass here)

4/19/2014

4/19/14                                Fries, VA

    ^ Great last entry, eh? As I started writing, things started happening rather quickly. Seeing as this is the now first page, I'm not sure where I stopped writing. 

     I arrived in Hot Springs the 14th at 9a.m. in the morning or so. Had breakfast and hung out in town the rest of that day. There was a resource center that took my picture, proving I was indeed in Hot Springs the 14th. I met another main Trail Angel named Queen Diva who was in charge of said center / house / thing. Also I think I never mentioned that in Gatlinburg I met Miss Janet who is also a well known Trail Angel. That night (4/14) I stayed in a tavern room with Husker, Tex, and Junebug. It was awesome; it was legitimately like an old school inn with a bar downstairs and rooms up the stairs above it. Though you could hear a some noise through the floor it was still worth staying there. I think it was called the Iron Horse Station.
     The following day it was raining fairly hard. The four of us decided to zero that day (4/15). What solidified that was the fact it also started snowing midday. Snowing at low elevation means definitely blizzard at the top of the mountain. I already did that once and vowed never to do that again. Besides, Hot Springs was the first actual trail town. The A.T. was Main St. There were 'white blazes' embedded in the sidewalk. So we never actually left the trail while still being in town =p. That night the four of us plus a girl named Turtle split the cost of a cabin which was kinda neat. 

     4/16 I managed to pry myself out of Hot Springs ans got to Spring Mountain Shelter, 11 miles away. Quickest time i ever hiked as it took me something near 3 1/2 hours. When I got there, HOLY CRAP! I ran into Craftsman! I thought for sure he and Grizz were at least a week or so ahead of me. Apparantly they had stayed in Hot Springs through 4/13 for a trail-fest thing that happened there. It was a Fri-Sun event that was the Hot Springs version of the Damascus Trail Days. Sadly I didn't know it was happening, plus I got there the day after on Monday. He had zeroed that day, as i guessed right, there was quite a few inches of snow up and around the shelter and he definitely didn't feel like hiking through it. We talked and caught up and stayed at that shelter for the night (4/16).
     The following day, I hiked about 4 miles down the trail at Allen Gap to meet my dad. Craftsman and I just kinda hung out at the shelter till 2p.m. or so. My dad wasn't going to be here before 6-7 that evening. My dad was kind enough to also give Craftsman a ride into Erwin, and we the three of us had some very delicious pizza that night. Craftsman ended up finding a spot in the hostel that night (4/17) and my dad and I got a hotel room in Erwin.
     The next day (4/18) my dad dropped me off at my Gap (Sams Gap) and I slack-packed into Erwin. That was a twenty three-ish mile day into the city. even with nothing but water, twenty three miles is long. It certainly classified as type three fun. Drove up to VA that night to stay with one of my dad's friends on their farm. It was pretty awesome and very nice of them to have us there.
     Today we're going back down to Erwin later today to hike a small day ( eight or eleven miles, i think) and stay in a hotel in Johnson City.

-Sam

P.S. I've also notice that from here on out I'm not sure how well my journals will be written in the way of content. A lot of what's been happening is circumstantial. Like that one time a guy named Impact dumped his pot of water over half the campfire. He was swearing and everyone else was laughing hysterically. I would find that a worthy story but I feel like it's a 'you had to be there' moment.

4/17/2014

4/17/14                                Spring Mountain Shelter

I haven't written in a few days, and a lot of stuff has happened.

B.A.T.H. by Sam

I hike 15 miles, and that's normal for me.
But I'm not crazy, I'm a thru-hiker you see.
I walked for 9 hours across mountains and streams.
Dreaming of nothing but hot Krispy Kremes.
Though now the privy's in use, to the woods I must go.
But I don't want to pee in the fields of snow.
I just want to stay in my warm sleeping bag.
Getting out in the morning is the biggest drag.
Cooking breakfast however, is well worth the cold.
Just don't wake to discover it's all covered in mold.
It will make you mad and tremble and shake.
Not having breakfast is too much to take.
One can't pack down without a belly that's full.
And when your water is topped your ready to pull
yourself up the mountains, down valleys, 'round cliffs.
But make sure to stretch or you'll become stiff.
When you think you are done and at the end
Just stop at the shelter, take a minute to mend
you're aching shoulders and blistered feet
but there are others here that you want to greet.
Someone you've not seen in a week!
You'll want to wave and call out their name
you laugh and catch up and talk of the fame
of walking from Georgia straight up to Main!
But now it's past dark and you're falling asleep.
So into your nice toasty bag you creep.
If you think this is crazy and are having no fun,
Just remember that this is just one
of the days that measure half a year.
But when you're done you'll want to be here.
Back where the trail will stretch for miles.
Bringing you nothing but good times and smiles.

-Sam (A.K.A Magicman)

4/11/2014

Leaving Standing Bear

The last couple days I completed quite a few milestones/achievements since starting the Smokies. I've hiked over 200 miles, I've hiked into three states, I've done a 20 mile day, and I've night-hiked. Almost forgot I also was at the highest point on the AT. The Smokies were very pretty, had a ton of fun, but will never hike them again. I would never want to re-hike this section, ever. Now that we're out, the group that I've been are definitely going to stealth camp. The forcing to stay in shelters thing in the Smokie over did it for me. It is also supposed to be gorgeous 'till Monday anyway so definitely gonna keep learning better ways to hang my hammock. Got a second camera and most of the pictures are of the last half of the Smokies. Won't send that back yet though.

SO glad to conquer the Smokies.

- Sam

4/10/2014

4/10/14                                Standing Bear Farm

16 miles from two days ago and 20 miles ending last night at 10pm. Not by myself and no regrets. About 3 miles today only, but I think my feet need a break. 3 days of good weather and 34 ish miles to Hot Springs, not zeroing here but might do so there seeing as Monday is supposed to thunderstorm. 

- Sam

4/9/2014

4/9/14                   Cosby Knob Shelter (resting)

16 miles yesterday to Pecks Corner Shelter and now 13 to Cosby Knob. A group of us however are going to night hike to Davenport Gap Shelter. First night hike so far, I'm excited to go! Night HIKE! From Davenport it's only 3 miles to Standing Bear Farm/Hostel. Instead of getting there after lunch, I'll be rolling in for breakfast. That doesn't sound like much nut that's HOURS of hiking saved which makes me happier. Also need to pick up a bump box anyway and will spend the night there. 16 and 20 mile days, you need a slight break.

**Made it the whole 20, got in at 10pm!

-Sam

4/7/2014

4/7/14                   Ice Water Spring Shelter

It is currently raining cats & dogs. I seriously hear barking. The trail so far has been a muddy trench thanks to the thousands of people who visit the park. With pouring rain it's as if you're walking up and down a stream. Definitely not fun, or at least type 3 fun.

(Editor's note: Sam will type out the explanation of Types 1-3 fun.)

-Sam

PS: I heard thunder and saw lightning. NOPE.

4/6/2014

4/6/14                                   Mt. Collins Shelter

Last couple days are a little blurry. There's also a bit too much to write. Long story short Gatlinburg was pretty awesome. Total redneck paradise; plenty of moonshine, plenty of wine, tons of food. Out Gatlinburg and back on the trail. Only 3ish miles cause we had to wait for Tex to get out of town. [He needed to grab some medication from CVS.] Either way I didn't get back to the trail till 12:00 noon. Supposed to thunderstorm tomorrow, we'll see how far I get.

- Sam

(Insert floating ninja here) <--- no idea

4/4/2014

4/4/14

Quick rundown of mileage: From the campsite, I hiked 11ish miles to Spence Field Shelter. That night (4/1 night) as the 10 of us or so sat around the camp fire, someone using the bear cables was like "uh.. guys? There's a big something over there..." We look over and sh'es backing up slowly. All of us immediately jump up with a 'holy shit!' mentality and look around the forest. I look over and see a bright shiny pair of eyes staring into the camp site. I look back to everyone and back at that spot and saw nothing. what we all agreed upon was that a long coyote came around and left rather quickly. Kept us all on edge the rest of the night. Especially when Grizz shouted "BEAR!!!..... April Fools!!"

-Sam

4/3/2014

4/3/14

Quite a bit of stuff has happened since the last time I wrote. However what's happening right now is there is a group of us trying to start a D&D game. Seriously, we're making Dungeons and Dragons characters. (Editor: Sweeeeet! Be the elf! Be the elf!)

- Sam

4/2/2014

4/2/14                   From Spence Field Shelter

I hiked 13 (ish) to Double Spring Shelter. Reason it's called that is you can get water from a spring in NC or a spring in TN. It was kinda neat. During the day I figured that being only 3 miles from Clingman's Dome, I could wake up super early and hike to watch the sunrise from the highest point on the AT. As I got to the shelter I found the whole group I've been hiking with on and off were there. They left me behind in Fontana when I had to take an extra zero due to the post office not being open till Monday. Funny enough they all were planning the exact same thing. The entire 9 of us were Luna, Lobo, Admiral Caboose and Catnip, Huskers, Tex, Junebug, and Treebeard. All of us got up at 3am to hike in the dark to Clingman's Dome. Sadly as it got lighter out we realized we were in a cloud. No views to speak of, just white swirling fog drifting everywhere. Doesn't matter though, I still was there as the sun rose. Went from there to Gatlinburg because I had run really low on fuel and would have run out of food. Thunderstorms kinda solidified the need of a zero. Onward tomorrow!

-Sam

4/1/2014

3/31/14  --> Hammocked at Campsite 118

4/1/14

That's it. I'm outta here. Only did 5 miles cause I couldn't leave till after 1pm. Got to the last campsite in the Smokies to pitch my hammock for the first time. Halfway through the night the hammock slipped and I found my ass painfully on the ground. I had to reset everything back up cause even the tarp ridgeline slipped lower. Did get it all set up, but in the middle of the night I heard an entire chorus of wolves. Like one would start howling and the entire forest chimed in to make the creepiest howling I've heard so far. Not to mention, first time NOT in a shelter and the farthest camp spot from everyone else. I go back to sleep once it's quiet again and wake up to something walking around. Everyone else was probably asleep and far away in their tents anyway. I swear one or more wolves were circling my tarp set up last night. I also heard it start raining. I woke up to find a mouse hole in my wet food bag.

Apparently they love climbing bear lines, specifically for that reason. I'm done. Most miserable night ever and only 5 miles into the Smokies. Screw this....

APRIL FOOLS!!!!!

Though I DID hear a crazy amount of wolves/owls last night, and it DID rain about 5 minutes, it was really nice.  My hammock worked perfectly (nothing fell down) and everything was dry this morning. Need to learn to tie a better tarp ridgeline. Going 11 miles to a shelter and will remain in shelters till the end of the Smokies. Hobey-Ho let's go!

- Sam

PS: Today feels like true first day of Spring

28th-29th of March

3/28/14-3/29/14                               Fontana Lodge

Took a zero and lost then found my journal. That is pretty much all that happened. The only truly noteworthy thing was that there was a sketchy guy that's been on the trail since Georgia. Earlier today he got a arrested. Way long story short he had quite a lot of drugs....

It rained all day today, the reason I took a zero. I don't think I'd have made it 7 miles uphill where it was gusting 40 (Editor: looked like *upside down carrot* 10mph; haha Sam) miles an hour as well as probably snowing  at the higher altitudes. Split a room with 4 other people. Tonight I'm sharing a room with just one other guy. It's fun getting a bed by yourself. Start the Smokies tomorrow with 13 miles. 70 miles is all it is; hoping to be nearly out by the end of the weekend.

-Sam

                PS: Sorry for my shitty writing

                                (Editor: It's okay. I still wuv you!) 

3/27/2014

3/27/14                                                Cable Gap Shelter

I seem to either A) forget to write or B) become too tired to write. the 25th I left the NOC a little later than expected. I got breakfast and had no motivation to pack. I figured that I could finish the chapter to my audiobook (Divergent) and then pack and go... About 3 chapters later I wake up at 12:10 and am like 'shit, I need to leave!' It was nice and sunny albeit a bit windy as I left. As I climbed it started flurrying. But at first I figured it may have just been shook off the trees but then it started actually started snowing. As I got to one high up large ridgeline it started snowing really decently. Halfway across it started really coming down. Literally sideways. I had never experienced a sideways blizzard, much less hiking in it; with shorts and my base layer. I did have my beanie on but I couldn't really stop without getting snow on everything. Snow drifts up to my knees made me really hate cold weather. Lost the trail, found it again, and miraculously made it to the first shelter. Not 16, just 7ish; to Sassafras Gap Shelter.

That night it got down to the single digits, too. The sleeping bad I have is a 30 degree bag; with the liner maybe 18ish degrees. But that night I kept waking up freezing. I managed to take a picture from the shelter that afternoon with snow everywhere. I woke up to the sunrise feeling like utter shit. I was nauseous and dizzy and still freezing. I couldn't/didn't want to move cause I was so cold. As I got back into my sleeping bad a couple that were leaving the shelter that morning were like, "oh we're leaving out sleeping bag here if you want it" "hell yeah!" I thought. I ended up wrapping their bag around mine, finally getting arm enough to pass out. I woke up a few hours later thinking, "I need to zero here. I still can't/don't wanna move." I was literally a day after already zeroing but I didn't care. It was either that or get off the trail. Another guy (Caveman) also zeroed and a few more people did eventually show up. That was the 25th.

This morning I woke up feeling much better and pushed 15.2 miles, 5 miles out from Fontana. Got here dehydrated as hell but still made a personal best. Today was fairly uneventful save for a small amount of Trail Magic for lunch. Met a couple (Deer and Doe) who literally stopped at the gap I was at on a whim. Got a coke, some trail mix and some moon pies for lunch. Actually I lied. the trail was slightly eventful. I had to climb "Jacobs ladder". You looked straight up the mountain, "you gotta be kidding me...." I basically was walking at 45 degrees because the path got that steep. (Editor: Insert picture of crazy mountain and stick figure here) Literally straight up the mountain. HOLY SHIT most difficult climb of my life. Supposed to rain tomorrow, but going to try to split a hotel/motel room with Lynx and Wrong Way.

5 miles in the rain, woohoo... least it isn't snow. Screw snow.

- Sam 

3/24/2014

3/24/14                                NOC

                Got here yesterday at about 2pm - 3pm with Catnip and Admiral Caboose. Also ran into Huskers, Luna & Lobo. They all decided to zero yesterday and left to do the ridicuous climb out of the NOC this morning at 9. I also learned that Craftsman and Grizz left the day before I got here, which means I almost caught up to them! They were 3 some odd days ahead so I was glad to learn that I was goig slightly faster. I got the care package my grandparents sent me today around noon, too. I think I can honestly say I've never been happier to see socks before. However one of the drinks they sent broke in the box and made everything sticky. It was a very "yaaaay.... oh god... why....?!" It made everything sticky. All the postcards were ruined and stuck together. It went from very happy to see socks to "how am I gonna wash and dry these!?" Last night I opted not to do laundry cause it was coin operated and I didn't want to deal with all the quarters, but I now had the perfect excuse to do laundry; besides the clothing I was wearing smelled awful. The downside is that after laundry I would be hiking till 7:30 which would mean some night hiking. I am not confident enough to night hike by myself yet. Also it is supposed to rain/sleet/snow tonight so I figured I might as well stay the rest of the day/night here at the NOC hostel. Here's to hoping to push big miles tomorrow, even through snow/rain. =/ 2nd zero day in 137 miles isn't a bad thing, right?

- Sam

PS: It's supposed to stop snowing at 8am so I might push 16 miles tomorrow

22nd-23rd of March

3/22/14-3/23/14                               Wesser Bald Shelter

                Yesterday I only hiked 10.6 miles. At Burningtown Gap a large church group had trail magic. Basically they were making as much food as you could eat. Fortunately for me I pulled into the gap right when they were finishing up breakfast and starting lunch so they 'almost' forced me to stay and eat both meals. I was trying to push for 15-16 miles but 1 1/2 hours later I was still at Burningtown Gap. The food was definitely worth staying around for, but I was trying to get to the NOC (Nantahala Outdoor Center). Either way I got to Wesser Bald Shelter at about 4:30. I could have pushed on, but ominous clouds were drifting around. It was supposedly going to start raining that evening and continue into today. As I sat here debating whether or not to leave, a couple from North Hollywood showed up at the shelter (Catnip & Admiral Caboose). The 3 of us decided to just sit tight instead of possibly getting caught in rain. Also the last deciding factor was that the NOC closes at 5, so we would have been stuck camping out in the rain. The evening became almost perfectly cloudless though and didn't start raining till about 3 am. But hey, they had whiskey, so I'm not complaining. 10am-ish now and I'm hoping by noon-1pm the rain will let up at least a little bit. Planning to stay tonight at the NOC. Gotta wait till Monday to see if they have a package for me.

- Sam 

3/21/2014

3/21/14                                                                Wayah Shelter

                I wrote the other half this morning but I thought I should add a smidgen more. 11ish miles later and a couple of mountains walked over. I snapped a pic on top of the bald but most of the miles were nondescript. Same kinda scenery all day. Either that or I kinda get tunnel vision looking at the trail trying not to trip.

3/21/14

3/21/14                The Microtel      Franklin, NC

Finished my night here at the motel. I had trouble getting to sleep last night. You'd think after all the time on the wood floors of the shelters, a bed would be welcome; nope. The entire time all I could think of was 'jesus this bed is too comfortable!' Seriously it was too nice and I couldn't sleep for a while. Thankfully Family Guy was on TV so I at least was entertained. Yesterday I went to the outfitters across the street and bought myself a hammock to sleep in. I'm no longer confined to just the shelters! -insert evil laugh-. Thought I probably will stay in one most of the time, anyway. They're really convenient and helps with the whole getting ready quicker. So far the earliest I've been able to roll out of camp is 9am, and I'm usually one of the last. Everything here is charged and ready to go, just have to finish laundry. Hobey-ho let's go!

-Sam

Shopping List

3/20/14

(Editor's note: No journal entry, just a shopping list for Franklin, NC. Comment letting me know if you'd like me to NOT post stuff like this.)

Franklin Shopping List:

- pocket knife
-gloves/mittens
-tights?
-snacks/hot drinks
-hand wipes/sanitizer
-bags (all sizes)
-food bag
- stove?
- thread
- hand warmers
- lighter
- stove foil/ wind screen
- spork
- paracord
- bandana (jumbo)
- aquamira (Editor: ??????)

3/19/14

3/19/14                Rock Gap Shelter

12.5 miles from Carter Gap. Either I'm getting better/faster or the path is graded better. Maybe a bit of both, but I finished at about 4. I was going to stay in Franklin today but the post office was already closed. I ended up bumping my supply box from Fontana Dam to Franklin. After getting a new pack I need a little more cash. Hopefully my box is there 'cause I also want to stay in a motel tomorrow. Hot shower, resupply, hot tub, candy, what's not to like?

The miles today were also very non-descript. Rhododendron both sides making a green canopy above your head. It stays like that for miles , it really gets worse later but I get why the AT is a "green tunnel". Also another milestone. First was the state line; second-today-is over 100 miles on the AT. WOOOOO!

-Sam

3/18/14

3/18/14                Carter Gap Shelter

12.5 miles today up one of the nicest mtns so far. By nice I mean not a steep grade. A long slow uphill will always win against a mtn with a straight up path to the top, if that makes sense. The morning was pretty awesome for hiking. The peaks and a few ridgelines were above the clouds; and clouds were everywhere. If you looked out, it seemed like you were island hopping from peak to peak between the white fluffy clouds. Sadly I didn't get a picture because my camera is all used up. Will have to pick one up in Franklin, amid other things. Also, as I was walking I had a lot of time to think. There's a lot of stuff most people wouldn't realize about the AT. First the barter system is alive and well. Examples are mostly with foodstuffs; "You have honey?! I'll trade some for a little peanut butter!" as well as trading Advil for some fuel or w/e  is necessary. Another is theft doesn't happen. Yes there are always shady people who will but that is like 1%. Most people out here realize, "Hey, if I take that, it'll just be added weight to my pack. Screw that!" Most people are also nice, anyway. Word spreads surprisingly fast on the trail. If you're an asshole, you can bet quite a few people in front of you will know and treat you as such. Which brings me to the final point. News travels way fast on the trail. Most people have at least heart of you one way or another. That and everyone will always crowd around to hear if it will rain, when the sun will let up, whatever is. The only thing more valuable than a weather report might be your spices of hot sauce. Seriously, hoping for 12ish miles tomorrow.

- Sam

(Editor: Will insert awkward drawing of a face later)

An Adventure Indeed; 3/17/14

3/17/14                Muskrat Creek Shelter

I realize now that the shortened version of the 2 1/2 day trek did no justice to what actually happened. Before I explain that, I have to quickly say what I did today. After zeroing at the shelter I did a simple 8 mi day. I felt well enough to continue an extra 4 to the next shelter, but figured that shelter was full. 16 of us crammed into there and most were going the 12 miles. Seeing as it fits 9, 13+ some odd people seemed cramped to me. Also, it didn't rain today but it was the equivalent of hiking through a cloud; foggy wet and damp. Not to mention windy and cold. I'm hoping to get an early start tom to quickly make those 4 mi disappear. Got some whiskey from someone to ward off the cold naturally, as well as sing a bit cause someone brought a mini guitar. Singing Beetles out here was kinda fun.

As for what happened with Craftsman, we made it to Bly Gap, just north of the GA border. With about 1 1/2 hrs of daylight we decided to take a shortcut down an old forest service road to go around a mtn.

(Editor: Sam at this point draws a picture of the actual trail and the road they THOUGHT they were taking)

However, since it was no longer serviceable (for cars) it was way overgrown with rhododendron bushes. The road ended abruptly, so what we did was cut up a ridgeline to a diff. forest road going in the same direction. Since about then it got dark, we camped along the edge of the disused road. Following day same thing happened. The road ended abruptly and we cut up another ridge to a diff road. Before we got to the end of that one we had run out of water and were both getting dehydrated. So we went back down the mtn to a stream. Now we were off all paths in the middle of a valley with mtns on 3 sides and the stream cutting down the valley. We got water there and camped the night there. Both nights were pefect as there were no clouds and was plenty warm enough. The following morning we realized that we now were nowhere, 2 days behind the other guys we were hiking with. Using maps we found the stream we camped by went down and followed a road into a tiny 'town'. We got into town and hitched a lift to the right road to get us back to the AT. As we were climbing the now correct mtn. A bunch of Jeeps passed. We managed to hitch a lift halfway up in one and learned that 40 some odd Jeeps were going through the mtns. It was the first GA Jeepfest or something like that. We got back to the AT that afternoon, on the 3rd day we left the trail. Sadly, the gap the Jeep took us to was still in GA, but hey, we were back on the trail. He pushed on to try to hitch to Franklin NC and I took a zero day at the nearest shelter. It was certainly one awesome adventure.

                PS: Now in NC and staying in NC.

(Editor: Will scan and add picture of shark that Sam drew) <---- here's a shark

-Sam

Day.... 3/16/14

3/13/14                Day 9                     3/16/14                Day: Whenever

I've stopped being able to tell what day it is. 3 days ago I made it to the GA/NC state line. As a way to circumvent 30 some odd miles, Craftsman and I decided to take a disused forest service road around and up a mountain. His topo maps made it look like a 10 miles hike from mile 78 to 93.2. Long story short we followed some roads for 2 days before realizing we were going the exact wrong way, as well as running out of water. We went 2 1/2 days (and 2 nights of cowboy camping) to end up 5 miles on the trail from where we started. He went on to try to hitch to Franklin NC while I took a zero day here at Plumorchard Shelter. 3 blisters and plenty of cuts and bruises made me zero here. Thank god I did cause the night I got here it poured rain. However at the end of my zero I feel good. I'll either go 8 or 11ish miles depending on the rain. Sadly, gotta re- hike out of GA now though. Read 4 or 5 people's tarot, too. Living up to the name Magicman.

-Sam. 

Random Poem

Untitled Poem

Tell everyone I'm on my way.
New friends & new places to see
With the sun beating down; yes
I'm on my way and no place I'd rather be
my bag is packed and hiking the miles
over the hills and over the streams
with enough weight to stagger a Giant
Doesn't matter when I get there, I'm doing it in style.

- Sam 

Day 8; 3/12/14

Day 8                     3/12/14

It rained a crap ton last night. I woke up to my food bag being soaked. The initial food bag I had, I sent back because it was majorly bulky, it wouldn't fit in my pack. I had decided to use my compression sack from my sleeping bag to hang my food. I was going to use that until I found a smaller, better food bag (which I did find in a hiker box). However I did also spray my compression sack with water proof/resistant stuff. However it didn't work too well. My bag was absolutely soaked through with water pooling at the bottom. Thankfully all my food was still in the ziplock bags so it was fine... I just had to deal with packing my sleeping bag away knowing it would get quite wet. Decided to take a zero day with Craftsman. It was a stupid price for the hostel though at $21 the redeeming quality is the hiker box here basically resupplied my food for the next 5 some odd days; enough to get to Franklin, NC.

                Tomorrow I cross the GA line into NC! Progress!

- Sam

Day 7; 3/11/2014

Day 7 (?)              3/11/2014

Seventh day... yet it hasn't been a week? I'm a little confused, but it has been 7 days since the 5th. "layed up" at Blue Mtn Shelter. 8 ish miles. Hiked with Craftsman today because the other two (Rabbit and Flipper) went father today. They're hiking far enough to make Hiawasse a simple resupply and get back to the trail. We're gonna meet up with them in two days thought not entirely sure where. They said they'd pick me up some food, enough to get to Franklin NC (5 days). Obviously I'd pay 'em back for it. Supposed to be super windy tonight, as well as rain. Not as much wind tom but it is supposed to rain a bit. I'll finally have a chance to use the tain gear I have. So far I've been debating whether or not to send it back. We shall see.

(Editor: Sam drew a tree. I will scan and edit this post later) <---- Here is a tree. I've only passed by a million of them!

                PS: Found my pen (Editor: THANK GOODNESS)

- Sam

Day 6; 3/10/2014

March 10, 2014

Day 6

Hiked ten miles or 11 miles today. And I never thought I'd be able to. The ten miles to Neel's ap completely killed me. However, I've gone further than that, and in less time. I know that it takes up to a month to get in true hikinh condition, but I feel like I'm starting to get in shape. Even so the next 2 days are going to be 8 miles each. For record I went from Neel's Gap to Low Gap and am staying at the shelter there. Nothing major happened today. Hiked with Rabbit, Flipper, and Craftsman. Hope we continue hiking together. They're a fun bunch.

                PS: Couldn't find my pen so I had to borrow one (Editor's note: It was pink. And this was also the page that got soaked in trash juice. Yum.)

- Sam

Day 4-5

Day 4/5: 3/8/14

Yesterday sucked SO much. Yet at the same time I wouldn't trade it for the world. I passed out about 20 mins after I set up my tent. Finished hiking yesterday @ 7pm. 10 miles up one of the highest mountains in Georgia. Blood mtn; named due to skirmishes between Native American tribes.

Made it to Neel's Gap last night and used my tent for the first time. But I'm getting ahead of myself here. Day 4 started out leaving the hostel. Rode back up the mtn with Fresh Ground who was refilling his water at the store. He was in the middle of making banana pancakes and bacon. It's hard to turn down food when he's practically forcing it down your throat. As I was about to leave *SNAP*. FFFFFFUUUUUUU. My hip strap and clip broke off. For the record your backpack rides your hips, not shoulders. The hip strap is the most important thing if you don't want to hate life and don't want aching, destroyed shoulders. 10 miles before was doable, but now? 40 lbs on just your shoulders is murder. One can't climb the 3 mtns to get to the next stop. Not without repairing it.

Luckily for me a guy by the name of Craftsman hands me a buckle, "yeah I took this off my suitcase cause it seemed like a good idea." I end up using the ends of my straps to tie the makeshift buckle on. I couldn't just sinch (sp?!) to pull it tight. I had to physically tie the buckle on. Seeing as it wasn't made to do that, it kept getting loose every about 20 steps. So every so often I have to stop and untie the buckles. retie them, and continue on. Amazingly every so often I'd round a corner to see Craftsman and Rabbit just chillin on a log with boots off. I felt like a caboose to a tiny train. Later that day after the 2nd or 3rd boots off break.

Another 5 mi and the 4 of us are hollering off the top of Blood Mtn. We totally effing did it. I hope to never see that effing endless mtn again. Down the other side was the welcome sight of Neel's Gap, the first major resupply place. 31 miles from Springer Mtn. Pitched my tent and conked out after eating a snickers bar. Snickers = new favorite candy bar.

----------------------------------------

Day 5 comes around for me later that night. I wake up in the middle of the night to see the entrance flap to my tent 3/4 above my head. I at first wonder why someone put an entrance on the ceiling. Then I hear it. A howling wind that completely filled my ears. I realize that I listened to the store owner where he said "nah, you don't need to stake down; even cowboy camp." (cowboy camp = no tent, just sleeping bag). Screw that guy and screw 60 mph winds.

Honestly, I'm not sure the wind dropped below 20 mph that night. I then realized there was no way I couldn't stake it down. Didn't know if I could even put stakes in. I had nothing to pound  them in if it wasn't the softest mud. The tent ended up flipping like that twice more. The only way I could stop it flipping (eventually) was to pull my pack inside my tent and use it as a weight against the onslaught of wind. My pack started that night between my fly sheet and tent, on the ground. I was so glad I decided to put my flysheet up. Without it I probably would have frozen solid. Woke up and haphazardly packed my tent up. 4 of us (me, rabbit, craftsman, and flipper) decided to take a zero day in Neel's Gap. We split the cost of the cabin; $60 total $15 each. Shower, bed, laundry, bought a new pack since yesterday, I'm ready to hit the trail.

                PS: changing my trail name to MagicMan. Same concept but rolls off the tongue easier, other 3 agreed.

                PPS: dunno how many pictures I've been taking anymore. (Editor: Thanks Sam... That'll make things easier :D)

- Sam

Day 3; 3/7/2014

Day 3: 3/7/14

Made it to a hostel/store. Wolf Pen Gap Country Store. A couple of beds in rooms above the store serve as a hostel kinda thing. $25 for a kickass bed, a shower and clean clothing. Not to mention some very amazing trail magic by a man called Fresh Ground. He sits somewhere on the trail and cooks food for anyone passing through. He'll sit there for ten days or so, move 100 miles up the trail and do the same thing. Calls it The Leap Frog Cafe. Started doing it 2 yrs ago and is mostly funded by donations. There's a karma box at the hostel. Take from it what you need (if anything) and put in what you don't need. Someone left some biscuit mix and coffee. Gonna use those and $5 as a donation. Cooked hot dogs fried in left over bacon grease. Best hot dogs hands down. Hiked today mainly with Rabbit and Weatherman. Met up with Smokey at Woody Gap too. No one was eager to push up Big Cedar Mtn. 1.5 miles up then down. Not to mention Blood mtn. After that is the tallest mtn in GA. Also met Prada today. He was SOBO hiking and planned to summit Springer today. Here I was thinking "Holy moly that's another 17 miles from here. Where'd he start the day?! And how!??" I asked him how and he just laughed. Started late August and hiked through winter. Hope he summited today. Definitely keeping the name MathMagician, though may shorten it to M&M. We'll see.

Staying at Wolf Pen Gap Hostel

(PS: 10 miles tomorrow may very well kill me)

- Sam [3 pictures]