Still Heading North . . .

Yes, Brandon is still hiking! While he has been busy scaling mountains --- "an outdoor landmass, higher than a hill" variety --- I have been busy wading through mountains --- "a vast number or quantity" of preparations for Holy Week and Easter worship services. Whew!! Maybe things will slow down a little now and I will have time to keep you all more updated on Brandon's progress.

AT was a gift from Brandon's sister, Mallory, her husband Curtis, and son Bohde. She tucked him away in a box full of other goodies they presented to Brandon before he left Kannapolis in the hopes that some of the items would provide a laugh and maybe even prove to be useful in some way on the trail. The word is from Brandon that AT has turned out to be a pretty good pillow!

Brandon loved the Nanatahala Outdoor Center and said it was a great place to spend the night. Upon arriving there he picked up his second maildrop from home. He called me while sitting beside the Nanatahala River, with his feet propped up, enjoying some much anticipated refreshments and I could hear the sound of the river through the phone. What a life! I would love to be there!

After spending the night at the N.O.C., Brandon, Russ and Kevin took it easy on the morning of April 21st, enjoying the area for a while before heading out for a shorter hike of 6.9 miles to Sassafras Gap Shelter. Just before reaching the shelter, Brandon sent me this picture from the summit of Swim Bald (elevation 4750').

From Sassafras Gap Shelter, the trail northward led them on a 15.2 mile trek for a night's rest at Cable Gap Shelter. The next day's 6.6 mile hike brought them to Fontana Dam Shelter. From listening to Brandon speak of these few days it sounded like the guys had really settled into a nice routine of hiking, taking lots of pictures, and just generally enjoying their surroundings and each other's company. He said the days were fun and he was filled with a wonderful sense of accomplishment when they would sit down in the evenings, look over their maps and talk about how many miles they had travelled that day.

Michelle met Brandon in Fontana Village on Sunday evening and the two of them headed out on the trail yesterday morning. To say that he was giddy with excitement at having Michelle join him for a few days would be a slight understatement! They arrived at Spence Field Shelter in the evening --- a 17.4 mile hike. Way to go Michelle!

They are looking forward in the next couple of days to rejoining Kevin and Russ, enjoying the view from Clingmans Dome, and having lunch in Gatlinburg, TN. Happy Trails you guys!!

Nantahala Outdoor Center

Brandon is off and running. Well, not running, but darn close. The past few days mileage has cranked up significantly compared to last week. Hovering right under 20 miles for past two days, Brandon, Russ and Kevin have made some serious progress. The section of trail from Hiawassee, GA to N.O.C. is not an easy one either.

View Atop Wayah Bald

On the last post, Brandon stood atop Albert Mountain, a significant, tough climb with a rewarding view from atop a fire tower at the summit. I don't know who wrote the guidebook for the Southern States of the AT, but every time a "scenic overlook" is marked, it makes you wonder what time of year the author wrote it. It must have been written in winter time, otherwise, each mountain top is as green as the valley below it. This ongoing string of many unrewarding mountain top views is commonly referred to as the green tunnel. The green tunnel syndrome disappoints a lot of hikers, but I feel it makes the views you do get more rewarding.

After knocking out a four day stint to the Nantahala Outdoor Center, near Bryson City, NC, Brandon enjoyed half a day of relaxation at the River's End Restaurant, which hangs over the Nantahala River. This little tourist town, based around whitewater and paddling sports, is nestled in a valley between the ridge that the AT runs. It is a long six mile decent down into it, with a challenging ascent out of town as you make your way to Fontana Dam, the Southern Terminus of Smokey Mountain National Park. Brandon is planning on arriving there soon, before slowing things down and really enjoying the Smokey Mountains, weather pending of course.

View South of Clingman's Dome

Things to look forward to over the rest of the week and weekend include climbing up to Clingman's Dome, the highest point on the Appalachian Trail (it's all downhill from there), the Smokey Mountains (America's most visited National Park), and reaching the 200 mile mark (just under 2,000 miles to go; it doesn't sound so great when you put it like that) and a host of other views and potential wildlife sightings.

Sweet Home Carolina

After spending Saturday doing what Brandon does best --- kicking back and socializing --- he set out northbound on the trail around 10 o'clock Sunday morning. 16.5 miles later they (Brandon, Kevin & Russ) arrived at Standing Indian Shelter, the second shelter after crossing the Georgia-North Carolina border. I think the day of rest re-energized them so much that they decided they were not finished for the day when they arrived at Muskrat Creek Shelter and pressed on for an additional 5 miles. I'm sure the fact that Spencer showed up and assisted Brandon in lightening his pack by a good 8 pounds helped to quicken his steps up the trail tremendously! Thank you Spencer! After hiking 14 miles today (about 3 pm), Brandon sent me a video from the top of the fire tower at Albert Mountain.
Great view Brandon!! Thanks for sharing it with us. Looks like you have settled into a great pace!!

Georgia's Off My Mind

Come tomorrow, I will complete the first state of the trail, Georgia.  I look forward to crossing into my home state of NC, where the sweet tea is sweeter, the women are prettier, and hopefully, where the sunshine is more plentiful.  It's been a roller coaster of weather thus far.  After battling combinations of sleet, rain, and fog; warmer and sunnier days would be welcomed at Mother Nature's earliest convenience.  

The trail has had its own ups and downs as well; literally, lots of hiking up, and then right back down.  Commonly referred to as PUDs (Pointless Ups and Downs).  Because the Appalachian Mountains are so old and have been eroding for millions of years before the Himalayas and even the Rocky Mountains,  the tops of what were once giant peaks are now much closer together.  This act of nature has become the vain of my existence as I slug up and back down each climb.  As I begin hammering away the miles,  67.5 so far, I feel as though my trail legs are getting under me.

I have been meeting lots of people and the desire to get miles under their belts is all the talk on the trail.  Russ, Weather Bug (Kevin, mentioned in an earlier post) and a host of others are here with me in Hiawassee, GA on my first town stop on trail.  With gnarly weather rolling in on Friday night, we all decided to get into town and hunker down in a motel while the storm plowed through the mountains.  The same storm system wreaked havoc on the piedmont of NC and much of the Eastern United States today.  Spencer, aka Warpzilla, travelled from Raleigh to spend the weekend with me as well, Spreading Trail Magic* like its his job.  He arrived Friday evening during the storm just in time to drive us to the local Mexican Restaurant, Monte Alban..  Not because we were craving Mexican necessarily, but because the rest of the town had shut down at 9:00 PM.  Here we enjoyed chips and salsa, burritos of thru-hiker proportions, and eavesdropping of how the local high school baseball team (who was sitting beside us) had gotten in to what sounded like an epic fight with a rival team.

As we took things back to the motel, we continued trail talk and finally went to bed... in real beds.  They were not quite Hampton Inn posturepedic grade mattresses, but they did the trick.  Tonight we are bunking up at the Hiawassee Inn, because Mull's Inn, where we stayed last night, had rooms reserved.  More thru-hikers showed up today as well.  Spencer and I gave a few of them a much welcomed ride to town.  Hikers we met today were not quite as lucky as I because they had to brave the storm last night.  I reckon that I too will have to endure a few storms during this adventure, but I'm not sure if I'd like them sooner rather than later.    

The next resupply will be at Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) near Bryson City, NC.  I plan to be there in four days, give or take, mostly give.  According to the weather forecast, midweek this coming week has a good chance of precipitation and temperatures dropping off on Tuesday.  You'd think knowing the weather would be an advantage, but truth be told, it doesn't really matter.  Weather or not, pun intended, the trail heads north, therefore, so do I.  

Warpzilla helped me shave a few ounces today as he made me layout all the items in my pack in the motel room.  I even exchanged my stove for one he gave me, which burns denatured alcohol.  It is made of a metal bottle and weighs no more than 2 oz!!  Alcohol burning stoves are all the rage on the trail.  One can even be made out of a cat food can, which Warpzilla has shown in a youtube video.  With just a couple ounces of denatured alcohol fuel, I can boil water for dinner every night.  

I am really beginning to enjoy this journey.  As my nerves begin to settle a bit more, and I begin reaching significant milestones; like completing my first state and reaching 100 miles, I feel my confidence growing.  Knowing that tons of people are following the blog and reading about my trip gives me comfort as well.  All  the support is greatly appreciated.  

Until Next Time,

B. Moore Out

Day 6 - Hiking in the Clouds!

Brandon is now in Hiawassee, GA! He and his new hiking buddy that he met at the shelter last night, departed from camp at 8 o'clock this morning and arrived at Dick's Gap at 12:15 pm. Tray Mountain Shelter is located at an elevation of 4200 feet. The 11-mile trail that descends down to Dick's Gap stays around 3800 to 4200 feet for much of the way. At that elevation, Brandon said it was like they were hiking in the clouds. The weather was foggy, rainy and dark, but as soon as they started descending, he said the weather cleared up and everything became lush and green. His plans are to stay at Mull's Motel tonight, take a "0 day" tomorrow and just hang out. The severe storms that we are supposed to have tonight and tomorrow are expected to pass through the area where Brandon is also. I'm so glad he was able to get to town before the storms move in and looks like things worked out great with the bad weather coinciding with his day of rest. He sounded excited that there was a Food City, Family Dollar, Hardee's and a $6.00 "all you can eat" buffet all within walking distance! He will head out on Sunday morning for Muskrat Creek Shelter, the first shelter on the AT in North Carolina. The trail leading to this shelter begins at an elevation of 2600 feet and climbs to an elevation of 4600 feet. With that said . . . rest well and eat hearty, Brandon . . . and get ready to climb!!

Day 5 - Approaching North Carolina!

After heading out this morning from Poplar Stamp Gap, Brandon stopped for lunch and to refill his water at Blue Mountain. He hiked 12 to 13 miles today arriving at Tray Mountain Shelter, his stop for the night, right before 5 o'clock this evening. While Brandon continues to meet new friends along the way, I think he is really missing his friends at home. He hopes to arrive in Hiawassee, GA tomorrow with tentative plans to take a "0 day" on Saturday for some much deserved rest. Brandon is really looking forward to crossing the GA/NC border. I think he continues to let the enormity of the trip overwhelm him at times and that he will feel a great sense of accomplishment when he arrives in North Carolina. Brandon - Keep in mind the miles you've traveled and not the ones ahead of you! And just remember, any time you want to come home and go to work for me I will trade places with you in a minute!

Day 4 - Poplar Stamp Gap

Brandon has completed day 4 and if my calculations are correct (Spencer please correct me if I'm wrong) I think he has hiked around 42.5 miles since leaving Springer Mountain around 2 pm on Sunday afternoon.

Unfortunately, the clouds in the picture I posted on Tuesday morning did not clear and Brandon said he hiked all day in the rain. In spite of the weather, he seemed to thoroughly enjoy the trek up Blood Mountain, the highest peak on the Georgia section of the A.T. with an elevation of 4,461 feet. The view from the top of Blood Mountain is alleged to be spectacular, but Brandon said it was so foggy he was not able to get very good pictures. As they approached the summit he said the wind was blowing very hard and the rain changed to sleet. He made sure to mention to me that his "capilene kept him toasty warm."

Brandon pulled in to Neel's Gap around 3 pm yesterday. I think the pizza and root beer Spencer posted a picture of was a welcome meal after all the ramen noodles! Of course, Brandon LOVES ramen noodles and has been known to eat them every day for several days in a row sometimes.

He said this morning started off bright and chilly (the temperature was around 39 degrees last night) but that the day warmed up fast. He hiked yesterday and today with a guy we met on Sunday. We hiked up to the top of Springer Mountain with Brandon before we left and as we were sitting there taking pictures another solo hiker arrived. Talk about divine intervention! I think that was an answer to a mother's prayer. The two of them immediately struck up a conversation and I think Brandon has enjoyed the "on and off" company of his new friend. He was originally from New York, but has been living in San Diego for the last several years. Like so many during this difficult time in the economy, he has been out of work for a while and decided to attempt the hike. Brandon also met a father and son from Florida. I believe that Spencer is right -- there is a different kind of bond that forms with folks that are out there facing the same challenges.

Brandon is spending tonight at a camp site at Poplar Stamp Gap. He said it is about 1 mile past Low Gap Shelter. If all goes well he hopes to arrive at Hiawassee in 2 more days.

Keep taking it one day at a time, Brandon. Know that we have you in our thoughts every minute of every day. Anything is within walking distance if you've got the time and you've got plenty of time.

Walasi-Yi Mountain Crossing aka Neel's Gap

While grinding away at work during another 12 hour day on the construction site, I got a call on my phone. "Brandon Moore", the caller ID showed. Brandon had made the decent from Blood Mountain to the Walasi-Yi Mountain Crossing. Blood Mountain is one of the first true tests of physical ability on the trail; although there is a lot of up and down between there and Springer. Neel's Gap consists of a small road crossing and a little general store with such amenities as a snack bar, supplies, bunk room, laundry, and more importantly,showers.

Photo: A well earned snack at Neel's Gap

The General Store here is infamous as the first place hikers get a chance to send home all the things they have figured out that they don't need in the first 2-4 days of hiking. Brandon said he faired pretty well as far as things he sent home was concerned. Due to the fact you have to carry everything, its easy to part with most things. "Ultra-lite hiking is contagious" he told me, as I am already aware. He even split up his 3-pack of moleskin to just 2 sheets and threw the wrapping away. Better yet, Brandon rationed out his ibuprofen for the next three days, and mailed the rest to his next resupply. I think it is safe to say that Brandon has the hiking bug, it's contagious folks.

Brandon was in good spirits, and perhaps a little intimidated by the enormity of the journey he has undertaken. Covering just over 30 miles in three days is a great start. I told him not to even begin worrying about how far the finish is. If the object is to get from Georgia to Maine the fastest, then there are certainly more efficient means to achieve that. It sounded like Brandon had met a few people on the trail and was planning on hiking with them the next few days to Hiawassee, GA. With so many people starting the trail this time of year, its not uncommon for people to join up and plan/hike together.

Everyone on the AT shares a common goal, to walk from Georgia to Maine. Because pretty much everyone you meet is "in the same boat", people bond together easier. A frequent explanation of friendships on the trail is that a day spent together on the trail is like a month in the "real world". This is most likely due to the variety of situations the trail puts you through; an ongoing physical and mental challenge.

View from first climb of the day!

Boy, am I jealous! I'm sitting here at work at my computer while Brandon is looking at that view!! Wish I was there!! Brandon is hoping to make Neels Gap today or tomorrow. Most of the folks he has been hiking along with are taking a "0 day" today. They had severe storms last night and hopefully all these clouds will be moving on out as the day passes. The weather is supposed to be cooler for the next few days which should make for easier hiking. (You can click on the picture above to open a larger version of this gorgeous view!)

Heading North!

After months of researching, planning and preparing, Brandon set out from the top of Springer Mountain yesterday to make his dream of hiking the AT become a reality. We all think and talk about things we would like to accomplish, but having the courage and the discipline to make the necessary sacrifices to attain these achievements are, most of the time, just a little too difficult or take us too far out of our comfort zone for these feats to ever actually materialize. I admire Brandon so much for his audacity and determination and his Dad and I are more proud of him than words can say! OKAY NOW, enough of the motherly chatter---I better cease and desist before Brandon revokes my blogging privileges!

During the car ride to Gainsville Saturday, Brandon was telling us about how touched and humbled he was by all his friends that showed up on Friday night to offer him their well wishes. His Dad and I are so grateful to know that he has such a wonderful support group and we wish to express our thanks to all of you! I hope that you will all continue to keep him in your thoughts and prayers in the days ahead.

When the time came to say goodbye and his Dad, his brother, Taylor, and I were preparing to get back in the car and leave, we were running through the last minute check list (as moms and dads have to do!) Brandon was very patient with us and answered "yes, I have it." and "yes, I'm good." He finally said, (with his usual Brandon humor) "I have everything, now all I need to do is go walk a couple of thousand miles." We all laughed, hugged him long and hard, shed a few tears and watched him leave until we could no longer see him through the trees. I know in my heart that he will be fine. He has a great head on his shoulders and I have all the confidence in the world in him that he will meet each challenge that comes his way and persevere. (Okay, so did you think I would really stop with the motherly chatter?! Not a chance!)

Wishing you Godspeed, blue skies and safe travels dear son! You're in our hearts and even though the distance between us grows with each passing day, we're never more than a phone call away.

Follow Brandon on Google Earth

Can't stop checking the blog wondering where Brandon is? Track his progress with Google Earth.

Step One: Download Google Earth (Free): Here

Step Two: Download A.T. GIS Centerline data: Here

Step Three: Download A.T. GIS Shelter Data: Here

Step Four: Open Google Earth and install.

Step Five: Once Google Earth is running go to File>Open and load the .kml files (A.T. centerline and A.T. GIS Shelter data.)

Step Six: The Appalachian Trail will be loaded in Google Earth and each shelter should also be marked. If you open Brandon's link to his itinerary at the top right of the blog, you can find the locations where he intends to be each night.

If you are having trouble figuring it out, post a comment.

Screenshot from Google Earth

Ready, Set, GO...

Hello My FOLLOWERS,

Well it's finally that time. The day has come and I'm past the point of no return. The family and I just checked into the hotel in Gainesville, GA which is about an hour and a half away from where the A.T. officially starts at Springer Mountain. The Game plan for tomorrow morning is to wake up and have a big ole' southern style breakfast make the drive to Springer and try to be on the trail by no later 1 o'clock.

I want to say thanks to everyone who has helped me plan and prepare for the big trip. Having the support from my family and friends has made it very easy to commit and plan for such a long adventure. A thanks is in order to both of my employers who have agreed to let me take a leave of absence and return to work immediately. A special thanks to Spencer McKay who has gone above and beyond in helping me plan and prepare... if there is anyone out there who has a interest in ever hiking any part of the A.T be that a thru-hike or just a section your first contact should be Spencer. His knowledge and passion for the trail has put me at an excellent starting point. Thanks to all of my friends who put together care packages and gave me all sorts of goodies before I left. I promise I will enjoy every cookie or candy bar I eat over the next few months. And last but not least thanks to my family. I no it cannot be easy for my parents to watch me walk away into the woods alone, but their support and excitement for me has surpassed anything I could have hoped for when I first told them my plans to hike. 

Now that thanks have been delivered I would like to take a quick minute to point out some newly added features to the blog. Thanks to Spencer we now have streaming music for your viewing pleasures. I have added a list of all the gear I will be carrying as well as my itinerary for the first 1,000 miles of my trip. In the gear list you can click an each piece of gear and it will take you to an external link where you can view each individual piece. 

The reality is stating to set in and I'm eagerly awaiting tomorrow. I hope y'all will check in often and enjoy reading about my trip. 

I will try to post an update when I arrive at Neels Gap.

Until next time enjoy indoor plumbing. 

-B.Moore 

NOTE: IF YOU DO NOT LIKE THE MUSIC THAT IS PLAYING WHEN YOU ARE VIEWING MY BLOG HIT THE MUTE BUTTON. 

No Rain, No Pain, No Maine

Dear Blog Followers,

I cannot begin to describe how jealous I am of Brandon's (quickly) upcoming adventure. My name is Spencer McKay aka "Warpzilla" and I hiked the AT in 2007 in honor of a fellow Eagle Scout. Brandon and I went to UNC-Charlotte together and I have been helping him plan and prepare (mentally and physically) as best I could. The Appalachian Trail has a very special place in my heart. I wish everyone had the ambition and desire to even attempt such an undertaking.

Brandon and I traveled down to Springer Mountain, Georgia, the Southern Terminus (Brandon's starting point) of the Appalachian Trail a couple of weeks ago to do a mock start of his journey. The thought was to get him prepared and familiar with his surroundings so that when his start day did come, he would be better prepared than you're average joe. I was very impressed with how Brandon was prepared for his journey. How his pack was packed. The gear that he had. Most importantly though, his attitude. According to the Appalchian Trail Conservancy's website. About 10% quit the trail within just the first 20 miles or 1% of the entire trail. About 50% make it halfway, Harpers Ferry, WV. While just under 30% of all hikers who set out to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail complete it, on average.

I've met a lot of people that say they want to hike the AT someday, and maybe they will. But actually committing to it, and getting out there, is an entirely different story. Granted, some people may be in a more difficult time in their lives to devote 4-6 months of their lives to one specific thing. Especially when that thing means leaving a mortgage, family, and other "real world" obligations on hold for that period of time. There is no better time than now for Brandon to begin this hike. He's fulfilled his educational duties academically, but I think his education of life awaits him on the trail.

The trail teaches one all kinds of lessons. Most importantly, who you are. There is such a wide variety of emotions and situations that you can encounter within just one day of the trail then one could receive in a lifetime. Whether that be changing weather, physical ability, terrain, and an array of other unforeseen conditions. The trail humbles you, and in a good way. It can make you feel like an ant one minute and the tallest man on earth the next.

Perhaps Henry David Thoreau said it best;

"It were as well to be educated in the shadow of a mountain as in more classical shade. Some will remember, no doubt, not only that they went to college, but that they went to the mountain."

My best wishes to Brandon and his soon to be, journey of a lifetime.

Sincerely,

Spencer aka Warpzilla