One Year

Today marks one year since I completed my thru hike of the Appalachian Trail and given that I am no poet I wanted to share a few words from fellow hiker Douglas Hurdle, as he retells our final ascent on big K...

9/12/2011- 12:00am the alarm went off but I was already awake and pumped to start hiking. The moon was full and the skies were clear. We packed up our sleeping bags and started walking to the trailhead. You could see Katahdin off in the distances under the moonlight; a blanket of clouds slowly covered the summit. The trail was very easy to start off with. Thirty minutes in we saw head lamps coming down the trail and we though that it was the park ranger and we might get in trouble because the earliest you are supposed to start hiking is 2am. But it turned out to be three day hikers who had started the day before at 9am and were just getting down now. They were having trouble to say the least. At one in the morning we stopped to refill on water not knowing when we might get water again. About 2 hours in the trail started to get harder as we got higher. We took a break and we were just awestricken by the moon and the lakes below us that looked like clouds. It was also getting colder because the trees were getting shorter and allowing the wind to blow viciously. By 2:30 we got to the part of the climb where you had to do more actual climbing then hiking, so the trekking poles went away. There was nothing blocking the wind now so it was freezing and there were parts of the climb where you felt like you might actually get blown off the mountain. That stretch of climbing was short but took forever because of the technicality of the climbing. After that we reached “The Gateway” and things started to flatten out but the wind would not let up. It was blowing so fast that the straps from my pack would smack me in the face. It was so cold that my nose dripped snot uncontrollably but the wind would blow every drop away. “The Tablelands” seemed like another planet. As we were starting the final climb we guessed if distant shapes were the sign. Finally at 4:00am we were there, I waited for Stroller and El Perro to reach the top then all together we reached out and touched the thing that we have been seeking for months. Done. Took some quick night summit photos. Then found a place out of the wind, it turned out to be the perfect place because we could watch the sunrise in our sleeping bags. There were some amazing looking clouds and the sunrise could not be described in words. It was awesome to have the summit to ourselves. Called home around 5am they were so shocked. After the sun came up took some more pictures and just tried to let it all sink in. It was strange to leave the top because we had been hiking to it for so long so just to leave like that seemed wrong even though we were up there for hours. On the way down I couldn’t help but laugh because of all the happy thoughts racing through my mind about seeing my family, eating good food, and everything thing else I have been missing. But then the laughter stopped because I realized all of that was only true because this wonderful and awful thing know as thru-hiking was now over. No more waking up and looking out my tent at a beautiful view, no more free time to spend hours contemplating life, no more sweating my ass off everyday to reach the top of a beautiful mountain, no more gathering around a campfire with fellow hiker trash, no more joy of taking off soaking wet shoe after walking 20 miles in them and then putting dry socks on, no more taking a midday nap somewhere different everyday, no more not caring about what you look like, and no more thrill of the unknown. No its back to what our society calls real life but ill view my time away from the trail as just life on pause until I hit the trail again.

The past year has flown by since the end of my hike. Some things have changed for me and some things are exactly the same, but when I stop to think back on what I was doing a year ago today it seems unreal. I want to say THANKS to everyone who played a part in supporting me and helping me achieve the walk-Mom, Dad, Mal, Taylor, Mimi, Papaw, Mamaw, Joel, Spencer, Michelle, Jim, Zoe, Zach, Barringer, Kyle, Ben, Cooper, Caleb, Carlo, Ted, Kemp, everyone I met along the way, and everyone who "followed" this blog. I couldn’t have done it without each and every one of y’all.

Below are the links to some photos from the final part of my trip, feel free to copy and save them to use as desktop wallpaper...  

New Hampshire and The Whites   

The Maine Event.

Cheers,

-B.

The Whites

For 1800 miles Brandon has been hearing about the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Whether it be from other hikers, people in hostels, or others in town. They are hailed as the best part of the trail. Boasting over 35 miles of hiking above treeline, home to Mt Washington and the Presidential Mtn Range. The Whites are beautiful, but witnessing their beauty has to be earned. Hellacious climbs up Mt Moosilauke, down and up Gorham Notch and Pinkham Notch, the Whites are no joke. Good thing El Perro has had a warm up of over 1,000 miles to get ready. In the Whites there are "huts", in short, they are small camps with showers, electricity and food where tourists go to experience the Whites. Thru-hikers can stay at these fully staffed huts in a work for stay program, where a normal visitor pays around 80$ a person. Another plus in the huts is they have all you can eat soup if you hit them around lunch time, so plan accordingly. This can help lighten the 8 day venture through the Whites by not having to carry as much food.

Brandon will also be able to partake in the age old thru-hiker tradition of mooning the cog train that toutrists take up the mountain. El Perro revealed his plan to me, but I'll wait for him to show the pictures. Brandon is entering the greatest part of his journey, and also nearing the end. With around 440 miles left, a distance he has already covered 4 times over, he is on the short road. Brandon seemed evermore focused on the task though as I talked with him Monday night, the 8th of August. Southern Maine is difficult as well. The Bigelow Mountains offer tough climbs , slick rock and potentially nasty weather that he has avoided since the spring storms earlier in his trip. Mahoosouc notch is another land mark in southern Maine. It literally requires crawling on hands and knees to get through this one mile long area where an old glacier had carved out a path along a mountain of granite. It took me about an hour to travel one mile, a time frame that a normal thu-hiker can cover about 3 miles. It's a slow, yet fun experience! Best of luck to Brandon as he enjoys, in my opinion, the greatest part of the trail. He has definitely earned it.

Cheers,

Spencer

Fur Sure

I apologize for the long hiatus from blogging. But while we have all been marching away in the "Real World", Brandon has been continuing on the trail. Since the last blog post, El Perro has been digesting his half gallon of ice cream in one sitting by passing through all of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and soon to be completed with New York. I was able to talk to El Perro this afternoon whilst driving home from work. He even claims to have passed through New Jersey faster than I did in 2007, so he must be moving pretty quick. However, hiking fast is a double edged sword. Sure, the more miles you cover in one day, the more accomplished you feel, while on the other hand, the more miles you make, the shorter your journey becomes. Certainly, on a trip like this, it is the journey that is more important than the destination.

There is not a day that goes by that I do not think about my thru-hike. What a simple way to live. No boss, telling you what to do, no traffic jams, no commercial breaks. Just living. One with your environment, not a product of it. For those who don't fully understand what it is like to do what Brandon is doing, go on just a week long trip. If you can't do that, go on a weekend trip. And if you can't even do that, go on a day hike. Try and see just how many miles you can go from sun up to sun down.

Hiking 2,175 miles may not seem like the most enjoyable thing to do for many. But its not just about doing it for the simple pleasure of hiking. It makes you appreciate everything else exponentially more. A thru hike is a moving experience, and I applaud El Perro at his performance thus far. Recently he has experienced tired feet and a sore neck (possibly from an awkward nights rest), two things that can hinder your attitude and physical ability greatly. Yet Brandon continues on. As Brandon climbs up and down mountains, so too can a hikers emotions. Separated from loved ones, friends and family alike, it is definitely not easy being out there. Though I believe he knows just how grand of a task he is partaking in.

As Brandon travels through the final miles of New York, he will continue rocky, roller coaster terrain into the New England states of Connecticut, Massachusetts, as the gradient kicks back above 4,000' for the first time since central Virginia. Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine are by far the most remote states and in turn, the most rewarding. It is an old trail saying that when you get to the Upper New England and NorthEast states, you have hiked 80% of the trail and only done 20% of the work. It is true, the terrain is more difficult and harder, but tougher still has been El Perro's preparation to get there.

Alast, Brandon has also joined the Bear Club. One upping many by actually catching it all on video. The phrase "Ain't got pictures, ain't got nothing" cannot apply here. Sunday afternoon El Perro sent me a video of two cubs darting across the trail just in front of him. A blood pumping encounter to be sure.

Warpzilla Out

Halfway! 1090.5 Miles to Go!

Brandon arrived at the AT half-way marker on Saturday, July 2nd. It is tradition that once a thru-hiker passes the half way point that they stop at the Pine Grove General Store (the nearest covenience store) to take part in the "half gallon challenge" --- eating a half gallon of ice cream in a single sitting. And of course, Brandon was up for the challenge! His flavor of choice was neopolitan. Out of curiosity, I googled Hershey's neopolitan ice cream to get the nutritional information. According to Hershey's web site, a 1/2 cup serving contains 150 calories and 9 grams of fat. With a half gallon containing 16 1/2 cup servings, that brings the amount that Brandon consumed to a whopping 2,400 calories and 144 grams of fat!!! He said it took him an hour and a half to finish, but finish he did and earned his wooden spoon momento for the accomplishment!

Brandon has been putting in some serious miles over the last two weeks (almost 400 to be exact!). Arriving in Harpers Ferry, VA on June 28th, he was able to meet up with Scrub, a hiking buddy he had met on the trail before coming home. Brandon was really glad to be reunited with a familiar friend and he and Scrub continued to rack up the mileage this past week arriving in Duncannon, PA earlier today. They were enjoying one of Brandon's favorite "in town" meals (pizza) when I spoke with him and were planning to take a shuttle into Harrisburg, PA to watch a fireworks show later this evening. He seems excited to finally be able to put in more miles each day, even though his feet are starting to hurt a little more. A thousand miles is a LONG way to walk --- and Brandon gets to do it all over again! Only 1090.5 miles left to go to Katahdin, MA!

Check out pictures from Pennsylvania and Brandon's Half Gallon Challenge!

A Note From Brandon's Sister, Mallory

El Perro has put in some serious miles his first week back on the AT. Record-breaking 194.4 miles! Let's all take a moment and say, "WooHoo El Perro!! Way to go!!" He is definitely rocking those miles!

On Thursday, June 23rd a very tired and accomplished El Perro called me from Rockfish Gap Shelter. (Let me just say I was so happy to hear from him! That was the first time I had heard from him in a week!) We had the best 20 minute conversation! He talked about the weather . . . hot, humid, rainy . . . repeat. Mentioned he was a little sore, but not too bad. He met a couple of guys from Tennessee who started the AT back in May and were at the point El Perro was on June 17th! (Just goes to tell you how the ridiculous storms that El Perro had at the beginning postponed him.) Also, El Perro mentioned there wasn't a fight to get to the shelters at night . . . a lot of folks have dropped out and just couldn't hang with Mother Nature. Still think YOU could get out there? My hand is down! Haha! Kudos to those of you who have conquered the AT!!

El Perro crossed into West Viginia on June 28th. I believe he was super pumped (and relieved) that Virginia was behind him! Virginia holds the most miles on the AT . . . about 550 miles. For El Perro to have those miles (and state) behind him is a HUGE accomplishment! El Perro crossed the border into Pennsylvania on Friday. Be sure to check the "Actual Mileage" spreadsheet (link is located at the top right of his blog) to keep up with where he is. We try to keep it updated even when we don't get something posted on his blog. So, check back often to see how far he has gotten!

AT Numbers:

1.129.1 miles to go!

8 more states to conquer!

10 lbs. (how much El Perro's beard weighs! hahaha I'm kidding! But seriously . . . )

2 feet (the same two that have brought him from GA to where he is today!)

2.5 million footsteps left (well honestly, I think he's running with all those miles he's doing!)

The total elevation gain of hiking the entire AT is equivalent to climbing Mt. Everest 16 times. (ummmmm whoa!)

Animal count so far . . . 2 tom turkeys (fighting!), tons of birds of all kinds (too many to count), snakes (including a rattlesnake and the biggest black snake he's ever seen!), tons of butterflies, chipmunks, lizards, a red salamander, and zero bears (thank GOD!)

El Perro: We wish you beautiful weather, clear skies and two strong legs to carry you closer to your dream of completing the AT! So very proud of you and how you ROCK each mile! Cheering you on! TEAM PERRO! Praying for you each and every day. Get ready for Maine! Until then --- love and hugs from your big sis, Mallory and family!

Click here to enjoy El Perro's AT journey: Part 1!

McAfee Knob

Brandon is on the trail . . . again! Taylor (his brother) and I dropped him off in Catawba, VA (700 miles north of Springer Mt., GA) on Friday, June 17th --- right where his girlfriend, Michelle, picked him up 3 weeks earlier on Friday, May 27th. We watched with awe and admiration as Brandon methodically prepared to head out on the trail --- checking his pack, adjusting straps and hiking poles, etc. I could just imagine him going through these purposeful and adept movements each and every morning for the last 700 miles. He looked as if he had the routine down to a science and could probably do it in his sleep!

3.7 miles northward, Brandon arrived at McAfee Knob the most photographed vista on the Appalachian Trail. McAfee Knob has an elevation of 1,740 feet and an almost 270 degree view of the Catawba Valley and North Mountain to the West, Tinker Cliffs to the North, and the Roanoke Valley to the East. The picture above is Brandon sitting on the edge!

Brandon seems to be doing well and is happy to be back out on the trail. The severe storms that plagued the first part of his trip are continuing to impede his daily mileage. He seemed disappointed today that he had to cut his hike short of the 20 miles he had hoped for and settle for 14. El Perro is itching to get some major miles under his belt and cross the VA border. We're all wishing you blue skies and safe travels!

A few pictures of Brandon heading out and from McAfee Knob.

Next Stop Maine.

So for those of y’all still checking in on me I’ll start with an apology for the lack of maintenance on the site over the last few weeks (you have my word this will never happen again). Fear not though loyal followers after two weeks of running water, air condition, cable television, and high gas prices I am packing up once more and hitting the trail. I returned home at the beginning of June for my younger brother’s high school graduation. Also while home to ensure that my hemorrhaging bank account would in fact see me to Maine I choose to work a little (thanks again to both my employers for allowing me to come and go so freely). I will be returning to Catawba, VA where I left off at the beginning of June and continuing North. Catawba is exactly 700 miles from the start of Springer Mountain, GA… so for those of you who are still counting that only leaves me with a mere 1,480 miles.  While I was at home I enjoyed spending time with family and catching up with friends, but my feet have yet to stop itching to get back on the trail. To say that I’m excited to get back on the trail would be an understatement. In the upcoming weeks I’m looking forward to putting Virginia behind me and also hitting the unofficial half-way point at Harpers Ferry where the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) head quarters is located. With very little excitement to report on since I’ve been home for nearly half the month I decided to upload the rest of the pictures I had taken in between Hot Springs, NC and where I left the trail in VA. So again to all of you out there still checking in and keeping up I appreciate all the support and again I apologize for the brief neglect of the blog. Click the link below to see the pictures.

From The Trail Part-2 Hot Springs, NC - Catawba, VA

Enjoy the pictures and check back soon,

El Perro  Out