Location: Seth Warner Shelter It rained on and off last night. When we woke up this morning, a cold mist swirled in the air. The temperature had dipped into the 30’s in the night and the wind blew at the high altitude. I stayed warm all night in my zero degree sleeping bag, unzipped. I […]
Redcoats and Ghosts in the Rain – AT Thru-Hike Day 72
Location: Unknown Shelter Well, Flying Tortoise snores. He sounds like a chainsaw. I suspected that he might when I saw him smoking American Spirit cigarettes and choking on phlegm. He wore a manicured handlebar mustache and a bushy ponytail. He’s from California. When he turned off his headlamp to go to sleep, he fell asleep […]
Thru Hiker Breakfast Moldy Bagels – AT Thru-Hike Day 71
Location: Unknown Shelter I didn’t sleep well last night on the picnic table at the Spruce Mountain shelter. I tossed and turned and killed spiders until around 1:00 am. I could still barely hear the snoring of the old men. They all began snoring after I left. The night was cool though, and it calmed […]
Hitchhiking and Manchester City – Appalachian Thru-Hike Day 70
Location: Spruce Mountain I woke up at Lost Pond Shelter after the northbounders staying there had already eaten breakfast and packed their gear. They were three older hikers who all needed their time in the mornings. I jumped up at 7:30 on the spot and was packed before they knew it. I ate my usual […]
Appalachian Trail at Lost Pond – AT Thru-Hike Day 69
Location: Lost Pond I’m feeling pretty down. I have stopped for a long lunch at Little Rock Pond shelter. I am not tired from yesterday’s 20+ miles, but my left knee is killing me. I’m on the edge of tears because of the physical and emotional pain. The knee hurts like crazy, but every time […]
Appalachian Trail Rebound – AT Thru-Hike Day 68
Location: South of Minerva Shelter My first 20 mile day. Finally, I had the determination to pull the miles. Actually, it wasn’t just 20 miles I hiked today, but nearly 22 miles. I crossed several mountains including Killington at over 4000 ft. I don’t feel exhausted after the miles. I am tired, but not completely […]
Detox at Pico Camp – AT Thru-Hike Day 67
Location: Pico Camp I woke up this morning feeling significantly better though I was starving. I hadn’t eaten anything yesterday and everything that was in my stomach I threw up. The rain fell hard this morning in a frightening thunderstorm. The peak above the shelter was certainly hit by lightning. The wind blew loudly through […]
Sobering Up At Pico Camp – AT Thru-Hike Day 66
Location: Pico Camp I woke up this morning feeling worse than I did yesterday. I got sick as soon as I crawled out of my tent just before Noon. I packed everything up immediately and returned to the Blue 4Runner to say goodbye to Charlie, Outlaw, Ninja and Thirsty. I could barely focus enough to […]
Drinking Problems on the Appalachian Trail – AT Thru-Hike Day 65
Location: Sherburne Pass Today I woke up with a considerable hangover. I packed everything in my bag and crossed the field to visit with Ninja who was already cooking over the Coleman grill. I ate a few blueberry pancakes that he made and then a bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich. The sandwich was one of […]
Digging Deep Rut outside Rutland – AT Thru-Hike Day 64
Location: Sherburne Pass I slept through my work for my work for stay this morning. I was supposed to help Cashen in the café. I took my time getting out of the hostel this Saturday morning. I visited the farmers’ market in town and the local bookstore. I decided not to buy anything. I visited […]