Day 9 - Apr. 9
Hiked 14.5 miles to the Partnership Shelter today. Was a beautiful day for a hike. You can order pizza from the Pizza Hut in Marion if you want. I did not. I spent the night in the shelter with Leadfoot. Leadfoot is 69 years old an had 5 bypasses on his heart a few years ago. He hikes pretty good.
Day 10 - Apr. 10
Today I hiked 11.6 miles to the Relax Inn in Atkins, VA. It is 100 feet off the Trail. Leadfoot left 45 minutes before I did and I did not see him until I got to the inn. It rained lightly midday but was not bad. We meet hikers from NY that are going to Pearisburg tomorrow and hike south. Hopefully I will see them in a couple days. Blisters are almost well.
Day 11 - April 11
Went 13.9 miles to the Knot Maul Shelter and spent the night with south bound Dakota and north bound Blue and Evergreen(she). They had hiked 25 miles today. They started at Springer Mt. the first of March. They are in shape.
Day 12 - April 12
I hiked 9.1 miles today with the last 4 miles going up 1,900 feet. Chestnut Knob Shelter is on a 4,400 ft. knob and the view was fantastic. The view was 360 degrees with a beautiful green valley to the north. Had cellphone reception and was able to get in touch Betty.
Day13 - April 13
It poured in the early morning, but it had quit by the time I started walking. It was drizzly, but very little rain. It was chilly up on the ridges, but when I descended 2,000 ft to the Jenkins
Shelter it was very pleasant. I slept in my tent near the stream just passed the shelter. It was a pleasant night. Hiked 10 miles today.
Day14 - April 14
The 11.7 AT miles to Bland, VA was pretty easy as it was relatively flat. After the AT I started walking to Bland. After about a mile a gentleman pick me up and took me to the Big Walker Motel in Bland. That was really nice.
Day 15 - April 15
Betty, Lucy and Ben came to see me in Bland today. I took a down day and we went all out and went to Cracker Barrel in Wytheville for lunch. After that we did laundry and I resupplied on food. I sent my mail forward box home with Betty. I have most of the things that I need now. It was really good to see all of them.
Day 16 - April 16
I hiked 3 miles from Bland to the AT and then hiked 12.1 miles to the Jenny Knob Shelter. Weather was great, sunny with a high of about 65 degrees. Warm weather is bringing out the reptiles. Saw a black snake, garter snake and a lizard.
Day 17 - April 17
I hiked 18.8 miles today to a road 3.8 miles short of the Doc's Knob Shelter. I was tired, but otherwise felt good. Saw a turkey fly up behind me. I think 18.8 miles is the most I have ever walked in one day.
Day 18 - April 18
Total hiking today was 13 miles. Twelve miles on the AT, and 1 mile into Pearisburg, VA to the Holiday Motor Lodge. Since I have arrived, I have done laundry, updated my blog, and called Betty and Mom Dad. One highlight was the Chinese buffet for dinner. Terrain was rougher and more up and down today. Glad it was only 13 miles.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Day 18 - April 18
I arrived in Pearisburg today a about 3 pm. This is the first time that I have had access to a computer since Troutdale. It looks like Alli, Daniel, Lawrence and Sara have updated when they get info. I thank them. Now I am going to do some short blurbs for some of the past days. Thanks for all the support. Cookymann
Friday, April 17, 2009
Day 16 - Jenny Knob
I spoke to Larry last night. I'll paraphrase:
"I hiked 15 miles today, 3 from the motel in Bland, VA to the trail and then 12 miles on the trail to Jenny Knob shelter. I spent yesterday in Bland with Betty and the dogs. My legs are no longer sore and a my blisters have healed. I'm still wearing duct tape over the blisters but I hope to take that off in a couple of days. My stamina is increasing but the folks who have been hiking since Springer can still hike many more miles in a day than I can.
Regarding equipment...I spent some time in Bland waterproofing some of my equipment that had developed leaks. I've also been a bit warm in my 15 degree sleeping bag but it was nice last week when the snow storm came through.
It has been very nice being in front of the massive crowd of people that started in Springer about the same I started in Damascus. I don't have to fight for spots in the shelters but there are still 3 or 4 other hikers to chat with most nights"
The distance on the Appalachian Trail between Jenny Knob Shelter and Katahdin, ME is 1583.2 miles. The distance to go is 2046.2 miles. Keep at it Larry!
"I hiked 15 miles today, 3 from the motel in Bland, VA to the trail and then 12 miles on the trail to Jenny Knob shelter. I spent yesterday in Bland with Betty and the dogs. My legs are no longer sore and a my blisters have healed. I'm still wearing duct tape over the blisters but I hope to take that off in a couple of days. My stamina is increasing but the folks who have been hiking since Springer can still hike many more miles in a day than I can.
Regarding equipment...I spent some time in Bland waterproofing some of my equipment that had developed leaks. I've also been a bit warm in my 15 degree sleeping bag but it was nice last week when the snow storm came through.
It has been very nice being in front of the massive crowd of people that started in Springer about the same I started in Damascus. I don't have to fight for spots in the shelters but there are still 3 or 4 other hikers to chat with most nights"
The distance on the Appalachian Trail between Jenny Knob Shelter and Katahdin, ME is 1583.2 miles. The distance to go is 2046.2 miles. Keep at it Larry!
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Day 15 - Bland, VA
Dad had a down day in Bland today. Mom met up with him there and took the dogs, all a welcome sight I'm sure.
The distance on the Appalachian Trail between
US21 and 52-Bland, VA and
Baxter Peak-Katahdin, ME is
1,595.3 miles.
The distance on the Appalachian Trail between
US21 and 52-Bland, VA and
Baxter Peak-Katahdin, ME is
1,595.3 miles.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Day 12 - Chestnut Knob
VM from Dad yesterday: Chestnut Knob, 4400', clear views in all directions.
The distance on the Appalachian Trail between
Chestnut Knob Shelter, VA and
Baxter Peak-Katahdin, ME is
1,617.0 miles.
The distance on the Appalachian Trail between
Chestnut Knob Shelter, VA and
Baxter Peak-Katahdin, ME is
1,617.0 miles.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Day 9 - Back on track
Cookymann called today around 4:45 after 14 miles on trail, which makes for pretty impressive time. He's at Partnership Shelter. Pleasant 60 degree day to hike, he's glad he waited out the snow and cold.
The distance on the Appalachian Trail between
Partnership Shelter, VA and
Baxter Peak-Katahdin, ME is
1,651.6 miles.
The distance on the Appalachian Trail between
Partnership Shelter, VA and
Baxter Peak-Katahdin, ME is
1,651.6 miles.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Day 8 - Troutdale, VA
Weather is considerably better today. We had sun all day and the temperature reached the mid 40's. Most of the snow melted here in Troutdale. They got 6 to 8 inches at the higher altitudes so it may take a couple more days for it to melt up there. Hiker CaveMan took a down day today and we both plan to leave around 8 am in the morning. Weather later this week is suppose to be much warmer with showers. My blisters are about healed so I am ready to hit the trail again. My heels are being protected by moleskin covered with duct tape. Believe it or not it works pretty well. Signing off for dinner. Should be back to a computer in about a week. I think that after 2 to 3 days of hiking I will be back in cell phone range and hopefully Daniel and Alli can update the blog. Have a good week. Cookymann
Journal Entry Day 8: Today was a much better day. It was sunny all day and warmed up to near 50 deg. Almost all the snow is melted here in Troutdale. They had 6-8 " at the higher levels so it may take another day or two for it to melt. This afternoon I loaded my pack for tomorrow's hike and mailed my box to Bland, VA. I should be there in 6 to 7 days. If all works well, Betty will meet me there. My blisters are healing well with the aid of moleskin covered by duct tape. This combination actually works pretty well. Talked to Betty and she said that Randy Allen had heart surgery. He is out of intensive care now and we wish him well. I leave in the morning. Time to go.
Journal Entry Day 8: Today was a much better day. It was sunny all day and warmed up to near 50 deg. Almost all the snow is melted here in Troutdale. They had 6-8 " at the higher levels so it may take another day or two for it to melt. This afternoon I loaded my pack for tomorrow's hike and mailed my box to Bland, VA. I should be there in 6 to 7 days. If all works well, Betty will meet me there. My blisters are healing well with the aid of moleskin covered by duct tape. This combination actually works pretty well. Talked to Betty and she said that Randy Allen had heart surgery. He is out of intensive care now and we wish him well. I leave in the morning. Time to go.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Days 1-7 - Overview of first 7 days of hike
April 1 - Day 1 - April Fools Day - Friends Don and Lois Gerhardt drove me to Damascus, VA to start my hike. We departed Damascus around noon and they walked a couple miles on the trail with me to see me off. There was some uphill that day but it was a very pleasant first day. I spent the night at the Saunders Shelter in my tent and it was a pleasant upper forties night. Distance hiked - 9.3 mi.
April 2 - Day 2 - It was sunny when I started the day, but was drizzling and getting windy by the time I set up my tent along Hwy VA 601. I pitched my tent as close as possible to the trees but the wind was still very strong that night. It poured down in the early morning but the tent passed both the rain and wind test.
April 3 - Day 3 - I hiked 9.8 mi. to the Thomas Knob Shelter at 5,200 feet. It is near Mt. Rogers which is the highest mountain in Virginia at about 5,700feet. Last night was warm, but as the day progressed the thermometer dropped steadily. When I arrived at Thomas Knob at about 5 pm it was 35 deg. with high, gusty winds that I would estimate at least 40 mph. It also included blowing fog and mist. Called Lawrence and he said it was about 65 deg. in Raleigh that afternoon.
April 4 - Day 4 - When I awoke this morning it was 25 deg., wind howling and blowing fog. Trees and other vegetation were covered with hoarfrost. I don't know what the wind chill was but it was cold. I had plenty of warm clothing and was fairly comfortable. By afternoon the sun had come out and it was up to 60 deg. The afternoon hike was great although it was still windy. Visibility was almost unlimited. Saw some wild ponies in Grayson Highland Park. Females looked very pregnant, guess they will foul soon. Tent camped at the Old Ochard Shelter where John Johnston and I overnighted in Jan. as I was checking out my winter weather procedures. It was good training for the cold. Todays milage - 11.0
April 5 - Day 5 - Made it to Troutdale, VA at about 4:30 pm and picked up my "go forward box"
from Jerry at Jerry's Kitchen and Goods. Another hiker, Deuce, and myself are the only ones in the Baptist Hostel tonight. The temperature got up to 75 deg. today, but it was very pleasant hiking in the trees, which I did most of the day. I hiked 10.0 mi on the AT and 2.6 mi to town for a total of 12.6 mi. Tomorrow is a down day. Note:Troutdale has no cell phone reception and the rooster crows to to wake you in the morning.
April 6 - Day 6 - Started the morning with breakfast at Jerry's. Scrambled eggs, biscuit and gravy and OJ. Better than trail food. As the day progressed it got windier and cloudier and by the late afternoon it was spitting snow. By bed time I had decided that I was not leaving in the snow tomorrow. No no place to wash clothes in Troutdale so Jerry loaned me a 50 quart Rubbermaid plastic tub and I washed them in cold water in the room. It took 5 complete full rinses but the water finally ran clear. I also spent a good deal of time updating the blog and sending emails. Hiker Burns hobbled into town and spent the night at the hostel. He showed me how to download pictures from my camera to the internet.
April 7 - Day 7 - It snowed and blowed with some drifting last night. I would guess that it has accumulated about 1" on the grass. the roads are clear. Now it just above freezing with snow squalls. This morning a hiker came to the hostel. He spent the night out and hiked several miles this morning and was very cold. He had a friend pick him up to take him to a warm place. About 2 pm CaveMan came in with a ranger and will spend the night at the hostel. He hiked over 15 mi. and said up on the trail it was pretty rough. He said there were lots of drifts and water running under the snow on the trail. With weather as it is I doubt that I will hike tomorrow. If I do, maybe I will go 4 mi to the next shelter
April 2 - Day 2 - It was sunny when I started the day, but was drizzling and getting windy by the time I set up my tent along Hwy VA 601. I pitched my tent as close as possible to the trees but the wind was still very strong that night. It poured down in the early morning but the tent passed both the rain and wind test.
April 3 - Day 3 - I hiked 9.8 mi. to the Thomas Knob Shelter at 5,200 feet. It is near Mt. Rogers which is the highest mountain in Virginia at about 5,700feet. Last night was warm, but as the day progressed the thermometer dropped steadily. When I arrived at Thomas Knob at about 5 pm it was 35 deg. with high, gusty winds that I would estimate at least 40 mph. It also included blowing fog and mist. Called Lawrence and he said it was about 65 deg. in Raleigh that afternoon.
April 4 - Day 4 - When I awoke this morning it was 25 deg., wind howling and blowing fog. Trees and other vegetation were covered with hoarfrost. I don't know what the wind chill was but it was cold. I had plenty of warm clothing and was fairly comfortable. By afternoon the sun had come out and it was up to 60 deg. The afternoon hike was great although it was still windy. Visibility was almost unlimited. Saw some wild ponies in Grayson Highland Park. Females looked very pregnant, guess they will foul soon. Tent camped at the Old Ochard Shelter where John Johnston and I overnighted in Jan. as I was checking out my winter weather procedures. It was good training for the cold. Todays milage - 11.0
April 5 - Day 5 - Made it to Troutdale, VA at about 4:30 pm and picked up my "go forward box"
from Jerry at Jerry's Kitchen and Goods. Another hiker, Deuce, and myself are the only ones in the Baptist Hostel tonight. The temperature got up to 75 deg. today, but it was very pleasant hiking in the trees, which I did most of the day. I hiked 10.0 mi on the AT and 2.6 mi to town for a total of 12.6 mi. Tomorrow is a down day. Note:Troutdale has no cell phone reception and the rooster crows to to wake you in the morning.
April 6 - Day 6 - Started the morning with breakfast at Jerry's. Scrambled eggs, biscuit and gravy and OJ. Better than trail food. As the day progressed it got windier and cloudier and by the late afternoon it was spitting snow. By bed time I had decided that I was not leaving in the snow tomorrow. No no place to wash clothes in Troutdale so Jerry loaned me a 50 quart Rubbermaid plastic tub and I washed them in cold water in the room. It took 5 complete full rinses but the water finally ran clear. I also spent a good deal of time updating the blog and sending emails. Hiker Burns hobbled into town and spent the night at the hostel. He showed me how to download pictures from my camera to the internet.
April 7 - Day 7 - It snowed and blowed with some drifting last night. I would guess that it has accumulated about 1" on the grass. the roads are clear. Now it just above freezing with snow squalls. This morning a hiker came to the hostel. He spent the night out and hiked several miles this morning and was very cold. He had a friend pick him up to take him to a warm place. About 2 pm CaveMan came in with a ranger and will spend the night at the hostel. He hiked over 15 mi. and said up on the trail it was pretty rough. He said there were lots of drifts and water running under the snow on the trail. With weather as it is I doubt that I will hike tomorrow. If I do, maybe I will go 4 mi to the next shelter
Monday, April 6, 2009
Days 1-6 - Ponies and Snow
Larry will fill us in on more details later via his trail journal but here is the rough itinerary Alli and I have pieced together based on his photos and their timestamps.
Day 1 - Saunder's Shelter
Day 2 - Bridge that is both on the AT and the Virginia Creeper Trail
Day 3 - Thomas Knob Shelter
Day 4 - Ponies in Grayson Highlands State Park
Day 5 - Waterfall near Dickey Gap
Day 6 - Snow at Baptist Hostel in Troutdale, VA
- Day 1 - Hiked from Damascus to Saunder's Shelter, a 9.4 mile hike mostly uphill.
- Day 2 - Hiked from Saunder's Shelter to campsite at VA 601, an 8.8 mile hike.
- Day 3 - Hiked from VA 601 to Thomas Knob Shelter, a 9.8 mile hike over Whitetop Mountain.
- Day 4 - Hiked from Thomas Knob Shelter to Old Orchard Shelter, an 11.0 mile hike.
- Journal Entry Day 4: Tenting at the Old Orchard Shelter. What a difference a day makes. This morning I awaken to 25 deg., very gusty winds and hoarfrost. Hike today was windy but it warmed up to 60 deg. Plan on making it Troutdale, VA tomorrow and then take a down day. My box is there at Jerry's Kitchen and Goods. Left it there on the way to Damascus on Weds. Tonight there are calm winds with a temperature on about 45 deg. I don't think it will freeze tonight. Body and mind feeling pretty well. Miles today - 11.0
- Day 5 - Hiked from Old Orchard Shelter to Baptist Hostel in Troutdale, VA. I hiked 10.0 miles on the AT and 2.6 miles into town for a total of 112.6 miles.
- Journal Entry Day 5: Made it to Troutdale at about 4:30 pm. Staying at the Troutdale Baptist Hostel in the bunkhouse. Duece is the only other hiker here and he is staying in the other part of the bunkhouse so we have individual rooms. Each room has heat, electrical outlets and lights. It would be nicer if I hadn't forgotten my telephone charger, but there is no cell phone reception in this town anyway. It only got down to 45 deg. last night at the shelter and made for pleasant sleeping. Today it warmed up to 75 deg. so I drank much more water. When I arrived at Jerry's Kitchen and Goods I pick up my box and he gave Deuce and I a ride up the hill to the hostel. Tomorrow I am taking a down day. I feel pretty good except for a couple blisters and they are healing. By tomorrow evening it is suppose to be snowing. Big temperature change. Today's walk was 10.2 miles on the AT and 2.6 miles into town for a total of 12.6 miles
- Day 6 & 7 - Zero day in Troutdale, VA due to bad weather....SNOW!!! Only 2128.3 miles to go :)
- Day 6 Journal Entry: I spent the day at the hostel and at Jerry's . Had scrambled eggs, OJ, biscuits and gravy for breakfast. Bacon cheeseburger, Dr. Pepper and garden salad for lunch. Dinner was shrimp with tomatoes on pasta and tossed salad. Today was wash day with no laundromat in town so I washed my clothes in a 50 qt. Rubbermaid tub that Jerry loaned me. It took 5 full rinses to get the water to run clean, but the clothes looked good after that. I spent over an hour on the internet. Burns, the hiker that is spending the night here tonight, showed me how to download pictures from my camera and email them as attachments and insert them in my blog. Hopefully by tomorrow night between me and my support staff my blog will be updated with pictures and words. Temperature fell throughout the day and it started snowing in the late afternoon. So far it has accumulated lightly on the grass. Suppose to snow tomorrow so I am taking another down day. Blisters are healing and I feel good.
- Day 7 Journal Entry: Sitting in Jerry's and I just finished some delicious homemade chicken and dumplings. It snowed throughout the night and accumulated about 1 inch of snow in the grassy areas. Temperature is just above freezing and we are having snow squalls. It is suppose to get into the 50's tomorrow so I plan on hitting the trail in the morning. Hopefully I can reach Atkins, VA in 2 days and Bland, VA in 6 days. It may take 7 days , but hey, I am retired. Blisters are healing and I feel pretty good. Of course I am not to hot or to cold or climbing up a mountain with a pack. Internet is now available so I will sign off. P.S. Jerry has Dr. Pepper in old fashioned 12 oz. glass bottles that is made with real sugar. Yumm. Caveman came down off the trail and is taking a down day tomorrow. He hiked over 15 miles today and said the trail was no fun. He said there are numerous drifts of snow and that you often break through the snow into the water on the underlying trail. Probably will take another down day tomorrow.
Day 1 - Saunder's Shelter
Day 2 - Bridge that is both on the AT and the Virginia Creeper Trail
Day 3 - Thomas Knob Shelter
Day 4 - Ponies in Grayson Highlands State Park
Day 5 - Waterfall near Dickey Gap
Day 6 - Snow at Baptist Hostel in Troutdale, VA Friday, April 3, 2009
Day 3 - Thomas Knob Shelter
Dad called LJ this evening from Thomas Knob Shelter. Apparently he got a good rain challenge overnight, and his tent passed. I've been using this handy distance calculator to see how far he has left to go...
The distance on the Appalachian Trail between
Thomas Knob Shelter, VA and
Baxter Peak-Katahdin, ME is
1,687.3 miles.
The distance on the Appalachian Trail between
Thomas Knob Shelter, VA and
Baxter Peak-Katahdin, ME is
1,687.3 miles.
Go Dad Go!
Journal Entry Day 2: 8.0 miles today. Tonight I am camping where the AT crosses VA Hwy 601. Low this morning was 50 deg. High in the low 60's. Light rain since I reached the campsite. I am a bit sore, but not bad. Suppose to rain tonight and tomorrow, so I will get to practice my wet weather procedures. My attitude is mostly dependent on if I am going uphill or downhill. No rain is better than rain. Last night I overnighted with a couple that were 57 & 60. They started mid Feb. at Springer Mt. When I asked how they handled the cold they said it was no problem as they were from Alaska.
Journal Entry Day 3: Hiked 9.8 miles to Thomas Knob Shelter today. Last night I had heavy rain and very gusty winds. Tent passed the rain and wind test well. It was warm last night but not today. When I arrived it was 35 deg. with very gusty winds. Probably 30-40 mph. Called Lawrence and he said it was a very pleasant 60 deg. and sunny in Raleigh. He gave me a hard about killing myself on the mountain. Of course he had been skydiving all day. Physically I feel well. My pace seems to be matching my level of conditioning. Time to check out for the night.
Day 3:
Journal Entry Day 2: 8.0 miles today. Tonight I am camping where the AT crosses VA Hwy 601. Low this morning was 50 deg. High in the low 60's. Light rain since I reached the campsite. I am a bit sore, but not bad. Suppose to rain tonight and tomorrow, so I will get to practice my wet weather procedures. My attitude is mostly dependent on if I am going uphill or downhill. No rain is better than rain. Last night I overnighted with a couple that were 57 & 60. They started mid Feb. at Springer Mt. When I asked how they handled the cold they said it was no problem as they were from Alaska.
Journal Entry Day 3: Hiked 9.8 miles to Thomas Knob Shelter today. Last night I had heavy rain and very gusty winds. Tent passed the rain and wind test well. It was warm last night but not today. When I arrived it was 35 deg. with very gusty winds. Probably 30-40 mph. Called Lawrence and he said it was a very pleasant 60 deg. and sunny in Raleigh. He gave me a hard about killing myself on the mountain. Of course he had been skydiving all day. Physically I feel well. My pace seems to be matching my level of conditioning. Time to check out for the night.
Day 3:
Day 1 - Pictures in Damascus (cont)
A few more pictures of Larry's first day on the trail from Don and Lois.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Day 1 - Pictures in Damascus
Photos courtesy of Don Gerhardt. Don and Lois drove Dad up to Damascus and hiked a few miles with him. Thanks for sending these along.
A turkey vulture overlooks Dad's early progress.
Trailhead in Damascus
Wishful thinking?
Lois and Don with Dad
Happy trails, Cookymann.
.Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Day 1 - Saunders Shelter
Just got a call from Dad. He's at Saunders Shelter watching the sun set after 9 miles on the trail. He dodged the rain and said the weather was just about perfect at a steady 60 degrees.
1,705 miles to Baxter Peak in Katahdin, ME.
Journal Entry Day One: Don and Lois Gerhardt brought me to Damascus, VA and walked about a mile with me. Excellent day to start a hike with the temperature at 60 deg. and overcast and no rain. Hiked 9.3 miles to the Saunders Shelter. Beautiful night, quarter moon and lots of stars.
Journal Entry Day One: Don and Lois Gerhardt brought me to Damascus, VA and walked about a mile with me. Excellent day to start a hike with the temperature at 60 deg. and overcast and no rain. Hiked 9.3 miles to the Saunders Shelter. Beautiful night, quarter moon and lots of stars.
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