From the horse's mouth

So I know I stopped updating and writing in my journal. The only reason I could do this and keep everybody updated with my hike is because of Mom. I can't thank her enough for all the work she did with my blog, pictures, and keeping, apparently, all of Brevard and half of the western world up-to-date with my progress. She put WAAAYYY more effort into this then I ever expected or asked for. If she hadn't of helped me out so much, I don't think my hike would have gone this smoothly.

Thank you Mom!

I also stopped writing in my journal because I got tired of summarizing the same thing day after day. I felt that my pictures did a better job of highlighting the exciting parts of my journey, and expressed what words couldn't. It was very difficult coming into camp each night and doing all the things I needed to do and then write in journal - plus journaling has never been my thing. Enough excuses!

I think one of the toughest things about the trail is dealing with friends who drop off. The hardest one to deal with was when Brunch got off the trail. We were supposed to meet up the night I got back from New York City, but he called me that morning and broke the news. The good side was that I got to see him in NYC before he caught a bus home. He was extremely generous and gave me 2 days worth of food - this ended up saving me a shopping trip in the Big Apple and thus probably $40 or so. Thank you Brunch.

Drop offs are expected early on in the trail, but I guess after 700 miles I expected that you were locked in. However, Brunch dropped out for the right reasons. He was no longer enjoying his hike, and could still make it back to Asheville in time to start the fall semester and thus graduate on time. I will admit I was disappointed and shaken up when I got Brunch's voice mail. At that point in the trail, I had been hiking by myself for about 3 weeks when I last saw Buffalo in Rutland, VT. Even though I was hiking by myself, I wasn't alone. I was tripping over north bounders - up to 25 a day. It was fun for a while, but after Brunch caught me in Manchester, VT and then I got behind him, I was looking forward to hiking with him again. By the time I got into New York, I was tired of repeating the same conversation (or close to the same conversations) every night, and wanted a friend to hang out with. The NoBos were also tapering off - in fact, by the time I got back on the trail in Pawling, they had all but disappeared and this crowd was questioning if they were going to make Katadhin by October 15. New York marked a low point for me on the trail and it continued into New Jersey.

After Mt. Greylock, Massachutes, the trail enters a "stretch" of low elevations. This stretch last about 500 or 600 miles (from Massachutes into Virginia). Gone are the days of 5000'mountains (that was in New Hampshire). Gone are the days 4000' mountains (Also in New Hampshire). Gone are the days of 3000' mountains (Mt. Greylock, Massachutes). GONE ARE THE DAYS OF 2000' MOUNTAINS (Bear Mountain on the Mass-Connecticut border)!!! You have entered the low-lands. The AT travels through the Pine Barrens of New York and New Jersey - where the water is scarce, brown, and smelly. In my opinion, the trail should never pass through these areas. There are no hostels, save the Mayor's House in Unionville, NY (more on that later), the towns are all far from the trail because hitching is illegal and the towns I went in to were not set up to handle hikers, the weather is muggy, the mosquitoes are fierce (they made Maine look docile), everything is expensive, the water sucks, the shelters are trashy and don't have good water sources (there were several that I wished would burn down for there own sake, a "mercy kill" if you will), there are no mountains, and the views are all hazy because of the pollution and low elevations. I suffered through all this by myself - I was never closer to thinking about quitting then in the mid-Atlantic region. I hated these two states so much that I hiked big miles just to get through it. It was a lesson in doing what is needed just to survive.

I hiked without seeing another through hiker for about a week or so after I got back on the trail. When I got into Unionville, NY (which is actually in the New Jersey section of the trail) I ran into Root Beer Float (RBF). He was actually thinking about heading out that day, but I convinced him to stay another day so that I could hike with him. I was so desperate for another hikers company I would have, and did, hiked with anybody. RBF was a great hiking companion, and we hiked with another guy for a while who was not a good hiking companion.

I never realized how close you become with other hikers. I still talk to Brunch, and he misses the trail, but doesn't regret his decision to get off the trail. It was amazing how his decision affected me. I don't want to say that he quit, because very few people quit. It seems that most people who drop off become section hikers or attempt another through hike. Quitting would be someone who leaves the trail and never comes back - everything else is just a set back. I admire Brunch for his decision and honesty. I think a lot of through hikers stay on the trail because they want to save face with people back home, or just aren't truly honest with themselves. I always had the attitude that when the trail was no longer enjoyable, it was time to go home. Fortunately, I still enjoyed the trail. When I couldn't enjoy the the everyday parts, I focused on enjoying the challenge of pushing big miles. Unlike Brunch, if I had ever decided to drop off, I know I would have regretted it every moment and might not have even attempted another through hike.

AT Mile 2,176.2 November 21st This 2009 SoBo Thru-Hike is complete!!!

ON TOP!!!



The view is fantastic!!!


Zombie is the 45th SoBo to complete his Thru-Hike.

Stats at the ATC show 214 left Mt. Katahdin this year (they close Baxter State Park October 15th) 107 have checked in at Harper's Ferry, and 45 have made it to Springer Mt. by the 21st of November... The first 5 SoBo hikers to reach Springer signed in March. They left Mt. Katahdin, ME in 2008, and did a "winter hike". It will be interesting to find out how many finish by the end of this year...

Back to the trail...
Zombie woke up early Saturday, and enjoyed the 7-mile hike from Hawk Mt. Shelter to the Springer Mt. Parking Lot to meet his family. We all came to join the fun in hiking the last mile to the top.

Dad/Chris began hiking the last 30 miles with Zombie/Andrew, and had been looking forward to this for a long time. To his dismay, he discovered walking our hills five miles a day, 3 + times a week without a pack is not the same conditioning as hiking the trail with a 35-pound pack plus hauling that pack up and over Blood Mountain's 1,500' vertical rise and decent. 10 miles on his first trail day was a good start, but by the end of the day, when he couldn't lift his feet high enough to go up steps, he realized he'd slow Andrew down too much if he continued with him. Dad/Chris' hip joints were screaming in protest, and his Celebrix was not giving him any relief from the discomfort. He called home at 4:30 and said "I'm on top of Big Cedar Mountain. It's beautiful here. The view is great. The day was really nice. My hips are killing me, I can't lift my legs, so I'm done, and I need a ride out of here in the morning." Chris is familiar with this part of North Georgia, from the many Boy Scout hikes and camping trips he took with our boys years ago. He knew the road, GA60, was a mile away, but the next road was 20 miles, at Amicalola Falls State Park. We happen to have friends that live 3-miles away, in Suches, GA, and they were home, and very gracious to pick him up at Woody Gap Friday morning, to drive him to Amicalola Lodge. Thanks Ruth!!! You were a life saver - I was 4+ hours away, and since Scott and John were riding with me, I couldn't leave until after school was out at 3:00. Ruth's kindness allowed Chris to have a pleasant Friday exploring The Falls and short trails at the Lodge.

Saturday morning at the Lodge....
We were sitting at breakfast Saturday morning, watching the clock, enjoying breakfast, catching up with Tiger/Matthew, when a couple came over and introduced themselves. They recognized me from Zombie's Blog. Their son, Krammin', was coming in on the trail with Zombie and the others. We had fun exchanging stories and excitement of the day. I really want to say thanks again to Krammin's parents from Ohio and express my appreciation for their "Hiker Feed". They hiked a half mile to the Hawk Mountain Shelter carrying charcoal and a grill for steak, potatoes, and all the fixin's dinner! Complete with homemade cookies and brownies ....enough to feed all 7 thru-hikers on their last night on the trail. I had heard the guys mention something was happening at one of the shelters, back at Neel's Gap, but didn't realize it was anything like this... I knew the guys were really hoping they would be there to enjoy the fest ivies especially since it included FOOD :-)

Meanwhile brother Scott and John, a family friend, enjoyed a big breakfast at the Lodge. They took off early because they had planned to hike the 8.8 mile Approach Trail from Amicalola Falls Lodge to Springer. These two are Cross Country Runners, and are now training for the Winter Track season, so they were looking forward to the 18-mile hike up and back. Mom/Harriet, Dad/Chris and brother/Russell opted for the 32 miles road route, to the Springer Mt. Parking Lot off of the Forest Road. Andrew was waiting on us... and happy I remembered to bring a bottle of champagne! We realized Scott and John would approach from a different direction, so we began our part of the Thru-Hike.

We were as excited and giddy as kids on Christmas morning! What a neat hike... The signs and the guide book say "It's 0.9 miles straight up from the Parking Lot." I was relieved to see it really was just a steady upward gentle rise. The path was a bit rocky, but not difficult at all. We came around the last corner, and heard happy voices from the others that started ahead of us...

Yes! We've all made it to the top!!!! Hikers, family, friends and we are all thrilled to be there! Zombie lets out a really loud "holler" followed by lots of laughter, big hugs, and everyone dazed and amazed at the beautiful view that is before us! This day was an answer to many, many prayers! and we give thanks to God ><> !!!

Pictures tell the best story... so click the link in the header "What Have I Seen?" and enjoy the day with us!

This is my final post....I'm turning Zombie's Blog back over to him! His is the story you want to read, and so do I :-). I expect he'll enjoy adding his post - trail thoughts, so stay tuned. He has many pictures to label and post. They'll pick back up at Snickers Gap, VA and continue through Springer, and they'll be fun to see. Patience please, I'm sure it's going to take him a bit of time... besides, Thanksgiving is coming, we have lots of family to see... and Zombie/Andrew has a trip to Northern Virginia, to see Ground Support/Kelly next week.

All the best to each of you that have been part of this journey. We've gotten to know so many wonderful new folks, while existing friends have become like family from this adventure. I'll say "Farewell" but not" goodbye". Walk safely and be surefooted, exuberantly seize each day, and enjoy all our Creator has made.

With thanks,
Mom/Harriet

AT Mile 2145.5 Neel Gap, GA November 18-19, 2009

30 miles to Springer Mountain! Zombie gains a fellow hiker... Dad/Chris !


The last few days, the last few miles... See the photo's (Click "What I've Seen" above) to tell the story from the past two days... The group shot is Dad/ Chris, Zombie, Six-String, P.I., Tiger, Smokey's Friend, and BroTucky. They will complete their hikes on different days, for different reasons, each one for family that will be meeting them.

We will be seeing you Saturday at Springer Mountain :-)

Thanksgiving will be extra Happy having our hikers home!
Mom/ Harriet

AT Mile 2134.7 November 17, 2009

41.5 miles / 4 days to Springer Mountain!

Andrew called from Hiawassee, GA yesterday, while he and 5 other hikers had come into town for a quick re-supply. He really sounded excited as he discussed final plans to meet his Dad, Chris, at Neel's Gap, south of Blairsville, GA. Dinner tomorrow night, then they will set out for the last 30 miles on Thursday morning. Russell, Scott and I will be waiting for them on Springer Mountain Saturday!

Zombie has been hiking with Tiger, BroTucky, Fugeo (it means fire), Six-String, and P.I. for the past while. Tiger plans to finish Friday, Andrew and Dad/Chris on Saturday, and I forget which day the others will come in, some are meeting folks as late as Sunday.

What a wonderful journey this has been! It has been a long time since I have "unfurled" the AT Map I got from the Park Service back in May. When I started looking at the map, about 8" by 4' in length, to get familiar with the geography of the AT, it seemed surreal. Then I folded it back up, and have kept it open to the section that Andrew was hiking on... Each day I put a little dot with the date beside the dot, that represents each Spot transmission we've gotten over the past 23 weeks. It was just easier to stay focused on the small section of the map... Today I opened it up, to show a friend, and I now see the map's length with a new prospective! Wow! It is really a long, long way!

(I hope you can view the AT map on the right side margin. I copied it from followers "Pat and Mark" blog and an error message is showing when I view the blog. Anyway, Mark's Trail Name is "Country Runner". He has some wonderful pictures and hiker notes. He's also a SoBo '09 hiker that Andrew has hiked parts of the trail with... in fact Mark has a picture of Ledge and Zombie/Andrew you might enjoy as well. :-))

Never would I have expected we (the friends and family back home) would make so many new friends on a hike we've barely walked on! One can only imagine how many friends the hikers have made! I can say, our lives are much richer because we've met as kindred spirits, by providence. Things happen when an eleven year old dreams and sets their heart on that dream!

Once again, let me say how much your interest in Andrew's thru-hike has meant to our entire family... Your thoughts, prayers and comments have been so supportive! Your inquiries, your sharing your stories while listening to our stories have kept the events exciting for us, which has given us peace for our son. Thank you!!!

In all ways, we give thanks,
Mom/Harriet

AT Mile 2,041.4 November 11, 2009

134.8 miles to Springer Mountain....

We received a surprise call from Zombie/ Andrew tonight. He's staying at the Nantahala Outdoor Center (N.O.C.) Bunkhouse. He's still hiking with Tiger and they caught up with 6-String a few days ago. Andrew originally met 6-String back in VA before Andrew took some zero days in Blacksburg.

Since Zombie/ Andrew left Hot Springs Nov. 4th, he and Tiger finished the Smokey Mountains late Monday the 9th, when they arrived at Fontana Dam. He said the Smokies were simply beautiful and the weather was perfect! No, he didn't see any bears, and he was hoping he would... He did see a Park Ranger... the second one he's seen since he began the Thru-Hike. There was a clear view on Clingman's Dome, early Sunday morning. They could see for 72-miles and were even able to see Mt. Mitchell. There were only 4 people on the observation deck that early. Standing 6,643' the panoramic views were simply beautiful. They hiked 20 + miles a day thru the Smokies and made a quick trip of it.

The guide book did not give warning that the re-supply store at Fontana Dam closes early, so they arrived late in the day, and the only thing opened was the Post Office. There was no place to find and purchase food. Fortunately, a previous Thru-hiker by the Trail name "Hopeful," had decided to put on "a Hiker-Feed" and they were able to fill some hungry belly's. The rain started Monday night, and was non-stop until this morning. (We've had 5" of rain fall, and inch of it during the day today, and we're still getting rain on this side of the mountain, but fortunately theirs was a dry day, so his pack was able to dry out even though his shoes were still wet.) At least his clothes and sleeping bag were staying dry.

Once again, there was no warning that the NOC would not have food available "this late in the season" everything has closed early. So he and the two fellow hikers had to hike a mile down US19, a dark, curvy road with no shoulder, to the nearest gas station to get hot dogs. Poor Zombie/ Andrew... he hasn't eaten hot dogs since he was a little fellow... he doesn't like them what so ever...and that is ALL there was available for food. He managed chow down 4 and then said, enough... Guess home cooking is going to be a welcome change in about 11 more days?

Zombie/ Andrew planned out the rest of his trip, and knows exactly which shelters he'll be in each night. He will spend the night in Franklin Friday, but just an over night. He has no zero days between Hot Springs and Springer, so he's on track to start his hike with Dad/ Chris on Thursday, Nov. 19th at Neel's Gap.

BTW... National Geographic had a special on last night called America's Wild Spaces, the Appalachian Trail. Aunt Megan called to tell us about it, by the time we found it, it had been on about 20 minutes. Then Dad/Chris found we could view it on Demand, with Direct TV, so we got to see the whole thing. We've recorded it for Andrew to watch when he gets back home.

The last shelter on his last night on his Thru-Hike, is 8 miles from Springer, so they'll be able to have a leisurely hike and still make the summit by lunch time on Saturday, November 21st. I've called, made reservations at the Lodge, and verified there is indeed a Forest Road, that goes to the Parking Lot a mile from the top. It's a 32-mile drive, or an 8 mile hike from the lodge. Not sure about the brothers, but I'll be driving to meet the two of them on the summit. Friends and family are encouraged to join us.... We can't wait !!!

Blessings always, in all ways,
Mom/ Harriet

AT mile 1904.5 November 2-3, 2009 An unexpected and special "Zero day"

Hot Springs, North Carolina
is last trail town for SoBo Hikers. Zombie overlooks the French Broad River just before getting to town.

When Andrew called on Friday, from Erwin, TN we were reviewing his schedule. When I heard him say he was going to take a Zero Day on Tuesday (November 3rd) I asked if he wanted to take a Zero Day at home??? (Zero Days are non-hiking days) He knew his Dad and I were planning all along to meet him for lunch in Hot Springs, but once I realized how close by it was, I told him we'd be happy to bring him home, and take him back. He said, "Wow! I never thought about doing that, but sure! That would be great!" I asked him if it was possible to let me know how many other Thru-Hikers he was traveling with might want to come too since it would determine if his Dad and I would travel together or only one come to Hot Springs that Monday. He said he'd try to get a cell phone signal and send me a text. (Typically he only turns his phone on when he resupplies in towns, but this was an understandable exception.)

7:00 a.m. I got his text message: It's just me and Tiger, so you and Dad can meet us in Hot Springs about 1:00 p.m.

Chris and I had a lovely drive discovering a new part of the state we had never been to. We arrived in this charming, quaint town, known for it's natural hot springs. Since we were early, we drove around to explore things a bit, then parked at The Smokey Mountain Diner, famous with the AT Thru-Hikers. The AT Trail is literally the sidewalk on the opposite side of the street, in front of the diner. (The diner, and other places in Hot Springs were written up in the recent October's edition of Southern Living... read about it on page 26). We asked the waitress if we could wait on the front porch till our Thru-Hiker arrived, and were told "by all means!"

... Rocking on the front porch, I'm knitting, we're both waiting... then Dad Chris sends Andrew a text "Hurry up... I'm hungry!" (that's "love you, miss you, is everything OK" in guy-speak :-)) Shortly afterward, Andrew sends a text back "In town, but had to stop at the Outfitters...be there soon" Chris goes to the sidewalk with the "AT" symbol embedded into the cement and stands waiting... When I asked where was the camera, I discovered we obviously had a communications mix-up about getting it into the car before we left home, so my only pictures of the reunion hugs between father and son are on my cell phone, and written on my heart.

We get to meet Tiger (aka Matthew) from a town near Hershey, Pennsylvania... he gets hugs too, since he's adopted for these two days. We head on back to The Smokey Mt. Diner for lunch... now there are THREE hungry guys! It was a Chamber of Commerce perfect Fall day, so we found a sunny table on the back porch, and enjoy catching up while our "Hiker Specials" and a normal hamburger for Mom are being prepared. It was fun to watch these guys eat...everything, including half of Chris' too big hamburger, fries, and my too many onion rings. Good thing I knew to cook up lots of stuff on Sunday afternoon... There were feasts waiting for them at the house!!!

We headed back to Bluff Mountain Outfitters so Chris could purchase the few things he needs to be prepared for his 30-mile section hike when he meets Andrew at Neal's Gap in NE Georgia, to hike the last 30 miles with him to Springer. Andrew and Tiger had already purchased their permit needed for The Great Smokey Mountains, but they wanted to re-supply, and mail some food to the next mail town so they would only have to carry 3 days of food. The mountains surrounding Hot Springs are beautiful... and steep!!! A lot of up and down elevation changes lay between mail towns, so any lightness to their packs will be very helpful. Chris and I had seen the place where the trail leaves town to continue southbound... about a 300 feet off the road, it ascends to a ridge, looking more like a wall than a trail to me.

None the less, we enjoyed Matthew and Andrew's visit. Too brief, but great to have the unexpected fun in having them home. We thought Ledge and Country Runner would be joining us, but they were a half day and full day behind because Ledge was having shin splints and needed to ease his pace for a few days. Tiger and Zombie were hoping to meet them when they returned to Hot Springs, and checked in for their overnight at Elmer's Sunnybank Inn, a hostel legendary to the AT hiker community since 1978. It's known for the delicious gourmet vegetarian, organic meals, where no one goes away hungry... (after splitting a pound of bacon and a pound of sausage for breakfast, with an inch of ham, pastrami, turkey with cheese for lunch, their bodies probably appreciated a vegetarian dinner! Ha Ha!) At the Inn, there are several big porches, a music room and extensive library and many other wonderful things to make a hiker feel at home. It was dusk, and too dark to get a snapshot of the lovely Victorian home when I dropped them off, but it was light enough to see it's quite nice. There's a historical marker out front, so I'm sure there is a wonderful story about it that we'll learn over Thanksgiving once his SoBo Thru-hike is completed.

I caught a glimpse in Andrew's Trail Journal where he'd written 11/2/09 Trail Day + 145...

271.7 miles remain...

Look for a special adventure in your day today, and find blessings within the adventure,
Mom Harriet

AT Miles 1863.4 - 1872.2 October 31, 2009

Happy Halloween :-)

It was one of those days when it rained, and rained, and rained... and it looked to be raining all over the world. Zombie and fellow hikers were all hiking at a different pace, so it was as if they were all alone, in the constant cold rain...

As the afternoon progressed, a North Bound hiker was crossing paths with Zombie / Andrew and asks "Are you Zombie? Well there is something up ahead for you on the trail..." So four miles later, There is an unexpected surprise!!! Trail Kindness (I know... the AT hikers call it Trail Magic) decked out in holiday fashion :-)

Now how in the world did I find the trail way up in the North East Corner of Tennessee, where the trail keeps crossing into North Western corner of North Carolina??? I'd say it was by Providence! Like so many things that happen on the trail... Back in May, I was at Carolina Blinds in Hendersonville, purchasing blinds for our home. Some how it came up about Andrew hiking the AT... Wayne, the owner said to be sure to have Andrew call if he needed anything when he got into their town. The next time I was in the store, I asked if I brought a "surprise" would he be willing to put it on the trail that goes through his family property? He said he'd be happy to! I called the week before Halloween to see if it was still OK, and he assured me it was. Wayne and is wife, Sue, were both at the store the day I took a small cooler filled with two frozen dinners I had made and put up in the freezer... The dinners were stored in "boil-a-bags" because I thought it would be helpful after a long day of hiking. There were candy bars, packages of Nido dried whole milk, Slim Jims, an 8-pack of Gatorade, and a cute Halloween card tucked inside, along with a scare-a-crow mylar balloon, a bag labeled 'for Zombie', and another labeled 'for AT Thru-hikers' that might be coming by. I was aware of 4 hikers that may happen by, but one never knows, so I sent plenty for everybody!

Wayne and Sue had their nieces and nephews help make a sign for Zombie, and carefully loaded it all up on their 4 - wheeler, topped off the "surprise" with a cute scare-a-crow they had to go along with their sign and my Fall balloon motif. I had no idea they were going to help decorate the trail... but it was totally appreciated by all the hikers! A few hours after setting out "the Trail Magic", Wayne went back out in the rain to check on the first sign the kids had made, especially since it had been raining constantly all day. He decided to go make a second sign from plywood to insure it would still be holding up by the time Andrew came by... he noticed a few empty Gatorade bottles, so he knew the hikers were traveling through. Based on Andrew's SPOT location the evening before and knowing his usual hiking pace, I expected him to be by between 2 and 4 p.m.

When Andrew arrived, (at 4), he recognized our little cooler, and had fun checking out all of the goodies. He said when he saw the frozen dinners I'd made, he knew instantly what was inside (two of his favorites - enough for two people or one hungry thru-hiker!!) HOWEVER, unbeknown to me, he did no have enough fuel to boil water long enough to thaw them out and heat them up... and probably the most important reason, "the weight, Mom, do you know how heavy that is when you have to carry it 4 miles?" Of course I didn't realize that... The only time I have walked 4 miles, I wasn't carrying anything :-) We laughed when he was thanking me for the surprise. I was glad I had told Wayne and Sue before hand, "if for some reason Andrew doesn't take the food, y'all will have two home-made dinners that are our family favorites, Texas style Chili and Chicken and Dumplings, to enjoy if you want them..."

Once again, new friends are made by simply walking in the woods.... Many, many thanks to Wayne, Sue, and "their kids" for all they have done! Several hikers got to enjoy some Southern hospitality along with "TREATS" for Halloween!

May your trails be happy and filled with fun,
Mom/ Harriet

The 80% Mark!!! October 24, 2009 AT Mile 1747.8

Vandeventer Shelter is 428.4 miles from Springer Mtn. To put it another way, only 20% remaining miles for Zombie/Andrew to hike on the AT. It won't be much longer now, and for those of us who miss him, we are thrilled he is having this terrific, once in a life time adventure... at the same time happy to know he will be home soon. Zombie confirmed his original target date for Springer Mtn. is still the weekend before Thanksgiving... From how I see it, odds are looking very, very good for our South Bound Hiker #36 to meet his goal. Wow! What an accomplishment!!!

Family-and-friends that still want to meet up to section hike with Andrew, remember my new e(dash)mail address: @gmail(put the dot here)com just include the first part of my address, which is: hplewis77.... hopefully that makes sense to simply type the first part, then the last part.... :-)

Zombie/Andrew will be at a Hostel in Hampton, TN tonight, and I've updated his mail drops to give you and idea of his target dates. Andrew hasn't had e-mail time in ages, but he does call and get messages when he's in a town to resupply.

The days are simply fabulous in Western NC... as close as he is to us, I'm hoping Andrew's hiking days are just as nice! May your Fall days be as wonderful :-)

Enjoy the turning of the season,
Mom/ Harriet

AT Mile 1715.1 October 22, 2009 Damascus, VA "Take Two"

What a difference a few days can make in hiking conditions!

Zombie / Andrew arrived in Damascus (once again) mid-day Thursday. This time, arriving on foot, after enjoying a wonderful week hiking from Mt. Rogers Rangers Station...where he had hopped off trail for 3 zero days the previous weekend. Zombie hiked with Mr. Freeze and Trudger until Tuesday night. The other two hike faster than Andrew, so when they arrived at Hurricane Mtn. Shelter late afternoon, they realized it would be too crowded with 4 Section Hikers who had already settled in, plus the SoBo hikers that had joined them. The two went 5 miles further to Old Orchard Shelter. Andrew arrived after 6:00 p.m. and would have had to hike in the dark to catch them. "Ledge" and "Country Runner", two other fellow SoBo hikers he's seen several other times on the trail a few states back, were at the Hurricane Mtn. Shelter also, so these two hiked into Damascus with Andrew. Mr. Freeze and Trudger are at least a half day ahead by now. It will be interesting to see if they meet back up before Springer Mtn.

Resupply, laundry chores and a call home, Andrew reports that the weather had been "perfect" all week. It had been as warm as the low 70's some days. He said the snow that was on the ground on Monday wasn't bad, and his feet were fine... Zombie did appreciate his new shoes. No, his feet didn't freeze, get cold or wet from the snow that had fallen last weekend. He also appreciated his warmer gear that I had taken to him since the nights are getting "chilly". Zombie had a few hours to meet up with some other SoBo hikers that had come into Damascus the day before, so he was off for a bit of a reunion in town.

OCTOBER 23: ON TO TENNESSEE....AT Mile 1718.6
By late Friday afternoon Zombie arrived at the Abingdon Gap Shelter in the Cherokee National Forest, 8 miles inside the Tennessee state line.
11 states down, 3 to go... 451.1 miles in the next 4 weeks!!!

Notice the new map link in the upper right corner? I have found the postholer link very helpful, especially when the ATC Interactive Map was "down" last month. The lady at AT Headquarters in Harpers Ferry told me about it. It's easy to navigate. Click the center drop down space to 'Shelter/Campsites' and you'll see all the shelters on the AT. Zoom in, unless you have the book to know the shelter names. (I've given you some of the shelter names above 'to play with' how it works) It's fairly easy to figure out and cross reference The Spot GPS tracking info. (click his link "Where I am" on the Blog) I've really liked this map because I can pull the shelter info up, and then click the weather link to get the current weather and the week's forecast. The weather link is how I was able to realize last week that by Mt. Rodgers Ranger Station, he was heading into more rain, turning to sleet then an early snow storm last week. It was fortunate that I could reach him with a text message, and have him call just as he got into Atkins, VA. If interested, go to the drop down on the top left part of the link, and you can see all the big trails in the US, not just the AT... Enjoy :-)

Hope your Fall days are blessed and beautiful,
Mom/ Harriet

Unexpected COLD snap... constant rain, turning to sleet, to snow... Oh noooo!!!

October 12-15th Zombie left Woodshole Hostel bright and early Monday with another SoBo, Mr. Freeze. And then the rain set in.....Cold, wet, constant rain.... 1:30 on the third day of rain, Andrew arrived at the Chestnut Knob Shelter at lunch time. Mr. Freeze (Chris) , a faster hiker greeted him, declaring "I'm not going any further in this!" There was another SoBo, Trudger (Joseph), who had arrived there the night before. When Trudger woke up that morning to the hard, cold, blowing rain, he had decided he was taking a zero day...in the shelter (hikers NEVER take zero days in a shelter!) When I asked Andrew "who is Trudger?" He said another SoBo we found when we got to Chestnut Knob... he was "hunkered down in the shelter, tighter than a tick on a dog." They had all been soaked for 3 solid days. On a warm day it's no big deal, but the temps had dropped, the wind was constantly blowing hard and cold, so everything in their packs were wet. They knew they needed to get dry. Chestnut Knob was a four sided shelter, with a door, so they thought it best to stay put. Trudger was glad to have other SoBo's join him (thankful they were just a bit older than he was, and that they weren't crazy or weird...)

Ironically, Wed. night of "their short day", I'm reading the chapter in "A Walk in the Woods" where the author discusses "hypothermia". Thursday morning when I checked on the weather at the upcoming shelters, I'm seeing, rain, rain mixed with snow, snow, snow... Thursday - Sunday. I am doing the math, Zombie is 4 days from Damascus, VA where he thinks I've mailed his winter sleeping bag... he only has his summer bag, good to 50 degrees, but the temps are in the 30's at night... going to 2o's before he gets his winter bag. Unknown to Zombie, Mom still had his bag, because I have been planning to surprise him in Damascus for months!!! SO... I sent him a text message asking if "he is in Atkins, Has he seen the weather report through Sunday? Are you warm enough for rain turning to snow? Serious cold snap till Monday. You are three hours away. Love you. :-) Mom" I was relieved when he called me Thursday night. The three hikers stopped just outside of Atkins, split a room, took warm showers and did laundry to dry everything out. Yes, they had heard rumblings about the weather. Trudger's Mom was coming from Elajay, GA to take him to Damascus to wait out the storm for the weekend, swap out his gear then bring him back Monday morning because next week's forecast is ideal hiking weather: mid 50's to mid 30's at night, with a clear, dry forecast. I decided it was better to give up my "Trail Surprise" and get him his gear. I asked Andrew "if I could bring his winter bag and warm clothes to him, would he want me to?" He said, "yes, but his bag was at the Post Office in Damascus." When I fessed up that it was actually in his closet, that I had planned to surprise him and deliver it in person he was delighted!!!

Permission to come see him given, I told Andrew I'd do what I could to get us a place to stay. It was late, but I just said a prayer. Talk about blessings! There were "no vacancies" in the entire town... (Leaf Season along the Virginia Creeper Trail attracts the bicycle riders, plus the AT goes through the center of town, so day hikers abound!!) I knew the guys could stay at the Hostel, but one of the Inn Keepers said, yes, but there is no heat at the Hostel (well, it's $10) However, due to "the crummy weather" Susie at "Montgomery Homestead B & B" had a cancellation for one room for Sat./ Sun. and when she heard the circumstances, that I was bringing in Thru-Hikers due to weather issues, she offered to call Friday morning, and see what she could do. Most of the B&B's have 2 day min. but she said, "we all know each other, and we work together to help the Thru-Hikers, especially in emergencies." Suzie called me at 7:30 a.m. Friday morning... "I've just turned the potatoes over, so I have a few minutes to see if this will work for you: She reports that Suzanne who owns "Hikers Inn" just had a had a cancellation because of the weather, and she has one room with twins but just for Friday night. If you want it, call her right now." You bet I did! When Suzanne realized why I was trying to get lodging for two hikers plus "the mom" on such short notice, she offered if I'd be O.K. putting the boys upstairs and she'd make her "emergency" sleeper sofa in the Sun Porch, off her suite available to me if I'd want to do that. You betcha!!! Talk about two wonderfully sweet ladies! So early Friday morning I was off to see our Mountain guy!

To keep moving, while I was driving, the guys hiked 12 more miles, past two more shelters knowing I would pick them up at Mt. Rodgers Ranger Station at VA 16... AT Mile 1651.3 at 1:30. Mr. Freeze was there, and he said Trudger would be in shortly and Zombie/ Andrew would be just a bit later, as Andrew had gone into Atkins to pick up his mail. I got to meet Trudger about 2ish, and then saw Andrew come out of the woods about 3. I watched him cross the road, go around to the front side of the Ranger Station, where I was standing to get the very best of Andrew hugs!!! He was quite a sight for sore eyes!!!

Bella's Pizza in Abbington was the requested lunch destination, since I had brought Bracken Mt. Bakery treats from Brevard, for "snack" and breakfast. Over lunch (4 p.m.) I discovered Trudger's Mom won't be in Damascus until Saturday... Oh my... so we discussed options, and Trudger didn't mind a Hostel with out heat as long as it was dry. His bag was good to 35 degrees, and he'd be fine. When we got to The Hiker's Inn, it was funny to see the guys didn't understand we were to go into the front door. Usually they go around back to the places that offer them a place to camp, but I assured them, I'd reserved a place in the house. It was cute to watch their reaction realizing they were to go into the house. Suzanne greeted us, and when she saw three hikers, heard my apology for not knowing the circumstances, warmly said, "well, if one of you guys will sleep on the floor, you are welcome to all stay. There is no heat at the hostel and I'd rather know you were warm." Not expecting such kindness, I was really glad I'd picked Susie and Suzanne some treats from Bracken Mt. Bakery and that I had gotten up early with enough time to bake a big pan of Congo Squares (they are like a blonde brownie with chocolate chips) for the hikers and the inn keepers before I left that morning :-)

It was a fun two days, hearing all of the tales, experiencing a bit of the AT - Culture. Meeting other hikers... funny to see how much they can eat at one time, and how soon they can eat again... I enjoyed listening, and being impressed at what they are accomplishing. Damascus has such wonderful folks in the town, with a sincere kindness and hospitality for hikers.


This and That's: What are the chances?
When I first arrived at the Ranger Station, meeting Mr. Freeze, I asked how the day had gone? I was pleased that the rain had eased off, and the trail was quiet. He went on to say, you never know what you might encounter... like today, he'd seen one older hiker in the shelter "standing there in his underwear" his name was Hydro. I told him, humm... I'd read about a hiker named Hydro in a book I'd just read. Later, when Trudger came up, Mr. Freeze asked, Hey, did you see the older guy standing at the shelter in his underwear? Trudger said, Yes, he was at the shelter, but he was dressed and putting his gear together. So when Zombie walked up, he said, sorry I'm a little late, I met up with Hydro on the trail, and talked with him for a little bit. He's doing a section hike, and I asked him if he'd hiked the trail before, and Mom, he's the same guy Hydro, that was in the book "Trail Ways, Path Wise."

For those of you that have read the book "Trail Ways, Path Wise" you'll recognize he's a bit of a legend... Hiked the AT several times, plus many of the other famous trails. Chapter 7 begins with the quote "I like to hike. Hydro GA-ME '93"

Next interesting: What are the chances? While having lunch in Damascus, VA with 3 Thru-Hikers, you see your neighbor who lives across the street of the house you just moved from??? Linda and Bruce's son Jessee had Thru-Hiked in '04. The guys were discussing various experiences they had on the trail, as they each had different start dates. I'd just shared what Linda had told me that Jessie had said about Mt. Washington. and minutes later, 3 hours from home, she walks in the door for lunch. Our Brevard neighbors had taken a spur of the moment weekend trip to Abbington, VA to ride bikes on the Virginia Creeper...

This and That: Andrew just received a sweet graduation gift, money for new shoes just as he was needing a new pair. Thanks Uncle Ed and Aunt Sally!!! The shoes he'd been wearing have gone just under a 1,000 trail miles, and many more than that when you consider the trips into town to resupply, and all over NYC... He likes the Northface Prophecy, - cross trainer tennis style shoes -(plus a green insert he buys separately) for those that are interested. The outfitter was impressed how well the shoes have held up. The other hikers agreed that a cross trainer was much better than a boot for hiking the trail, and they don't like anything that touches their ankles. (They should know...) I asked Andrew if he wanted the shoes to go home, since they still had tread on them... the three said in unison, "Oh, you don't want these shoes in your car... No, it's time to throw them away..."

Andrew did let me replace his walking sticks... I told him if he'd give me the old ones, he could pick out new ones. He declared, new shoes, new sticks, it's an early Christmas! I told him it could be his present, but I'd rather buy what he wanted and buy it now when he needs it for the last home stretch!

For Dr. Isby: Andrew's eyes have been a blessing! He loves having perfect vision. Glad he has his follow up appointment, for you to see for yourself. 8-)

Can you believe I forgot my camera??? You won't get to see the pictures of these three until I get the camera card (and that is after I upload the ones I've had for a month "to do"...)

When I asked Andrew if he had any more Journal pages, he said, "No... sorry..." So I'll do my best to relay what he has shared with me...

You should see Andrew pass through Damascus on Wed. He will not stay overnight since he's had two zero days there...



So, Monday Zombie returns to the trail, 524.8 miles to Springer Mountain. Mr. Freeze's Dad is hiking the last 70 miles, and Zombie's Dad plans to hike the last 30 miles... His brothers will probably climb the 8.8 miles to the top from Amicalola Falls. Mom Harriet will do at least another "trail town mile" in Hot Springs, NC. Andrew thinks he'll be in Hot Springs Nov. 2 and feels confident to be Springer Nov. 16-17th. The weekend before Thanksgiving. As for me hiking Springer Mountain, probably taking Andrew's advise... plan on seeing me riding up the Forest Road, but most definitely walking the last nine tenths of a mile to enjoy the summit with him :-).

Happy Fall,
Mom Harriet

Back on Zombie's Home Turf ... Virginia Tech

AT Mile 1185.2 Snickers Gap, Winchester, VA to
AT Mile 1222.2 - 1325.7 Shenanadoah National Park
AT Mile 1325.7 Waynesboro, VA then Washington National Forest
AT Mile 1402.8 Lynchburg, VA then on into Jefferson National Forest
AT Mile 1512.0 Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA Oct. 2-7, 2009
AT Mile 1552.2 Pearisburg, VA
AT Mile 1562.6 Sugar Run Gap

It's been a busy few weeks! The ATC Interactive Map "went down" when Andrew crossed into Virginia, after his 4 state run. I called to ask AT Headquarters about it, and they discovered the entire trail map was not working. It took about 2 and a half weeks to re-program, so I was having to guess where Andrew was. When I
called the ATC Headquarters after a few weeks, they gave me another link, that is really neat, and fortunately, a
few days later they called to say it was up and running again.

9/19/09 AT mile 1260.4 (instead of mile 1271.9) Shenanadoah National Park
In the mean time, Ground Support calls me on Saturday afternoon, wondering where Andrew might be, as she is driving on the Skyline Drive looking for Zombie. What an adventure / misadventure that was. We were all cheering her on, as she got close to where he was, but actually went one shelter beyond him. So many "ifs..." The section hiker she met got his north and south confused (his first time hiking). He described "a thru-hiker he saw" which was indeed Andrew, taking to a group that was rock climbing...Also, Andrew had been hiking in a pattern of short days (15 miles) long days (22 + miles) so my guess that Saturday would be a long day, was not to be... it was a short day as the weather was lovely, climbing folks to chat with, and then he stopped to eat at a restaurant near the trail... so he missed "Ground Support" Kelly by 30 minutes!

While looking for Zombie, Kelly left "trail magic" of oranges and bananas, like they had done the weekend before when he was visiting in Winchester. She left notes on the orange peel that the fruit was for thru-hikers, knowing either Zombie or another weary soul would come upon it. When she found Bearfence Mtn. Hut, the place we THOUGHT he'd be, she waited... but no one came, so she left a note and a snack bag of fruit and food :-( and "it was late September, and time to head on back to school..." (no, that was in the song, Maggie Mae!) Kelly said, "At least the day was wonderful, and it lifted her spirits that Zombie Andrew would find a special surprise for Sunday's lunch..." Which he did.

9/26-27/09 AT Mile 1402.8 Jefferson National Park, near Lynchburg, VA
Ground Support's parents picked Zombie up, where the trail crosses VA 130, to take him home for the weekend. We appreciated their looking after him, feeding him, laundry time, church and family time. He was in good spirits, and happy for a comfy place to be for a few days, spending some time with special folks.

9/30/09 AT Mile 1459.0 Daleville, VA
Zombie called to see if we had mailed anything there, and no, I hadn't. However, I was relieved that while the whole eastern part of the US was getting so much rain that flooding was stopping life as we know it, that there was NO RAIN where Andrew had been hiking all week! I was hoping that to be the case when I had seen The Weather Channel reports, and he confirmed it. I thought it was a special blessing for his surviving the the 22 of 24 days of rain back in Maine with such a good attitude!

10/2 - 7/09 AT Mile 1512.0 Sinking Creek Valley near Blacksburg, VA
How many graduates will walk 1,500 miles to visit a favorite professor, see a great blues singer, or cheer "Hokie, Hokie, Hokie, Hi? Probably not too many! :-)

Leah, a friend from VT, picked Zombie up on VA 42. Later, Ground Support, Branden, and another friend met up with Zombie to see the BB King Concert Sunday night. Three returned to school and work in NOVA (Northern Virginia) and Andrew stayed to meet with his Academic Advisor the following Monday. He enjoyed his visit to his Alma Mata, and the meeting he had was productive. Expecting to return to the trail on Tuesday morning, Andrew was delayed until Wednesday by an unknown illness, probably something he ate. None the less, a trip to the ER and a few meds to help his throat, and he was ready to be on his way Wednesday. BIG thanks to Leah, for her kindness driving him places!!!

10/9/09 AT Mile 1552.2 Pearisburg, VA
Andrew stopped for a short town visit, to resupply and pick up his mail. He said he had to laugh at the irony at the beginning of the day... he knew I had mailed his rain jacket to Pearisburg, and in the morning when he was leaving Rice Field Shelter, 7 miles from town, it began to rain... so he decided to "wait it out" and 30 minutes later, the shower passed. Well, now he has his rain jacket again, since the days are cooler and a rain shower isn't "refreshing" like it was on warm summer days. Andrew wasn't going to stay in town long, he'd planned to go on to Woodshole Hoste, the second hostel on the trail.

10/9-11/09 AT Mile 1562.6 Woodshole Hostel
Well, when I saw his evening spot last night, and the lunch spot today at the same location, I called the hostel... wanted to make sure Andrew was still feeling O.K. The young lady that answered laughed, and said "Yes, he's fine, and he just said 'everybody is going to wonder why I am at the same place', but he was enjoying himself and asked if he could stay another night, so he's busy today doing a 'work for stay' swap." I assured her, I didn't need to talk with him, just wanted to be sure he was fine. He was chopping wood, and I'm sure loving it!

This should catch everyone up ...Sorry it had been a while. We've been busy, all good stuff, but I'll try to upload pictures tomorrow... or at least get some of them posted and labeled.

Andrew is 613.6 miles from Springer Mountain... won't be long now! He estimates RootBeer Float is a week ahead of him now, and another hiking friend, Rabbit, almost that far ahead by now (Rabbit is a fast hiker). He's back to hiking by himself for now, and said while it's quite nice to have hiking friends, he doesn't mind hiking alone. Rest assured, he's still loving his time on the trail.

Let me know if you want to meet him to hike a section. His Dad is doing the last 30 miles. After reading "Trail Ways, Path Wise", and then "A Walk in the Woods", I was considering doing the 8.8 miles from Amicalola Falls to the top of Springer. Andrew suggested I just drive the forest road up to walk the last 0.9 mile... so I'm thinking "that'll work".

Enjoy the beauty of Fall,
Mom/ Harriet

September 15, 2009: Snickers Gap, VA and Beyond! AT Mile 1184.6

We have "the official ATC Registered" sign-in information now....
"Zombie" Andrew is SoBo Hiker # 36.

Since it was 10:30 Wednesday night when Zombie and Root beer Float hiked through Harpers Ferry, WV, they had to go back to be able to "officially register", and get their pictures taken at the AT Headquarters.

"Ground Support" Kelly met "Zombie" late Thursday (Sept. 10th) as he came out at Snickers Gap, VA, just outside Winchester, VA. He's taken several zero days, and will get back on the trail mid-afternoon (Tuesday the 15th). Trail friend, Root beer Float, stayed at the Bears Den Hostel, right near the trail crossing. Root beer signed in at the ATC office on Friday, a couple numbers ahead of Andrew, so he is probably several days ahead of Zombie (Andrew) by now. Kelly took Andrew to the ATC office Saturday. She's been an important support to his hike, so she wanted to see the Headquarters with him.

Andrew has tried to get on the computer, but hasn't had one available for over a month, and he wasn't able to access the one at the Shenandoah Univ. Computer lab like he'd hoped, when Kelly was in class. He still has both digital photo cards so we have no new pictures yet. He also said there are no new journal pages... he kept meaning to add to his journal, but he'd been so tired at night, he didn't write any more... Sorry folks, you just have my retelling of his tales for now. I hope he'll mail the photo card today, there are over 300 more pictures to see :-)

Technical tidbits:
Andrew said they actually walked more than 51.4 miles Wednesday-Thursday, because a few times they walked extra when they lost the trail markings crossing the roads during the night. The white blazes are sometimes tricky to find in the day time, and much harder to locate with only a head lamp for light.

He said he'd put the tracking system on the Spot when he set out that morning just inside the PA line. That explains why I didn't get and e-mail that long day until he was at the shelter 22 hours later... We could see where they stopped for dinner and where they got lost, because the transmission signals are close together... (click the link at the top "where am I?")

When I asked Andrew how did he feel after the 50+ miles? He said "40 miles wasn't bad, your feet are pretty much numb, and they just keep going... but the last 10 miles was pretty bad." He said "he wasn't sure which was worse, being up so long without sleep or that the last 10 miles of walking at night was all up hill - probably both." Their headlamps worked well (yes, he had put in new batteries!). He said at times they hiked almost together, so they had a fair amount of lighting. Sometimes they were up to a 100 yards apart. Andrew said there is no way he'd done the 4-states-stretch alone. He was glad Root beer Float was there, because it was one of the things he'd really wanted to do "for the sport of it."

If you look on The Spot - the signal makes it look like they crossed the river (thru the water) at Harpers Ferry, WV, but they did use the two bridges :-). I had guessed correctly, they did stop at the David Lester Memorial Shelter. He said it was an answer to prayer, no one else was there, it was a big shelter, had 4 walls, door, a nice front porch, there was a big pavilion with picnic tables. They were able to hang their hammocks up inside the shelter and nothing disturbed their sleep. They only had a 10 miles hike to Snickers Gap, where they both took time for zero day(s) and re-supply.

Andrew said his shoes are holding out, and look remarkably well after 450 miles. They are just like the first pair that only went 250 miles... but we are speculating 1) soil vs rocky ground conditions and 2) normal weather vs 22/24 days of continual rain and walking through mud was a positive factor to the extended life of this pair vs the first pair.

He's only lost one more pound since the beginning when he lost all of his "fluff" he worked so hard to gain (~ 172 lbs). He's at 155 lbs now unless Kelly was really successful in getting him to add a few pounds on these few zero days. He was happy to report that he succeeded to eat a second pint of Ben and Jerry's (1,200 cal. per pint) the other day... some really weird space-name-of-a-flavor I haven't heard of. Ha! Ha! I suggested he have another pint of B&J's with lunch today.

Our Zombie has been sleeping in his hammock for the last month, but may ship it home at the next mail drop since nights are cooler now. He's asked me to mail his inflatable mattress, so he can stay warmer sleeping on the shelter floors vs being suspended in the air in his hammock.

Andrew saw his first bear about a week before he hopped off... a mama and a year old. He just stayed back and let them cross the trail up ahead. He wasn't concerned, they didn't care he was up the trail....

His hand grips have worn out on his walking sticks, so he's hoping to find replacements at the outfitters today. He's worn a place on his wrist - one of Kelly's professors (in Physical Therapy) said it is a "_? forgot the name?__ cyst", from over use... (maybe from the wrist strap not fitting correctly too?) The cyst is not a problem, and she said "it can be left alone, surgically removed, or hit it with a big book - as that's how they use to get rid of them..." Mom is suggesting to please leave it alone till he gets off the trail :-)

Andrew sounds happy, feels great, expects to make 20 miles a day or so... Plans to be in Blacksburg by Oct. 2 to see friends, professors and maybe catch a concert at Va Tech on Oct. 4. He said this part of the trail is some of his favorite, since he and the Va. Tech. Outdoor Club have hiked the area around Blacksburg so often.

Few folks know that Andrew was the VT Outdoor Club President for two years... you may remember, VA Tech. is one of two colleges that officially maintain the trail. Dartmoth College in Hanover, NH is the other one.

After Va Tech, Andrew should be crossing into TN about 9 days later, mid October. I'll post his mail towns, so feel free to drop him a note. He'd appreciate even a quick "hello." Not sure if there are any SoBo hikers behind him or not... so he may be hiking SoBo alone unless he meets some more section hikers. He says he doesn't mind hiking alone, but that it is nicer when there are trail friends to meet at the shelter when each evening. He said he'd never done the 4 state trek without Root beer Float. They'd enjoyed hiking together, alas, one has a schedule to meet, and one had a gal to see.... Andrew's got his contact number, one never knows, they may meet back up before their destination at, Springer Mountain. in November.

Back at the AT Office, he said while he was SoBo #36, there were 700 NoBo hikers that have registered (and I think he said 80 section hikers ?) that have come through this year as of September 12th any way. Amazing. I still say, Andrew is very brave! His Dad and I are thrilled he's doing what he's waited so long to do. Thank you all for your continual interest and support. You have no idea how much it means to us, and how encouraging it is for Andrew... I mean, Zombie.

Virginia is the longest state... 25% of the AT total miles are in Virginia.

10 states down, only 4 states or 991.6 miles left to go! It's now on the count down ...

Mom/ Harriet

HELLO VIRGINIA!!! 4 states, 51.4 miles, 22 hours 12 minutes.... in ONE day!!!

AT Mile 1,174.1 Sept 9th 4:46 a.m. - Sept 10th 2:58 a.m.

HE DID IT :-) !!!!!
Zombie Andrew probably feels like a 'zombie' right about now, but he did exactly what he set out to do (I knew he would!!!) There is a 44- mile stretch of trail where it is possible to hike 4 states in a day... Andrew challenged Root beer Float that if they were to do 44 miles, why stop short? Make it a 50-mile day! And by-golly-they-did-it! I can't wait to read his journal pages to recount the day.

The ATC link was not working right this morning, so I could not confirm his stopping point, but Andrew should be at the David Lesser Memorial Shelter at AT mile 1174.1 Tuesday night, Andrew had crossed into Maryland. Yesterday (Wed.) at 4:46 a.m. his "Spot" message was just inside PA. So he had to have hiked back northbound to be on the PA/ MD state line. I kept waiting to see the next "Spot" transmission e-mail but didn't see it till this morning (Thursday). If I had gone to the Spot Link Page I would have seen he had the beeper on, transmitting all along the trail yesterday. I went to bed thinking, he's probably still walking... but there have been times his transmitted signal didn't send the e-mail. Regardless, I felt confident "no news was good news." So I was thrilled to see his "Spot message" on my e-mail this morning. (click the link "Where am I" and you will see the Spot transmissions.)

Andrew's next town day will be in Winchester, VA paying a short visit to see "Ground Support" aka, Kelly. I sent her a text to be sure she had lots of ice in the freezer so he could soak his sore feet :-).

Since Andrew hiked thru Harper's Ferry, WV in the middle of the night, he'll ride back there to check-in at the ATC Headquarters, sign the register, and get his picture taken. The ATC website said there are only about 5oo known SoBo hikers that have completed the whole AT, so I think they are about to meet Mr. 501. (most AT hikers go NoBo... you can click the ATC link on his blog to read their stats on a thru-hike.)

Andrew, when you read this, listen for all the cheers!!!! I know we are all excited for you that you accomplished what you set out to do. I sent you a little extra money in your Harpers Ferry mail drop, so eat a good steak, add an extra pint of Ben and Jerry's ice cream (1,200 calories worth) to your breakfast cereal, and fuel up... you are only 1,002.1 miles away from Springer Mountain, GA! I finished the "Trail Ways, Path Wise" book by John Illig that you sent home, so from that, I suppose you'll be counting DOWN from here. Regardless how many miles you hike, we're excited for you son!

Beaming ! Mom/ Harriet with Dad/ Chris

1,088.1 Mile Post !!! 50% Mark on September 6, 2009

Andrew clicked "the Spot" at 1:34 p.m. at Pine Grove Furnace State Park, PA. He has passed the Midpoint!!! Yay! (Can you see I'm a proud Mom cheering on a son?)

Andrew has called home from Ft. Montgomery, NY (AT mile 785.7 on 8/19)
Unionville, NY, (AT mile 843.1 on 8/22) where he Slack Packed a 23 mile loop.
Andrew met a new SoBo hiker, Root beer Float, from Statesborough, GA.
Delaware Water Gap, PA, (AT mile 894.6 on 8/25) 7 states down, 7 states to go!!!
Palmerton, PA, (AT mile 930.6 on 8/27)
Port Clinton, PA, (AT mile 971.0 on 8/29)
Pine Grove, PA (AT mile 994.6 on 9/1)
Duncannon, PA, (AT mile 1,040.9 on 9/3)

I was concerned when he called from Unionville. It had been hard hiking when plans had changed, and then it was muggy hot. By the time he got to Delaware Water Gap, PA, he was back sounding like his happy self. By the time he was in Port Clinton, PA a cold front had come through, and he laughed as he had just sent the last of his cooler weather clothes home. I asked if he wanted me to mail a jacket or hat back to him, and he said "no, it would probably just be hot again, by the time it arrived." He's still having fun, and glad to have the opportunity to hike! He said "he feels great!"

Tonight's "Spot" post is off trail, near Caledonia State Park outside Shippensburg, PA. He should be at a college friend's home. Actually, he has two college friends, Josh and Harold who are from Shippensburg, and live about a half mile apart from each other. The three of them have been planning for Andrew "to stop by"since they first realized Andrew's trip brought him within a few miles from where they live. Josh and his wife live on his family's 'home place', and have plenty of room for a trail visitor. I'm hoping Andrew will have a little time to borrow a computer to surprise us with a blog post of his own. We'll see.

Well, I've typed up all of his Journal pages. I should have new Journal pages in the mail this week. It's also time to get the latest photos... so stay tuned...

Happy days to you and yours,
Mom Harriet

Journal August 11, 2009 (Tues.) Trail Day 63

I made it to Pawling, NY today. That's right, I didn't even get a Journal Entry in for Connecticut. Connecticut is only 53 miles and I knocked it out in 3 days. The terrain has gotten flat and lower elevations, which means more bugs!!!

The last week has gone by so slowly because I have been waiting to get to New York City so I can surprise Ground Support. She is visiting some of our friends, and two weeks ago I realized I could make it there in time. The only catch was I had to slow down! C'est Le Vie.

Right now I am sitting in a Park Pavillion in Pawling waiting for tomorrow to come so I can take a train to NYC! So start spreading the news.... I'm excited to see her, our friends and "The City". I'll be in a big city without a map, with no guidebook, and NO white BLAZES! What's a Thru-Hiker to do? I had some "normal" clothes sent to Pawling so I wouldn't look completely homeless, but judging by the register entries in the shelter last night, I'm not the first Through-Hiker to take "a side trip" into The Big Apple. Did somebody say "food"???

Hard to believe, I have been on the trail for 2 months now, and for the last 3 weeks I've been hiking by myself. It has been nice at times, but there have been times where it would have been nice to hike with another SoBo. It will be interesting to see who will pass me in the next 5 days while I am off the trail.

The solitude has given me a lot of time to think and I wonder if I have changed in the last two months? And if so, how much? It's hard for me to see any change because it is such a gradual process, but I wonder if Kelly will see it, or other people will see it? I also wonder what I will be like in the next 3-4 months. I definitely don't want to rush this trip. I have found I don't like back-to-back 20+ mile days. I do like meeting new people in the shelters, towns and hostels. One thing I have realized is that I don't feel like I've been out here for 2 months - it only feels like a week or so. I have gotten used to the life on the trail and it feels weird getting back into "civilized" life.

Well, enough ramblings for now.
'Night,
Zombie

Journal August 5,2009 (Wed.) Trail Day 57 (AT Mile 640.2)

It has been a long time. The trail has been time consuming, and energy consuming. I'm now in Massachusetts and pushing to make New York City by August 13th. In the last 6 days I have only been making 10 miles a day, partly because of mail pick-ups in towns, and partly because I have been enjoying the trail. Last night I stayed at a Lady's House. She lets hikers camp in her yard in return you have to mow grass around the blueberry bushes. She and her husband have a Blueberry Farm. Plucking plump blueberries was worth it.

Other high points:
12 Tribes Hostel in Rutland, VT was amazing. It is a commune that does work for stay and they fed us dinner and breakfast. Rutland was HUGE!! I saw the new Harry Potter movie too.

Dr. Fiori, my advisor from VA Tech, sent me a care package in Dalton, MA. I even got some homemade cookies! (Thanks Dr. Fiori, it was a terrific surprise!)

Brunch caught back up with me in Manchester Center, VT. He then got back off the trail to go see his girlfriend on the Cape for 4-5 days. I hope he catches back up.

Buffalo got ahead when we were in Rutland, so I've been hiking by myself for about a week and a half, but never alone at night. I have been enjoying the trail so much. It has become relatively flat and the mud has mostly dried up.


Life is GOOD!!!

Goals: Write in Journal more.

Zombie, writing from the nicest place on the trail :-)

Journal July 20, 2009 Trail Day 41 (AT Mile 441.9 - 447.7

Vermont! And the hiking terrain is getting easier!

Journal July 19, 2009 (Sunday) Trail Day 40 (AT Mile430.9 - 441.9)

Today I passed the 20% mark of the trail. Buffalo and I celebrated by hiking some more - into Hanover which leads to my next big milestone - tomorrow I'll be in Vermont! The terrain has started to flatten out so "big miles" are expected.

Not much else has been going on with the trail. Yesterday I got in a stream, and washed my clothes, body, and toes! I should have taken a picture of my clean toes! Speaking of feet, my shoes aren't working out, so I'm off looking for a new pair here in town - D'OH! I see money circling the drain. Time to tighten the belt around the wallet, but shoes are most important.

I know two more people who have gotten off the trail because of injuries. Pirate got off because of a stress fracture in his foot, and a guy named "Smokey" got off today because of knee problems since Maine. I was really sorry to hear about Pirate. He kept me going sometimes when we were hiking together.

So far, here are the people I know who have dropped out: Kentucky Fried & his friend, +1, Alobar, Clown-shoes, Professor dropped, but is now back on the trail, Pirate, Smokey. There are probably more that I have met and don't know about. As tough as it is to see friends leave, I just have to worry about myself and keep going.

Well, that's about it for now, hope I don't go broke before my next journal entry (joking, kinda')
Zombie

Journal July 16, 2009 (Thurs.) Trail Days 32 - 37 (AT Mile 337.8 - 397.4)

On Monday evening (the 13th) I made it to Chet's, which is a Hostel run by a guy named Chet (go figure). He lets people stay for either a donation, work-for-stay, or barter, what ever you think is fair. Chet is an amazing guy. In 2001 he was preparing for his Thru-Hike, when his camp stove exploded. He suffered burns on 45% of his body, including damage to his mouth, throat, and lungs due to inhaling the flames. He had no insurance and spent 8 months in a drug-induced coma while recovering from the burns. During his coma, he went thru multiple organ failures, but recovered from each one. The doctors gave him almost 0% chance of survival. After he came out of his coma (because the pain was so great) he had severe muscular atrophy. He had to relearn how to do everything from nod his head to eat with his hands. He still does not have full use of his legs. However, he still wants to be part of the hiker community, so he opened a Hostel.

Chet was such a great guy, that I decided to take an extra day off and hang around Lincoln. I got to see a movie in the theater. Brunch, Buffalo and I saw The Transformers with two other SoBos we had met at Chet's, "Happy Feet" and "Navajo". When it came time to leave Lincoln, Buffalo and I headed out, while Brunch stayed behind due to sores on his feet from grit rubbing away his skin.

Today marks "A Big Event!" I finished the White Mountains!!! I can't believe it! In 3 or 4 days I will be out of New Hampshire, and done with 2 of the hardest states! I hiked from the Mahoosuc Mountains in Maine to the Moosilauke (or Mt. Moosaholic as Buffalo calls it) in 12 days. All the while, the weather was almost always nice! What a treat it has been to hike this last section! "The Whites" will always have a place in my heart because of all the wonderful views and hiking that I had. It was truly a gift that many people do not get to have. I also went above the tree line for the last time on the trail. It is kind of sad, but from now on, views will be rare and found only in the gaps between the trees, on rocky outcrops, or atop the mountain balds.
So long, Whites!
Hello Green Mountains!
Zombie

July 10, 2009 (Friday) Trail Day 31 (AT Mile 326.8 - 337.8)

Well today was THE absolute PERFECT hiking DAY!!! Not only was the weather amazing (it was in the 70's with a slight breeze and sunny) but the terrain was also pretty easy. I climbed the summit of Mt. Washington today, and I'll tell you what, it was worth the month of rain and rare views. I don't know how to describe it!!! Using words would not do it justice.

God has truly blessed me on this journey and I keep getting signs that this is where I am suppose to be. AND that He is watching over me every step of the way! I sstayed at Mizpha Hut tonight and got "Work for Stay" which was nice because I spent too much money at the Mt. Washington Summit House.


Buffalo and Brunch stayed here too. We didn't have any North Bounders pass by us today.

I think the Sun zapped my energy so I think I will head to bed.
Good night!
Zombie

Journal July 4 - 9, 2009 Trail Days 25 - 30 (AT MILES 264.5 - 326.9)

So it has been a while... Sorry about that. Long days and busy town stops. I'll try to catch up as much as possible... Mom may have filled you in some from the times I called home, but I still want to journal my own accounts...

July 4: Brunch and I did the Mahoosuc Notch on one of the coldest days yet. Why is this journal worthy? The Mahoosuc Notch is "THE TOUGHEST MILE" on the entire Appalachian Trail. It is one mile of crawling, climbing, squirming, sliding and anything other than hiking. There are boulders the size of houses (or bigger!!!) and I did it in an amazing 2.5 hours!!! We saw ICE! Got rained on and froze the whole way! It would have been a lot of fun if it were better weather. I only got a few pictures because of the rain. On the positive side, I saw a moose! Unfortunately, it was dead. About 3 years ago, a moose got stuck in the Notch and broke it's leg or neck or something and couldn't get out, so it died. There were only a few bones that remained.



July 5: Woke up to the coldest, windiest, wettest day yet. All my hiking clothes were wet from doing "The Notch" and that was a bad way to start the day. When Brunch and I were going over Goose Eye Mountain in the morning, it was in the low 40's with wind blowing 30-40 mph. Then we crossed into NEW HAMPSHIRE!! Where more rain and fog awaited for about 4-5 miles. At last, the sun came out and the sky cleared up and life was good!!! To which I then saw my second dead moose! in two days! This one was slightly fresher and there were more bones left in tact. (Yes, I did take pictures of my two moose sightings... even tho they were just carcases that remained to be seen.) The day finished up with some good views of the White Mountains and Gorham, NH. I camped out and for the frist time this trip, enjoyed it! I saw the moon for the second or third time, and enjoyed seeing the stars. It was a much needed morale boost!!!

July 6: Got into Gorham, NH and stayed at "The Barn". Brunch and I decided to celebrate in town for finishing our first state. (Only 13 to go!)

July 7: Took a Zero Day for the first time since Monson.

July 8: Decided to SlackPack the Wildcats/ Carter/ Moriah Mountains North Bound. Brunch and I hiked with an older guy (73 I think) who Thru-Hiked in 1976. He was doing it again, and again. His name was Watchman. All 3 of us hiked from Pinkham Notch to US2 and did 21 hard miles. I was glad I did it because it knocked off a day. We also moved over to The White B irches Hostel because the lady at The Barn was not friendly. The White Birches was $7 less and had more services.

July 9: Headed to Pinkham Notch to start hiking in the right direction again. I climbed the first Presidential Mountain, Mt. Madison. The weather today was PERFECT! Cool, clear, sunny...PERFECT!!! Mt. Madison had some great views and I got a preview of Mt. Washington. Tomorrow is suppose to be even better! I stayed at my first hut and it was cool.



We'll see if the other huts have staff this nice. Well, you're all caught up. Let's hope for a good summit up Mt. Washington tomorrow. I had my first sunset of the trip tonight! Nice!!!
Good night all,
Zombie