Westy
Trail Wise!
Diagnosed w/Post-Trail Transition Syndrome
Posts: 1,958
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Post by Westy on Apr 12, 2022 11:18:35 GMT -8
During the storm daytime temps very low 30 degrees and night was 21. Wore everything I had towards summit and stepped down as both myself and the ambient outdoor temperature rose. Was windy enough on the observation tower to deploy chin straps on hat!
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trinity
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Post by trinity on Apr 13, 2022 8:01:42 GMT -8
What great reports, and fantastic pictures. I look forward to following along. Thanks, Westy !
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Post by catonsvillebill on Apr 13, 2022 15:07:15 GMT -8
Please continue to post. It is great to follow you.
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rebeccad
Trail Wise!
Writing like a maniac
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Post by rebeccad on Apr 13, 2022 20:56:01 GMT -8
Thanks for sharing! Happy hiking
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mk
Trail Wise!
North Texas
Posts: 1,217
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Post by mk on Apr 14, 2022 6:35:17 GMT -8
Great storytelling - great pictures! I, too, say "Please continue to post!"
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Westy
Trail Wise!
Diagnosed w/Post-Trail Transition Syndrome
Posts: 1,958
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Post by Westy on Apr 14, 2022 7:24:38 GMT -8
And the gear repair numbers are in $$$. Penalty for failure to organize preventive maintenance on gear. Inner Tent Zipper Replacement. Overnight ship to Rainy Pass. $105 Repair w/24 hour turnaround. $133 Overnight ship to Asheville, NC $112 Total $350. Could have bought New Nemo Hornet 1p! Sleeping Bag Zipper Replacement FedEx Ground to Rainy Pass. $ 55 Repair w:1-week turnaround. $184 USPS Priority to SLC, UT. TBD Total will be north of $600. Have often considered an alternative tent such as Nemo Hornet, or zPack Duplex. My Hilleberg Enan may have a negative 10-20 oz. Weight variance but set-up, take down ease, structure, design and upside bad weather performance demonstrates keep it. An example, recently on AT major thunderstorm with high winds everyone looking for places to pitch away from wind. I pitched ridge top. As for sleeping bag had my 1980’s TNF Blue Kazoo 20 deg. shipped to Asheville as temporary replacement. TNF refurbished it in 90’s. Been clean and hanging in basement since. Thought to replace FF Swallow UL 20 deg. New almost $600 and out of stock. Plan to have factory refurbishment this winter. Will switch out Blue Kazoo further along trail. Meanwhile hanging out with daughter and granddaughter here in Asheville. City has a way cool downtown that seems surprising for North Carolina! Downtown has an abundance of art-deco buildings. Back on trail Sunday!
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Westy
Trail Wise!
Diagnosed w/Post-Trail Transition Syndrome
Posts: 1,958
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Post by Westy on Apr 30, 2022 8:49:34 GMT -8
Back on the trail after a week in Asheville, TN with daughter and granddaughter. Taking zero day in Erwin, TN, AT mi. 344.3. Charlies Bunion, GSMNP, AT mi. 211.7A misty rainy day in the Smokes.Begets frost at higher elevations.Waterfall near Davenport Gap and out of the Smokies.Longtime friend from back home in NH passing through stopped by for breakfast, Hartford, TNA night at Standing Bear Farm Hostel just happened to be 4/20 and an annual local party.Max Patch - A major landmark on the Tennessee/North Carolina portion of the AT.My accommodations at Standing Bear Farm Hostel. Cow in the Woods, AT mi.241.5. Best pineapple, bacon, jalapeno burger on planet!Laughing Heart Lodge, Hot Springs, NC - Chippendale furniture aboundsA zero day in Hot Springs allows for another visit with granddaughterLaughing, dancing kid is better than crying kid.French Broad RiverEarly bird gets the........Eastern Rat Snakes are good climbersAnother rainy day!Feature names are often entertaining.Pitch perfect stealth camp. My fav. on a ridge, windy, dry, first light and soft cushion of leaves and soil!Bald Mountain on horizon. The vertical ups and downs provide strenuous hiking.Trilliums are blooming!Big Bald has fine viewsHappy AT thru hikes enjoy dinner on the leeward side - Big Bald summitThat's me in this mandatory photo op of the Nolichucky River - AT mi. 344.3Me and my trusty Hilleberg Enan join the circus at Uncle Johnny's Hostel, Erwin, TNDowntown Erwin, TN I love small town libraries!
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thetroutwhisperer
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“Bears are where They find you...skunks too.”
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Post by thetroutwhisperer on Apr 30, 2022 10:47:35 GMT -8
WOW….amazin journey thus far! Happy Trails to ya. Thanks for letting us hike vicariously along with ya! Hike on!
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Post by catonsvillebill on Apr 30, 2022 15:18:55 GMT -8
The photos are beautiful. Thanks for taking us along!!! When do you plan on being in Shenandoah?
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rebeccad
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Writing like a maniac
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Post by rebeccad on Apr 30, 2022 17:33:55 GMT -8
Looking good!
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Westy
Trail Wise!
Diagnosed w/Post-Trail Transition Syndrome
Posts: 1,958
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Post by Westy on Apr 30, 2022 20:58:01 GMT -8
catonsvillebill Not sure of arrival at Shenandoah. Just trying to have fun along the way. Getting into a groove on miles. Trail has an abundance of vertical, more than I perceived. Mental targets are shorter and more frequent. Getting used to the terrain. The ability to find authentic, LNT, stealth spots helps avoid the crush (3,000+) hikers registered NOBO. The kids all camp at shelters and on trail sites identified in Guthooks. Thus I’m getting good at hiking the pocket. It’s well past hiker midnight. Thanks for your interest!
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trinity
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Post by trinity on May 2, 2022 6:45:00 GMT -8
Thanks so much for continuing to take us along with you. The photos are great, are you carrying a camera, or are these taken with a phone?
Really sorry to hear about your gear, that's quite a financial blow. I recently purchased a zipper maintenance kit, which is looking like a good investment.
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Westy
Trail Wise!
Diagnosed w/Post-Trail Transition Syndrome
Posts: 1,958
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Post by Westy on May 11, 2022 16:42:29 GMT -8
Quickie photo update.
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Westy
Trail Wise!
Diagnosed w/Post-Trail Transition Syndrome
Posts: 1,958
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Post by Westy on May 20, 2022 9:31:36 GMT -8
Greetings from Marion, VA at AT mi. 534. Experienced a delightful smorgasbord of Appalachian Trail culture, scenery and trail names. Taking a Zero Day before getting back on the trail tomorrow.
A welcoming meadow.
Easy is one of the many veterans on trail. Have resonated well with them, their perspectives and stories.
Roan Mountain straddles the TN/NC border and features a five-mile ridge top with many grassy summits.
Frequent rain, condensation and humidity often requires a time out to dry.
There are many signs of the old trail such as this small ladder over barbwire fence.
Walking along the Elk River, NC
A particularly fine set of steps - Pond Mountain Wilderness, TN
The AT features many well-maintained bridges across streams.
Incredibly grateful for another visit with this young lady!
Tiny cabin at Boots Off Hostel & Campground, Hampton, TN.
Decorative sign post at Boots Off.
You are not alone on the AT. Here hikers take a break at one of the many shelters.
What a coincidence! Trail Angels Nat Geo and Maui offering cold beer. They recognized me from Madison Springs Hut, Presidential Range, NH last August.
So long Tennessee!
Curly to the rescue. Had a painful foot issue. Curly organized appointment with podiatrist, transportation and overnight accommodations.
Tent City for Trail Days, Damascus, VA.
Complimentary haircut courtesy of One Way Ministries. Thank you!
Hiker Parade -Trail Days, Damascus, VA
Rhododendrons are common and blooming.
Mennonite lady backpackers from Ohio. Photo taken with permission.
Young pony. - Laurel Highlands State Park, VA
Miles are adding up.
The AT traverses Laurel Highlands State Park, VA
Awesome hiking day Mount Rogers National Recreation Area, VA
Mount Rogers, highest point in Virginia (5,730')
Mountain Laurel
Usually select a campsite out of sight, away from the trail practicing LNT (Leave No Trace) principles.
Early morning and view of Rye Valley, VA
Ta-Da! Receiving resupply packages, food, new shoes and switching out a couple of gear items.
Next stop Pearisburg, VA!
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Westy
Trail Wise!
Diagnosed w/Post-Trail Transition Syndrome
Posts: 1,958
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Post by Westy on May 28, 2022 17:55:54 GMT -8
Quickie update
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