theintentslife

Honey- we’re home!  That’s right, after leaving Maine to drive to Georgia on March 20th , we returned to Maine by foot on September 27th. It only took us 6 months and 7 days to get there.  But, just like when we arrived in Georgia by car, that was not the end of our journey, it was just beginning. Although we had just walked from Georgia to Maine, our end goal was still about 280 miles away.

One may think that with almost 2000 miles of hiking experience, that everything is almost a walk in the woods- think again. It seemed as though the real challenges had just begun.

We went from New Hampshire, where they say live free or die, to Maine- Vacationland or the way life should be. Although they describe it as vacationland and say that’s the way life should be- hiking and living in the woods of Maine , in the fall- is not really what most would call vacation.

Pre trail me said there was no way we would still be hiking the trail in October in Maine. Yes, we have hiked in Maine through some of the coldest temparatures, even in February when the temps are below zero. The difference between day hikes in Maine, and backpacking in Maine (when your only home is a tent) is that it’s freaking cold. When the day is said and done, or even the weekend backpack trip – it’s generally a chance to stop and get real food, a cold beer, all served by someone else- then go home to a shower and warm bed. Instead, when you’re hiking the trail – when the day , weeks or months are said and done- you add boiled water to your dinner and fall asleep with the dirt, dried sweat, and sometimes blood, and tears from the day in your tent, hammock, or shelter.

So, with all of the above being said, we were still on the trail in October, and still havng fun despite the cold temps. We weren’t quite ready to go back to “civilization” just yet.

Similar to previous states, the further north we got- the better the views. With better views, usually come more complex climbs.  Not more than 1 mile after we cross the border into Maine, were we doing hand over hand climbs onto large boulders, squeezing between crevices of rocks and rock sliding. Oh yeah- we were rocking.  

We had been on auto pilot for some time and here we were, in our 14th state, and have been out here for 6 months- and now we needed to think a little bit more in regards to where and how we should be stepping, and reaching for things. You get to the top of one giant rock obstacle, to then be able to see further and have to try to think about your next moves. I was a big fan of butt scooting on the trail, in fact- one of my most frequent words of advice on the trail was that you were never too cool to butt scoot.  But (no pun intended), despite being a regular fan of butt scooting down rocks, some rocks were way ahead of me and I would just slide right off. Luckily, Snorlax was generally close by to catch me and prevent me from falling over the edge. I ripped a lot of pants this way. 

Mahoosuc Notch was the first big test we had once we entered Maine. It is described by our guidebooks as the most difficult or fun mile of the AT.  It took some people anywhere from one hour to about three hours to complete. Generally, one mile takes us anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes.  Of course it rained the day before we were going over Mahoosuc Notch, and also sprinkled during our trek over this section.  It took us about 3 hours to complete this section.  We were having flashbacks of Pennsylvania a.k.a. Rocksylvania all over again. I felt like the cast of, “Honey I Shrunk the Kids” but with about 30 pounds on my back, and instead of going through grassy areas, we were going through the aftermath of  dynamite in a Mountain. In some sections you could hear a river running below you, and you knew that if something fell down there, it was done.  The same day we went up what is considered the steepest part of the AT.  The goal for that day had initially been 15 miles, but by the time those areas were completed, we called it good at about 7 miles.

Skye Stalker did not do the Mahoosuc Notch section. Although we believe she probably could, it would have taken us longer , as well as we did not want to risk her getting hurt. Luckily, my brother in law , Blake and my sister Missy had taken Skye at one of the last road crossings and returned her at the next road crossing. While we were out hiking the toughest mile in the rain, our trail boss was chilling on a couch, in a warm house, eating as much she wanted. It really is a dogs life.

Oboz sent us another pair of shoes. That marked our 4th pair on the trail, as well as our 4th season. We hit the 2000 miler marker not too long after we entered the state of Maine.

The state of Maine brought us tears of joy, and pain. Snorlax , amongst many other hikers had some days where they wanted to quit the trail. Our bodies were beat up. My left knee had some persistent pain which slowed me down a lot, especially going down mountains. I developed trench foot on my feet, which also affected my speed and enjoyment in hiking. I had also lost two toe nails by this time. I was ready to become a foot model.

Unlike R.Kelly, our minds were telling us yes, but our bodies were telling us no. We did not make it this far to just give up, but boy- was the trail really  testing us.

We had been in Maine for about a week when we walked into the Rangeley area, which is not far from Snorlax’s hometown.  His parents, my in laws- Greg and Jeanette- took us in and fed us some amazing home cooked meals, got us showers and laundry. They even took Skye again for some sections to let her rest up.   (they won’t ever let us get pictures of them so here is the closest I can get)

Piazza Rock, Saddleback and the Bigelow mountains were the next big milestones that we would be conquering.  While the cold was a downfall of hiking this late in the season, the colors make up for it. Fall is definitely one of my most favorite seasons in Maine.

If you find yourself in the Rangeley area and looking for a small hike, but also maybe a good place to do some business and play a game of cribbage with your friend, I recommend the Piazza Rock trail hike and swing by the shelter. The Piazza Rock shelter has a double seater privy, with a cribbage board. You do need to bring your own cards and may need to make your own pegs.

The Bigelows were beautiful. Not that anything else we have seen has not been beautiful. It was amazing to go through so many areas that I have never seen before and I had lived in the state practically all my life (minus a brief period that I went to college in NH).  Any picture I took along the trip, I instantly felt like it did not do it justice. In order to see the beauty, you had to just be there- in that moment- and nothing else.

One of our obstacles in Maine was fording multiple rivers. It was good and bad that we have had a drought this year because the bodies of water weren’t very high in some areas. This would make it easy to ford, but difficult to have a drinking source.  We were on somewhat of a deadline when crossing a section of the Kennebec River. There was a “ferry” (it was a canoe) service for this section as it is dangerous to cross on your own.The ferry service stopped October 11th, or you would have to call and pay for the service. We made it by October 10th. Skye decided that she didn’t want to take the ferry and swam across. Not sure she was expecting the water temp she jumped into but made it across safely.

The ferry was featured in a new artictle in one of our local papers: http://bangordailynews.com/2016/10/13/outdoors/new-appalachian-trail-ferryman-helps-take-hikers-across-dangerous-river/.

While we were close to home, we grabbed our cars and slackpacked ourselves for about 80 miles or so. Slackpacking actually didn’t make our trip easier like expected, and was actually more of a headache.  We slackpacked from Rangeley to Monson and called it good. We parked the jeep in the 100 Mile wilderness with boxes full of resupply food, and of course some beer. We did this so we wouldnt have to carry about 12 days worth of food through that stretch, and have a little bit a celebration drink with our trail fam.

Somewhere after the ferry, but before the 100 mile wilderness, Skye retired from hiking the trail. She had made it over 2000 miles. In one of her excursions of chasing a chipmunk, and returning with her pack lopsided – she was slightly limping. We removed her pack to see if that would help but it didn’t make much difference. Snorlax carried her to the next nearest shelter, which happened to be close to a road. Our friend Merlin slackpacked to where one of our cars were parked and drove up to get us and Skye.  She rested the night and the next day she seemed to be fine, but we knew it was a sign that she needed to go. We got her to my in laws where she remained for the rest of the trip.

The 100 mile wilderness some may be asking- what’s that like the 100 acre wood where Winnie the Pooh and his friends chill? Not exactly. It is generally considered the “wildest” part of the AT. Also considered one of the “most challenging to navigate and traverse”. Because this section is so isolated, food and assistance is not easily attainable- therefore they recommend you carry a lot. One of the pictures above is a sign which you see prior to entering the 100 mile wilderness. The boxes pictured above are filled with food, snacks, stove gas, and toiletries which Snorlax and I had left over from our pre trail prep. We filled the jeep with this stuff and parked it in the wilderness. The other picture above is our family just about to enter the wilderness. Look at the smiles in those faces. 100 miles left of this journey, and here we are- together, like we have been for the past 6 months. (from L-R: Snorlax,Shaggy, Musicbox (me), Game Warden, Spam, Sniper, Earl Grey, Frisky, NP, Pinky and The Brain, Tourmin, Mama Bear, Dayman and Hollywood). This is our family (missing a few in this picture).  

When we were parking the jeep in the wilderness- some other hikers ran up to us, asking us if we knew how close town was- because they were low on food.  It was a great feeling and perfect timing on their part that they approached the right vehicle, at the right time. We were able to feed the two hikers for another 4-5 days so they could make it to Katahdin comfortably.

Approximately 70 miles into the wilderness, we made it to where the jeep was parked filled with our goodies.  It was the best feeling being able to help other hikers. There had been multiple people who had run out of food and would have been in some tough spots if it weren’t for the jeep.  All my overplanning with food worked out for all the hikers. It was also a great opportunity to have my homemade dehydrated meals tested out by someone else other than my husband.

The last few days we encountered some snow on the top of Whitecap Mountain, and fought some rain.

Above photo courtesy of The Brain 

We had some near death encounters which could have been caused by crazy fires, or slipping and falling, and maybe some from people getting hangry and emotionally drained. I remember at one point slipping while going down a mountain and going flying in the air, parralell to the ground. I landed hard on my back right on a rock and a root pertruding out of the ground. If it was not for that backpack I was wearing, our trip would have ended a lot sooner than planned. It’s these moments where I need to just step back, sit down and take a deep breath.  I did not make it this far to just end my trip like that.

There we were, less than 100 miles left to Katahdin. We could finally see her. We have been chasing her for months now, and she’s just been sitting here looking pretty. After over 2000 miles, and over 6 months of snow, rain, humidity, heat, scraps, bruises, poison ivy, trench foot, and various injuries, lack of showers, dirty smelling clothes,tears, bland food and spending time away from our comforts of society- she didn’t even dare show her face. Those clouds were blocking the first chance we got to see her. But at this point, we were able to tell her that there was no stopping us now.

 

Prior to summiting Katahdin we stopped in Milinocket. This gave us a chance to pick up a package from our trail family who left in Harper’s Ferry- Cheesus and Two Step. We also picked up some balloons for the summit. In the box from Cheesus and Two Step were some personalized flags for Pinky and The Brain, Game Warden and Snorlax, Skye Stalker and I (amongst some other awesome treats). The flags were customily made by them – therefore made with love.

We summited Katahdin on October 19, 2016. The skies were blue and there were clouds, but they kept moving fast- just like our emotions. It took us 6 months and 27 days. Dogs are not allowed in Baxter State Park where Katahdin is. Skye stayed with my mother and father in law until we finished. Skye was there in spirit. We summitted with some of the best people ever. We were the kids who slept late and procastinated because we knew it wasn’t a race. It was all about the smiles, not the miles. Many said we were behind- but behind what?  We just had the journey of a lifetime. We gave up so much to be able to go after one of our dreams. And despite how tough it got at times, we pushed through and made it. We were surrounded by some of the kindest people we have ever met not even while just on the trail, but also on our summit day.  I still remember getting dropped off from Gainsville to Amicalola Falls from the cab driver who ripped us off on the fare, but also said we wouldn’t make it 6 months in the woods. Well you’re right Mr. Cab Driver, we didn’t make it 6 months. We made it 6 months and 27 days- so put that in your pipe and smoke it.

Pictured below are Daddy and Wakka, other family members who were not there when we summited 

We arrived in New Hampshire,  the state known for its motto,  “Live Free Or Die” on September 8th. We have been so busy living free and trying not to die that we haven’t had much time to keep this blog updated! 

We walked into New Hampshire directly into the city of Hanover (rather than in the middle of the woods).  As we walked through the town,  in our stinky hiker attire,  the locals passing by in their cars were yelling out their windows,  asking if we needed a place to stay.  We kindly declined due to us having our hearts set on the free pizza slice for hikers and eighty cent PBR beers awaiting us at Ramunto’s Pizzaria.  

Sitting in the Pizzaria,  enjoying our free slice and cheap beer-a hiker special, we were surrounded by Dartmouth College students sporting their pastel Polo shirts,  Sperry shoes,  clean shaven and tidy haircuts.  They smelled of Old Spice and Axe, and we smelled like old spices and looked like we should be carrying axes. It was “Thirsty Thursday”  for these college kids and us hikers were thirsty too but for multiple reasons. I tried convincing our friends to crash a college party but they weren’t down with the idea… Thinking back to my college days, crashing the party wasn’t necessary. 

It wasn’t until this night that I would be able to say that I’ve been to an Ivy League school.  Multiple thru hikers set up tent city behind the athletic fields of Dartmouth College.  At this point of the trip I felt as though I’ve earned my ability to say that because I have had poison ivy all summer.  

Continuing with our living free life we got some free donuts from a bakery named Lou’s and a free bagel.  We got a chance to get discounted showers at a senior community center and did laundry.  Hanover had easily been the most hiker friendly community in awhile.  

Not long after leaving Hanover we got a pleasant visit from our friends Carrie Jo and Alyssa. In tote those fine ladies brought some trail magic of all sorts and we visited Carrie’s meme who lived in New Hampshire. Meme made us an amazing home cooked meal and dessert. The chicken and biscuits were amazing,  as well as the homemade strawberry shortcake , even homemade whip cream! Meme also sent us off with other treats so luckily we were able to share with fellow hikers. 

Shortly after we entered the White Mountains of New Hampshire.  

The white mountains cover about a quarter of the state of New Hampshire and a small portion of Maine. They often described as the most rugged mountains in New England . It’s also often said that by now we have done two thirds of the trail but only a third of the work.The elevation gain/loss of hiking the entire Appalachian Trail is the equivalent of climbing Mount Everest 16 times. At this point of the trip,  I’m definitely feeling as though we’ve done some work! 

Our first real big mountain of this section was Mt.  Moosilauke.  Measuring in at 4802 feet,  it had been the first mountain above treeline if not ever,  in awhile.  The talk of the trail was Moosilauke for the next few days.  We were like kids waiting for Christmas… or a big exam. 

Overall,  the climb up this mountain was amazing. We started the hike with about ten of us,  and by the time we reached the top,  and hung out for a little bit-more started showing up.  All those kids who sleep late and procrastinated  arrived on Moosilauke that day. September 13th. Why do I remember that day? Because I’m a little bit superstitious and find 13 to be unlucky.  But also because it was the eve of Snorlax’s and mine three year wedding anniversary and wouldn’t want to celebrate without our friends and family.   The views were amazing as well and it was a moment where you were reminded of why the heck you were out there.  We were all meant to be here for reason but the reason was yet to be determined. However,  whatever the reason it was for good intents and usually in tents. .. And often could be intense. 

The white mountains were the start of the last chapter of this journey and you started to see more than what you saw at the beginning.  

New Hampshire was exciting on multiple levels.  We were so close to were we used to call home, as well as so close to the finish. Best of all-we got to see more friends and family we had not seen awhile or had even met.  My sister,  Missy (aka as Weenie to me), her husband Blake and the youngest of their pups Wyatt came to visit. 

Missy and Blake fed us with beer and pizza (weird,  I know – like who likes those things?)  and helped us resupply. I also got a chance to get a new pair of pants which were needed due to the fact that the current ones were too big.  What I gained in knowledge ,  I probably lost in body weight. 

We finally got a chance to hike the Franconia Ridge section of the trail which we have seen featured in many popular backpacking photos and articles. As predicted, we were not disappointed. 

The next big exam was Mt.  Washington.  Known for its most drastic weather changes, and overpriced chili (amongst other things).  Snorlax and I were up there this time of year last year and I was knocked over from the wind and bundled in some of my warmest clothes.  We lucked out this year had beautiful weather,  and clear skies. 

We were able to watch the sunset on Mt Washington. However,  due to taking that  time to watch the sunset,  didn’t leave us much time to hike on to the next shelter which was more than five miles away.  And what use to take us two hours to do,  could take up to five hours now as the terrain was much more challenging.  That night ten of us humans and a Skye dogg slept in the dungeon of the Lake of Clouds Hut which was about a mile south of Mt. Washington.  The dungeon is the emergency shelter at Lake of the clouds,  the Harry Potter room of the huts.  The room is not even the full basement of the Hut and alledgeally sleeps like 6 but as always,  we proved that to be wrong and squeezed ten and a dog.  

We then hiked up Mt.  Washington again because it was so much fun and not cracked up to be as scary as some make it seem. .. Despite the lists of deaths that occur on that mountain displayed at the top. 

It was Mt. Madison,  the neighboring Mountain which we found to be the next big challenge. Still above treeline,  but only 5366 feet,  the winds seemed about 50mph or more that day and we could barely keep ourselves up. The winds blew off our friends glasses,  and we could not even hear them yell for help as the winds were so loud. 

Another exciting thing to happen in New Hampshire?  Oh Missy and Blake visited again and got to meet most of the trail family.   As well as Snorlax,  Skye and I got to meet Mama Bear’s mom, Jennifer. 

Jennifer helped us slackpack the wild cat mountains,  and also watched Skye so she could rest up while we did some bigger mile days . New Hampshire had definitely been more challenging than other states.  Being above treeline put us at higher risks of getting hurt if we hiked in the rain and other not ideal weather conditions,  and also slowed us down.  Having the support of family really helped us out.  Much love to Jennifer, Missy,  and Blake… And of course the rest of our squad! 
Other Notable trail angels: Lost Camper, Mountain Dude, Some Butter, Trash Panda and Cosmo the dog.  They hooked us up with some trail magic of tasty treats including Dog goodies. Also- Dennis the menace who hooked us up with safety supplies,  wood and Kindle, as well as a squeekie tennis ball for our trail boss. 

Being in the final two states,  we started realizing how far we had come and how little we had left.  We grew so much,  as well as our family.  It was the ideal trail mix-sweet, spicy and a little bit nutty. 

We started to embrace our lifestyle more and more.  We had experienced some of our longest stretches without traditional comforts like showers,  shaving, laundry and those other things like cell service.  We were finally unplugged but felt so much power outdoors and with each other.  We were home. 

It was the first time I got myself in a situation where I had to wipe my toosh with a leaf. The first time I had to poop first,  and then dig later. The first time I learned to snap. The first time I cried on the trail aside from a time I needed to drop our dog off at a kennel and she couldn’t hike with us.  I learned to French braid (somewhat). Ya know – just live free or die type of everyday things. 

New Hampshire –  you tested us,  but showed us a lot. We will be back,  until then- happy trails. 

We Left Front Royal,  VA with more motivation than usual.  We likely had more motivation knowing that in less than 100 miles we would not only be reaching over the 1000 mile marker on the trail,but also soon after hitting the psychological halfway marker on the trail: Harper’s Ferry,  home of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy Headquarters.  

While it was raining when we arrived in Front Royal,  it had stopped by the time we left and once again the heat was on (metaphorically and literally speaking). We have gotten more comfortable with our pack weight and routines by now that bringing some wine in a bag or transferring a bottle into a Gatorade bottle and packing out some hot dogs isn’t out of the ordinary the first day we leave town.  Bringing the comforts of civilization into the woods helps us from going a little bit more crazy than we already are.  

There are days where we have contemplated eating the fungi around with hopes that it will give us super powers and make us faster like Mario and Luigi would do. 

The shelters along the trail seem to keep getting better and better the further we move north. The shelters are the dream club houses I had as a child.  Part of our diets are the dream diets we wanted as children. Candy all day long, chips,  cereal high in sugar and wait… There’s a challenge to eat a half gallon of ice cream coming up?  I don’t want to grow up-I’m a Toys ‘R’  US kid…or just a kid trapped in an adult body (However I’m pretty sure my feet are the same size as the average 4th grade student).  And the pain we experience in our feet,  knees and backs some days makes us feel like we may be pushing 80 years old.  

We are grateful that although growing old is mandatory,  growing up is optional.  Life is a playground and don’t forget it. Out here on the trail is like Neverland in the movies of,  “Peter Pan” and, “Hook”. We eat bowls of Ramen, imagining something more.  We are all out there for different reasons and while we may not be looking for our shadows,  we are sometimes looking for something more of ourselves.  We have fake names that are often simple but ridiculous. 

You introduce yourself and people may respond with,  “oh that’s a funny name-how’d you get that?”  Never in real life is that a common response when I say the name my parents gave me… And it’s OK. I often wonder that if the person who gave you your trail name is considered “your maker”  like the vampires in the HBO show True Blood.  

We made it to the 1000 mile marker within a few days after leaving town,  with the biggest issue being trying to coordinate enough people to do our own rendition of Vanessa Carlton’s song,  “1000 miles”  by the sign.  While we may not be the next winners on The Voice,  we had fun (video on our Instagram and YouTube). 

Soon after that big milestone we not only left Virginia,  but flew right through West Virginia,  then Maryland and have now entered Pennsylvania.  We made it to Harper’s Ferry which as mentioned is the psychological halfway point,  then made it past the official halfway point!  

When we left Harper’s Ferry,  we left missing some essential pieces of our hike-2 pieces of our trail family.  Unfortunately,  Cheesus and Two Step have left the trail . While we hate to see them go,  we understand that they need to do what is best for them and we will support them. We met Cheesus and Two Step the first day on the approach trail on the climb to Springer mountain back in GA.  Like the family we have back at home,  our trail family will always be our trail family no matter where they are. A shout out to Cheesus and Two Step for making over 1000 miles and to the unofficial official halfway point. 

While Trail Magic hasn’t been as common as it was in the beginning and further down south,  we keep receiving the occasional trail magic which always brightens our spirits.  A big shout out to, “The Real Deal” who provided us with a nice cold beer,  conversation and some safety supplies.  

Curtis,  Tanya and pup Mocha who are caretakers at one of the awesome shelters in PA,  brought us some cold sodas and provided some for us to take up the trail as well (which gave us energy to push on) 

There’s always the unintentional trail magic as well…

Snorlax,  Skye Stalker and I decided to do some night hiking recently to beat the heat and get miles in.  We wanted to get to Pine Grove by Saturday to do the half gallon ice cream challenge. I spent the last five miles of the night hike whining about how my feet hurt and doing a frantic dance to get the moths and bugs from flying into my head lamp and face.  When we were approaching the shelter around midnight it was a surprise to us to hear people up still,  and having a fire. They soon signaled us to this hidden trail.  When we could finally see some of their faces,  it became evident based on the fact that they were wearing jeans and had coolers that these people were not hikers,  and we were not at the shelter.  

Turns out we ended up at a local hang out spot in the woods for some young  adults.  They provided us with some beer,  safety supplies,  some live music by the fire and even a foot massage.  They loved hearing our stories of the trail and we enjoyed the socialization of non hikers and the amusing discussions they had amongst themselves. It was a great,  unexpected way to end a night hike.  

Game Warden, Snorlax,  Skye Stalker and I  hiked into Pine Grove soon after ready to eat some ice cream (Skye didn’t get ice cream). We had a light breakfast to save room for Ice cream, and a black coffee because we heard it helps balance the acids in your stomach. Snorlax and I started with black raspberry,  and Game Warden with mint chocolate chip.  Because half gallon tubs of ice cream aren’t actually half gallons,  once you finish those tubs,  you go and get a pint of another ice cream.  We all went with vanilla for our pints. I finished in 56 min 58 seconds. Snorlax finished 1 hour and 20 minutes.  Game Warden finished in 1 hour and 59 minutes.  The wooden spoons that we received weren’t as grand as we expected but we heard it’s what you need to get into Kathadin. 😉

It took us about a full 24 hours to recover.  And for the first time in my life the thought of ice cream was making me sick for pretty much all of those 24 hours. 

With all that ice cream in our bellies we weren’t ready to hike and needed a place to stay.  The hostel in town didn’t allow dogs (much like many of the places we have come across lately since we hit WV and further north).  We tried staying at the Pine Grove State Park but that was full.  The ranger there let us at least take a shower there before we attempted to waddle the trail with bloated ice cream bellies. It wasn’t soon after our showers our luck had changed.  A couple nearby heard of our situation and let us set up our tents on their site.  George and Kat were from Maryland,  camping for the weekend.  They just started getting more into hiking and backpacking and were full of questions.  Of course we were happy to help,  especially since they were so gracious to us. They also introduced us to giant Marshmallows,  and now s’mores will never be the same. I’m hoping this time next year I’ll be reading their blog about their journey on the Appalachian Trail. 

We have just entered Pennsylvania and most hikers have been calling it Rocksylvania due to all the rocks.  Recently a couple we know hiking with their dog had to send him home due to the rocks,  heat,  and lack of water.  The pup also developed a hot spot. We are staying positive and taking extra caution with  our little pup hoping we do not need to do the same.  

We are finding right now that prices are going up in rooms and everything else,  and places are less accepting of dogs the further north we go.  This has caused longer gaps in between showers,  and stays with real beds-hence the lack of posts.  That’s something we did consider pre trail and have been pretty lucky so far with everything so we aren’t complaining. 

We are happy to be back in the north and more than halfway home. A lot has changed in the past few months and so it  will be nice to be back in familiar territory.  We have heard of this new thing called Pokémon Go since we have been out here… my next adventure is likely going to be trying to find out how many points are owed to us because I’ve walked more than 1100 miles with a Snorlax…if anyone can help me figure this out-just comment below.  

Aah yes,  in the summer time when the weather is hot,  you can reach right up and touch the sky.. or so it feels that way most days in the mountains.  When the weather is rainy and thunderstorms however,  Skye Stalker doesn’t like that and you don’t get very far. 

We left Daleville with our feet happy and our skin kissed by the sun from spending too much time by the pool.. But a well deserved pool day it was.  We ended up taking an extra day unplanned but it allowed Cheesus and Two Step to catch up with us.

The weather was still warm and sunny at the start of the week.  The berries are starting to make an appearance and it makes us berry happy. 

The first day of summer on the trail is also known as naked hiking day.  Naked hiking day is just that,  you hike naked.  Snorlax and I decided not to participate for many reasons…chaffing as one of them..the smell another… And let’s not forget about my last poison ivy incident which still haunts me. We didn’t run into any naked hikers either which we are pretty grateful for.  The last thing I’d want to see is a sweaty,  unkempt, sausage or bush with the chance of prints of Alligator skin as a result of the pack straps leaving imprints. 

We spent most of the first day of summer at the Bryant Ridge shelter.  The shelter slept 20 and was like every kids club house dream come true.  This low mile day due to our long break was unplanned (as most of our days) but fun.  We didn’t want to take that shelter for granted and had to give it some attention.  We continued our never ending game of rumy which started in Hiawassee, Georgia, utilized the squirt guns and just took some time to rest our feet. 

The heat went down within the next few days once the rainy thunderstorms and tornado warnings kicked in.  There were nights it seemed like the tent was going to blow away and next thing you know we’d be following the Yellow brick road instead of white blazes on the trees.  Skye Stalker does not like these storms (not ideal for anyone really) so getting her to hike was a challenge.  It slowed us down  a lot and really put a damper on our own spirits.  We made it to Buena Vista,  VA for a night to stay a little bit dry and warmer than we were.  We were out fairly early the next day back on the trail with some rain but nothing like it was.

We decided to pack out hot dogs to cook at camp which helped keep our spirits high and appetites full. 

We saw a rattle snake for our first time.  It was right on the trail heading north like we were.  Luckily I saw it right before I was about to step on it.  The snake then coiled up in the striking position and did not move from the trail.  We backed up and waited.  It kept rattling.  We eventually had to bushwack around the snake to get to our camp for the night.  (We are working on trying to upload the video to our website on YouTube and Instagram so please keep an eye out for that).

Also new this past week, we have a new hole in our third tent.. Looks like we may go on four tents.

We saw a guillotine which was cool.  Talk about being stuck between a rock and a hard place.

We also hit the 800 mile marker within this past week and had our 3rd month anniversary on the trail.  We are less than 200 miles from getting to Harper’s Ferry which is the official unofficial half way point of the trail. 

In honor of the three month anniversary with the trail,  we leave you with this little tune (please use 12 days of Christmas tune)

In the first three months of hiking the mountains gave to me:
Chaffing on my thighs
Poison ivy on my butt
Bruises on my feet
A diet of peach rings
Snorlax stepped in terd
3… Oh wait 4 ripped tents
Lots of Snakes, deer and cubs
And a partridge saw me pee