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”
Thursday, April 16, 2009
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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)