Saturday, April 27, 2013

Pig Pen Passes 400 Mile Mark with Pops

Quick update on Pig Pen. He sent me several pictures last night from the past week or so. All is good and he has some company right now other than Kara. Mom dropped Pops off at Roan Mountain to start hiking with him on Thursday for about a week. She will pick him up sometime next week in Damascus, VA.

Unaka Mountain

Unaka Mountain

First trail magic beer

Tired Pup 


Barn converted to a shelter past Roan Mountain 

That's the barn from up high 

Hump Mountain 

Kara on top of Hump Mountain 

Jones Falls 

Kara at Laurel Creek Falls 

New trail swag 

Getting ready to go! Kara sure was excited to see her Pops. 

Pop's pack. 



He made it past the 400 mile mark with Pops. They stayed in a cool hostel there.

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

341.5 Miles, Erwin TN and PICTURES!!!

Hey folks,

Happy to say I made it to Erwin, TN Norovirus free (although I'd say about 30-40% of hikers I saw on this last stretch had gotten it). The past 68 miles from Hot Springs flew by, and were full of different terrain and beautiful features. 

These pictures were from a tough section of trail called "Firescald" where my data book strongly suggested to bypass due to strenuous, rocky, terrain. So of course I hiked to the top to find these views worthwhile. While up top, I did come across a man in his 50's who could not figure out how to navigate the terrain at one point. We saw a white blaze, looked around, and saw no more trail. I looked straight down over a steep ledge and saw that the trail dropped straight down about 10 feet before continuing down. I led the way and he lowered his pack down to me and was able to make it down as I provided spotting for him.




With the help of some local knowledge, I learned that these are from three Union sympathizers in the Civil War, ambushed here by Confederate soldiers on their own property; they were seen as traitors being in the south. 


One of my favorite sections so far. Very beautiful forests, pictures just don't do it justice.




 TRAIL MAGIC. THE BEST TRAIL MAGIC EVER.

Saw this sign at a shelter just before Sam's Gap and pretty much jogged there. 

 This is Quiet Paul, a Trail Angel. He's thru hiked NoBo, SoBo, and is now working on section hiking the AT. His wife recently passed away and he moved to Asheville so he spends a lot of time doing incredible trail magic. I sat there for an hour and this is all I learned about him, he's definitely a man of few words letting me know that his trail name was not one derived from sarcasm. But he fixed me the biggest plate of hashbrowns and eggs I've ever seen.


Trouble, Quiet Paul, and HoBo (Homeward Bound). 


Waaaayyyyyy in the distance is Big Bald, the highest point visible in the picture. In less than two hours from taking this picture (5 miles from this point) I was standing on the very top.


Same vantage point, just zoomed in.


Big Bald again

Sorry, no pictures from up top, I think I was too focused on food and after eating I laid on the ground in near coma enjoying the sunshine and a temporarily full belly.  Not sure if this video will work, but I just found it- I did manage to get some evidence of Big Bald.

And, the final picture from this section- a rainy hike into Erwin.

Actually spending a day or two at home changing out some gear and cleaning clothes and spending time with the family before I get too far north. I'll also get to see Kaity for a day or two and then she'll run me make to Erwin on Sunday as I prepare to head into a beautiful stretch of trail leading towards Damascus, VA. (with four more legs than I came home with)
As Always,  thanks for all of the support. This hike has already been an incredible experience and I am thankful for the opportunity. I hope this inspires some of you to get out and make some adventures of your own. Until next time, Pigpen.

Monday, April 15, 2013

Dan Heading out of Hot Springs

Dan left Hot Springs yesterday morning.  Robin and I are planning to drive up to Erwin, TN and resupply him Wednesday or Thursday based on his timing.  A lot of the hikers are contracting the Norovirus in the Hot Springs area and getting very sick, so Dan will be avoiding the shelters for the next several days.
Leaving Hot Springs

View from Rich Mountain Tower

Move over and share the trail !

Friday, April 12, 2013

New friendships in beautiful places

Hey all! Not a very good internet connection but I wanted to give a quick update. I’m staying with Kaity for the weekend again in Hendersonville. It’s nice to see her again and give my legs a break from all of the 20 mile days. Also nice to enjoy the luxuries of fresh food, a hot shower (apparently Kaity thinks I needed one), and clean clothes. The past week on the trail has been my favorite so far. I broke the 20 mile barrier and can feel my legs getting stronger. The Smokies were gorgeous, I had beautiful weather all the way through although the trail conditions were still quite icy and muddy at spots. It’s been great making a close bond with Walker, who has quickly become my closest friend on the trail. Walker is a retired Navy veteran, having served for 23 or 24 years, involved in conflicts such as Desert Storm. A commander in rank, Walker spent most of his Naval career as a helicopter pilot but also taught some classes in the Navy. After finishing up his duty in serving our country, he spent about 8 years teaching at a college in Virginia. Recently retired, Walker and his wife hiked the Camino de Santiago, a famous pilgrimage in Spain featured in the Martin Sheen flick, The Way. Becoming more passionate about long distance hiking, Walker found himself with a desire to hike the AT. He is an incredibly fit and strong hiker and is on pace to finish the trail in about 2/3 the time that it takes most hikers. I am getting behind a bit by spending the weekend off the trail, but he has plans to spend some time with his family soon and hopefully we’ll be able to reconnect at some point. Enjoy the pictures, and try to imagine just how beautiful those places are in person. The sunrise at Rocky Top where I left Memaw’s ashes was almost overwhelming, and it was a very emotional experience that I’ll never forget.

As always, thanks so much for following the blog. Everyone’s support is very motivational and keeps me going, especially on the tough rainy days. Stay tuned for more updates as I prepare to head into Virginia soon!

-Pigpen

Pig Pen's at Hot Springs NC 275 miles !


Just a quick update to let everyone know Dan is doing well and has made it to Hot Srings NC.  His knee is holding up and he has been hiking with a new friend "Walker".  He and Walker hike at similar paces and have been doing 20+ mile days for the past week or so.   Here are some photos from the past week and hopefully Dan will find some computer time to give us some details.
View from Clingman's Dome


Pig Pen and Walker at Clingman's Dome



Campsite between two streams
Charlie's Bunion
Pig Pen
Dan at Max Patch
Max Patch Bald
Max Patch Bald
Max Patch Bald



Snow Melt on Trail in Smokies

Plane Wreckage
Pigeon River at mile 240

Walker at Pigeon River
Walnut Mountain Shelter
Trail Magic !

Hot Springs NC !