Saturday, June 25, 2011
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Katahdin! (Finished)
Text from Ward (June 22, 2011 at 11:08 AM EDT): "Just finished. I'll call from millinocket tonight."
Details to follow . . .he still has to hike down the mountain and make his way into a nearby town.
Details to follow . . .he still has to hike down the mountain and make his way into a nearby town.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Mom's Musings
No news from Ward as he is walking the last 30 miles of the 100 Mile Wilderness today. We knew he would have no phone signal during this time. He will hike 30 today and then the FINAL 18 miles tomorrow (Wednesday) and that will include the summit of Mt. Katahdin - the experience he has been waiting for since Feb. 3!!!
It seems like so long ago, and yet yesterday, that we took Ward to Georgia, staying at the Amicolola State Lodge where we stayed overnight before he embarked on this wonderful journey of a lifetime. It was with great anxiety and anticipation that we drove to the parking lot below the start of the trail. As blog followers may recall, Dad (his, not mine) and I hiked the short .9 miles up to the trail head. We had heavy hearts and great worries, but we wanted to demonstrate our support for the venture. It was difficult seeing our 20 year old set off by himself on a 6 month journey...on a day that was well below 20 degrees at mid morning.
Again, you may recall that we encountered another hiker, Matt, as we were descending the mountain. Matt and Ward have been together perhaps 75 % of the time. What an incredible relief to us for Ward to have a companion. Although Ward and Matt could not have been more different, they forged a great and I hope lasting friendship. I suspect they will keep in touch. Perhaps Matt has even caught up with Ward at this point??? We hope so!
As mentioned earlier, Dad, George, and I had planned to fly to Maine and join Ward for the summit of Katahdin. However, Ward decided he preferred to do it with his current hiking partners and we certainly understand that summitting with others who have endured the journey has to be more emotionally powerful. [Dad interjects here: I think it had more to do with the fact that he plans to get the hell out of dodge when he finishes. In his words, "I don't plan to hang around Maine touring and eating lobster for the next five days. I'm heading straight home and I plan to visit friends. Please buy a plan ticket for the day after I finish, to depart after noon."] Of course, this allowed Dad to stay at work and saved much money in airfare and rooms/food! At the end of the day, it is with great anticipation that we meet up with Ward at RDU on Thurs afternoon and hug him and show him what pride we have in his vision, his organization, his physical ability, and his persistence and discipline that allowed him to accomplish this great feat! We can't wait!!!!
Oh, I nearly forgot to add that I had mailed Ward a box of civilian clothes for the Wed night celebration in Millinocket/return flight home. Won't he look odd with the long hair and beard but wearing J. Crew pants, a Brooks Brothers shirt, belt (necessary, Ward said, to hold up pants!) and sperrys? Also included travel-sized deodorant and shampoo, items he has not carried or used except for when he met us on some weekends!
Now, time to move George out of Ward's room and clean it, buy his favorite groceries, make sure George returns his croakies and all the things he's borrowed and make home a welcoming place! Then, what for the homecoming dinner? Crab cakes, trout, wild salmon, scallops, beef, mussels, Thai food?!!! Start with smoked salmon? Anything with sriracha sauce Ward will love! Perhaps a flourless chocolate cake (La Bete Noir- Epicurious-is a favorite of Ward's)....isn't it crazy how much a mother nurtures with food?!!! Because he's still a kid at heart, we'll have some cracker jacks! Ha...sorry to report that, Ward!
Now as one arrives home, we had one take off for Grand Western Tour last Saturday. Camille will tour the great out west with 45 other 15 yr. old kids-what fun! She has already been to Churchill Downs in Louisville and seen a race, been to St. Louis and on to Salina, Kansas, Colorado Springs,....Jackson Hole, Yellowstone, Seattle, San Francisco, Grand Canyon, etc. the list goes on! I want to be a kid again!
George graduated recently and is working this summer for a certain hosiery plant. He is going to Elon in 2012 after a gap year. This fall, he will head to East Africa through a NOLS program...an incredible learning and self discovery program. He will off trail hike through bamboo forests, make strong intercultural connections, attempt to learn some Kiswahili language, go on a safari, possibly summit Mt. Kilimanjaro (!!!!!!!!!!!), travel through dense forests with a 50-60 pound pack (we will get to recycle much of Ward's gear), study wildlife, have a home stay, perform some community service and hopefully learn what it's like to live without cell phones, pizza, Starbucks and the like!!! I think George is in for a very different but equally life changing adventure! His internship at the NC Zoo was a great experience this spring and just a precursor of what he will get to see this Sept! He has the opportunity to earn some college credits and so much more. His spring semester of NOLS has not been confirmed but possibly a sea kayaking/sailing course in Baja. He has already done a 3 week Outward Bound program in Maine that was focused on sailing and sea kayaking, which he enjoys. OB seems to be a little more about reaching one's physical and emotional boundaries while NOLS is a leadership school....Unfortunately, George will have no contact with us so no blog for this one. His course finishes just before Thanksgiving so we are toying with his touring a little after Africa. Unsure at this point but it's time to get visas and flight tickets and gear!
Today's young folks seem to have the world at their feet....life is changing fast and life is global, and it's important that people learn to confidently interact with folks from other countries and cultures (soap box moment). Let's hope the world can be a better place after the all these experiences! And, as Aunt Peggy so astutely noted, the conversations will certainly be interesting at this year's family Christmas Dinner!
We will post after Ward's arrival home and perhaps a few days after just to inform you of how he is acclimating to home life..can't imagine that will be hard to do but Carolina Kid, who hiked in 1999 (I think!), has told us that sleeping in a bed was uncomfortable at first! He also said that it takes a while for your metabolism to slow so the hiker continues to eat copious amounts of food (recall the 6000-8000 calories a day?)....Wow...we will be drooling over Ward's food consumption!
Many thanks to all of you who have followed the blog and given Ward your support. It has been fun for us to share with you his adventure. Happy Trails to all!
It seems like so long ago, and yet yesterday, that we took Ward to Georgia, staying at the Amicolola State Lodge where we stayed overnight before he embarked on this wonderful journey of a lifetime. It was with great anxiety and anticipation that we drove to the parking lot below the start of the trail. As blog followers may recall, Dad (his, not mine) and I hiked the short .9 miles up to the trail head. We had heavy hearts and great worries, but we wanted to demonstrate our support for the venture. It was difficult seeing our 20 year old set off by himself on a 6 month journey...on a day that was well below 20 degrees at mid morning.
Again, you may recall that we encountered another hiker, Matt, as we were descending the mountain. Matt and Ward have been together perhaps 75 % of the time. What an incredible relief to us for Ward to have a companion. Although Ward and Matt could not have been more different, they forged a great and I hope lasting friendship. I suspect they will keep in touch. Perhaps Matt has even caught up with Ward at this point??? We hope so!
As mentioned earlier, Dad, George, and I had planned to fly to Maine and join Ward for the summit of Katahdin. However, Ward decided he preferred to do it with his current hiking partners and we certainly understand that summitting with others who have endured the journey has to be more emotionally powerful. [Dad interjects here: I think it had more to do with the fact that he plans to get the hell out of dodge when he finishes. In his words, "I don't plan to hang around Maine touring and eating lobster for the next five days. I'm heading straight home and I plan to visit friends. Please buy a plan ticket for the day after I finish, to depart after noon."] Of course, this allowed Dad to stay at work and saved much money in airfare and rooms/food! At the end of the day, it is with great anticipation that we meet up with Ward at RDU on Thurs afternoon and hug him and show him what pride we have in his vision, his organization, his physical ability, and his persistence and discipline that allowed him to accomplish this great feat! We can't wait!!!!
Oh, I nearly forgot to add that I had mailed Ward a box of civilian clothes for the Wed night celebration in Millinocket/return flight home. Won't he look odd with the long hair and beard but wearing J. Crew pants, a Brooks Brothers shirt, belt (necessary, Ward said, to hold up pants!) and sperrys? Also included travel-sized deodorant and shampoo, items he has not carried or used except for when he met us on some weekends!
Now, time to move George out of Ward's room and clean it, buy his favorite groceries, make sure George returns his croakies and all the things he's borrowed and make home a welcoming place! Then, what for the homecoming dinner? Crab cakes, trout, wild salmon, scallops, beef, mussels, Thai food?!!! Start with smoked salmon? Anything with sriracha sauce Ward will love! Perhaps a flourless chocolate cake (La Bete Noir- Epicurious-is a favorite of Ward's)....isn't it crazy how much a mother nurtures with food?!!! Because he's still a kid at heart, we'll have some cracker jacks! Ha...sorry to report that, Ward!
Now as one arrives home, we had one take off for Grand Western Tour last Saturday. Camille will tour the great out west with 45 other 15 yr. old kids-what fun! She has already been to Churchill Downs in Louisville and seen a race, been to St. Louis and on to Salina, Kansas, Colorado Springs,....Jackson Hole, Yellowstone, Seattle, San Francisco, Grand Canyon, etc. the list goes on! I want to be a kid again!
George graduated recently and is working this summer for a certain hosiery plant. He is going to Elon in 2012 after a gap year. This fall, he will head to East Africa through a NOLS program...an incredible learning and self discovery program. He will off trail hike through bamboo forests, make strong intercultural connections, attempt to learn some Kiswahili language, go on a safari, possibly summit Mt. Kilimanjaro (!!!!!!!!!!!), travel through dense forests with a 50-60 pound pack (we will get to recycle much of Ward's gear), study wildlife, have a home stay, perform some community service and hopefully learn what it's like to live without cell phones, pizza, Starbucks and the like!!! I think George is in for a very different but equally life changing adventure! His internship at the NC Zoo was a great experience this spring and just a precursor of what he will get to see this Sept! He has the opportunity to earn some college credits and so much more. His spring semester of NOLS has not been confirmed but possibly a sea kayaking/sailing course in Baja. He has already done a 3 week Outward Bound program in Maine that was focused on sailing and sea kayaking, which he enjoys. OB seems to be a little more about reaching one's physical and emotional boundaries while NOLS is a leadership school....Unfortunately, George will have no contact with us so no blog for this one. His course finishes just before Thanksgiving so we are toying with his touring a little after Africa. Unsure at this point but it's time to get visas and flight tickets and gear!
Today's young folks seem to have the world at their feet....life is changing fast and life is global, and it's important that people learn to confidently interact with folks from other countries and cultures (soap box moment). Let's hope the world can be a better place after the all these experiences! And, as Aunt Peggy so astutely noted, the conversations will certainly be interesting at this year's family Christmas Dinner!
We will post after Ward's arrival home and perhaps a few days after just to inform you of how he is acclimating to home life..can't imagine that will be hard to do but Carolina Kid, who hiked in 1999 (I think!), has told us that sleeping in a bed was uncomfortable at first! He also said that it takes a while for your metabolism to slow so the hiker continues to eat copious amounts of food (recall the 6000-8000 calories a day?)....Wow...we will be drooling over Ward's food consumption!
Many thanks to all of you who have followed the blog and given Ward your support. It has been fun for us to share with you his adventure. Happy Trails to all!
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Close
I"m not sure where to begin. We have had conversations and exchanged text messages, but everything seems a bit disjointed right now. It is much harder to keep up with Ward's progress now that the Spot is gone. We talked earlier in the week when he was in Stratton, ME. The terrain in southwestern ME is terribly difficult, and a number of thru-hikers simply give up at this point, even though they are within 200-300 miles of Katahdin. But Stratton is the end of the really bad stuff until one reaches Katahdin, and from there Ward has some big days planned.
We talked again yesterday (Friday) from Monson, ME. The short version of the story is that he will hike through the "hundred mile wilderness" (remote and highly isolated for 100 miles) with plans to finish on Wednesday, June 22nd. He will fly home on Thursday, June 23rd after a celebratory night out with Ryan, Paul, Ice Ax, and another person who is doing the third leg of the Triple Crown (the friend says the AT is the most difficult, even though it is shorter than the other two trails). There is no word from Matt, which has Ward concerned. He hoped they would finish at the same time.
Wednesday will be special for Ward. Thursday will be special for us.
We talked again yesterday (Friday) from Monson, ME. The short version of the story is that he will hike through the "hundred mile wilderness" (remote and highly isolated for 100 miles) with plans to finish on Wednesday, June 22nd. He will fly home on Thursday, June 23rd after a celebratory night out with Ryan, Paul, Ice Ax, and another person who is doing the third leg of the Triple Crown (the friend says the AT is the most difficult, even though it is shorter than the other two trails). There is no word from Matt, which has Ward concerned. He hoped they would finish at the same time.
Wednesday will be special for Ward. Thursday will be special for us.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
The Box
It arrived marked "Priority Mail", addressed to "Ward Russell". That could be Ward or it could be me. Either way, we knew it was from our hiker, and we knew the box contained his "stuff". Beth opened the box anticipating a note and a few other items from Ward. She was met by the foulest stench imaginable to mankind. Worse than boy socks. Worse than a condemned fraternity house facing foreclosure. Worse than . . . well, you get the message.
The box contained the following items:
Waterproof camera shock case
Gold Bond powder
Band aids and moleskin
A very cheap Snap Clip
3 plastic grocery bags (is he finally recycling?)
A light down vest (the one purchased about a week into the trek)
Parachute cord
A bottle of Mrs. Dash's Seasoning (has he become a lazy, cheap version of Bobby Flay?)
A sleeping pad (the one purchased about a month ago)
2 sleeping bag stuff sacks (mostly filled with stuff above)
Boot insoles (hi-tech, custom-fit shock absorbers)
The Spot
The message was clear, especially when we saw the orange Spot. He's tired. He has his eye on the finish. He doesn't want anything extraneous, even if it might save his life. No need for band aids, moleskin, or even Gold Bond. He's almost through. Ditching the Spot was the exclamation mark. He no longer needs this stuff, and he's going to finish with the lightest possible load, even if that means family and friends can no longer track his whereabouts. He seems to like going rogue for a few days, meaning no one can reach him. He will find us if he needs us.
But he did call home tonight while we were having dinner, following George's graduation convocation. Of course, George was quite tired after last night's prom. He had a good time, but was most relieved to have found his tuxedo pants, wallet, and car keys around 3:00 in the afternoon, the day after the prom. George stood up when they were recognizing people for grand accomplishments, even though he wasn't really part of the group being recognized. Lots of laughs from his friends. That's what George wanted - laughs, and to stretch his legs during a very long ceremony (aren't they all long!). We love George. He lights up everything around our house - sometimes to excess. George graduates Friday morning and it looks like he's heading to East Africa where he may have the opportunity to hike up Kilimanjaro. All this happened suddenly. George was planning to take a Gap year in the Sonoran Desert through NOLS, but the program he signed up for was suddenly cancelled due to low participation. NOLS offered a discount that enables him to go to Africa and then somewhere else in the Spring before he enrolls at Elon University in fall 2012. Things always work out for George. He will do well in life.
Back to Ward . . . He was tired and wet. Today's rains were the worst he's hiked in. The group finally gave up and found a hostel in Andover, ME (yes, he's in Maine - Section 11 - the final section). One of his first comments was "now I understand why so many people quit in the early parts of Maine". He doesn't plan to quit.
We talked for a long time. His pack and pack cover constantly filled with water today. At one point he had at least a gallon of water in the cover (I think a gallon of water weighs 8 lbs - too lazy to hit "The Google" at this hour). He must have had time on his hands, because he gave me a list of every shelter he has stayed in since May 23rd. I have been able to document each night's stayover with the exception of a few in Massachusetts. He says he can get those to me soon. I was really pleased he remembered to give the locations.
We mostly talked about logistics and the possibility of our visiting him at the finish and maybe hiking the last miles with him. In Ward fashion, he said he was indifferent, but then mentioned that we would need to get an early start if we wanted to reach the top with him. He is already planning 18 miles on the last day, with the last 5 going up Mt. Katahdin. We don't know exactly what day he'll arrive, so everything is up in the air with us. He seems to think he's less than two weeks away. That is hard for me to believe. He is planning some big days as he moves northward, including a personal goal of a 40-mile day. We'll see. He tends to accomplish a goal once is set, so I would not be surprised if he pulls it off.
I think he liked hearing news from home. He set the stage for sitting around the house for a couple of weeks, just to recover. That will probably last three days before he heads out to see friends. He's also looking forward to having friends visit him at home. Before we finished our call he mentioned that he saw his first moose today. It wasn't during the hike, but was instead during the time he was waiting along the side of a road for a ride (hitchhiking). The moose simply walked across the road. As he was telling the story, our not-so-Great Dane, Sarge darted past me. Ward chucked when I described our own moose (Sarge) galloping around the house. Stories from home can be good, especially during difficult times.
The box contained the following items:
Waterproof camera shock case
Gold Bond powder
Band aids and moleskin
A very cheap Snap Clip
3 plastic grocery bags (is he finally recycling?)
A light down vest (the one purchased about a week into the trek)
Parachute cord
A bottle of Mrs. Dash's Seasoning (has he become a lazy, cheap version of Bobby Flay?)
A sleeping pad (the one purchased about a month ago)
2 sleeping bag stuff sacks (mostly filled with stuff above)
Boot insoles (hi-tech, custom-fit shock absorbers)
The Spot
The message was clear, especially when we saw the orange Spot. He's tired. He has his eye on the finish. He doesn't want anything extraneous, even if it might save his life. No need for band aids, moleskin, or even Gold Bond. He's almost through. Ditching the Spot was the exclamation mark. He no longer needs this stuff, and he's going to finish with the lightest possible load, even if that means family and friends can no longer track his whereabouts. He seems to like going rogue for a few days, meaning no one can reach him. He will find us if he needs us.
But he did call home tonight while we were having dinner, following George's graduation convocation. Of course, George was quite tired after last night's prom. He had a good time, but was most relieved to have found his tuxedo pants, wallet, and car keys around 3:00 in the afternoon, the day after the prom. George stood up when they were recognizing people for grand accomplishments, even though he wasn't really part of the group being recognized. Lots of laughs from his friends. That's what George wanted - laughs, and to stretch his legs during a very long ceremony (aren't they all long!). We love George. He lights up everything around our house - sometimes to excess. George graduates Friday morning and it looks like he's heading to East Africa where he may have the opportunity to hike up Kilimanjaro. All this happened suddenly. George was planning to take a Gap year in the Sonoran Desert through NOLS, but the program he signed up for was suddenly cancelled due to low participation. NOLS offered a discount that enables him to go to Africa and then somewhere else in the Spring before he enrolls at Elon University in fall 2012. Things always work out for George. He will do well in life.
Back to Ward . . . He was tired and wet. Today's rains were the worst he's hiked in. The group finally gave up and found a hostel in Andover, ME (yes, he's in Maine - Section 11 - the final section). One of his first comments was "now I understand why so many people quit in the early parts of Maine". He doesn't plan to quit.
We talked for a long time. His pack and pack cover constantly filled with water today. At one point he had at least a gallon of water in the cover (I think a gallon of water weighs 8 lbs - too lazy to hit "The Google" at this hour). He must have had time on his hands, because he gave me a list of every shelter he has stayed in since May 23rd. I have been able to document each night's stayover with the exception of a few in Massachusetts. He says he can get those to me soon. I was really pleased he remembered to give the locations.
We mostly talked about logistics and the possibility of our visiting him at the finish and maybe hiking the last miles with him. In Ward fashion, he said he was indifferent, but then mentioned that we would need to get an early start if we wanted to reach the top with him. He is already planning 18 miles on the last day, with the last 5 going up Mt. Katahdin. We don't know exactly what day he'll arrive, so everything is up in the air with us. He seems to think he's less than two weeks away. That is hard for me to believe. He is planning some big days as he moves northward, including a personal goal of a 40-mile day. We'll see. He tends to accomplish a goal once is set, so I would not be surprised if he pulls it off.
I think he liked hearing news from home. He set the stage for sitting around the house for a couple of weeks, just to recover. That will probably last three days before he heads out to see friends. He's also looking forward to having friends visit him at home. Before we finished our call he mentioned that he saw his first moose today. It wasn't during the hike, but was instead during the time he was waiting along the side of a road for a ride (hitchhiking). The moose simply walked across the road. As he was telling the story, our not-so-Great Dane, Sarge darted past me. Ward chucked when I described our own moose (Sarge) galloping around the house. Stories from home can be good, especially during difficult times.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Off the Mountain
Ward called around 6:15 PM yesterday (Saturday). He was in Gorham, NH with several other hikers (he is traveling with a larger group now). The weather let up on Saturday and they were able to hike over Mt. Washington and then to lower elevations where they found a ride into Gorham. They plan to hitch back to the trail today and then finish the hike back into Gorham. We were relieved to hear from him.
The weather conditions were the worst he could imagine. At some point he and some others tried to hike in the high winds, but they only made about 300 yards before turning back. The tips of his fingers are still numb from the cold. They were fortunate to be able to stay at the hut, which is actually more like a house. It was still cold, and he had to wear a down coat all day while waiting around. The hut typically charges people to stay, but they were given free accommodations and meals in exchange for work, as there was no way they could leave the safety of the shelter. They cleaned the hut, folded sheets and washed dishes. "Work for Stay" is common on the trail.
The "Whites" have been his least favorite experience so far. They are incredibly rocky and steep, such that movement is more about climbing than hiking (he stopped using his trekking poles). His knees are bothering him a lot - both knees, not just the one which was injured several years ago requiring surgery.
I offered to pay for his hotel room and a good meal for the night, for which he was very thankful. They are planning on Chinese food. (I can imagine them sitting around all day on Friday, dreaming about what they would eat when reaching a town). Matt is a day behind him at this point. We hope to hear from him again on Sunday night when he returns to Gorham.
End
The weather conditions were the worst he could imagine. At some point he and some others tried to hike in the high winds, but they only made about 300 yards before turning back. The tips of his fingers are still numb from the cold. They were fortunate to be able to stay at the hut, which is actually more like a house. It was still cold, and he had to wear a down coat all day while waiting around. The hut typically charges people to stay, but they were given free accommodations and meals in exchange for work, as there was no way they could leave the safety of the shelter. They cleaned the hut, folded sheets and washed dishes. "Work for Stay" is common on the trail.
The "Whites" have been his least favorite experience so far. They are incredibly rocky and steep, such that movement is more about climbing than hiking (he stopped using his trekking poles). His knees are bothering him a lot - both knees, not just the one which was injured several years ago requiring surgery.
I offered to pay for his hotel room and a good meal for the night, for which he was very thankful. They are planning on Chinese food. (I can imagine them sitting around all day on Friday, dreaming about what they would eat when reaching a town). Matt is a day behind him at this point. We hope to hear from him again on Sunday night when he returns to Gorham.
End
Friday, June 3, 2011
Update from Mt. Washington
Text message from Ward - June 3, 2011 at 10:22 AM
Terrible weather on mt. Washington. stayed at lakes of the clouds hut last night and probable tonight. Bad snow, winds over 100 mph on top and around 15 degrees.
Terrible weather on mt. Washington. stayed at lakes of the clouds hut last night and probable tonight. Bad snow, winds over 100 mph on top and around 15 degrees.
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