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”
Monday, March 30, 2009
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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