Saturday, April 20, 2013
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Friday, April 12, 2013
What's Been Going On
Well it's been a little while since we've shared our words on the blog. Often times it's pretty difficult to find the mental determination to sit down and write a blog post in the little time you have off the trail. So much has happened since Hot Springs that I honestly don't even know where to begin. We have hot tubbed in Boone, NC. We have survived one of the harshest snow storms you could imagine. We have made our way through the most famous trail town, and enjoyed a great time with my family in West Jefferson. We walked through another snow storm after the promise of better weather. We stayed in Marion, NC with Chastan's mom and Johnny. Finally after this past week of wonderfully warm weather we are resting in Pearisburg waiting on Chastan's dad and Sarah to arrive. Until they get to the motel I'm going to do my very best to highlight some random parts of the past couple weeks that I deem important or noteworthy.
Hot Springs, NC turned out to be a real treat due to our awesome friends Hillary and Sean who came to visit us. We drove to an awesome place on a river and sat by a "waterfall". We listened to great live music at a creek side tavern. We sat in the wonderful hot springs that actually do exist in the town, and after a final breakfast we left the quiet little town with smiles on our faces and the hot sun on our backs. After camping on the side of a cliff above the town we continued to make our way towards Erwin with was the next place that we would resupply. The beautiful weather that watched us leave Hot Springs soon turned to rain the next morning. The day of hiking in the rain took its toll and as we reached the little laurel shelter we were welcomed by a great many spring breakers. Luckily they had set up tents much earlier and we were able to sleep in the shelter. We also met an older couple there who are hiking the trail with their two dogs. They started after us and are moving at an impressive rate. The next morning brought better weather and we moved ahead. Right before our hike into Erwin we were warned that some snow might be on the way. We climbed Big Bald later that day and decided to stay at big bald shelter. We went to sleep that night with the temperature around 20 degrees and I was woken up around 10PM to see the ground and trees were white yet again. By this time I thought that we would never escape winter. Luckily that next day we were able to escape the weather and retreat to the Holiday Inn Express with Chastan's Meems and Peeps.
A couple short days later brought us to Boone, NC for the last serious storm of the season. We were greeted at Carvers Gap by our friend Zach, his girlfriend Rachel, and the wonderful Kathyrn Chaney. We all celebrated our arrival with Japanese and a fun night with friends. Long story short we decided to wait out the storm there in Boone and also wait for Zach so that he could hike the next section of trail with us to Damascus. After a couple short days we were all dropped back off at Carver's Gap by Zach's roommate. The mountains looked much different at 4500 feet than it did from a cozy house in town. Everything was white as far as the eye could see, and the wind wipped through us like a sharp knife. This taste of what the storm had left was a warm welcome compared to what was in store. We set off up the mountain, Chastan, Zach, and I. We climb for maybe two miles before we found ourselves hiking in snow past our knees and the trail was barely visible because wind had blown over the footprints of those who passed earlier that day. I think it was then that we all realized what we had walked into. We hiked for another couple hours and we could tell that the sun would not be with us for much longer. We trudged up Little Hump Mountain and finally pitched our tent in the gap below. Laying next to each other on the hard ground created by the impacted snow, we were thankful to be dry and warm. We were also very nervous about what the next day would bring. Undoubtedly our socks and boots would be frozen and there would be many more miles like the ones we had just completed.
The next morning brought lots of sun and slightly better spirits. Unfortunately Zach decided to bow out early and get picked up at Elk Park. Neither of us could blame him after hiking in by far the worst conditions we had seen on the trail so far. However, the weather down low was much better and far easier to deal with. Several days after that we were pleasantly surprised to enter the Laurel Creek Gorge. It was filled with high cliffs and beautiful waterfalls that were much more impressive than we could have imagined. We set up camp next to the creek and enjoyed at nice fire after a long 20 mile day. We were able to dry out our boots and socks after hiking in wet ones for several days straight.
We later passed over Watauga Lake which was beautifully clear, and then hiked along the Iron mountain range for many miles. As Damascus drew near we had great anticipation of the monumental milestone. We decided to hike a 30 mile day and meet my parents there on Easter Sunday. This was no easy feat. We hiked fast with little rest, and soon every part of our bodies ached from fatigue, but when we crossed the sign at about 7:30 that evening we felt proud of what we had done. My parents pulled up about the same time and we drove off in the truck to enjoy some Chinese and family time. We got back on the trail two days later with hopes of better weather. We climbed Whitetop and Mount Rogers, which were two of the highest peeks in VA. We expected some light rain on a Thursday which turned out to be snow as with climbed the mountain and attempt the same section of trail we completed in January. I was really beginning to get discouraged by all the snow. It was like the relentless weather of the winter didn't want to give us a break. I think we were both being pushed to our limits. Anyway we survived once again and we hiked out to meet Chastan's mom and Johnny. We stayed at a very nice hotel and enjoyed our time with them.
After getting back on the trail this last time we knew that the forecast was warm and this brought our hearts joy. We have been able to get in creeks and hiked in shorts and t-shirts. It's been wonderful. We have made a new resolution to hike 20 mile days or more for the rest of the trip. We want to allow time later when the terrain is supposed to get rough again. We thank everyone for the support that they have given. It has been clear over the past several weeks how great we have it with loving family and friends. You all mean so much and we couldn't do it without you. Well we will be back on the trail tomorrow as long as we don't get mugged by the locals who are living in this sketchy motel. Just kidding... But really. Sorry this was long, but hopefully it gives you a better idea of what we have been doing the past few weeks. Please keep us in your prayers. Goodnight.
-Chase
Hot Springs, NC turned out to be a real treat due to our awesome friends Hillary and Sean who came to visit us. We drove to an awesome place on a river and sat by a "waterfall". We listened to great live music at a creek side tavern. We sat in the wonderful hot springs that actually do exist in the town, and after a final breakfast we left the quiet little town with smiles on our faces and the hot sun on our backs. After camping on the side of a cliff above the town we continued to make our way towards Erwin with was the next place that we would resupply. The beautiful weather that watched us leave Hot Springs soon turned to rain the next morning. The day of hiking in the rain took its toll and as we reached the little laurel shelter we were welcomed by a great many spring breakers. Luckily they had set up tents much earlier and we were able to sleep in the shelter. We also met an older couple there who are hiking the trail with their two dogs. They started after us and are moving at an impressive rate. The next morning brought better weather and we moved ahead. Right before our hike into Erwin we were warned that some snow might be on the way. We climbed Big Bald later that day and decided to stay at big bald shelter. We went to sleep that night with the temperature around 20 degrees and I was woken up around 10PM to see the ground and trees were white yet again. By this time I thought that we would never escape winter. Luckily that next day we were able to escape the weather and retreat to the Holiday Inn Express with Chastan's Meems and Peeps.
A couple short days later brought us to Boone, NC for the last serious storm of the season. We were greeted at Carvers Gap by our friend Zach, his girlfriend Rachel, and the wonderful Kathyrn Chaney. We all celebrated our arrival with Japanese and a fun night with friends. Long story short we decided to wait out the storm there in Boone and also wait for Zach so that he could hike the next section of trail with us to Damascus. After a couple short days we were all dropped back off at Carver's Gap by Zach's roommate. The mountains looked much different at 4500 feet than it did from a cozy house in town. Everything was white as far as the eye could see, and the wind wipped through us like a sharp knife. This taste of what the storm had left was a warm welcome compared to what was in store. We set off up the mountain, Chastan, Zach, and I. We climb for maybe two miles before we found ourselves hiking in snow past our knees and the trail was barely visible because wind had blown over the footprints of those who passed earlier that day. I think it was then that we all realized what we had walked into. We hiked for another couple hours and we could tell that the sun would not be with us for much longer. We trudged up Little Hump Mountain and finally pitched our tent in the gap below. Laying next to each other on the hard ground created by the impacted snow, we were thankful to be dry and warm. We were also very nervous about what the next day would bring. Undoubtedly our socks and boots would be frozen and there would be many more miles like the ones we had just completed.
The next morning brought lots of sun and slightly better spirits. Unfortunately Zach decided to bow out early and get picked up at Elk Park. Neither of us could blame him after hiking in by far the worst conditions we had seen on the trail so far. However, the weather down low was much better and far easier to deal with. Several days after that we were pleasantly surprised to enter the Laurel Creek Gorge. It was filled with high cliffs and beautiful waterfalls that were much more impressive than we could have imagined. We set up camp next to the creek and enjoyed at nice fire after a long 20 mile day. We were able to dry out our boots and socks after hiking in wet ones for several days straight.
We later passed over Watauga Lake which was beautifully clear, and then hiked along the Iron mountain range for many miles. As Damascus drew near we had great anticipation of the monumental milestone. We decided to hike a 30 mile day and meet my parents there on Easter Sunday. This was no easy feat. We hiked fast with little rest, and soon every part of our bodies ached from fatigue, but when we crossed the sign at about 7:30 that evening we felt proud of what we had done. My parents pulled up about the same time and we drove off in the truck to enjoy some Chinese and family time. We got back on the trail two days later with hopes of better weather. We climbed Whitetop and Mount Rogers, which were two of the highest peeks in VA. We expected some light rain on a Thursday which turned out to be snow as with climbed the mountain and attempt the same section of trail we completed in January. I was really beginning to get discouraged by all the snow. It was like the relentless weather of the winter didn't want to give us a break. I think we were both being pushed to our limits. Anyway we survived once again and we hiked out to meet Chastan's mom and Johnny. We stayed at a very nice hotel and enjoyed our time with them.
After getting back on the trail this last time we knew that the forecast was warm and this brought our hearts joy. We have been able to get in creeks and hiked in shorts and t-shirts. It's been wonderful. We have made a new resolution to hike 20 mile days or more for the rest of the trip. We want to allow time later when the terrain is supposed to get rough again. We thank everyone for the support that they have given. It has been clear over the past several weeks how great we have it with loving family and friends. You all mean so much and we couldn't do it without you. Well we will be back on the trail tomorrow as long as we don't get mugged by the locals who are living in this sketchy motel. Just kidding... But really. Sorry this was long, but hopefully it gives you a better idea of what we have been doing the past few weeks. Please keep us in your prayers. Goodnight.
-Chase
Past Encouragement
This is a note I wrote in a shelter log back in January when we were hiking near mt. Rogers
The change of a week
Rain pounds against the windows and distorts my view of the street outside. To my right, hidden somewhere in the rolling clouds, is the mountain that we descended yesterday evening. The dining room of Hardee's is far for from glamorous but it is dry and warm and the smell of Tide on my clothes is comforting. We entered pearisburg last night with aching feet from the 1500 foot descent, only to find that the town is on the opposite side of a sizeable hill. My heart sunk, and through the gloom and doom thoughts in my head I find irony in the importance of this one hill compared to the many mountains we summit daily. The difference however is that my mind is set on a warm bed now and a refuge from the coming storms, no determination is left in me. The plaza motel and holiday lodge stand side by side, like two prostitutes on a street corner and the question boils down to which is cleaner. The second and third floors are filled with permanent residents, the pool is a flaky blue bowl and the restaraunt consist of a pool table and vending machine, this is home for the night. A warm shower washes the salt from my hair and I keep my eyes closed to keep them from burning. The water washes the dark dust from my feet and in an instant I feel clean. This doesn't however keep me from scrubbing vigorously for 15 minutes before I am content, and like a new man I fling back the curtain in a blaze of glory, I am clean and I am invincible. My high spirits carry me through to the task of washing our stained and sticky clothes. It is amazing what a week of humidity and eighty degrees will do to a freshly washed pair of running shorts and a dry fit t-shirt. Nights that fail to dip below sixty also accelerate the " I feel like a human fly trap" process. This weather is new to us, the birds singing are new to us and in a matter of a week winter turned to summer, with no homage to spring. A short twist in time and things were much different, so different, that it doesn't seem real.
Thursday, April 4th 2013. We awake to overcast skies and silence. The air is thick, the front is moving in and I can see my breath. White top road winds below us through the birch trees. At 5200 ft, we are camped atop the second highest mountain in Virginia. Somewhere between packing the tent and packing my bag the rain begins to fall. This expedites the process and in a matter of moments we are hustling down the boulder strewn spine of the Virginia Highlands. The rain that is falling coats my jacket and freezes as it hits, by the time we reach elk garden we are covered in a layer of ice, and the rain has turned to a stinging sleet. An hour later as we are climbing Mt. Rogers the sleet turns to snowballs, not snowflakes, but 3 inch powdery balls that accumulate much faster than anything I have ever seen. Grayson highlands was covered in a blanket of white and although it usually boasts of panoramic views our vision was constricted to fifty feet in every direction. Another night leveling a tent pad in the snow, rushing to change into leggings and diving into my sleeping bag only to find that we have to fight the cold a little longer. Luckily, over the course of the following day, the snow melted and the sun livened up the town of Marion.
When we started back on Saturday we encountered seventies and sunshine. It was as if January had given way to May. Everyday since, we have woken to warmer air and the past few nights have been so mild that it's not unusual to break a sweat while sleeping. With each step I can feel the world awakening at breathtaking speed. Leaves are unfurling and the color green is boldly replacing the white and brown of winter. I can't help but think of when Aslan returns to Narnia and the hundred years of winter ends. It is just as magical and as surreal. Winter has ended, after one final, snowy breath and spring has catapulted us into a different world of singing birds, blue skies and suntanned skin. The animals and trees know that the world is changing and I can say I have never been so In tune to the transformation of spring. Granted the heat makes for a sweaty and sticky ordeal, spring is beautiful and I will gladly accept all that it is over the arctic conditions we've encountered so far.
The spring is here, late but bold, and I will gladly walk along the ridges as they turn green and listen as the world erupts into song.
Thursday, April 4th 2013. We awake to overcast skies and silence. The air is thick, the front is moving in and I can see my breath. White top road winds below us through the birch trees. At 5200 ft, we are camped atop the second highest mountain in Virginia. Somewhere between packing the tent and packing my bag the rain begins to fall. This expedites the process and in a matter of moments we are hustling down the boulder strewn spine of the Virginia Highlands. The rain that is falling coats my jacket and freezes as it hits, by the time we reach elk garden we are covered in a layer of ice, and the rain has turned to a stinging sleet. An hour later as we are climbing Mt. Rogers the sleet turns to snowballs, not snowflakes, but 3 inch powdery balls that accumulate much faster than anything I have ever seen. Grayson highlands was covered in a blanket of white and although it usually boasts of panoramic views our vision was constricted to fifty feet in every direction. Another night leveling a tent pad in the snow, rushing to change into leggings and diving into my sleeping bag only to find that we have to fight the cold a little longer. Luckily, over the course of the following day, the snow melted and the sun livened up the town of Marion.
When we started back on Saturday we encountered seventies and sunshine. It was as if January had given way to May. Everyday since, we have woken to warmer air and the past few nights have been so mild that it's not unusual to break a sweat while sleeping. With each step I can feel the world awakening at breathtaking speed. Leaves are unfurling and the color green is boldly replacing the white and brown of winter. I can't help but think of when Aslan returns to Narnia and the hundred years of winter ends. It is just as magical and as surreal. Winter has ended, after one final, snowy breath and spring has catapulted us into a different world of singing birds, blue skies and suntanned skin. The animals and trees know that the world is changing and I can say I have never been so In tune to the transformation of spring. Granted the heat makes for a sweaty and sticky ordeal, spring is beautiful and I will gladly accept all that it is over the arctic conditions we've encountered so far.
The spring is here, late but bold, and I will gladly walk along the ridges as they turn green and listen as the world erupts into song.
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
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