..and, that's it.

By The time breakfast was done at Elmer's, I knew the hike would go no
further. My ambitious plan to hike back to back 18 mile days knocked
out Zach and had now knocked out me. The life lessons just keep
coming! I needed to forsake the 100 mile target, and just enjoy the
hike, at whatever pace the mountain offered. I still see the
positive. I got to spend a lot of quality time with my nephew. I did
get out into nature, if only for a couple days. I did get to hang out
with my old college friend, Bryan. I even had time to stop at his
house near Atlanta and spend time with his wonderful family. I will
get home to my family sooner than planned.

Another year, the strategy will be markedly different. For now, I am
left with a whole lot of hiker food to remind me of this year's plan!

Would you hike 11 miles uphill using these feet?

Tuesday morning Zach decides enough is enough and catches a lift out
of town. He and Curtis did about 85 miles already since they started
before me. Curtis and I had a great breakfast at the Hostel, then took
our time getting it together, including found some laundry. The
picture shows the duct tape applied to my blistered feet. It is the
suggested approach. We started up the climb out of town around noon.
We made it maybe 1.5-2 miles, all uphill. Still had virtually all
uphill to go, but the hip flexor was done. I could drag it no further.
We caught a lift back to town. We hot the Spring Creek Tavern to mull
our options. We went back to Elmer's. We played a game of chess. We
left a cardboard note for my friend Bryan, so he wouldn't head up the
trail to find us when he got here. He successfully made it to Elmer's.
We went to the Sping Creek Tavern and...mulled our options. The music
room at Elmer's was busy by the time we got back. We hung out with
other hikers. The Hostel was full. Advil nightcap and back to bed.

Another 18 mile day

We got up on Monday morning, after a night filled with one downpour
after another. We were very dry in the Roaring Fork shelter so No
worries. No rain when we got up. I loaded up with Advil and oatmeal.
Zach helped me with a pack adjustment and I started to feel better. We
went 5-6 miles and were cruising along as we hit The start of about a
1500' climb to the top of Bluff Mt (4700'). Curtis took it well but
Zach and I limped to the top, every step painful. His Achilles and my
left hip flexor were shot. We rested at the top, then started the
long, mostly downhill 9 mile jaunt to Hot Springs. We had to make it-
we were out of food. The downhill action caused a lot of sliding in
the boot. Stopped to get the pebbles out of my boots, and realized it
was actually blisters. 6 of them! 3 miles to go. I limped, literally,
in to town. Asked a guy on the street corner where Elmer's Hostel was,
and he said "I'm Elmer". (small town..). We were taken to this 19th
century mansion converted to a hostel. Great place. Rooms were
upstairs. I decided to wait to climb the steps. Pizza and beer were
our reward for back to back 18 mile days.

Stairway to ...

Seering, violent pain is reverberating from my knees to my hips. I'm
soaked completely. 3 miles down, 97 to go! Lol. Truthfully, too much
sitting at the desk has turned my hips into non pliable body parts.
Not important until you climb 2500 feet up a mountain. So as I lay
here in my sleeping bag after completing a very hard day 1, I reflect.
We did hike in rain all day. We did complete the longest hike we have
ever done - 18 miles. We did climb 2 mountains in the process-
Snowbird ( I think) and Max Patch. Both to around 4600'. When we went
over Snowbird, the rain turned to hail, the winds were gusting to at
least 30 mph, and it felt like ski weather. It was a tough, tough
day. Hoping the body recovers tonight. Got 18 more tomorrow. Have to
make it back to Hot Springs since we will b out of food. Anvil and
oatmeal (and coffee) and off we go!

Oh, and the stairs were just indicative of what we were up against.
They look nice but dont be fooled by looks! That is Ron's life lesson
for today!

Happy hikers

So I made it to Hot Springs, NC last night. Stayed in a nice hotel,
had a good meal - ready for the hike! It's been 2 years since coming
out as last year, my inspiration passed away - my dad. But this past
summer, my mom suggested a family overnighter on the Appalachian Trail
in the Smoky Mts, and hat worked out really well. My nephew Curtis
caught the hiking bug, it seems! He and I and his friend Zach made a
plan. We tried to recruit my brother Don but that fell through.
However, when planning my return drive, brandy mentioned I should
visit my friend Bryan Parry in Georgia. Then she says 'invite him to
hike' (this was 2 days ago). He said he could and would join on Day 4!
Go figure. I am happy. Off to hike. The pic is as we start out. Zach
on left, nephew Curtis on the right.

Made it to Hot Springs!

2012 Backpacking Departure date - May 12!

Getting organized, along with Nephew Curtis and friend Zach. Hoping Brother Don will be joining this year! One week to go....