From: Robert Flayhart [mailto:bflayhart@ompc.org]
Sent: Monday, June 15, 2009 8:28 AM
We had such a great discussion in our mentoring group this morning studying True Spirituality by Francis Schaeffer Chapter 6, and it is so packed with nuggets, I thought I'd summarize in writing what we covered...as much for myself as for y'all!!
1. Because of the Fall we wake up each morning in an ABNORMAL world.
We shouldn't be surprised when we face "thorns and thistles and weeds" in our relationships and tasks.
2. The victory over sin has already been decisively achieved, though we don't see the full extent of the results yet. We are to live to bring the reality of the victory and the power of the Kingdom into our day TODAY! Eternal life is not some far off place of another time, it begins at our conversion is to reform and redeem all of the spheres of influence we walk in.
3. The Christian life is not only true but supernatural. We touch the supernatural and are transformed by the supernatural as we live by faith. Christ is formed in us the same way the Physical Christ was formed in the Virgin Mary...as we believe the Word, the Promise, of God. Luke 1:38: Be it done TO me according to Your word. When we face sin we are to feel as helpless as Mary in conceiving her Child on her own...she could not do it...it was a HUMAN IMPOSSIBILITY...but what is impossible with man is possible with God. He calls into being that which was not, like He did at creation, by the Word of His Power...that is HOW the Christian life works! He calls into being spiritual fruit and supernatural change that we can not bring about by all our efforts and strategies.
4. A critical element to faith is latching hold continually to the promise of JUSTIFICATION. We are to live moment-by-moment in the reality of our justified standing: God, sitting behind the Legal Bench, is both Judge, Jury and Prosecutor. We ARE ALL guilty, both through Adam's sin and our own sins. We have no defense of our own. We are hopeless. Christ enters the courtroom as our Defense Attorney and pleads His own obedient life and death as our Proxy and Substitute. God then bangs the gavel and DECLARES us not guilty. But more than that, The Father does what no earthly judge can ever do: He not only declares us NOT GUILTY, He declares us PERFECT, SPOTLESS, BLAMELESS and HOLY in His sight. We are declared as PERFECTLY RIGHTEOUS as Jesus Himself. Christ's perfect RECORD of obedience legally becomes OUR VERY OWN record before God! See the Heidelburg Catechism Question 60.
5. A second critical element for faith to cling to is the promise of ADOPTION. Christ is uniquely The Son of God. He is the Second Person of the Trinity...He is God Himself. Yet, through union with Christ by Spirit baptism by grace through faith, EVERY believer becomes a child of God, an adopted son or daughter...with ALL the same rights, privilege, standing before the Father AS CHRIST HIMSELF. Because of union with Christ, the baptismal pronouncement over Christ, "This is My Beloved Son, in Whom I am well pleased," becomes the Father's declaration over every believer in Christ!!
6. As we BELIEVE in Christ and the Gospel Promises of JUSTIFICATION and ADOPTION, we are transformed supernaturally by the Spirit of God. It is by GRACE experienced through FAITH in the Gospel Promises that the Holy Spirit transforms our lives. When we believe God's promise of our justification and adoption when we FEEL we LEAST DESERVE to believe it, that is precisely when the power of the Spirit most fully falls upon our lives. Again, keep in mind Luke 1:38--"Be it done TO me according to Your Word."
7. A third critical element for faith to cling to is the promise of REGENERATION. We are born again by God's Spirit. According to the Old Testament promise in Ezekiel 36:25-29, God will cleanse us from all our idols, He will sprinkle clean water on us (symbolized by New Testament
baptism) He will give us a new heart and put a new spirit within us. He will removed from us the heart of stone (symbolized by Old Testament circumcision) and give us a soft heart toward Him. He will put His Spirit within us and CAUSE us to walk in His commands!! That is regeneration....the supernatural removal of the Old Man in Adam and making us new creations, new creatures in Christ. With new natures, new hearts and a New Spirit, we are now ABLE to say no to sin and yes to righteousness...as we walk by faith in the Gospel Promises. We are now responsible...response-able.
8. Sanctification occurs much the same way conversion happens...by grace through faith. Even our Doctrinal Standards teach this: See the Westminster Shorter Catechism Question 35, Larger Catechism 75. The Holy Spirit applies the benefits of the life and death of Christ to our hearts in ever increasing fashion resulting in the supernatural transformation of our lives. One difference between justification and sanctification is that sanctification occurs in varying degrees while there are no degrees to justification...we are fully justified from the moment we believe, but we are progressively sanctified each day as we walk in repentance and faith.
9. Sanctification occurs as we believe the Gospel (Galatians 3:1-5, Colossians 2:6, John 6:29, Isaiah 30:15, etc). Sanctification occurs as we learn to WALTZ--the spiritual "3-step" dance with Christ of "Repent! Believe! Fight!" There are ups and downs, ebbs and flows to the spiritual life. Growth begins with repentance: acknowledging our sin and helplessness before God. We can no more change ourselves by sheer effort and discipline than we could save ourselves by sheer effort and discipline. But we must not stop at repentance or we will wallow in despair. Repentance must lead to fresh faith. We are to BELIEVE the Gospel Promises afresh that our standing before God never changes because of our sin. Through union with Christ we are unchangeably justified before God and eternally adopted sons and daughters. We can do nothing to cause God to love us more than He already does in Christ; and we can do nothing that would ever cause God to love us any less than He loves Christ Himself (John 17:23!!).
It is AS we BELIEVE these promises that the Power of the Spirit is unleashed in our lives (Galatians 3:5). This is what it means to ABIDE in Christ--we abide by faith...grace apprehended by faith strengthens our union with the Branch, Christ, so that His life-giving "sap" courses through our lives with transforming power. We are to BELIEVE that just as there is a "converting" power to the blood of Christ that saves us from hell, so there is a transforming power of the blood that delivers us progressively from the power of sin. As the old hymn, Rock of Ages, reminds us: the blood of Christ provides the DOUBLE CURE: it cleanses us from both sin's guilt AND power! Then, equipped with fresh faith and reminded of reality of our regeneration, we are to FIGHT the good fight and WAR against the world the flesh and the devil. We are to renounce the flesh and present our lives to righteousness. Then, if/when we fail, we continue waltzing!
10. We Do NOT arrive this side of eternity. There is NO ARRIVALISM, NO TRIUMPHALISM. Waltzing doesn't FIX us! Waltzing is how broken, limping sinners saved by grace are progressively becoming whole and healthy...but we are not completely healed until the Return of Christ. Grace enables us, empowers us and motivates us to persevere in faith so that grace by the Power of the Holy Spirit will continually transform us.
"Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in BELIEVING, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may about in hope!"
Romans 15:13
Bob Flayhart
Senior Pastor
Oak Mountain Presbyterian Church
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Thursday, June 11, 2009
AT 6-10
From: Hugh Davis [mailto:hughdavis@charter.net]
Sent: Thursday, June 11, 2009 8:38 PM
Subject: AT 6-10
June 10, 09
Greetings from the AT:
I have been away from the Internet for a while now. Staying tonight in an ATC hostel 20 miles south of Harpers Ferry.
Sunday 5-24. Left the B&B in Montebello Va, reluctantly, to hike a mile and a half up hill to reacquire the AT. Had eaten a large breakfast and had great energy to reach the trail and then on up hill to the top of Priest Mt. 13.2 miles, 825 miles from Springer Mt. Stopped at Harpers Creek Shelter.
Monday 5-25 12.2 miles 837.7 from Springer Next day was miserable.
Day was hot and muggy with threats of rain all day. When the AT was built it ran along the top of most of the ridges. Then a few years later the Blue Ridge Parkway was constructed and bumped the AT off the ridge tops. Today was an excellent example of the relocation. The trail ran down hill from the parkway about a 100 feet on very steep ground with major rocks and boulders for about 5 miles. I had planned to go about 6 miles but the quality of the trail was so poor I was moving slowly. Was quickly getting dark and I was running out of water.
Found a creek to resupply water, but no flat place to put my tent.
Finally found an overlook that had a spot for a tent. Camped there, whiled it stormed and rained all night. Hung my food in the bear bag out over the cliff. Would take a talented bear to get to it. Cedar Cliff for the night.
Tues 5-26. 9.8 miles 847.5 from Springer. Stopped at the Paul Wolfe shelter, very nice and large.
Was about 5 miles from Waynesboro, so not to many people spending the night. I walked in a deluge most of the day. All the paths were creeks, all the creeks were rivers, all the rivers were swollen and overflowing. The access to Paul Wolfe required a stream crossing. The stream was overflowing so I balanced on a tree that had fallen across the stream to make the crossing. Exciting, if I had fallen in it would have been a wild ride with no one knowing I was gone. Everything I had was wet. Learned the value of Ziplock bags. Took my phone apart and took it to bed with me. In the morning with a fresh battery it worked well.
Wed. 5-27 Walked the final 5 miles to Waynesboro, 853. 5 miles from springer. They have a visitors center for Shenandoah Nat. Park.
Stopped there where they have a list of Trail Angels who they call to shuttle us in to town. Guy named Dubose picked me up and took me the the Quality Inn. Showered and then took all the wet stuff to the nearby laundromat. Then to the post office to get my Bounce Box of misc. stuff, prescription meds extra food, etc. Went to the shopping center across the street for Pizza and supplies at the local CVS. Expensive day
Thurs 5 – 28 Back to the post office to mail my bounce box to Harpers Ferry. Then called Dubose to take me back up to the trail. Stopped at the local outfitter for some permethrin impregnated gaiters to wear.
Was shifting from high top boots to low cut trail shoes and needed a little more protection from splashes, mud, rocks and ticks. Walked to
Calf Mt. Shelter, only 6.9 miles 859.4 from springer. Started back
walking at noon. Rained on and off all afternoon. I was very discouraged. While I was eating sardines and Ramen noodles Di and the family were having steak. Didn't seem like I was having as much fun as I was supposed to. Called Di to relate my woes and she said “so sad to bad,” this was my idea and I was stuck with it at least till my grandsons have walked with me. Surprisingly she cheered me up and off I went picking up speed as I went. Continue to run into interesting hikers. Zoltar, is a Hungarian from Romania. Eats nothing but Candy bars. Thinks the stove is to heavy.
Friday 5 -29 13.5 miles, 872.4 from springer. Walked to the Black Rock Hut, Miserable place. Down in a hollow. Had been raining all day so was really muggy. Shelter was packed, 25 + in the area, shelter and tents. Everything was wet and dripping.
Sat. 5-30, 7.4 miles, 879.8 miles from Springer. Hiked to Loft Mt.
Campground. Logan was supposed to meet me today, but he got in so late from Birmingham that we decided to wait till Sunday so he could find me in the daylight. I was in an official campground in Shenandoah National park, SNP. Got half off since I am so old. Cheers for us old folks.
Shared a camp table with a couple from Birmingham, Knox and Sam. Went
to the ranger lecture that night on what is special about SNP. Camden
is 8 today, gave him a call.
Sunday 5-31, 5.8 miles, 885.6 miles Walked to Pinefield Hut.
Logan arrived at 9:30. Was driven up from Biloxi, by Katie a friend of Jenny's that was moving to the Charlottesville area. She agreed to mail a box of extra things home to Di for us. Walked a short day to see how Logan could handle hiking. He did fine. Met Aussie, a W. Va hillbilly, Laid off steel worker who writes country songs. Nice kid.
Monday 6-1, 8.2 miles, 893.8 miles from Springer.
Walked to High Top Hut. Was packed out with weekend and short term hikers. 9 from a local James Madison College on a mini term break.
Logan went with them to the top of the local mountain to see the sunset.
Pretty impressive view.
Tues 6-2, 12.4 miles, 906.2 miles from Springer. Walked to Bear Fence Mt. Hut. Passed the 900 mile mark that day. This was the first day that I was able to walk the hills without stopping. Did fairly well.
Hopefully will get my trail legs soon. Stopped at the Pocosin Locked Cabin. No water, no electricity, outdoor privy. Have to have a connection with the PATC to use it. Owned and operated by the Potomac
Appalachian Trail Club. Looked straight out of the 20's. Met Rock
Lobster, girl from Germany and Walk About from Czech Republic, They were returning to Europe via the AT from 10 years in New Zealand.
Interesting couple. Also Traveling Light, Pudgie Pie, and Sled dog.
Wed. 6-3 8 miles, 914.2 miles from Springer.
Walked to Big Meadow Campground. Was a nice fairly easy day till the last mile which seemed to be straight up hill. Logan was hiking with a different group so checked in to the campground. He showed up later.
We had not done a good job on coordinating our activities. Showered and washed clothes. Smell better. Walked to the Camp store about a mile away to get supplies for the next few days and for lunch., then back up to the campsite. When we arrived at the campsite the rangers came and got us to see some bears. While waiting for Logan, a doe and two fawns had walked through the campground. The rangers said the the doe had bedded the fawns down. They stay put where mom puts them. Momma bear and two cubs came upon one of the fawns killed her and ate her. This was about a 100 yards from our campsite and less from the lodge. Storm was coming in so went to the lodge for supper. Good food, mediocre wait staff. The storm hit with fury, Hail and heavy wind. Back to the camp after the storm and the tent was still standing. Cheers. Went back to the laundry the next morning to dry sleeping bags and gear that had gotten wet during the storm.
Thurs 6-4, 8.1 miles 924.3 miles from Springer.
Walked to Skyland Lodge. Had not expected to stay, but accompanied a friend that was leaving the trail to drink coffee from him while he waited for someone to pick him up. Logan's knee was acting up. He had injured it earlier in school and was wearing a brace so we got a room for the night. Ate supper in the lounge and watched c loggers perform.
Spent lots on the room, but much cheaper supper.
Friday 6-5 10.7 miles, 933.8 miles from Springer.
Walked to Pass Mt. Shelter. We ate breakfast in the room before checking out of the lodge. Used the in room coffee maker to heat water
for our oatmeal. Walked in the rain most of the day. Had used lots of
plastic bags so stayed a little dryer this time. We didn't stop for lunch so ran out of energy in the afternoon. Big mistake. Doing better climbing hill, Trail Legs, maybe, or just easy hills, who knows.
Sat. 6-6, 13.5 miles, 946.1 from Springer
Walked to Gravel Springs Hut. Longest day yet for Logan. Day started cloudy, but got warm and sunny as we progressed. Logan slipped and fell several times on wet rocks, Injured his Left foot, to go along with his Right Knee. We stopped at Elk Wallow Wayside for hamburgers and then walked on. Saw lot more bears, and cubs that afternoon. Met a ridge runner, John, 60 year old back from the Peace Corp. They work for the ATC.
Sun 6-7 10.7 miles 956.6 miles from Springer
Walked to Tom Floyd Wayside. First shelter outside of the SNP. Logan's knee brace quit. It is the kind with metal on both side of the knee that have hinges held together with neoprene. One side got so stiff it wouldn't bend. Mailed it back to Sean for repairs. Rock Lobster loaned him an elastic knee brace that he has been wearing since. Works pretty good.
Mon. 6-8, 13.7 miles, 970.3 miles
Walked to Manassas Gap Shelter. Miserable day.. Hot and muggy, Humidity 100%. Walked in to Linton to resupply, dropped off Logan's brace at the post office. Then walked toward an Apple Restaurant, Decided it was to far so turned around and got a ride back from a PATC volunteer. Ended up taking us to the local bait shop/filling station/ grocery to resupply. Manassas is a snake shelter. While we were eating supper an 8 foot long black snake wandered through the eating area, them climbed up to the top log in the back wall of the shelter. Not having shelter mice was a treat, though being observed as we slept by an 8 foot snake was a new experience. We shared the shelter with a family of 4.
The two kids didn't seem to worried about the snake.
Tues 6-9 13.5 miles, 983.2 miles from Springer
Walked to Rod Hollow Shelter. Afternoon thunder storm soaked us. Full shelter of 20 year olds. Little noisy. Thanks for ear plugs. We are getting tired. To many long days. Muscles sore, feet blistered, skin looking like prunes from the water.
Wed. 6-10 9.9 miles, 993.1 miles from Springer.
Will go over 1000 miles tomorrow. Walked to Bears Den Hostel, owned and operated by the Appalachian Trail conference. Tough 10 miles. We are in the Roller Coaster area of north Virginia. 10 climbs in the last
13.5 miles of the state. Did 8 of the hills today, have two more tomorrow. They really wore me out. Lots of moaning, groaning and complaining, will take a 10 mile day tomorrow also. Heavy downpour again this afternoon, but after we arrived at the shelter. Cheers.
Shower, Clothes wash, bed, pizza, pint of ben and jerry's ice cream and soda for $25 each. Good deal we thought. A group of trail angels cooked pot roast for us for supper, free. Will cook out pizza in the morning and take it to eat on the trail tomorrow. Plan to be in Harpers Ferry on Friday. Will take a zero day on Sat and start out again on Sunday. Give our tired muscles a break.
All the news for now. Remember: Some days it rains, some days it pours, some day it is sunny, but walk is what the AT hiker does. Can't get there by sitting here.
In his Care, Grandpa Hugh.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Order of Salvation
We will get David's illustration of the Order of Salvation up here shortly. In the interim here is a great video on the Order of Salvation.
AT 5-23
Greetings from the Dutch Haus Bed and Breakfast in Montebello, VA.
As you all know I left the AT on April 14 from near Erwin TN. Di and Logan drove up from Birmingham to retrieve me at a road crossing. We spent the night at the hostel in Erwin then back to Birmingham on Tues.
Friday I left for Guanajuanto, Mexico for the Advanced Medical Leadership Training. This is the third year I have been fortunate to be part of the faculty. We train folks that want to lead medical teams into third world countries for MTW the foreign mission arm of the PCA church. We teach concepts on food and water safety, immunizations, cross cultural issues, Tropical disease, team dynamics, stress management and many more. We spend 5 days in class and then do two days of real clinics, one in an urban area and one in a rural. The participants rotate roles twice a day.
The class went from Sat to a week the following Sunday. Participants were the majority medical but still lots of lay folk. 26 participants in total.
Back for a week at home and then to north of Pittsburg PA for Disaster relief training. Any one that wants to be able to respond to international disasters has to have completed this training. It runs from Tues through Sunday. We have one day of pure classroom and then move to the field. They hike to the field, dig latrines, set up tents for living and for clinics. We have a pavilion nearby that we can use for lectures and then move back and forth from field to lecture. We had 14 students, all energetic and interested.
Then back home a third time for mothers day evening. Mon and Tues got ready to go back to the trail. Wed. Dean Tanner drove me to Roanoke to regain the trail. I didn’t think that I would have enough time to get to the northern end before the mid October closure if I went back to Erwin so started at Troutdale, just north of Roanoke.
Wed. night we stayed with Dean’s sister in Roanoke, then Thurs morning the 14th, 30 days after leaving the trail, Dean dropped me off at the Railroad tracks in Troutdale and off I went. I’m pretty sure he thinks I’m nuts but he was diplomatic about it.
Hiked to Wilson Creek Shelter, about 9.7 miles. Guess what, taking 30 days off from hiking is not a good idea. Seems I am physically back to where I was at the beginning in Georgia on Feb. 28. Once again my muscles supporting my hips were killing me. Thankfully after a few days they got a little accommodated. Mainly hip flexors.
11 people at the shelter. One full time volunteer of the ATC. He works in the ATC office in Harpers Ferry. He was hiking southbound. Angry Beaver, Groundhog, One stick, No nails were some of the hikers that night.
May 15th on to Babbitt’s Gap Shelter. This was a miserable day. Hot, 100% humidity with heavy fog. Sweat like a pig, Hip flexors still hurting. Only did 7.3 miles because the humidity was so bad. Really sapped my strength.
May 16th on to Bryant Ridge Shelter 13.3 miles. Prettier day. Much dryer. Didn’t rain till night. Slept in the shelter so stayed fairly dry. This was a beautiful shelter, three level, Tongue and groove post and beam construction. Fanciest shelter I have ever seen. Walked with Red Leg and three girls with a springer spaniel named Georgia. Spent several nights with a three section hikers, a father, Gray Beard, and his 2 sons taking a 6 wk hike.
May 17th on the Thunder Hill Shelter, 10.3 miles. Big climb almost 3000 feet. It rained all morning and the sun broke through after lunch. It wore me out all the ups and downs. If I ever had trail legs they are long gone. Went over the “last” tall mountain, Apple Orchard Mt., till New Hampshire. There is a large radar dome installation there. Back in the cold war it was an installation staffed with 250 military folk. Now looks like an automated facility. Spring flowers are beautiful. Wild Azaleas, Rhododendrons, and many other flowers are going strong. I am learning how to use my macro feature on the camera. Still a little shaky however. Saw a number of rusty orange salamanders on the trail. Small somewhat lethargic creatures only about 2 inches long.
May 18 on to Matt’s Creek shelter, 13.2 miles. Took 10 hours to walk. Supposeably a big descent, but had lots of ascents in the process. Again I am really weary by the end of the day. Walked a mile past the shelter to a camping area on the banks of the James River. Unfortunately the camping area is close enough to the highway that the campground is being used for parties. Lots of trash, giant bonfire spots
May 19th walked to Big Island, VA to resupply. Crossed the James River on the world’s longest foot bridge. Was a box beam bridge built on railroad supports from a bridge that washed away in the 80s. The railroad built a new bridge adjacent that was higher, leaving the pylons empty. A hiker’s widow raised funds to build the bridge. Beautiful structure. Hitched a ride to town and went to H&H. A combo facility of restaurant, gas stations and groc. Store. Ate a big breakfast and then shopped for groceries. Bought 70$ worth of food, about enough for 6 days. Hitched back to the trail by noon and up to the first shelter to eat a lunch that I had bought at the restaurant. Was warm and sunny so got a bucket of water and took a sponge bath and washed my clothes. Put them in a large Zip Lock with soap and water and squish around for a while then rinse in the creek and hang out for a while. About 3 decided to climb up the hill. 2000 feet up out of the James River bottom. Camped on top of the ridge, dry camp no water, so did not cook supper or breakfast to conserve water.
Had a hard time getting cell phone coverage the last couple of days. Seldom works from a shelter so have been trying to use the phone when I am at a high point with good visibility. Here in Montebello, town of 200 people there is no cell coverage of anykind.
May 20th, walked on to Pedlar Lake, city reservoir for Lynchberg. Ate lunch at the punchbowl shelter. Met Ms. Muster and Katsup two female thru hikers. A thru hiker is one who plans to walk the whole AT in one 12 mo. period. All else are section hikers.
There are two kinds of thru hikers, Traditional, that walk from one end to the other straight thru, may take breaks be return where they left off. The great majority walk south to north. Nontraditional or Flip Thru hikers jump around on the trail but walk the whole thing in the 12 mos. I have till next Feb 28 to finish. I am a flip hiker as I have skipped the distance from Erwin to Roanoke and plan to come back and finish that section after reaching Mt. Katahdin, Maine.
Camped with 3 middle aged ladies with their own dogs. Members of the Danville, VA kennel club. One has hiked all of the AT in sections except a 3 mile section in NH. Sketch, BoPeep and SueBop. They were doing an overnight.
Ran into a trail maintainer that was not quite all there. Was big, had a giant knife and was talking a little off. Was glad to get past him.
May 21st was at Hog Camp Gap, A meadow with spring. 10.1 miles, but with a 4000 foot elevation gain. Really a big big climb for an old man like me. Again was worn out. I have delusions each day of doing 15 miles, but after 10-12 hours of walking my body says forget it. Stayed with Ancient Ruin from Australia, Lost Arcadian from New Brunswick and Black Kat from who knows where.
May 22 I walked 11.1 miles to Spy Rock Road and down to spend two nights at the Dutch Haus Bed and Breakfast, owned by Earl and Lois Arnold, in the town of Montebello.
Pretty place, nicely done yard and gardens. Spent Fri. nite in the bunk house and Sat. in the main house. Will get back on the trail Sun. Morning at 8. Still have 39 miles to Waynesboro and the start of the Shenandoah’s. Taking a Zero day (no miles walked) to get my legs back in shape after the 4000 foot climb. They were sore to the touch today.
A week from tomorrow my Grandson, Logan Rafferty from Biloxi, MS is joining me for a month on the trail. He and I have hiked on and off since he was five or six, but never for this distance. Should be in PA by the time he leaves in early July. I think his Dad Sean is driving him up.
Guess that is the update for now. Please continue to pray for health and safety. Those local to Pelham, please continue to take care of Diane. I appreciate all you have done.
Keep on hiking
Grandpa Hugh
Remember “Use it or lose it” especially trail legs.
As you all know I left the AT on April 14 from near Erwin TN. Di and Logan drove up from Birmingham to retrieve me at a road crossing. We spent the night at the hostel in Erwin then back to Birmingham on Tues.
Friday I left for Guanajuanto, Mexico for the Advanced Medical Leadership Training. This is the third year I have been fortunate to be part of the faculty. We train folks that want to lead medical teams into third world countries for MTW the foreign mission arm of the PCA church. We teach concepts on food and water safety, immunizations, cross cultural issues, Tropical disease, team dynamics, stress management and many more. We spend 5 days in class and then do two days of real clinics, one in an urban area and one in a rural. The participants rotate roles twice a day.
The class went from Sat to a week the following Sunday. Participants were the majority medical but still lots of lay folk. 26 participants in total.
Back for a week at home and then to north of Pittsburg PA for Disaster relief training. Any one that wants to be able to respond to international disasters has to have completed this training. It runs from Tues through Sunday. We have one day of pure classroom and then move to the field. They hike to the field, dig latrines, set up tents for living and for clinics. We have a pavilion nearby that we can use for lectures and then move back and forth from field to lecture. We had 14 students, all energetic and interested.
Then back home a third time for mothers day evening. Mon and Tues got ready to go back to the trail. Wed. Dean Tanner drove me to Roanoke to regain the trail. I didn’t think that I would have enough time to get to the northern end before the mid October closure if I went back to Erwin so started at Troutdale, just north of Roanoke.
Wed. night we stayed with Dean’s sister in Roanoke, then Thurs morning the 14th, 30 days after leaving the trail, Dean dropped me off at the Railroad tracks in Troutdale and off I went. I’m pretty sure he thinks I’m nuts but he was diplomatic about it.
Hiked to Wilson Creek Shelter, about 9.7 miles. Guess what, taking 30 days off from hiking is not a good idea. Seems I am physically back to where I was at the beginning in Georgia on Feb. 28. Once again my muscles supporting my hips were killing me. Thankfully after a few days they got a little accommodated. Mainly hip flexors.
11 people at the shelter. One full time volunteer of the ATC. He works in the ATC office in Harpers Ferry. He was hiking southbound. Angry Beaver, Groundhog, One stick, No nails were some of the hikers that night.
May 15th on to Babbitt’s Gap Shelter. This was a miserable day. Hot, 100% humidity with heavy fog. Sweat like a pig, Hip flexors still hurting. Only did 7.3 miles because the humidity was so bad. Really sapped my strength.
May 16th on to Bryant Ridge Shelter 13.3 miles. Prettier day. Much dryer. Didn’t rain till night. Slept in the shelter so stayed fairly dry. This was a beautiful shelter, three level, Tongue and groove post and beam construction. Fanciest shelter I have ever seen. Walked with Red Leg and three girls with a springer spaniel named Georgia. Spent several nights with a three section hikers, a father, Gray Beard, and his 2 sons taking a 6 wk hike.
May 17th on the Thunder Hill Shelter, 10.3 miles. Big climb almost 3000 feet. It rained all morning and the sun broke through after lunch. It wore me out all the ups and downs. If I ever had trail legs they are long gone. Went over the “last” tall mountain, Apple Orchard Mt., till New Hampshire. There is a large radar dome installation there. Back in the cold war it was an installation staffed with 250 military folk. Now looks like an automated facility. Spring flowers are beautiful. Wild Azaleas, Rhododendrons, and many other flowers are going strong. I am learning how to use my macro feature on the camera. Still a little shaky however. Saw a number of rusty orange salamanders on the trail. Small somewhat lethargic creatures only about 2 inches long.
May 18 on to Matt’s Creek shelter, 13.2 miles. Took 10 hours to walk. Supposeably a big descent, but had lots of ascents in the process. Again I am really weary by the end of the day. Walked a mile past the shelter to a camping area on the banks of the James River. Unfortunately the camping area is close enough to the highway that the campground is being used for parties. Lots of trash, giant bonfire spots
May 19th walked to Big Island, VA to resupply. Crossed the James River on the world’s longest foot bridge. Was a box beam bridge built on railroad supports from a bridge that washed away in the 80s. The railroad built a new bridge adjacent that was higher, leaving the pylons empty. A hiker’s widow raised funds to build the bridge. Beautiful structure. Hitched a ride to town and went to H&H. A combo facility of restaurant, gas stations and groc. Store. Ate a big breakfast and then shopped for groceries. Bought 70$ worth of food, about enough for 6 days. Hitched back to the trail by noon and up to the first shelter to eat a lunch that I had bought at the restaurant. Was warm and sunny so got a bucket of water and took a sponge bath and washed my clothes. Put them in a large Zip Lock with soap and water and squish around for a while then rinse in the creek and hang out for a while. About 3 decided to climb up the hill. 2000 feet up out of the James River bottom. Camped on top of the ridge, dry camp no water, so did not cook supper or breakfast to conserve water.
Had a hard time getting cell phone coverage the last couple of days. Seldom works from a shelter so have been trying to use the phone when I am at a high point with good visibility. Here in Montebello, town of 200 people there is no cell coverage of anykind.
May 20th, walked on to Pedlar Lake, city reservoir for Lynchberg. Ate lunch at the punchbowl shelter. Met Ms. Muster and Katsup two female thru hikers. A thru hiker is one who plans to walk the whole AT in one 12 mo. period. All else are section hikers.
There are two kinds of thru hikers, Traditional, that walk from one end to the other straight thru, may take breaks be return where they left off. The great majority walk south to north. Nontraditional or Flip Thru hikers jump around on the trail but walk the whole thing in the 12 mos. I have till next Feb 28 to finish. I am a flip hiker as I have skipped the distance from Erwin to Roanoke and plan to come back and finish that section after reaching Mt. Katahdin, Maine.
Camped with 3 middle aged ladies with their own dogs. Members of the Danville, VA kennel club. One has hiked all of the AT in sections except a 3 mile section in NH. Sketch, BoPeep and SueBop. They were doing an overnight.
Ran into a trail maintainer that was not quite all there. Was big, had a giant knife and was talking a little off. Was glad to get past him.
May 21st was at Hog Camp Gap, A meadow with spring. 10.1 miles, but with a 4000 foot elevation gain. Really a big big climb for an old man like me. Again was worn out. I have delusions each day of doing 15 miles, but after 10-12 hours of walking my body says forget it. Stayed with Ancient Ruin from Australia, Lost Arcadian from New Brunswick and Black Kat from who knows where.
May 22 I walked 11.1 miles to Spy Rock Road and down to spend two nights at the Dutch Haus Bed and Breakfast, owned by Earl and Lois Arnold, in the town of Montebello.
Pretty place, nicely done yard and gardens. Spent Fri. nite in the bunk house and Sat. in the main house. Will get back on the trail Sun. Morning at 8. Still have 39 miles to Waynesboro and the start of the Shenandoah’s. Taking a Zero day (no miles walked) to get my legs back in shape after the 4000 foot climb. They were sore to the touch today.
A week from tomorrow my Grandson, Logan Rafferty from Biloxi, MS is joining me for a month on the trail. He and I have hiked on and off since he was five or six, but never for this distance. Should be in PA by the time he leaves in early July. I think his Dad Sean is driving him up.
Guess that is the update for now. Please continue to pray for health and safety. Those local to Pelham, please continue to take care of Diane. I appreciate all you have done.
Keep on hiking
Grandpa Hugh
Remember “Use it or lose it” especially trail legs.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
AT Chronicles - April 16, 09
I did not put up Hugh's pictures here. If you want to see, email me or comment below.
I am back in Birmingham, Not finished with the Hike but have other obligations for a couple of weeks.
Friday I go to Guanajuato, Mexico for 10 days to be part of the Faculty for MTW’s Advanced Medical Team Leader Training. This training is for those that want to lead Medical teams into third world countries and keep the teams healthy and safe. This is the 3 year I have been part of the lectures. First was in Quito, Ecuador, then last year in Trinidad and now Mexico. Guanajuato is in the middle of upper Mexico about half way between Mexico City and the US, in the central mountains.
I am then home for a week and then go for 7 days to Pittsburg to participate in MTW’s Disaster Response Training. This training is for those that want to be on the roster to respond to international disasters. I have been doing this teaching for a number of years, first annually, then biannually.
Then home for a couple of days and then back on the trail. It will be almost a month off the trail.
I last reported from Hot Springs, NC. Arrived there on Apr. 5th Palm Sunday and had planned to have a zero day on Monday. A zero day is when you do not hike the trail at all. But it rained on Monday, and was forecast to snow on Tues so had two zero days. True enough they had 6-8 inches in the mountains with some drifts several feet deep. Glad to stay in town. Spent Mon. and Tues. dinking around, reading, getting cups of coffee, chatting, resting.
Sunnybank Inn where we stayed is a new age sort of place. Owned by an ex Methodist minister, chaplain at Duke. He is now in to alternative everything. Food was all vegetarian. Excellent, but would have been better with a little meat on the side. Tues. night had pumpkin soup, large tossed salad with sprouts, veg. lasagna, and pumpkin pie for dessert. They only normally allow thru hikers to stay two nights at the 20$ rate but due to the snow, extended our discounted rate one more night.
We wash our clothes when in towns. Wash all our clothes. Since we don’t carry spare clothes you have to be inventive.
Up early on Wed. To the café across the street for a big breakfast, back to the Inn to settle our account and then off. Climbed up to the top of Rich Mountain, 2300 feet up in 5 miles. Spent the night at Spring Mountain Shelter. 11 miles total. Was a beautiful day for walking, clear, sunny and cool. Lots of snow and mud from previous days, but otherwise fine.
Thurs. on to Little Laurel shelter, only 8.6 miles, fairly nice day, long walk down to the highway and then back up to the top of the mountain ridge. One family offered trail magic to the hikers, big brunch in their home about a ¼ mile off the trail. Belgian waffles, soup, desserts. I passed the opportunity but most imbibed.
Friday walked to Jerry Shelter but a big storm was forecast so stopped early.
Walked part of the day in the rain. Started raining about 5 and rained through the night. Took the alternate trail around one part of the trail due to rain and wind. The alternative trail ran parallel to the trail but just down the side of the hill about 20 yards. The regular route was on a very narrow ridge and wind gusts made it risky. Had a group of section hikers cook in the shelter while we watched, and then they set up a couple of tents for 3 of them, two girls stayed in the shelter, one on the ground and the other on the picnic table that had been moved under the shelter of the roof. There was a tarp across the mouth of the shelter to cut the breeze.
Had one thru hiker, “rocket” the day before had decided he was bored so turned around and went back to Hot Springs planning to go home. His walking partner had recently quit. After sleeping on it, he came back out on the trail the next day and caught up with us. Saw him for several more days and he was doing fine
Sat. the 11, I walked the longest hike so far. To Hogback Ridge shelter, 14.8 miles. Took for 8 am to 6 pm. Most of the day in the fog, clouds. Not too windy, but poor visibility. When we dropped down in to a gap could see under the clouds for a while, then back up into the mists with limited visibility. It can be bright and sunny down low and completely socked in at elevations as the clouds tend to stick just to the mt. tops only, with clear skies around them.
Had the same trail angel as last Sat. at the road crossing. A trail angel is someone who does something nice for a hiker with no expectation of anything in return, frequently they are folks that have a hiking background. “Yonder” minus his wife and friend the bag lady was there. Cold and windy so didn’t tarry long, just long enough for a handmade pepperoni pizza. Great guy.
Was cold again that night, Water froze in my bucket.
Bears are a constant in the mountains. This is a picture of a camper with the remains of his bear bag. Only a rope and a 6 inch piece of bear bag. Normally the bag is full of food. His bears showed up around sundown. He got out of his tent and made threatening noises toward the bear and its smaller companion. The bear made threatening noises back so he retreated to the safety of his nylon tent. Shades of sticking your head in the sand. He had his bear bag hanging over a tree branch. The bear climbed the tree, broke off the branch, climbed back down and proceeded to sort through his food. Did not like freeze dried food, but ate the rest. Especially liked candy bars. One section of the trail had especially skilled bears. They like solo campers better than groups camping. At many of the shelters there are cables for us to hang our food bags from. Food bags contain anything that has an odor, food, toothpaste, garbage, etc.
Easter the 12 I was in the middle of nowhere so sang hymns I had brought and read the Easter story from Luke. Something to think about the rest of the day.
Walked down to and under the interstate, and then back up to the top of Big Bald, 5500 feet, climb of 1750 feet. Mountains as far as you can see except to the west where the Tenn. Valley and the Tenn. Cumberland Plateau extends. This is the first place we have been where development really abuts the trail. There is the Wolf Laurel Ski Resort on the east side of the ridge and the trail on the west, only about 100 feet apart. I was surprised to look up and see a realtor driving by my on the top of the ridge showing property, about 50 feet away. The AT attempts to have at least a 500 foot buffer between the trail and any development. Funny to see a ½ million $ cabin next to the trail.
Walked through old snow drifts from Tues. of that week and on to the Bald Mt. Shelter, one of the highest on the trail at 5200 feet. Cool and clear. When it is cold we go to bed early as there is no other way to get warm. The night on Walnut Mt. we were all in bed by 4 pm.
For those who think I am crazy was passed by a trail runner on the way up to Big Bald. They run up and down the mountains without a backpack for the fun of it. Like those that run on the roads, but more vigorous.
Big coon dog was barking at the hikers as we went by. Friendly, wagging her tail, but barking most of the morning as various hikers went by.
For people like me that are slow I see the backs of other hikers. I start early and then over the course of the day am passed by all the hikers that start later than me from the same shelter, then later in the day am passed by those that started 2 shelters back and do 20 miles per day. In different parts of the trail there will be a number of south bounders out for a few days. I have only seen a couple of south bounders that are thru hiking, (doing the whole trail).
Monday the 13th, Once again very cold, Wind was blowing directly into the mouth of the shelter. Foggy, again in the clouds. To cold to cook breakfast so ate cold foods and headed out. Had a group of 5 section hikers, (doing less than the whole trail, usually a few days to a week) come into the shelter. One of the two girls must have been a last minute recruit as she was not equipped, did not have rain gear, or a warm enough sleeping bag. Both of her knees were stiff and sore. If you are trying to recruit some one to a new sport you better make sure their first effort is successful. Doubt she will hike again. I encouraged her to take Ibuprophin more frequently, but she wasn’t in a listening mood.
I told them about an alternate trail around Big Bald they could take. There was one at Albert Mt. in NC where we go up 650 feet in 500 feet. You use the alternates if it is too windy, icy, or rainy to be safe.
I did the short hike 5.7 miles to the highway where I hoped to hitch a ride into Erwin, TN. It is a US highway, but little traffic since thet put in the interstate. No one was willing to give me a ride.
Forest Service employees stopped to see if they could call someone for me but no ride. They told me about an experiment they are doing near Roan Mt. where they have imported Watusi African Cattle with 10 foot horns. The balds are open areas on top of the mountains. Originally cleared by Indians or early settlers to provide grassy areas for herbivores. Now that the land is publically owned and no stock is grazing there the trees and brush are gradually encroaching back on to the cleared space.
The Forest service is looking for less labor intensive ways to keep the balds grassy. These cattle are brush eaters, and browse eaters instead of grass eaters. They use their long horns to pull down branches to eat the tips of the limbs. Will be interesting to see if that works. They don’t burn the balds because of fear of setting the forest on fire. This Picture show were they have chopped down the encroaching brush and trees.
I got to the road about 11:30, again 40’s with stiff wind. Had all my clothes on, but still was getting chilled. Communicated with Di via cell phone texting since the signal was too poor for calls to go through. She and Logan, my grandson picked me up about 4 pm. Glad to see them.
We got a room at the local hiker hostel, actually a cabin with 2 rooms. Think it was a trailer covered with pine boards in and out.
April 14, Tues, headed for Birmingham. Took the back roads for the first 100 miles or so Di and Logan could see where I had been walking. Logan plans to walk with me the month of June.
April 15, Spent the day going through camping gear I have to set Logan up with all he needs when he joins me in June, Between Jeremiah, Di and I we were able to get all the gear and clothing he needed except for a few things. Went to the local outfitter and got hiking boots and a rain jacket.
In thinking back over these first 7 weeks a couple of things come to mind.
1. You would be amazed at how little you need to actually live. Food, water, clothing, tent, cooking gear and stove, bedding, entertainment can all be carried on your back and can weigh as little as 30#. Running hot and cold water, refrigeration, tempered air, indoor plumbing, computers are all nice but not essential to life.
2. Ramen Noodles can be fixed many ways.
3. Physically if you can do the first 30 miles you can probably do the next 2145 miles barring an illness or accident.
4. The tallest mountain can be climbed by the slowest hiker; it just takes a little longer.
5. If you get soaked in the rain, you will not melt and will eventually dry out, though you dry faster in a hostel or motel.
6. Having fun while hiking is a mind issue. Once you understand 3 and 4, then you can think about something else. Looking for the first wildflowers on the trail when it is foggy, blowing and in the 20s can be a delight. All are shades of black and brown and then there is a bright yellow or purple flower popping up.
7. Mt. top views are great but you can hike without them and enjoy the fuzzy whiteout of the clouds and shifting mists.
8. A warm dry sleeping bag at night makes it all better.
9. There is no way you can carry enough food to replace the calories you burn, Move over for the new Oprah Diet. 40# backpack and a month on the trail will make anyone thinner.
10. Things you wouldn’t think of eating at home are essential on the trial. One pkg of Little Debbie Nutty bars with 440 calories, 2 Pop tarts with 408 calories, Handfuls of nuts, are all popular when attempting to bridge the calorie deficit. Hikers also ck the nutritional labels at the grocery stores but are looking for the item with the most calories.
11. The image of the creator us everywhere. The Trillium flower with three leaves, three sepals and three petals reminds of the trinity with the number 3, the old testament sepals, a pale image of the intensity of the petals, and the petals of different colors, some royal red and purple representing the majesty of God, some yellow or white representing the purity of Christ.
12. The forest reminds of the continuity of life. Some trees hundreds of years old, flowers only a few days. We are here for a season; we are part of a grand creation, here for a purpose, to bring glory to God.
These thoughts and emails will cease for while till mid May when I go back on the trail.
Thanks to all of you for your interest and your prayers. Pray for the success of the training I will be involved in these next several weeks.
“Grandpa Hugh”
I am back in Birmingham, Not finished with the Hike but have other obligations for a couple of weeks.
Friday I go to Guanajuato, Mexico for 10 days to be part of the Faculty for MTW’s Advanced Medical Team Leader Training. This training is for those that want to lead Medical teams into third world countries and keep the teams healthy and safe. This is the 3 year I have been part of the lectures. First was in Quito, Ecuador, then last year in Trinidad and now Mexico. Guanajuato is in the middle of upper Mexico about half way between Mexico City and the US, in the central mountains.
I am then home for a week and then go for 7 days to Pittsburg to participate in MTW’s Disaster Response Training. This training is for those that want to be on the roster to respond to international disasters. I have been doing this teaching for a number of years, first annually, then biannually.
Then home for a couple of days and then back on the trail. It will be almost a month off the trail.
I last reported from Hot Springs, NC. Arrived there on Apr. 5th Palm Sunday and had planned to have a zero day on Monday. A zero day is when you do not hike the trail at all. But it rained on Monday, and was forecast to snow on Tues so had two zero days. True enough they had 6-8 inches in the mountains with some drifts several feet deep. Glad to stay in town. Spent Mon. and Tues. dinking around, reading, getting cups of coffee, chatting, resting.
Sunnybank Inn where we stayed is a new age sort of place. Owned by an ex Methodist minister, chaplain at Duke. He is now in to alternative everything. Food was all vegetarian. Excellent, but would have been better with a little meat on the side. Tues. night had pumpkin soup, large tossed salad with sprouts, veg. lasagna, and pumpkin pie for dessert. They only normally allow thru hikers to stay two nights at the 20$ rate but due to the snow, extended our discounted rate one more night.
We wash our clothes when in towns. Wash all our clothes. Since we don’t carry spare clothes you have to be inventive.
Up early on Wed. To the café across the street for a big breakfast, back to the Inn to settle our account and then off. Climbed up to the top of Rich Mountain, 2300 feet up in 5 miles. Spent the night at Spring Mountain Shelter. 11 miles total. Was a beautiful day for walking, clear, sunny and cool. Lots of snow and mud from previous days, but otherwise fine.
Thurs. on to Little Laurel shelter, only 8.6 miles, fairly nice day, long walk down to the highway and then back up to the top of the mountain ridge. One family offered trail magic to the hikers, big brunch in their home about a ¼ mile off the trail. Belgian waffles, soup, desserts. I passed the opportunity but most imbibed.
Friday walked to Jerry Shelter but a big storm was forecast so stopped early.
Walked part of the day in the rain. Started raining about 5 and rained through the night. Took the alternate trail around one part of the trail due to rain and wind. The alternative trail ran parallel to the trail but just down the side of the hill about 20 yards. The regular route was on a very narrow ridge and wind gusts made it risky. Had a group of section hikers cook in the shelter while we watched, and then they set up a couple of tents for 3 of them, two girls stayed in the shelter, one on the ground and the other on the picnic table that had been moved under the shelter of the roof. There was a tarp across the mouth of the shelter to cut the breeze.
Had one thru hiker, “rocket” the day before had decided he was bored so turned around and went back to Hot Springs planning to go home. His walking partner had recently quit. After sleeping on it, he came back out on the trail the next day and caught up with us. Saw him for several more days and he was doing fine
Sat. the 11, I walked the longest hike so far. To Hogback Ridge shelter, 14.8 miles. Took for 8 am to 6 pm. Most of the day in the fog, clouds. Not too windy, but poor visibility. When we dropped down in to a gap could see under the clouds for a while, then back up into the mists with limited visibility. It can be bright and sunny down low and completely socked in at elevations as the clouds tend to stick just to the mt. tops only, with clear skies around them.
Had the same trail angel as last Sat. at the road crossing. A trail angel is someone who does something nice for a hiker with no expectation of anything in return, frequently they are folks that have a hiking background. “Yonder” minus his wife and friend the bag lady was there. Cold and windy so didn’t tarry long, just long enough for a handmade pepperoni pizza. Great guy.
Was cold again that night, Water froze in my bucket.
Bears are a constant in the mountains. This is a picture of a camper with the remains of his bear bag. Only a rope and a 6 inch piece of bear bag. Normally the bag is full of food. His bears showed up around sundown. He got out of his tent and made threatening noises toward the bear and its smaller companion. The bear made threatening noises back so he retreated to the safety of his nylon tent. Shades of sticking your head in the sand. He had his bear bag hanging over a tree branch. The bear climbed the tree, broke off the branch, climbed back down and proceeded to sort through his food. Did not like freeze dried food, but ate the rest. Especially liked candy bars. One section of the trail had especially skilled bears. They like solo campers better than groups camping. At many of the shelters there are cables for us to hang our food bags from. Food bags contain anything that has an odor, food, toothpaste, garbage, etc.
Easter the 12 I was in the middle of nowhere so sang hymns I had brought and read the Easter story from Luke. Something to think about the rest of the day.
Walked down to and under the interstate, and then back up to the top of Big Bald, 5500 feet, climb of 1750 feet. Mountains as far as you can see except to the west where the Tenn. Valley and the Tenn. Cumberland Plateau extends. This is the first place we have been where development really abuts the trail. There is the Wolf Laurel Ski Resort on the east side of the ridge and the trail on the west, only about 100 feet apart. I was surprised to look up and see a realtor driving by my on the top of the ridge showing property, about 50 feet away. The AT attempts to have at least a 500 foot buffer between the trail and any development. Funny to see a ½ million $ cabin next to the trail.
Walked through old snow drifts from Tues. of that week and on to the Bald Mt. Shelter, one of the highest on the trail at 5200 feet. Cool and clear. When it is cold we go to bed early as there is no other way to get warm. The night on Walnut Mt. we were all in bed by 4 pm.
For those who think I am crazy was passed by a trail runner on the way up to Big Bald. They run up and down the mountains without a backpack for the fun of it. Like those that run on the roads, but more vigorous.
Big coon dog was barking at the hikers as we went by. Friendly, wagging her tail, but barking most of the morning as various hikers went by.
For people like me that are slow I see the backs of other hikers. I start early and then over the course of the day am passed by all the hikers that start later than me from the same shelter, then later in the day am passed by those that started 2 shelters back and do 20 miles per day. In different parts of the trail there will be a number of south bounders out for a few days. I have only seen a couple of south bounders that are thru hiking, (doing the whole trail).
Monday the 13th, Once again very cold, Wind was blowing directly into the mouth of the shelter. Foggy, again in the clouds. To cold to cook breakfast so ate cold foods and headed out. Had a group of 5 section hikers, (doing less than the whole trail, usually a few days to a week) come into the shelter. One of the two girls must have been a last minute recruit as she was not equipped, did not have rain gear, or a warm enough sleeping bag. Both of her knees were stiff and sore. If you are trying to recruit some one to a new sport you better make sure their first effort is successful. Doubt she will hike again. I encouraged her to take Ibuprophin more frequently, but she wasn’t in a listening mood.
I told them about an alternate trail around Big Bald they could take. There was one at Albert Mt. in NC where we go up 650 feet in 500 feet. You use the alternates if it is too windy, icy, or rainy to be safe.
I did the short hike 5.7 miles to the highway where I hoped to hitch a ride into Erwin, TN. It is a US highway, but little traffic since thet put in the interstate. No one was willing to give me a ride.
Forest Service employees stopped to see if they could call someone for me but no ride. They told me about an experiment they are doing near Roan Mt. where they have imported Watusi African Cattle with 10 foot horns. The balds are open areas on top of the mountains. Originally cleared by Indians or early settlers to provide grassy areas for herbivores. Now that the land is publically owned and no stock is grazing there the trees and brush are gradually encroaching back on to the cleared space.
The Forest service is looking for less labor intensive ways to keep the balds grassy. These cattle are brush eaters, and browse eaters instead of grass eaters. They use their long horns to pull down branches to eat the tips of the limbs. Will be interesting to see if that works. They don’t burn the balds because of fear of setting the forest on fire. This Picture show were they have chopped down the encroaching brush and trees.
I got to the road about 11:30, again 40’s with stiff wind. Had all my clothes on, but still was getting chilled. Communicated with Di via cell phone texting since the signal was too poor for calls to go through. She and Logan, my grandson picked me up about 4 pm. Glad to see them.
We got a room at the local hiker hostel, actually a cabin with 2 rooms. Think it was a trailer covered with pine boards in and out.
April 14, Tues, headed for Birmingham. Took the back roads for the first 100 miles or so Di and Logan could see where I had been walking. Logan plans to walk with me the month of June.
April 15, Spent the day going through camping gear I have to set Logan up with all he needs when he joins me in June, Between Jeremiah, Di and I we were able to get all the gear and clothing he needed except for a few things. Went to the local outfitter and got hiking boots and a rain jacket.
In thinking back over these first 7 weeks a couple of things come to mind.
1. You would be amazed at how little you need to actually live. Food, water, clothing, tent, cooking gear and stove, bedding, entertainment can all be carried on your back and can weigh as little as 30#. Running hot and cold water, refrigeration, tempered air, indoor plumbing, computers are all nice but not essential to life.
2. Ramen Noodles can be fixed many ways.
3. Physically if you can do the first 30 miles you can probably do the next 2145 miles barring an illness or accident.
4. The tallest mountain can be climbed by the slowest hiker; it just takes a little longer.
5. If you get soaked in the rain, you will not melt and will eventually dry out, though you dry faster in a hostel or motel.
6. Having fun while hiking is a mind issue. Once you understand 3 and 4, then you can think about something else. Looking for the first wildflowers on the trail when it is foggy, blowing and in the 20s can be a delight. All are shades of black and brown and then there is a bright yellow or purple flower popping up.
7. Mt. top views are great but you can hike without them and enjoy the fuzzy whiteout of the clouds and shifting mists.
8. A warm dry sleeping bag at night makes it all better.
9. There is no way you can carry enough food to replace the calories you burn, Move over for the new Oprah Diet. 40# backpack and a month on the trail will make anyone thinner.
10. Things you wouldn’t think of eating at home are essential on the trial. One pkg of Little Debbie Nutty bars with 440 calories, 2 Pop tarts with 408 calories, Handfuls of nuts, are all popular when attempting to bridge the calorie deficit. Hikers also ck the nutritional labels at the grocery stores but are looking for the item with the most calories.
11. The image of the creator us everywhere. The Trillium flower with three leaves, three sepals and three petals reminds of the trinity with the number 3, the old testament sepals, a pale image of the intensity of the petals, and the petals of different colors, some royal red and purple representing the majesty of God, some yellow or white representing the purity of Christ.
12. The forest reminds of the continuity of life. Some trees hundreds of years old, flowers only a few days. We are here for a season; we are part of a grand creation, here for a purpose, to bring glory to God.
These thoughts and emails will cease for while till mid May when I go back on the trail.
Thanks to all of you for your interest and your prayers. Pray for the success of the training I will be involved in these next several weeks.
“Grandpa Hugh”
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Susan Boyle on Britian's Got Talent
Here is what Bob, the pastor, said about this video:
Enjoy!!
If you do not know who Elaine Paige is, here is a video of her. (I didn't).
Also there is a newly discovered 1999 recording by Susan Boyle of Cry Me a River.
"When beautiful grace exposes the ugly Pharisee in us all. And once again, its Les Mis that does it." Susan Boyle
Enjoy!!
If you do not know who Elaine Paige is, here is a video of her. (I didn't).
Also there is a newly discovered 1999 recording by Susan Boyle of Cry Me a River.
Hugh Davis on the Appalachian Trail - April 5
Subject: AT- April 5
This is a week or so old, but did not get sent out, sorry.
A quick note. Have limited access to a computer.
I am in Hot Springs, NC. Old hot spring resort from the early 1800.
280 or so miles from Springer MT.
We left Gattlingburg on Monday the 30, back to New Found Gap. Di drove us up there. She had been driving us around the area as needed.
It had frozen that night and walked the first 6 hrs or so on Ice. All the rain had frozen so the footing was treacherous. Fell lightly a couple of times. Made it to the shelter 11 miles in about 7 hours. There were 3 short hikes, husband and two sons, plus a bunch of thru hikers. Cold and foggy.
Tues, made another 10 miles or so to the next shelter still rainy, cold, blowing, nasty. Minimal visibility. Lots of purported views but not that day.
Wed. last day in the park. walked down to the pigeon river, under the interstate and to a hikers hostel. Out in the middle of no where. Couple have bought a farm and converted it to a hostel. Bunk house that would hold about 14, a cabin that would hold 6 and space for tent camping. Had an outdoor kitchen, three burner propane stove. microwave, pizza oven, Washing machine was a tub with a hand wringer attached, but electric dryer.
Interesting combination. Put basically sopping clothes in the dryer and then had to run it for an hour or so to dry. Didn't really get things clean, but at least rinsed.
Kind of hippy in appearance. But pleasant to stay for a night.
Thurs. Walked up and up over Snow Bird Bald. Beautiful views, but wind that would blow you off. 10 miles to brown gap where Lefty and I camped.
Friday. Continues to walk over the balds. Max Patch is a 360 acre bald, but visibility was 20 feet and the wind so stiff you had to use you hiking poles from getting blown over. Ended up equally windy on Walnut Mt.
Shelter. 32 degrees, 30 mile winds in a shelter built in the 30s with logs, Needed chinking to reduce the flow of the breeze. Clouds kept visability again to zip.
Sat. Walked to Deer Mt. Shelter, 3 miles from Hot springs. Day continues cold and windy.
Sunday woke up to a beautiful mild day. Unlimited views. Temp in the 60.
Am staying at a hostel in Hot Springs. Been serving hikers since the 40s.
Vegetarian cuisine for supper tonight. Went to Dollar General and bought food for the next 7 days. Will need a sherpa to carry it for me.
Sean and Austin, my son in law and grandson are to meet me on thurs. and walk 4 days with me and then will take me back to Birmingham.
I will be off the trail for almost a month, teaching first in Mexico and then in Pittsburg. MTW has classes for those that want to lead medical teams into third world countries, and then classess for thoese that want to serve on a Disaster Team. with a week between the classes in birmingham and travel time, that will be almost a month off the trail.
Hiking is still physical, but am enjoying it more and more. Still huffing and puffing, occasionally make it over a hump with out stopping. A few spring flowers are sprouting at elevation.
Went to church this morning at the local baptist church for Palm Sunday.
Nice to be with a body of believers on this important day.
All for now.
Love to All
Grandpa Hugh
This is a week or so old, but did not get sent out, sorry.
A quick note. Have limited access to a computer.
I am in Hot Springs, NC. Old hot spring resort from the early 1800.
280 or so miles from Springer MT.
We left Gattlingburg on Monday the 30, back to New Found Gap. Di drove us up there. She had been driving us around the area as needed.
It had frozen that night and walked the first 6 hrs or so on Ice. All the rain had frozen so the footing was treacherous. Fell lightly a couple of times. Made it to the shelter 11 miles in about 7 hours. There were 3 short hikes, husband and two sons, plus a bunch of thru hikers. Cold and foggy.
Tues, made another 10 miles or so to the next shelter still rainy, cold, blowing, nasty. Minimal visibility. Lots of purported views but not that day.
Wed. last day in the park. walked down to the pigeon river, under the interstate and to a hikers hostel. Out in the middle of no where. Couple have bought a farm and converted it to a hostel. Bunk house that would hold about 14, a cabin that would hold 6 and space for tent camping. Had an outdoor kitchen, three burner propane stove. microwave, pizza oven, Washing machine was a tub with a hand wringer attached, but electric dryer.
Interesting combination. Put basically sopping clothes in the dryer and then had to run it for an hour or so to dry. Didn't really get things clean, but at least rinsed.
Kind of hippy in appearance. But pleasant to stay for a night.
Thurs. Walked up and up over Snow Bird Bald. Beautiful views, but wind that would blow you off. 10 miles to brown gap where Lefty and I camped.
Friday. Continues to walk over the balds. Max Patch is a 360 acre bald, but visibility was 20 feet and the wind so stiff you had to use you hiking poles from getting blown over. Ended up equally windy on Walnut Mt.
Shelter. 32 degrees, 30 mile winds in a shelter built in the 30s with logs, Needed chinking to reduce the flow of the breeze. Clouds kept visability again to zip.
Sat. Walked to Deer Mt. Shelter, 3 miles from Hot springs. Day continues cold and windy.
Sunday woke up to a beautiful mild day. Unlimited views. Temp in the 60.
Am staying at a hostel in Hot Springs. Been serving hikers since the 40s.
Vegetarian cuisine for supper tonight. Went to Dollar General and bought food for the next 7 days. Will need a sherpa to carry it for me.
Sean and Austin, my son in law and grandson are to meet me on thurs. and walk 4 days with me and then will take me back to Birmingham.
I will be off the trail for almost a month, teaching first in Mexico and then in Pittsburg. MTW has classes for those that want to lead medical teams into third world countries, and then classess for thoese that want to serve on a Disaster Team. with a week between the classes in birmingham and travel time, that will be almost a month off the trail.
Hiking is still physical, but am enjoying it more and more. Still huffing and puffing, occasionally make it over a hump with out stopping. A few spring flowers are sprouting at elevation.
Went to church this morning at the local baptist church for Palm Sunday.
Nice to be with a body of believers on this important day.
All for now.
Love to All
Grandpa Hugh
Monday, March 30, 2009
AT 6 -- Hugh Davis
Sat, March 28, 2009
Dear Friends:
I am sitting in a motel room in Gatlinburg, TN waiting for a storm to roll in. I last wrote from Franklin NC. At that point I had walked 107.7 miles on the AT. I came off the trail yesterday afternoon at New Found Gap in the Great Smoky National Park, 204.7 Miles on the trail. I am slowly making my way up the east coast. Only have 1975 miles to go.
I have had a mental improvement. The hills are still just as high, the days just a long, the muscles just a sore but I am beginning to enjoy the hike. When I see a tall mountain in front of me, I just start climbing while thinking about other things. In the past I was focusing only on the next step. I am also trying to teach myself how to go up hills more efficiently. Jeremiah said to pace myself, what does that mean? I was following two sisters, Katie and Laurie from Maine hiking ahead of me. They were moving very slowly, but still pulling away from me. My style is to walk quickly and then have to stop huff and puff and look at the scenery for a min. My many stops meant my overall speed was super slow. Now I am teaching myself how to count steps and count a cadence and walk for a long distance up the hills without stopping. As I get fatigued over the course of the day I find myself reverting back to old standard run and stop. Yesterday, as I walked up to the top of Klingman’s Dome, the tallest mountain on the AT, at 6643 feet, I was able to walk without stopping for the first 2 of the 3 miles and then lost my technique. Will have to continue to develop the technique to make it my natural stride.
I left Franklin NC on the 16th and walked 11 miles to the Wayah Shelter. Was a beautiful day for a hike in the woods. 17th walked 10.6 miles to the Wesser Bald Shelter. On the 18th, 5.8 Miles to the Nantahala Outdoor Center, NOC. I have been there several times in the past with the B'ham, Canoe Club. It’s primary function is to serve rafters and boaters on the Nantahala River. I took the rest of the day off. Ate 3 meals at the NOC restaurant, showered, and washed clothes. They have a Hostel there, 18$ for a bunk and use of the facilities. Off early the next morning. Extra tough climb out of the Nantahala Gorge. Nantahala means noonday sun. The gorge is so steep that the sun rises late and set early. Climbed from 1700 to 4300 in five miles. Steepest climb so far was a week ago when I climbed 650 feet in 1/10 (500 ft) of a mile, almost straight up at Albert MT. NC.
Two more days hiking to Fontana Dam Village. Very tough couple of days. They apparently forgot all they knew about making switch backs, all the trails go straight up. Many very steep mountains and ended up back down at 1700 feet at the Dam. High point of 5062 feet just to get back to where we started elevation wise.
Ran into 2 “Trail Angels.” First was a man from Texas that comes and pitches a two large tents at Burningtown Gap. One in a MSR 8 meter dome tent. He had hot coffee, hot chocolate, and on occasion hotdogs. He had a bunch of sling folding chairs to sit on. Nice break for a half hour or so. The second was a 69 year old lady at one of the Gaps who said she had section hiked the AT from GA to Bear Mt. NY. Had hoped to get to Katahdin by age 70, but said she probably wouldn’t make it. She was passing out spring water and taking our garbage.
I am still awaiting my “trail legs” Supposed to take 6 weeks, means I need to keep at this for 2 more weeks. A number of people we started with have dropped out. Many that started out to do a thru hike are now only going to go part of the way because of other commitments. It is a long distance. Many now know that they will not be able to finish before school starts in the fall. Many of the 20 year olds that were doing 20 miles a day are having foot and blister problems.
The past 3 days it has been 40s with strong winds and rain or clouds. I have been able to stay in the shelters after the first night of rain and have stayed fairly dry but am worried about being cold and wet and then not having a dry sleeping bag. My sleeping bag is down which is worthless in keeping warm if the bag is wet. Di and I went to a outfitter today and bought an inexpensive synthetic bag. Synthetic bags will work even if wet. Your bag is your lifeline in these really adverse circumstances. When I am walking along, wet on the outside from rain and inside from sweat I know that I am OK as long as I walk. I generate my own heat. But at night I depend on my sleeping bag. If it works, I am OK, but if it is wet it won’t keep me warm and I am then in danger of hypothermia. By switching to synthetic I should be OK even if my gear gets wet.
We are continually warned about bears, and faithfully are hanging our food and other stuff that smells on cables hung near the shelters. Most of the duels for food go on with the mice that infest the shelters. Some are so thick that they run over the sleeping hikers, chew holes in our packs, clothing looking for tasty morsels.
I met Cecil Essex, a man and his son in the shelter a couple of days ago. They do an annual spring break hike in the Smokies, They gave me and another thru hiker a ride into town to the motel.
I continue to use my SPOT locator daily so Di knows where I am and that I am OK. Most of the time I can get coverage for my cell phone, but not the last 3 days.
Thanks for all your interest and concern for me.
Please continue to pray for safety and strength as this hike continues.
“Grandpa Hugh”
Dear Friends:
I am sitting in a motel room in Gatlinburg, TN waiting for a storm to roll in. I last wrote from Franklin NC. At that point I had walked 107.7 miles on the AT. I came off the trail yesterday afternoon at New Found Gap in the Great Smoky National Park, 204.7 Miles on the trail. I am slowly making my way up the east coast. Only have 1975 miles to go.
I have had a mental improvement. The hills are still just as high, the days just a long, the muscles just a sore but I am beginning to enjoy the hike. When I see a tall mountain in front of me, I just start climbing while thinking about other things. In the past I was focusing only on the next step. I am also trying to teach myself how to go up hills more efficiently. Jeremiah said to pace myself, what does that mean? I was following two sisters, Katie and Laurie from Maine hiking ahead of me. They were moving very slowly, but still pulling away from me. My style is to walk quickly and then have to stop huff and puff and look at the scenery for a min. My many stops meant my overall speed was super slow. Now I am teaching myself how to count steps and count a cadence and walk for a long distance up the hills without stopping. As I get fatigued over the course of the day I find myself reverting back to old standard run and stop. Yesterday, as I walked up to the top of Klingman’s Dome, the tallest mountain on the AT, at 6643 feet, I was able to walk without stopping for the first 2 of the 3 miles and then lost my technique. Will have to continue to develop the technique to make it my natural stride.
I left Franklin NC on the 16th and walked 11 miles to the Wayah Shelter. Was a beautiful day for a hike in the woods. 17th walked 10.6 miles to the Wesser Bald Shelter. On the 18th, 5.8 Miles to the Nantahala Outdoor Center, NOC. I have been there several times in the past with the B'ham, Canoe Club. It’s primary function is to serve rafters and boaters on the Nantahala River. I took the rest of the day off. Ate 3 meals at the NOC restaurant, showered, and washed clothes. They have a Hostel there, 18$ for a bunk and use of the facilities. Off early the next morning. Extra tough climb out of the Nantahala Gorge. Nantahala means noonday sun. The gorge is so steep that the sun rises late and set early. Climbed from 1700 to 4300 in five miles. Steepest climb so far was a week ago when I climbed 650 feet in 1/10 (500 ft) of a mile, almost straight up at Albert MT. NC.
Two more days hiking to Fontana Dam Village. Very tough couple of days. They apparently forgot all they knew about making switch backs, all the trails go straight up. Many very steep mountains and ended up back down at 1700 feet at the Dam. High point of 5062 feet just to get back to where we started elevation wise.
Ran into 2 “Trail Angels.” First was a man from Texas that comes and pitches a two large tents at Burningtown Gap. One in a MSR 8 meter dome tent. He had hot coffee, hot chocolate, and on occasion hotdogs. He had a bunch of sling folding chairs to sit on. Nice break for a half hour or so. The second was a 69 year old lady at one of the Gaps who said she had section hiked the AT from GA to Bear Mt. NY. Had hoped to get to Katahdin by age 70, but said she probably wouldn’t make it. She was passing out spring water and taking our garbage.
I am still awaiting my “trail legs” Supposed to take 6 weeks, means I need to keep at this for 2 more weeks. A number of people we started with have dropped out. Many that started out to do a thru hike are now only going to go part of the way because of other commitments. It is a long distance. Many now know that they will not be able to finish before school starts in the fall. Many of the 20 year olds that were doing 20 miles a day are having foot and blister problems.
The past 3 days it has been 40s with strong winds and rain or clouds. I have been able to stay in the shelters after the first night of rain and have stayed fairly dry but am worried about being cold and wet and then not having a dry sleeping bag. My sleeping bag is down which is worthless in keeping warm if the bag is wet. Di and I went to a outfitter today and bought an inexpensive synthetic bag. Synthetic bags will work even if wet. Your bag is your lifeline in these really adverse circumstances. When I am walking along, wet on the outside from rain and inside from sweat I know that I am OK as long as I walk. I generate my own heat. But at night I depend on my sleeping bag. If it works, I am OK, but if it is wet it won’t keep me warm and I am then in danger of hypothermia. By switching to synthetic I should be OK even if my gear gets wet.
We are continually warned about bears, and faithfully are hanging our food and other stuff that smells on cables hung near the shelters. Most of the duels for food go on with the mice that infest the shelters. Some are so thick that they run over the sleeping hikers, chew holes in our packs, clothing looking for tasty morsels.
I met Cecil Essex, a man and his son in the shelter a couple of days ago. They do an annual spring break hike in the Smokies, They gave me and another thru hiker a ride into town to the motel.
I continue to use my SPOT locator daily so Di knows where I am and that I am OK. Most of the time I can get coverage for my cell phone, but not the last 3 days.
Thanks for all your interest and concern for me.
Please continue to pray for safety and strength as this hike continues.
“Grandpa Hugh”
Monday, March 16, 2009
Hugh Davis on the Appalachian Trail: 5
From: Hugh Davis [mailto:hughdavis@charter.net]
Sent: Monday, March 16, 2009 10:23 AM
To: Diane Davis
Cc: hughdavis@charter.net
Subject: AT-5
Greetings from Franklin TN. 108 miles from Springer Mt. the southern terminis.
I last wrote from Hiawassee, GA. Di, Jeremiah, and Dean Tanner dropped me off back on the trail at the Tray Mt. rd. crossing. Jeremiah and i had walked down the road about 4 miles to meet them the day before.
I walked 8.6 miles to Deep Gap Shelter for the night, then a quick 3.5 miles in the morning to Dicks Gap. Back to spend another night at the Hiawasee Inn and to pick up my food for the 40 miles to Franklin. New group of hikers, Whitey from Ankorage AK, Radio Freq from St. Paul, Groovey from Calif., Andy from Baltimore, L-train from Boston, Spielberg from Mass, Broadcast from Charlotte, Brickyard from Indian. Maggie from Berkley,
3-12, shuttle back to the trail. Walked 9 1/2 hours to Muskrat Creek Shelter about 3 miles in to North Carolina. 11.9 miles. Tented near the shelter. Most of the hikers are 45 years younger than me and can do the distance in about 4-5 hours, takes me twice as long. I am really tired when I get there. Were at 5500 feet elevation, higher than Denver.
Was supposed to rain but was just foggy with a light mist.
3-13 On the Carter Gap Shelters, 12.2 miles, Walked from 830 till 630pm. There are two shelters at that point and old and a new, both look old, Got a slot in the shelter so didn't have to erect the tent. Rained most of the night. The 5 Divas were there, 5 girls who met on internet hiking sites. Decided to hike the AT, Got together for a couple of trial shorter hikes and then hit the trail. 3 are from the NY area and 2 from Florida, but did not know each other before this trip.
Trail names of Rocket, Loon, Egghead, Storm.
3-14 Walked to rock gap shelter 12.1 miles. Went over MT. Albert. A rock pinnacle, had to use hands and feet to climb it. Rained all day, but not bad walking, Boots in mud most of the time. This past week has been spring break for many of the area schools so had a number of kids hiking for the week. Also on the weekends have another group of hikers out just for a couple of days.
Again I got a slot in the shelter. It poured all night.
3-14 short walk over a tall mountain to US 64 at winding stair gap, then shuttle to town to the Haven Budget Inn. Showered, washed clothes, really stink after a couple of days on the trail. Ron Haven took us to walmart, the outfitters and the grocery store. Talked him in to a quick stop at sonic for lunch even though it was 3 pm. I was too fuzzy to think straight, bought a few things, but had to recreate a shopping list later last night for today. Staying clean on the trail is almost impossible when it is cold. Normal trail dirt plus my post prostate surgery issues makes it extra difficult. I try to avoid getting close to people till I get clean and washed.
Went to a chain restaurant for supper, too expensive for very often, but good.
Staying with Smily Mike Douillard from Colorado Springs.
My emotions are all over the place. The hills kill me, I am painfully slow. The mountains are painflully tall. I think if I had hired a personal trainer to get me in shape and he had laid out this regimine for me I would have killed him days ago.
I spend the days trying to think up reasons to come home without being embarressed, So far only a broken leg, heart attack, stroke seem feasible and I am saving them for later. Supposed to take 6 weeks to get your trail legs, I have 4 to go. My room mate asked my why I was walking the AT, I couldn't give him a cogent reason.
The social interaction at the shelters in the evenings helps ease some of the discouragement and fatigue. So far I have only seen couple of people older than me, and they are faster also. Have to be satisfied with being able to just continue to walk, and worry about how many miles I travel in 4 weeks.
Taking a zero day today, will leave in the morning. 3 days to NOC at Wesser NC. then another 3 days to Fontana Dam, then 5-6 more to New Found Gap and the road to Gatlinberg. Di may meet me there for a day or two.
Can't buy groceries at fontana so am buying groc. for the Smokies here and mailing them to myself at Fontana. Will get that done to day.
Continue to pray for my mental attitude, physical strength and fortitude. All are less than needed. I appreciate your continuing prayers for safety and health.
Other than general wear and tear I am holding up well.
More next time I get to a computer.
Grandpa Hugh
Sent: Monday, March 16, 2009 10:23 AM
To: Diane Davis
Cc: hughdavis@charter.net
Subject: AT-5
Greetings from Franklin TN. 108 miles from Springer Mt. the southern terminis.
I last wrote from Hiawassee, GA. Di, Jeremiah, and Dean Tanner dropped me off back on the trail at the Tray Mt. rd. crossing. Jeremiah and i had walked down the road about 4 miles to meet them the day before.
I walked 8.6 miles to Deep Gap Shelter for the night, then a quick 3.5 miles in the morning to Dicks Gap. Back to spend another night at the Hiawasee Inn and to pick up my food for the 40 miles to Franklin. New group of hikers, Whitey from Ankorage AK, Radio Freq from St. Paul, Groovey from Calif., Andy from Baltimore, L-train from Boston, Spielberg from Mass, Broadcast from Charlotte, Brickyard from Indian. Maggie from Berkley,
3-12, shuttle back to the trail. Walked 9 1/2 hours to Muskrat Creek Shelter about 3 miles in to North Carolina. 11.9 miles. Tented near the shelter. Most of the hikers are 45 years younger than me and can do the distance in about 4-5 hours, takes me twice as long. I am really tired when I get there. Were at 5500 feet elevation, higher than Denver.
Was supposed to rain but was just foggy with a light mist.
3-13 On the Carter Gap Shelters, 12.2 miles, Walked from 830 till 630pm. There are two shelters at that point and old and a new, both look old, Got a slot in the shelter so didn't have to erect the tent. Rained most of the night. The 5 Divas were there, 5 girls who met on internet hiking sites. Decided to hike the AT, Got together for a couple of trial shorter hikes and then hit the trail. 3 are from the NY area and 2 from Florida, but did not know each other before this trip.
Trail names of Rocket, Loon, Egghead, Storm.
3-14 Walked to rock gap shelter 12.1 miles. Went over MT. Albert. A rock pinnacle, had to use hands and feet to climb it. Rained all day, but not bad walking, Boots in mud most of the time. This past week has been spring break for many of the area schools so had a number of kids hiking for the week. Also on the weekends have another group of hikers out just for a couple of days.
Again I got a slot in the shelter. It poured all night.
3-14 short walk over a tall mountain to US 64 at winding stair gap, then shuttle to town to the Haven Budget Inn. Showered, washed clothes, really stink after a couple of days on the trail. Ron Haven took us to walmart, the outfitters and the grocery store. Talked him in to a quick stop at sonic for lunch even though it was 3 pm. I was too fuzzy to think straight, bought a few things, but had to recreate a shopping list later last night for today. Staying clean on the trail is almost impossible when it is cold. Normal trail dirt plus my post prostate surgery issues makes it extra difficult. I try to avoid getting close to people till I get clean and washed.
Went to a chain restaurant for supper, too expensive for very often, but good.
Staying with Smily Mike Douillard from Colorado Springs.
My emotions are all over the place. The hills kill me, I am painfully slow. The mountains are painflully tall. I think if I had hired a personal trainer to get me in shape and he had laid out this regimine for me I would have killed him days ago.
I spend the days trying to think up reasons to come home without being embarressed, So far only a broken leg, heart attack, stroke seem feasible and I am saving them for later. Supposed to take 6 weeks to get your trail legs, I have 4 to go. My room mate asked my why I was walking the AT, I couldn't give him a cogent reason.
The social interaction at the shelters in the evenings helps ease some of the discouragement and fatigue. So far I have only seen couple of people older than me, and they are faster also. Have to be satisfied with being able to just continue to walk, and worry about how many miles I travel in 4 weeks.
Taking a zero day today, will leave in the morning. 3 days to NOC at Wesser NC. then another 3 days to Fontana Dam, then 5-6 more to New Found Gap and the road to Gatlinberg. Di may meet me there for a day or two.
Can't buy groceries at fontana so am buying groc. for the Smokies here and mailing them to myself at Fontana. Will get that done to day.
Continue to pray for my mental attitude, physical strength and fortitude. All are less than needed. I appreciate your continuing prayers for safety and health.
Other than general wear and tear I am holding up well.
More next time I get to a computer.
Grandpa Hugh
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Where is Hugh now?
From: Hugh Davis [mailto:hughdavis@charter.net]
Sent: Wednesday, March 11, 2009 6:37 PM
To: hughdavis@charter.net
Subject: AT 4
Sent: Wednesday, March 11, 2009 6:37 PM
To: hughdavis@charter.net
Subject: AT 4
Monday April 9 Hiawassee, GA.
We are off the trail for the night.
Jeremiah has to go back to work on Wed. so Di drove up to pick him up. Dean Tanner, our friend from church life group came with her to help drive and navigate the forest service roads.
Go back to last Friday. We were at Walasi-Yi hostel at Neel’s Gap GA. As I last wrote I had been having difficulty with my general stamina but more specific with my hip abductor muscles. We were struggling to make any time at all as I had to stop and rest ever 100 feet or so, regardless of going uphill, level or downhill.
At the hostel the staff of the outfitter store worked with us to decrease our pack weight. Jeremiah and I had already decided I did not need about 5# of stuff, The outfitter recommended we eliminate another 3 pounds, and we then decided to buy a lighter tent. Now have a Black Diamond mega light Tepee style tent at 1# 7oz, and sent the 5+# sierra Design tent home. All together dropped my pack weight down from 47# to 35#. Part of the weight drop was decreasing the amount of water from 3 liters at 6.6# to one liter at 2.2#. Dropping that amount of weight doesn’t sound like much but it had a miraculous effect on me. Now I get tired and have to stop to catch my breath on climbs, but can do level and downhill without stopping. This morning I walked a major hill without any stops at all. That is an accomplishment for me.
If I can continue I should be able to increase my daily distance from 7-8 up to 9-10 without any problem. As my general stamina continues to increase I hope to be able to be in the 15 mile range with a few weeks.
After leaving Neel’s gap we did a 8.5 mile day stopping at strawberry Top, then a 10 mile day to Blue Mt. shelter, then a shorter day but one with major climbs of 1000+ feet through Unicoi Gap. We stopped after a short day of 5.5 miles at the site of an old cheese factory. We could have gone farther but we were a mile from the last access road for the next 18 miles and we needed to be where Di and Dean could get to us. Walked up the mountain without stopping to the end of the road and then walked about 4-5 miles down the road till we met them coming up.
Got in to Hiawassee about 3. Showered, left our clothes for washing. We spread out our gear out, making sure that I had what I needed as Jeremiah was leaving with his gear. Decided what we needed in additional food stuff, then to an all you can eat diner, then to grocery store for food items. And back to the hotel. Got things sorted out, repacked my pack. And packed my bounce box. That is a box that has things you need occasionally, but not daily, like extra clothes, extra meds. Food, zip lock bags, books. You mail it ahead a week or so to some place you plan to stay and it is there waiting when you arrive.
We have met many interesting people. Jerry is a 45 YO unemployed high school physics teacher from New York, Two teen age girls who finished high school early to walk the trail. We have helped them several times over the past 10 days adjusting their packs, repairing broken straps. Met a benefit design Blue Cross 30 year old from Columbia SC who is single and spends his off time hiking, skiing, Does about 15 miles a day. Met 3 girls in their thirties hiking with their Springer spaniel dog with their father coming along behind from Ohio. Met a retired army guy introducing his new wife to long distance hiking. Talks to her constantly like she is 5. Interesting combination. Husband and wife from north Ga in their middle 50, who have hiked before, they make good time and have good gear. Tom from Minneapolis is recently retired and doing well. Has increased his speed over the few days we have been walking from 6 to10 miles per day. He will probably leave us behind.
Jeremiah is through and heading home. I have a little separation anxiety. He has been a great help, sounding board and problem solver for me. I will miss him.
I am thinking of doing a flip flop hike. Will continue north till the first of July, then go to Mt. Kathadin, in Maine, the northern terminus and hike south. That will eliminate the risk of early winter in Maine and New Hampshire white mountains, and miss the summer heat of Pennsylvania. Don’t know yet if I will do it, as it will depend on my speed.
Out of time now. I will be back on the trail in the morning hike for two days, stop for resupply in two days, then have 6 days to Franklin NC.
Please continue to pray and encourage Di as she mans the home fort alone.
Grandpa Hugh, on the trail.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Hugh Davis on the Appalachian Trail
From: Hugh Davis [mailto:hughdavis@charter.net]
Sent: Friday, March 06, 2009 8:00 AM
Subject: AT 3
It is Friday morning and we are at Niels Gap Ga. 30+ miles from Springer Mt.
Got dropped off about a half mile from the trail intersect, north of Springer. Left the girls and hiked to the intersect, then south to the top of Springer then turned north and off we went.
Went about 3 miles to the first shelter, Rainey, foggy, warm. Sunday up and on the trail by 830. Stopped at Hawk Mt. shelter for lunch. Continued on in the rain turned to sleet and then to snow, then hard blowing snow as the temperature dropped.
About 3 pm we were still a ways from where we had planned to stopped but were both shivering. Found a flat spot, pitched both tents, put the gear in the small and Jeremiah and I in the larger. All of our clothing were soaked, Had about an inch of sleet and ice stuck to our left side.
Temp was 9 degrees over night with a 50 mile wind. We were cool but ok in the tent.
Mon. Tues. and Wed, continued very cold. 15 degrees Mon. 19 deg. tues, low 20s Wed. and thurs. Slept in the tent each night.
Thurs. we climbed over Blood Mt. 4400 feet, tallest mt in GA.
In the Wawasi Yi outfitter store about lunch time Thurs. Bought a pizza and checked into the Hostel, 18 men and women in a bunk room on double bunks. Bought spaghetti dinner, great. The staff from the store helped us reduce our pack weight.
We we started in Springer my pack weighed 48 #, Jay and I sent 20# home, sent back out tents and bought a teepee style tent that weighs 1.7# in stead of 5.1#
I am now at 34 # Know my knees will appreciate it.
Physically and Mentally this is a tough climb for me. Short of breath going up climbs and shooting pains in my hip abducter muscles on flat and downhill.
Knee is working well.
Keep praying, mostly for mental endurance. We are only going about 2/3 of the distance we had planned on. I am waiting till I get my trail legs in about 5 weeks.
All for now.
Love to all.
Hugh and Jay
Sent: Friday, March 06, 2009 8:00 AM
Subject: AT 3
It is Friday morning and we are at Niels Gap Ga. 30+ miles from Springer Mt.
Got dropped off about a half mile from the trail intersect, north of Springer. Left the girls and hiked to the intersect, then south to the top of Springer then turned north and off we went.
Went about 3 miles to the first shelter, Rainey, foggy, warm. Sunday up and on the trail by 830. Stopped at Hawk Mt. shelter for lunch. Continued on in the rain turned to sleet and then to snow, then hard blowing snow as the temperature dropped.
About 3 pm we were still a ways from where we had planned to stopped but were both shivering. Found a flat spot, pitched both tents, put the gear in the small and Jeremiah and I in the larger. All of our clothing were soaked, Had about an inch of sleet and ice stuck to our left side.
Temp was 9 degrees over night with a 50 mile wind. We were cool but ok in the tent.
Mon. Tues. and Wed, continued very cold. 15 degrees Mon. 19 deg. tues, low 20s Wed. and thurs. Slept in the tent each night.
Thurs. we climbed over Blood Mt. 4400 feet, tallest mt in GA.
In the Wawasi Yi outfitter store about lunch time Thurs. Bought a pizza and checked into the Hostel, 18 men and women in a bunk room on double bunks. Bought spaghetti dinner, great. The staff from the store helped us reduce our pack weight.
We we started in Springer my pack weighed 48 #, Jay and I sent 20# home, sent back out tents and bought a teepee style tent that weighs 1.7# in stead of 5.1#
I am now at 34 # Know my knees will appreciate it.
Physically and Mentally this is a tough climb for me. Short of breath going up climbs and shooting pains in my hip abducter muscles on flat and downhill.
Knee is working well.
Keep praying, mostly for mental endurance. We are only going about 2/3 of the distance we had planned on. I am waiting till I get my trail legs in about 5 weeks.
All for now.
Love to all.
Hugh and Jay
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Where is Hugh Davis
On Friday, March 6, 2009, he and Jay were at Neel Gap, Georgia. That is near the "11" in the upper right of this map.
Here are some links to the Trail
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