Ward called from Hamburg, PA two nights ago (Monday), minutes after I arrived home, and just as I was checking his progress on Beth's computer. The map showed him to be located about a mile off the trail, with the last ping from an empty lot containing heavy construction equipment. It appeared from the map that he was in an area of new development - more box stores and fast food restaurants. He explained that he was having a healthy dinner at McDonald's, with plans to re-supply at Wal Mart before returning to the trail where he would sleep in his tent (since there were no shelters nearby).
It was around 7:45 PM, with darkness setting in, which was disconcerting since he was by himself. I suggested that he stay in a hotel, but he didn't want to spend the money, nor did he think one was nearby. He was surprised when I mentioned the Microtel across the street (I saw it on "the Google"), and he was very thankful when I offered to pay for a night's stay. Pennsylvania has not been kind, and he's been by himself much of the time, so I felt he needed a treat.
He called back later after checking into the hotel and after charging his phone. Locals tell him the rains of the past weeks resulted in the worst flooding they can recall. He is hiking in standing water in many sections of the trail. I asked about Matt. Matt is a couple of days ahead of him, but plans to take time off. They should catch up with one another this coming Friday or Saturday when Matt returns. This will likely be along the PA-NJ border.
I asked if it was lonely, and he said it had actually been interesting. He met someone a few nights earlier at the Doyle Hotel, who was hiking the trail in 100 days. They spent the next night together at a shelter, before the fellow moved on. Ward is moving at a good clip, but not at a 100-day rate. A night or two earlier, he stayed in a two-story shelter designed for 20 people. He arrived there early, and then some hikers came in behind him. Before long there were even more hikers, and the shelter was nearly full. Then, a large group of middle-aged women showed up, ready for a big party (many did not spend the night at the shelter). It turns out this group has a reunion at the shelter each year. The location works perfectly for them because it is close to a parking lot. Anyway, he enjoyed the night and all the leftovers these ladies gave to the other hikers.
Somehow the topic of snakes came up in our conversation. I heard and read that there are lots of rattlesnakes in the rocky terrain of PA, but didn't expect him to see any given the time of year. He hasn't seen rattlesnakes, but did mention coming across 4 or 5 non-poisonous snakes along the way, mostly water snakes that hang out around areas where he refills his water supply. He mentioned finding a tick on his leg earlier in the day. Tick fever is a BIG concern, especially in the northeast starting this time of year. I wish he would shave his head and beard to make it easier to find any hiding ticks. He's also encountered lots of mosquitos in PA. It's a good thing he bought headgear netting when he was in DC. It came in handy and he'll also need it when he encounters the black flies that come out in May and June.
We talked again tonight (Wednesday), and he was in a hostel in Palmerton, PA. He didn't have a lot of new news to share, but did mention that the terrain is now very rocky, and that the trail (unnecessarily) traverses giant piles of rocks. I suppose these are classified as PUDs - Pointless Up and Downs, which some local trail clubs insist on building to prove themselves to others.
I look forward to hearing from him when he reaches the PA-NJ border. He's planning to take a zero there - his first since leaving Harpers Ferry. I think he's ready to leave PA.
End
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Thursday, April 21, 2011
@^*%%Y Weather
It's been tough the last several days. Heavy rains have made much of the trail nearly impassable due to flooding. Yesterday was a "nero" - nearly zero considering Ward hiked only 4 miles. He had to find high ground in several areas, and walked in deep water for several more parts of the trail. He stayed in Boiling Springs, PA last night and then hiked 25 miles to Duncannon. He's staying in the Doyle Hotel tonight, a landmark and must-stay place for hikers. He called home after dinner tonight, requesting "stuff" that he ordered last week and a knife (I'm guessing he needs a knife because he's getting close to the biggest hellhole on earth - Newark, NJ), and mentioned that a stranger bought him dinner because he was thru-hiking. There are many nice people in the world - even in Pennsylvania.
The weather outlook is not good for the next several days, and Ward thinks his daily mileage will be down. We encouraged more days off - wait it out and then go hard, but he will not do that. Matt is 2-3 days ahead, but plans to take time off soon. It may be at least a week before they get together again.
End
The weather outlook is not good for the next several days, and Ward thinks his daily mileage will be down. We encouraged more days off - wait it out and then go hard, but he will not do that. Matt is 2-3 days ahead, but plans to take time off soon. It may be at least a week before they get together again.
End
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Section 6 Complete!
Ward returned to the trail last Friday (4/15) after spending a few days in DC with Beth and Poppy. They drove him back to Harpers Ferry so he could hike a few (15) miles on Friday afternoon. The train departed DC late, and its only a 50-mile drive from DC, so driving made sense. Ward bought his 4th pair of hiking shoes in Harpers. It sounds as if the 2nd and 3rd pair were simply the wrong shoe for him. Not bad shoes - just a bad style. Anyway, he changed again.
They had a great time in DC, and of course, they ate VERY well. Ward relayed a couple of stories - one about staying in a hostel that caught fire (chimney fire), and another about an Italian couple who treated he and Matt so well at their restaurant in Buchanan, VA (pronounced Buck-cannon by locals even though the town is named after President James Buchanan). The Italian couple live above their restaurant and invited the two hikers to their apartment for dessert and drinks after dinner. Beth can elaborate more on their trip and will likely add her comments to this post.
He and Matt have been apart for at least a week, with plans to re-connect (maybe) within a week. A lot depends on Matt's visits with family and friends in his hometown Philadelphia, and a possible call-up for a week of reserve duty. Ward moved through Maryland by himself and finished Section 6 on Saturday. As of Saturday, he has hiked 1,045.9 miles in 74 days, including zeros. His daily average mileage is 14.1 including zeros, and 16.9 excluding zeros.
He is now in Pennsylvania, a section that is very rocky, but not necessarily steep in terms of mountains. I have yet to read or hear a positive comment about hiking in PA. I hope Ward's experience is different. When we connect we like to talk about how close he is getting to New York - positive thoughts. He should be near the city in late-April or early May, and hopes to work in a fun trip that may include a couple of zeros. Perhaps the bearded hiker and singing naked cowboy will meet on the streets of New York. That would make for an interesting photo.
They had a great time in DC, and of course, they ate VERY well. Ward relayed a couple of stories - one about staying in a hostel that caught fire (chimney fire), and another about an Italian couple who treated he and Matt so well at their restaurant in Buchanan, VA (pronounced Buck-cannon by locals even though the town is named after President James Buchanan). The Italian couple live above their restaurant and invited the two hikers to their apartment for dessert and drinks after dinner. Beth can elaborate more on their trip and will likely add her comments to this post.
He and Matt have been apart for at least a week, with plans to re-connect (maybe) within a week. A lot depends on Matt's visits with family and friends in his hometown Philadelphia, and a possible call-up for a week of reserve duty. Ward moved through Maryland by himself and finished Section 6 on Saturday. As of Saturday, he has hiked 1,045.9 miles in 74 days, including zeros. His daily average mileage is 14.1 including zeros, and 16.9 excluding zeros.
He is now in Pennsylvania, a section that is very rocky, but not necessarily steep in terms of mountains. I have yet to read or hear a positive comment about hiking in PA. I hope Ward's experience is different. When we connect we like to talk about how close he is getting to New York - positive thoughts. He should be near the city in late-April or early May, and hopes to work in a fun trip that may include a couple of zeros. Perhaps the bearded hiker and singing naked cowboy will meet on the streets of New York. That would make for an interesting photo.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Halfway!
Ward made it to Harpers Ferry yesterday, the halfway point on the AT. He has now hiked 1,015 miles in 69 days, an average of 14.7 miles per day. Excluding zeros, his average is 16.9 miles per day.
Ward planned to camp outside Harpers Ferry on Monday night, then hike into town Tuesday morning. He ended up hiking longer and (a reminder of Forrest Gump running) and ended up spending the night in a hostel before catching a train to DC for a few days. He checked in and had his picture made at the AT Conservancy. He is the second thru-hiker to make this milestone in 2011. The first person is a couple of days ahead of him. Matt spent time with family the last few days, so he is probably close behind.
The halfway point is a big deal. It's time for some R&R. I'm sure Beth and Poppy will return home with some good stories.
Ward planned to camp outside Harpers Ferry on Monday night, then hike into town Tuesday morning. He ended up hiking longer and (a reminder of Forrest Gump running) and ended up spending the night in a hostel before catching a train to DC for a few days. He checked in and had his picture made at the AT Conservancy. He is the second thru-hiker to make this milestone in 2011. The first person is a couple of days ahead of him. Matt spent time with family the last few days, so he is probably close behind.
The halfway point is a big deal. It's time for some R&R. I'm sure Beth and Poppy will return home with some good stories.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Section 5 Complete!
Ward completed Section 5 then hitch-hiked into Front Royal, VA on Thursday. He stayed in a hotel Thursday and Friday nights, taking a zero on Friday. We spoke briefly, and he indicated he liked the Shenandoahs despite continuing cold and rainy weather. The grades were more gradual and there were waysides along the trail where he could rest and re-supply. Very nice.
He and Matt had several long days, so a rest day was much needed. The two of them split up one day. Ward cut his day short due to rain, but Matt pushed on. Ward made up for the miles the next day and met up with Matt again the following day. Matt is spending time with family, so he and Ward are presumably apart now.
A few stats:
Cumulative, Springer Mountain GA to Front Royal, VA
Miles hiked: 961.2
Days on trail: 65 total - 8 zeros = 57 hiking days
Daily average miles hiked: 14.8 including zeros, 16.9 excluding zeros
Section 5 Only
Days on trail: 5 total, no zeros
Miles hiked: 107.2
Daily average miles hiked: 21.4
Ward began hiking the last section of Virginia on Saturday, and plans to be in Harpers Ferry, WV next Monday or early Tuesday (4/11 or 4/12). Harpers Ferry is the home of the AT Conservancy, and is considered the half-way point of the AT (bean-counters and nit-pickers will note that it is not exactly half-way in terms of mileage). He will then take a train from Harpers to DC where Beth and Poppy are meeting in for several days of much needed and much deserved rest. Matt is planning time off as well. The two of them will meet in the next couple of weeks.
He and Matt had several long days, so a rest day was much needed. The two of them split up one day. Ward cut his day short due to rain, but Matt pushed on. Ward made up for the miles the next day and met up with Matt again the following day. Matt is spending time with family, so he and Ward are presumably apart now.
A few stats:
Cumulative, Springer Mountain GA to Front Royal, VA
Miles hiked: 961.2
Days on trail: 65 total - 8 zeros = 57 hiking days
Daily average miles hiked: 14.8 including zeros, 16.9 excluding zeros
Section 5 Only
Days on trail: 5 total, no zeros
Miles hiked: 107.2
Daily average miles hiked: 21.4
Ward began hiking the last section of Virginia on Saturday, and plans to be in Harpers Ferry, WV next Monday or early Tuesday (4/11 or 4/12). Harpers Ferry is the home of the AT Conservancy, and is considered the half-way point of the AT (bean-counters and nit-pickers will note that it is not exactly half-way in terms of mileage). He will then take a train from Harpers to DC where Beth and Poppy are meeting in for several days of much needed and much deserved rest. Matt is planning time off as well. The two of them will meet in the next couple of weeks.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
A Great Weekend (& Section 4 Complete!)
Beth and I, along with George and Camille, met Ward near Waynesboro, VA on Friday night. He was at a place called Reeds Gap, where the AT crosses the Blue Ridge Parkway. His original plan was to stay in a shelter Friday night, then hike to the end of the section near U.S. 64 between Waynesboro and Charlottesville on Saturday morning, but that plan changed due to snow on Thursday night. Instead, he stayed with us Friday night, then returned to the trail Saturday morning.
We had a great weekend together - the first one as a complete family since Ward departed in February. We did not book a hotel until Thursday night, as we did not know exact plans. Flexibility is a necessity! Because of this there were few places with suites for a family of five. The hotel we eventually booked advertised accommodations for five. It turns out they also accommodate . . . pets . . . real, live ones . . of all shapes and sizes. Interesting, especially since the hotel is part of a national chain. I must say that the dogs walking up and down the hallways seemed to be well-behaved. It's probably a good thing we didn't take our Great Dane, Sarge. He's not always well-behaved, and we certainly didn't have room for him in our cramped room. Sarge enjoyed his time at home, especially the times when Poppy dropped by for feedings. Poppy and Sarge see eye-to-eye on most things.
The past few weeks were tough, filled lots of cold, rainy (and a few snowy) days. In fact, there have been only 11 "good" weather days since Ward and Matt left Springer. I think both of them are tiring, and in need warm weather and a break consisting of more than a zero here and there. Smokestack livened things up for them, but he is returning to New Jersey after the end of this section.
Around Reeds Gap Ward came across a trail "official" who told him he was the 3rd remaining thru-hiker for the season. Who knows if this is correct. Cold weather and lack of companionship are two pitfalls of leaving early, so it is possible a lot of others have dropped out. Of course, a benefit of leaving early is less hot weather later on.
Beth, George, Camille, and I hiked toward Ward on Saturday morning and then turned around to complete Section 4 with him. George is graduating from high school this year, and wanted to take a "gap" year hiking the AT from Katahdin southbound to Springer. Instead, he is entering a 1-Year National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) Sonoran Desert program this coming October before entering college in 2012. Camille is like her mother and enjoys shopping.
According to Beth, our hike entailed rugged terrain that crossed over a roaring river under the spray of a waterfall, leaps over large boulders, and a horrible hail storm before luckily finding Ward along the trail. In reality we hiked in moderate terrain, crossed a small stream, kicked a few pebbles down a hill, and walked through one minute of sleet before finding Ward about where we expected. It was fun being together. (Actually, Beth did quite well, but we do disagree about what constitutes hail).
We did all the routine re-supplies and bought new shoes for Ward (the second pair lasted almost two sections, but reasonable mileage), then left Ward at the beginning of Section 5 near the Shenandoah National Park. He previously called Matt to offer a ride re-supply, etc., but Matt had already made arrangements. Before we left we saw Matt heading out just ahead of Ward. Funny, we always run into Matt. I'm glad they are together again - almost as if it's meant to be.
A few stats:
Total Miles Hiked: 854 since Springer Mountain, GA
Days Since Springer: 60 Total minus 8 Zeros = 52 Hiking Days.
Average Daily Miles since Springer: 14.2 Including Zeros, 16.4 Excluding Zeros
Average Daily Miles in Section 4: 17.4 Including Zeros, 18.9 Excluding Zeros
End
We had a great weekend together - the first one as a complete family since Ward departed in February. We did not book a hotel until Thursday night, as we did not know exact plans. Flexibility is a necessity! Because of this there were few places with suites for a family of five. The hotel we eventually booked advertised accommodations for five. It turns out they also accommodate . . . pets . . . real, live ones . . of all shapes and sizes. Interesting, especially since the hotel is part of a national chain. I must say that the dogs walking up and down the hallways seemed to be well-behaved. It's probably a good thing we didn't take our Great Dane, Sarge. He's not always well-behaved, and we certainly didn't have room for him in our cramped room. Sarge enjoyed his time at home, especially the times when Poppy dropped by for feedings. Poppy and Sarge see eye-to-eye on most things.
The past few weeks were tough, filled lots of cold, rainy (and a few snowy) days. In fact, there have been only 11 "good" weather days since Ward and Matt left Springer. I think both of them are tiring, and in need warm weather and a break consisting of more than a zero here and there. Smokestack livened things up for them, but he is returning to New Jersey after the end of this section.
Around Reeds Gap Ward came across a trail "official" who told him he was the 3rd remaining thru-hiker for the season. Who knows if this is correct. Cold weather and lack of companionship are two pitfalls of leaving early, so it is possible a lot of others have dropped out. Of course, a benefit of leaving early is less hot weather later on.
Beth, George, Camille, and I hiked toward Ward on Saturday morning and then turned around to complete Section 4 with him. George is graduating from high school this year, and wanted to take a "gap" year hiking the AT from Katahdin southbound to Springer. Instead, he is entering a 1-Year National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) Sonoran Desert program this coming October before entering college in 2012. Camille is like her mother and enjoys shopping.
According to Beth, our hike entailed rugged terrain that crossed over a roaring river under the spray of a waterfall, leaps over large boulders, and a horrible hail storm before luckily finding Ward along the trail. In reality we hiked in moderate terrain, crossed a small stream, kicked a few pebbles down a hill, and walked through one minute of sleet before finding Ward about where we expected. It was fun being together. (Actually, Beth did quite well, but we do disagree about what constitutes hail).
We did all the routine re-supplies and bought new shoes for Ward (the second pair lasted almost two sections, but reasonable mileage), then left Ward at the beginning of Section 5 near the Shenandoah National Park. He previously called Matt to offer a ride re-supply, etc., but Matt had already made arrangements. Before we left we saw Matt heading out just ahead of Ward. Funny, we always run into Matt. I'm glad they are together again - almost as if it's meant to be.
A few stats:
Total Miles Hiked: 854 since Springer Mountain, GA
Days Since Springer: 60 Total minus 8 Zeros = 52 Hiking Days.
Average Daily Miles since Springer: 14.2 Including Zeros, 16.4 Excluding Zeros
Average Daily Miles in Section 4: 17.4 Including Zeros, 18.9 Excluding Zeros
End
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