Om way to big meadows

Views from Blackrock

I think was this copperheads way of saying welcome to Shendoah Nat Park

This is a better picture of the Rattler we saw beside the trail. We heard it before we saw it and I actually walked past it before realizing what it was. It sounded alot like a locust. The second picture is at Dragon's Tooth and the last picture is me on McAfee Knob, one of the most photographed places on the trail.

Dragons Tooth

This was taken at the Dragon's Tooth and has been one of my favorite places on the trail.

Ziggy's Hydration System

Notice Ziggy's hydration system. Why pay $30 for a bladder at the outfitter when you can buy a harness, two water bottles for $12 and get a water gun with it.

Appalachian Trail - Virginia Update

Well I am in Waynesboro VA which is the 850 mile mark of my journey and the start of the Shenadoah National Forrest. Everyone says it gets easier in VA but the last 4 days or so have been some of the largest climbs on the trail. It seems like everyday we were going from about 800 feet to 3500-4000. I do understand that the rest of my time in VA will be somewhat easier.

A group of us doing the trip are talking about doing the half marathon or full marathon Jan 31 in Miami if anyone wants to join us. I have now lost about 36 lbs so this is probably a good time for me to run one if I am ever going to lol.

There are a few things I want to give updates on:

Food - I love the pasta sides that used to be made by Lipton. I think now they are by Knorr or something like that. I usually add half a pack of spicy tuna and some dehydrated fruit to it. I also use the other half of the tuna pack with a some bread or crackers. For Breakfast I use either honey bun or pop tarts. I am tired of pop tarts so I am going to try cereal bars this week. For lunch I usually do snacks like chex mix, cheese and crackers, candy bars, peanuts, dehydrated fruit, etc. I try to eat alot of peanut butter also to help with my protein, but I feel like I am still not getting enough protein.

Water - The water sources have been fairly good this year. I have only treated my water four times and I have not been sick from it yet. Some of the springs were dry from the drought the last couple of years but for the most part you have water every 4-7 miles so it is not to bad.

Ticks - During the good weather we had last week I found ticks on me everyday. I had two embedded in me this last week but most of the time you see them of feel them crawling on you. One of the guys I am hiking with shaved his head because he was so concerned about the number of ticks we have seen.

Photos - I have some great photos but the computer does not have a memory card reader and it is not recognizing mine. I am going to come back after lunch when the computer guy is here and see if he has one I can use that will allow me to post a few photos.

I hope everyone is doing great and thanks again for following my journey.

Bald Knob. 800 Mile Mark.

James River from Big Rocky Row.

A.T. sign on Blue Ridge Parkway

A.T. Bridge over Jamer River near Glasgow VA

FAA Radar on top of Apple Orchard Mountain. Great views.

First rattlesnake I have seen.

Well back to Dalesville after spending the weekend in Damascus for trail days. I got a great deal on a summer bag so I am sending my winter bag home. Oh yeah and its raining again. See you on the trail.

Appalachian Trail - McAfee Knob

McAfnee Knob

Wind rock. Happy Mothers Day mom.

Another view leaving Pearisburg.

The thunderstorms kept me from taking photos last night. They actually kept me from doing alot of things like sleeping. I guess there is just something about being in a hammock with lightening all around. I tried to find short trees but since I was on top of the mtn I dont think it mattered.

Sad day - Hiker Left Trail Today

One of the guys I have been hiking with off and on decided to leave the trail this morning. He wanted to stay on but financial conditions did not give him the option. We are all going to miss him. If you are reading this just know we will all have you in mind as we continue. Hope to meet up with you on the trail again sometime.

Well Ziggy. Thin Mint, and McBride are in town and we are all hiking out in a little while. The view from this next shelter is supposed to be great so if we are not being rained on and if the conditions are clear, I think I can post a picture from that site tonight. Hope all is well.

Courthouse in Pearisburg, VA. I am heading out later today or early tomorrow. Depends on what a few others are doing.

Woods Hole Hostal

This computer will not recognize my card reader so I am not able to upload pictures like I wanted to, but I wanted to talk about this hostal. It was closed last year after the owner passed away with cancer, but the granddaughter and her soon to be husband have renovated it and recently opened it. Both are massage therapist so in addition to great food, a comfortable bed, you can also get a massage. It is about 10 miles south of Pearisburg so check it out on your hike.

I made it to Pearsburg

I made it to Pearsburg earlier today. I went by Woods Hole Hostel and will write more about it after I get my chores done. It is awesome.

Today was a perfect day for hiking and photography. Uncle Denny got wet camping last night in the rain so left early today. Seven miles into our hike he was waiting by the road and drove us into town to dairy queen and to the grocery store. We did about 20 miles today to Jenny Knob shelter so the ice cream helped. I have just over 20 miles tomorrow to a hostal and then will be in Pearesburg on Tuesday. The last ten days have been amazing. I miss alot of the people we have been hiking with and look forward to seeing them soon. I am enjoying hiking with angry beaver and prairie dog and glow worm. Leify is at the campsite tonight as well. Since I have crawled into my hammock I have heard coyotes, owls, and whooporwills none stop. Should be a great night.

This one I do know. We have seen alot of it today.

Not sure what this one is.

Next tree to identify?

I am going to start showing plants to be idenyified by all of you. Some I know and some I dont. I can post your replies when I am in town. We will start with an easy one.

Its still raining. I should be in Pearsburg early Tuesday.