Thursday, April 29, 2010

Waynesboro, Va

Hello from outside Kroger's. I am watching Shadowfax while Gandalf
resupplies for our 100 mile hike through Shenendoah. I am almost
there, but so far away! 150 miles to go to Harper's Ferry. The last
week has been challenging - lots of big climbs - but the terrain is
supposed to be easier from now on. Am still hiking with the Lefties.
Some highpoints - Audie Murphy Memorial (had no idea he was a Texan,
was sure to rub that in to the three Yanks I'm hiking with), McAfee
Knob, discovering gravy for my mashed potatoes, showering at a YMCA
like a hobo, and all you can eat pancakes in Waynesboro. Lowpoints -
Dragon's Tooth(miles of rocks), new and improved blisters, Humpback
Mountain( I think the trail designer here was a geologist and had the
trail go over every rock on the mountain), the recent cold front, and
hiking after eating prunes. Two Rings saw a bear yesterday, the first
of the trip. My spirits are mostly up, but at times I get a little
frustrated at how long it takes to hike 1000 miles. Am trying to enjoy
the last few days, but the mileage calculator is constantly computing
in my head. Anyways, I'm off to buy groceries, hit the Chinese buffet,
and then walk 7 more miles today. Adios amigos
Sent from my iPhone

Chimney and fireplace

Cedar Cliffs

Two Rings playing ukulele on Cripple Creek

360 degree panorama from Cold Mountain, VA

Memorial to Little Ottie atop Bluff Mountain

James River

Train passing the James River

Me

I'm gonna miss this

The Guillotine

Oh sweet Virginia

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

A geological phenomenon known as God's Thumbprint

Oddly patterned rock

Sunset from Chesnut Ridge

Gandalf action shot

Shadowfax action shot. So regal!

Two Rings action shot

Beans action shot

Virginia AT

Ireland-esque

Another nice Virginia farm

Railroad and farm

Nice farm

The punishment list at Lindawood - notice how you are better off drinkingl liquor at school than misbehaving to girls

You are using the devil's hand!

Inside of Lindawood

Lindawood school on AT

The Lefties: Bartless, Two Rings, Gandalf, Shadowfax, and Beans

The last few days

Hello everyone! I am writing from an overlook of the intersection of
52 and 21, near Bland, VA. The last three days from Marion have been
tough but fun. The weather has been great, maybe even a bit on the hot
side. The first day out leaving Marion we got a ride with Beans'
parents to the trailhead. Nice low country scenery. Ate dinner at a
roadside cafe called the Barn, had pork BBQ, nothing compared to Sonny
Bryan's or Salt Lick, but I will eat anything right now. Tented that
night for the first time in a while. The next day was pretty tough. We
crossed four ridges; it is much easier to just stay along a single
ridge. Camped ontop of Chesnut Ridge next to a nice pond. Really
enjoying the tent compared to the shelter. Yesterday, another rather
tough days with several good climbs and descents. Tented again at an
awesome campsite next to Laurel Creek and built a campfire Ricky Crum
style. Should be in Pearisburg day after tomorrow. Hope all is well
with you and will update soon.

Sent from my iPhone

Saturday, April 10, 2010

Greetings!

Hey everyone. In Marion, Virginia. Having a blast! Great weather,
beautiful scenery, and wild ponies! Highpoints since the Smokies - Max
Patch, organic veggy dinner at Elmer's in Hot Springs, getting to stay
with Tenderfoot's family in Kingsport, doing trail maintenance for a
day, Laurel Falls, Lake Watauga, getting to spend a great weekend with
Laurel and Hunter in Asheville, and Grayson Highlands where ponies.
530 miles in, gonna have to really pick up the pace to get to Harper's.

Sent from my iPhone

Sunrise from ridge a couple miles into a night hike

Grayson Highlands

Rocky outcrop at Grayson Highlands

Little foal

Ponies and dog

Shadowfax and pony getting friendly

Ponies licking my legs for sweat

Wild ponies at Grayson Highlands State Park

View from Whitetop Mountain