Aqua Blazing (More Info)

Aqua Marie had more info on aqua blazing. She said she heard about it at Trail Days. I think the name of the outfitter is Rock Fish Gap or something like that. They will rent you canoes for 110 dollars. The trip takes two days to get through the Shanandoh Valley. You can also go to Harpers Ferry. If anyone wants to join me, please let me know. I should be starting late next week.

Day 53 - Blue Blazing (May 31)

I started this morning at Bobblets Gap shelter and walked about 23 or 24 miles to Thunder Hill shelter. I walked most of the day with Jet Ski who was the section hiker I met last night at the last shelter.

Jet Ski has a map so we decided to blue blaze a few miles to a campground store for cold drinks, ice cream, and lunch. We met Aqua Marie and Tailgate on the way, and had lunch with them. Then we blue blazed back to the At. It doesn't look like we lost any miles, but the five orange juices were good. Everyone was impressed with my ability to drink two and a half quarts of OJ in an hour along with everything else.

It was a very hot day. We had several 1,000 to 2,000 foot inclines today. I was happy for a breeze. I was ready to nap after lunch. To It and his daughters (Buzz Lightyear and Doctor Zoom) were joking about writing a book to dispel AT myths. One myth is Virginia is flat. I can't tell you how many times I heard that.

I met K1 today who took 300 zeros. He was hiking the trail last year with chest pains. He finally went home and saw a doctor. He said the doctors would not let him leave the hospital until he had surgery for defective veins or arteries in his heart. He got back on the trail 12 or 13 days ago after zeroing since July of last year. He said he is feeling more winded this year.

Also at the shelter is Hiker Dave and New York Minute. I know Hiker Dave. There are more and more section hikers and fewer and fewer thru hikers. The section hikers often avoid us. I see a couple tents, but no one is talking to us. New York Minute talked to them to find out they were section hikers.

Hiker Dave was telling me about all of the hikers who are leaving the trail. I'm ahead of most of the people I started with so I do not hear about stuff like this.

Water is becoming more of a problem. Many shelters either do not have a water source or the water source is seasonal. It took about 5 minutes to fill a liter bottle last night. This shelter has a seasonal water source that is flowing very well.

Aqua Blazing

I talked to a few more people yesterday about aqua blazing the Shanandoh Valley. Other people know about this. However, most but not all got their info from Brush Strokes. Zoom said she asked the outfitter in Troutville, but they had not heard about it. I hear there are outfitters in Waynesboro who arrange the trip.

It anyone wants to join me on a 100 mile plus canoe trip starting late next week, please let me know.

Day 52 - Bobblett's Gap Shelter (May 30)

I got a late start this morning leaving the motel at about 11:00 AM. Hike On and Down Hill were leaving at the same time. I did about 18 miles today. It was hot, but the trail was well graded.

I think I drank 1.5 gallons of water on the trail, and I'm still thirsty. I bought a platypus water bladder yesterday. It holds 2 liters. It has a tube to drink from so I can drink while walking.

To It and his two daughters (Buzz and Doctor Zoom) are here tonight. At least I think Doctor Zoom is also his daughter. There is a section hiker here tonight, but I can't remember his name. He is really nice. Two others came after dark.

I'm feeling a lot better today. Walking was pleasant. I've been crossing the Blue Ridge Parkway. There are great views.

I'm pretty sure that I can aqua blaze the entire Shenandoah Valley. If anyone wants to join me, I will likely be in Waynesboro on Wednesday or Thursday of next week. I think you rent canoes, and take them without a guide. I'm not sure how long it will take to canoe 100 miles. I'm guessing if the current is with you, it will take about 5 days. There are supposed to be outfitters in Waynesboro that rent canoes you can call if you are interested.

Sarver Homestead

Paul,

Thanks for the information. Are you sure a shelter is still near the old buildings? I'm pretty sure the main house is very old because the logs were split with axes. You can see the ax marks on the logs.

There was another cabin, but it did not look like a shelter. It was divided into two sections with entry into one section only through a window. I could not figure out why. The floor of this building had circular saw marks so it is probably much newer than the main house.

There were piles of rocks that looked like they might have been for cool storage. The entire area is filled with springs and what looks like sinkholes. There were two walk-in wells. I know people used to build storage over springs to keep stuff like cheese cool in the summer. Is this what I was looking at? The piles of rocks could also have just been rocks cleared from a field.

Blog Posts

I noticed yesterday that one of my daily posts did not go through. I reposted it yesterday. If you notice any other posts that did not go through, please let me know.

Hunger

If my estimate is correct, I consumed at least 7,000 calories today. I do not feel bloated. I had a Mexican dinner with an entire plate of nachos just an hour ago. I could easily eat another dinner now.

Day 48 - On My Own (May 26)

Thought Foot left the trail today because of bad shin splits. He hitched a ride back to Pearisburg to stay at the hostile there for a few days. I'm not sure if I will see him again.

I really enjoyed hiking with Thought Foot. He was a philosophy and religion major so there was never a shortage of things to talk about. Our hiking speeds were different, and that might have become a problem. I was much faster than him, but I did not mind waiting in shelters for him to catch up. I would snack and sometimes even nap while I waited.

Thought Foot thought that his shin split problem started when he was trying to keep pace with buzzard. It could also be from the higher mileage we've been doing.

I'm a little nervous about striking out on my own. I really enjoyed having someone to talk to in the evenings. I'm a little worried I will be spending too much time alone.

I spend nearly the entire day alone now. I hike alone, and just wait for Thought Foot at shelters. Most of the people on the trail are in their 20s or are retired. Its not always easy finding compatible people to hike with.

I'm at the Sarver Hollow shelter tonight. This is another question for Paul, what was this place? There are very old buildings here. I don't think these buildings used nails. There are also a lot of stone work and springs. My guess is that the springs were being used as refrigeration. Its a very cool place.

The shelter is nearly filled, but Buzzard is the only one I know. Its 8:30 PM and I'm going to sleep now. I want to be up by 5:00 AM and walking by 5:30 AM. Its getting hot, and I want to beat the heat by starting early.

I have another question for Paul or Heather. Where can I resupply after Daleville? It looks like the next town the trail goes through is Waynesboro about 130 miles from Daleville. Check the whiteblaze website. There was a good article on resupplies.

Blog Posts

I want to thank everyone for posting. Reading your posts really raises my spirits. Your posts make me feel connected to everyone and much less isolated than I really am. I can not always see your posts, but I really look forward to reading them when I can see them. I also can not respond using my phone. I need to find a computer to respond to a post. Thanks and keep posting I can not tell you how much I appreciate your posts.

Day 51 - Zeroing in Troutville or Daleville (May 29)

I'm not exactly sure where I am today. I think I'm in either Troutville or Daleville, Virginia. I'm feeling rested and a lot better today than yesterday. I was really feeling down yesterday. I suppose is was a combination of too many miles, too much time alone, the rain, the fall and broken hiking pole, and my pack that was no longer fitting me.

There was an outfitter in town not too far from the trail and motel. I bought Leki hiking poles for 90 dollars. I'm supposed to be able to go to any place Leki poles are sold for a free replacement if I break one. It will be interesting to see if this is true. With two broken poles already, its likely I will soon find out.

I also found a smaller belt for my pack. My belt was no longer fitting, and it was pulling on my shoulders. In addition, I found another iodine water treatment that doses by temperature. This should reduce the iodine taste.

I met Hiker Dave, Hike On, and Down Hill at the motel today. Hike On talked about hiking thousands of miles with different equipment. He was very knowledgeable about equipment at the outfitter. I'm not sure if he's hiked the AT before. I think Down Hill is his girl friend. I met her before somewhere, but can't remember where.

I have about 95 miles to the Dutch Haus B&B. I'm going to supply for three nights and four days. This might be too many miles per day, but it will be nice to have a lighter pack. I will sacrifice a few extra miles per day for less weight.

I also mailed my fleece jacket and rain pants home today. This should take about 2 pounds off my pack weight. I'm guessing my base pack weight is now about 15 pounds without food and water. I'm thinking that it will be too hot for rain pants. The problem is the bottom of my shorts will get wet.

I haven't been able to talk to Thought Foot yet. I'm hoping he is ok. I really miss having someone to hike with.

Someone told me yesterday that you can tell which animal is looking at you in the dark by the color of reflected light. Can someone look up which color eyes go with each animal?

I think I faced some of the most danger I will likely find on the trail today. I had to walk on some very busy roads with no sidewalks.

I ate lunch at Wendys. I estimated that with two large cokes, my value meal was almost 2,000 calories While this is a perfect lunch for those of us on a 5,000 to 6,000 calorie per day diet, I did not see many value meals for those on a 2,000 calorie per day diet.

I met an older woman at the grocery store who was very interested in my trip. She said she moved here to be near lots of trails. She said she had a bad back, and could not do long trips. She even offered to let me use her shower or help me if I needed something. We talked about the guy who shot the fishers. She said that all of his neighbors told reporters that they were sure he would kill again. She said that there was still no information on how he died in police custody. I can not imagine how this guy got out of prison after only 10 years when he killed two people without reason.

Day 50 - Troutville (May 28)

I made it into the Troutville Super 8 motel this afternoon. I'm feeling really beat and down today. I did way too many miles yesterday, and I'm still feeling it today. My feet are bruised and hurting. The trail was really rough. There were lots rocks and scrambling. Most of the last two days were on ridge tops. Ridge tops often involve scrambling up and around rocks and boulders.

It rained most of the day, which made walking even more difficult and dangerous. I fell and broke another hiking pole today. The trail would often go up and over boulders. On dry days, this is ok. On wet days like today, this is scary and dangerous.

I've seen very few people on the trail the last two days. I met Hike On after McKafee Knob. I know him from before Pearisburg. Apparently he was about a half hour to an hour in front of me all day yesterday. He camped a couple miles after I stopped. He too said he saw no one on the trail yesterday. We both had a problem with getting enough water on the ridge tops.

I'm going to zero tomorrow. I need to rest and gain weight. I don't think I can possibly eat enough when doing mileage like yesterday. I think I've been burning more calories each day than if I were running a marathon every day.

I just ate my first dinner tonight. I went to the Mexican restaurant next to the motel. Dinner with a plate of nachos did not fill me. This feels more like an appetizer than dinner. I will wait an hour or two and order a pizza.

Hiking alone the last couple days was tough. I haven't yet heard how Thought Foot is doing.

Someone told me today that you can tell what animal is looking at you in the dark by the color of the reflected light. Bears are supposed to have red eyes in the dark. Paul, is this true?

Rain

Its a very wet day. I'm sitting in the Lanbert Field shelter eating brunch and watching the rain. I have about another 10 miles to Troutville, where I have a motel room waiting.
Alltel has no control over, and is not responsible for, the content or use of this picture or the accompanying personal message.

Day 49 - Dragon's Tooth & Near Exhaustion (May 27)

I'm at John's Spring shelter sitting here in the dark all by myself with glowing eyes looking at me in the dark. I'm not sure who the eyes belong to.

I started this morning at Sarver's Hollow shelter. The first six miles were relatively easy even though they were over rocks and boulders. I did 16 miles by 1:00 PM. I decided it was too early to stop. John's Spring shelter was another 13.6 miles. There was no camping between shelters. There terrain was extremely difficult. I had to climb on ladder rungs bolted into the rock, and walk in ledges a few inches to a few feet across. One wrong step, and bones would break.

I finally got to the shelter at 8:45 PM to find a stagnant spring and no one here. I made my dinner and now I'm sitting in the shelter alone watching glowing eyes circle me. I don't think they are bears so I'm not going to worry.

Aqua Blazing

This is a question for Heather and Paul, can you tell me which outfitters in Waynesboro has canoe or rafting trips around the Shanandoh Valley? I've already hiked most of the Shanandoh. Brush Strokes was telling me this morning about some kind of canoe or rafting trips many people are taking. He said there is talk about making this an optional part of the trail to take pressure off the Shanandoh Valley.

Hi Rabbit & Sonic from Willy

Hi Joe,
Sorry I haven't been checking in more often, I've been busier than a one legged man in an ass kicking contest. The big news is Jenny and I got married Saturday, May 24, 2008! The wedding was beautiful, I sang a song I wrote for the occasion with a video that Jenny made with pictures of our friends and families. (You were in there a couple times, Joe!). The multitudes have finally receded and I am about as happy as a guy could be. I'm so glad we had the chance to go camping in Idaho together, last summer!

I read the email and checked out the Flickr pictures last night before bed. The picture of you in ER scared the Heck out of me! I had to get on the blog to make sure you were OK. Thanks to Hotdog for getting the pics up!

It sounds like you're having fun and that it might not be the solitary experience you were thinking it would be. It seems that the others on the trail are Seekers like yourself and good company on your journey.

The best of everything to you, Joe! You're an inspiration to us all!

Love,

Willy

Great to hear you're doing so well on the trail. I remember thinking 12 miles was some kind of accomplishment when I was out with my dad. My feet and legs hurt! My dad, the engineer, was realy good at planning. He planned out every day's distatance and how many calories we would eat. The first day out we stopped for a snack which was ok. Later we had "lunch" and I thoght "he's going to starve me to death!" Then after making camp we had dinner and was was sure I'd have to get used to hunger pains but was surprised to realize I was satisfied after dinner. As the days went on I understood that he had done an excellent job anticipating our needs and I never realy did go hungry. I will hike the trail with you in spirit but if and when I do hike it'll be for 10 or 12 miles a day max!

Day 47 - Camping Near War Spur Shelter (May 25)

Thought Foot has really bad shin splints that might take him off the trail for a few days. His right shin seems to really bother him after long days. There is a road in 6 miles that he will try to make tomorrow. I'm not sure what's going to happen with his shin. I guess we will find out tomorrow.

I'm feeling really good, and would not have any problem with consistent 25 mile days. I enjoy getting up early, and being on the trail by 6:30 AM. I've heard this time described as the magic hour. Lots of animals are out. I saw a buck with antlers just starting to grow this morning. He did not seem to be too afraid of me.

The morning was incredibly beautiful. There was a haze very low to the ground in the valleys. The sun reflected off the haze. I took a lot of pictures.

I met Mustang Sally, Enoch, Moccasins, and KBomb at the shelter after the Rice Field shelter. This shelter had its roof blown off by winds. There was some wood nearby so it looked like the shelter would be repaired soon. This was another stone shelter that was a memorial to Robert Trimpi. The last shelter near Mount Rogers said something about it being built by his friends. He died in 1969 at the age of 18.

I decided to stop before the War Spur shelter. I had a feeling Thought Foot might be having shin problems. There are few water sources in VA. This camp site had a good spring that is close by. The water source for the shelter last night was about 0.4 miles from the shelter and it was downhill and it was not flowing very fast.

Mustang Sally is here with us tonight. She is a former nurse. My guess is that she is in her late 50s. She said she is tired of nursing, and is considering long hull trucking.

Once again I have no phone or internet service. I'm surprised at how remote nearly all of the trail has been. I will post when I have a signal.

Title bar photo

This beautiful photo was taken by Joe. I'm the blog creative director/janitor.

I uploaded Photos on Flickr

I have to say, Flickr is a real pain. If I left anyone off let me know.

Today's Sunset

Day 46 - Nero Out of Pearisburg (May 24)

We took our time resupplying this morning. Everyone in town was really nice. The lady at the post office immediately recognized me as a thru hiker. I'm not sure how she knew because I did not have any of my stuff with me. She asked if I was finding my way around town ok. She also told me I should check out Andrew Johnson's house next to the post office, but it was closed.

Moccasins, Enoch, and KBomb were in town at the hostile. We met them at the murder shelter. They are ahead of us now. Frog and Half Elvis are already at the shelter.

Thought Foot met Shamrock in town. Shamrock has been only one shelter behind us. We were doing 20 + days so he could not catch up. I hope we see him soon.

Thought Foot put ice on his foot this morning, and it seems to be doing better. He got in about 5:30 PM yesterday, which was about normal for him. He walks about 2 mph when you include all of his snack breaks.

This trail is layed out so poorly. We looped around for an hour through poison ivy only to come out about a hundred yards from where we started. We had to walk through town and over the New River. We entered the woods by a chemical company. I kept expecting a big climb out of the valley, but instead the trail just looped around.

We are at the Rice Field shelter tonight. We got here at about 3:30 PM. I already set my tent up. I'm going to nap after I send this message. We are going to get back on our up before 6:00 AM schedule tomorrow morning.

Rice Field Shelter

Rice Field Overlook

The Photos are being uploaded on Flickr

Please let me know if you have any trouble viewing them. Just click on the title of this post to go to flickr.

Day 45 - Pearisburg (May 23)

I started this morning at the Wapiti shelter, and arrived at the Pearisburg Holiday Motor Lodge this afternoon. I'm concerned about Thought Foot. His foot was hurting this morning. I gave him some Iburofen for the pain this morning. He was moving very slow. He thought he was going too fast keeping up with Buzzard yesterday. He said he liked listening to Buzzard who is like a book on tape.

The terrain in Virginia is much gentler than anything we've seen so far. There are still plenty of ups and downs. We had to climb over a 1,500 feet this morning, and descend over 2,000 feet today. However, there has been a lot of relatively flat ground with elevation changes of only a few hundred feet. Nothing is as easy as anything in Ohio, but its still nice walking.

It looks like a lot of the pictures I took on the first disk turned out well. I could not tell by looking at my camera monitor.

I'm watching C-Span about petroleum prices. Some of our senators do not seem to understand the concept of supply and demand. Others do not understand the concept of profit and investment. I'm glad I'm walking.

Fast Food

I've been eating fast food while in town. I'm really impressed with the restaurants' dietary scientists. I'm getting perfectly preportioned meals for a 5,000 to 6,000 calorie per day diet. A lot of research must have gone into planning meals for those of us on high calorie diets.

Day 44 - Tapiti Shelter (May 22)

Has anyone had any luck with power bars? I ate two more today, and still no powers.

This was another long day. We did another 24 miles from Helveys Mill shelter to here. Thought Foot's foot did not hold up too well. He started developing problems after I saw him at the Jenny Knob shelter. Buzzard gave him some Ibuprofen to keep him going. He did not get here until dark. I heard from other people that he was having problems, but would try to make it.

My problem is I'm a very fast walker, and can also do very long distances. I may be one of the fastest walkers on the trail except possibly for a couple ultra light 20 year olds with 5 to 10 pound pack. Che told me today that he had never had to step aside for anyone else on the trail. I haven't found anyone with a similar pace who I would enjoy walking with. I enjoy walking with Thought Foot. I'm hoping he recovers soon.

Che is another person running from Red Eyes. No one wants to be near him.

I talked a lot with EZ Does It today. He camped with us last night. He seems to have and answer or story about every part of the trail. He is in his mid to late 50s and hiked the trail four and a half times in five years. I think he took a couple years off, and now he is back for what he says will be his last time. I met him before, and wondered how he always managed to stay in front of us. It turns out he likes to yellow blaze.

EZ Does It also "forgot" to pay for his hamburger today. There was a place about a half mile off the trail that many people went to today while I was bouncing on the suspension bridge. Someone put mayo on EZ's burger without asking him if he wanted it. I heard he did a lot of complaining before he "forgot" to pay.

Y and Vigil Auntie are here tonight. There are many others here too, but I forget their names. Buzzard decided to camp at a private campground. He could not do the distances we have been doing.

I got to cross a suspension bridge today. It was really fun. I bounced on it for a while while crossing.

This is another question for Paul. What happened at Dismal Creek Falls near Pearisburg? I've been hearing stories of two fishermen who were shot about a month ago by a man who had previously murdered two on the trail. I heard this portion of the trail was closed for a while, and the murderer died in police custody. What's the real story? I think I'm camped near Dismal Creek Falls tonight.

Kimberling Creek Suspension Bridge

Helveys Mill Shelter