Rhino: One Year Anniversary Hike!

It's hard to believe that its been one year since we started section hiking the Appalachian Trail. The adventure began friday night when after a long day at work, I decided to wait until Saturday morning to travel to the trail head. I was exhausted, and didn't feel like driving in traffic or sleeping in the car. The next morning I left the house about 0530 for the long drive to Waynesboro, VA. I had a lot on my mind and the 2.5 hour drive passed quickly. I met Jeremiah and Robert at the southern entrance to Shenandoah National Park, where I had to leave the Grey Ghost. We than began the 35mph drive up Skyline Drive to Doyles Run Overlook.

Doyles Run Overlook was right were we had left off last time with Jodi. We started out with high ambitions and a spring in our step. The weather was beautiful and we made great progress. One of the early highlights was our discovery of the Black Rock Bald. It was a huge boulder field on top of a Mountain. Jeremiah and I scrambled up for a spectacular 360 degree view. We hike a record breaking 14 miles that day. My only concern was by the time we found the perfect camping site we had not refilled our water bottles the whole day. I had anticipated numerous mountain springs...however there were none. Near the end of the day I started conserving water to just a sip, not my normal gulping refreshment. We had enough water to cook dinner. We set up camp, had dinner and bedded down for a chilly night. The temperature dropped to around 40 degrees F. I was pretty snug in my 1 man Eureka Tent. In the morning we were assaulted by a troupe of acorn throwing squirrels. They made such a racket, it sounded like it was raining acorns. Stiff and sore we broke camp and started on our final leg through Shenandoah National Park. We needed to hike 10 miles to my car.
The Amazing thing about this hike was how perfect it was...except for the water concerns, we had a beautiful hike. No Bugs, No rain, No injuries It was the perfect hike. We did find a spring in the morning and replenished our water supplies for the rest of the hike. We found a nice apple tree at Beagles Gap a mountain meadow were we took a thirty minute break.
Near the end of the trail we ran into a little trail magic. Some kind soul had left chocolate bars and a case of Mountain Dew near a tree with nice note encouraging hikers.

Side Note: No matter how much I try to avoid Poison Ivy...I can't...I tried, however I got it again.

Rhino: Jodi and the 5 Mts of Misery

We had a special guest hiker with us on the seventh leg of the AT in the Shenandoah National Park, our sister Jodi drove up on Friday. We drove out to the trail head that evening and tried to sleep in our cars. Had a fun time catching up with Jodi and all her news from Charlotte, NC. I couldn't fall asleep in my car so I pulled my sleeping pad and sleeping bag out of the car and laid down on them. As I was gazing up at the brilliant Milky Way with a breeze blowing over me I witnessed a meteor shower, I saw three "shooting stars" Around 4am I dozed off. I was the first to wake around 063oam and watched the beautiful sun start to climb over the mountains to our east. I didn't know it, but I would be cursing the same sun hours later. We got our gear and piled into the Grey Ghost and drove 20 miles north to our starting point at Hightop Mountain about 1 mile north of rt 33.
Hightop Mountain nearly kicked my butt in the first hour, the Cliff Bar I had consumed so rapidly, was giving me cramps as we struggled up the mountain. Jodi thought I was taking it easy on her but I was really having some issues. When we reached the top and started looking at the elevation map, we realized there where four more mountains of considerable size with descent just as great. It reminded me of the roller coaster in Northern Virginia. Jodi stated she would like to get 15 miles done today, because she need to be home by 5pm on Sunday. I just laughed...I had never done 15 miles in a day and I knew she was being a little to optimistic.
We continued hiking and the day started heating up. We became soaked with sweat from our exertions and tried to keep hydrated by sipping our water at regular intervals. Our spirits were high as we joked and talked up trail. Jeremiah and I must have told Jodi every experience we had on the AT. She was really pushing it and seemed very motivated. But the terrain and heat would take it toll. When I came home on Sunday my wife claimed that we had hiked on the hottest day of the year 103 degrees F. We didn't know it at the time, all we knew was it was damn Hot! Jeremiah said it was the humidity that was killing us. I didn't argue...I was to tired.
Around mile 5 Jodi started complaining about a knee injury. Now I remember how I felt on my first hike so I was pretty concerned...We gave her some Icy Hot to put on her knee, and I put it on both my knees. Around noon we collapsed right on the trail and we each ate a power bar. It felt like heaven or hell I'm not sure. The bugs, flys, bees and gnats were relentless and soon forced us to continue. Jodi was limping more, and I began to think we should readjust our goals and get her off the trail ASAP to avoid furthering her injury...not to mention I didn't want to be out here in this blistering heat. We completed our third mountain and decided to refill at a Park ranger station 2oo yrds off the trail. We saw an amazing congregation of little butterflies, there must have been hundreds. The water from the Park Ranger station was cold and plentiful I poured a whole bottle over my head trying to cool off. Jodi went inside the ranger station to use the bathroom and came out with an ace bandage and an Ice pack that Ranger Rick had so graciously given her. She felt better and wanted to press on. I suggested to Jeremiah we should get to the next hut and call it a day.
As we were climbing the next mountain we began to hear ominous rumbling of thunder in the distance. We tried to pick the pace up but the never ending incline was absolutely kicking our butts. I began daydreaming about what we would find at the Hut maybe some day hikers with a cooler of cokes and beer...yeah. I began hallucinating and seeing things, like the hut and at one point I thought I could see a lake through the trees. Thats when I realized it was just the sky. We limped into the hut and found it was deserted except for the stench of mice or human urine. It was so revolting we had to set up our tents instead. The thunder seemed to be getting closer as Jeremiah heated up water for our trail dinner of sweet and sour pork with rice. I began having muscle cramps that would throw me to the ground writhing in pain. Jodi laughed and said I was a bigger mess than her...which was pretty close to the truth. Jeremiah and I had just finished our medicinal nightcap, when the rain hit. I ran to my new one man tent and jumped in boots and all. Jeremiah hurriedly pulled my rain tarp over my tent and ran down to his tent with Jodi. It was 6pm and the Heavens had opened up. The barrage of rain on my little yellow tent made me feel like I was in a popcorn popper. It felt like I was in a coffin and immediately I felt claustrophobic...Thankfully the rum helped and amidst the din of the deluge I fell asleep. I woke up when lightening seem to strike our hill with a BOOM! the rain seemed to intensify to biblical proportions and I discovered my rain tarp was not on properly and rain was leaking in the side. It was only 9pm so I went back to sleep. Around midnight I woke up again with the urge to go pee and rain seemed to have tapered off so I climbed out of my cacoon. Easier said than done. Through out the night I could hear footsteps and would call out loudly to ward off the bears or deer or raindrops that sounded like footsteps. Around 5am I had enough I began the impossible task of folding my sleeping bag up while laying down in my tomb tent. I got out and walked around waiting for Jeremiah and Jodi and the infernal sun to come up. Eventually they did wake up. We broke down our muddy camp and went down to the Mice hut for breakfast on the picnic table. The Creek was flowing so we filtered some water for the coming day. We all seemed refreshed and amazed that we had survived the night.
We started off by climbing a short mountain the temperature was measurably less but the humidity was still stifling. Jodi's injured knee was frustrating her and she was worried that I would call her a wimp...she doesn't have to worry about that. She was one tough cookie. Besides I was struggling with my own demons, fatigue, too many pounds and lack of motivation. I was hoping she would quit, so I could quit to...but no she wouldn't quit. Around 1130 we decided to go to wayside trail store which is halfway up Loft mountain...Well I demanded it! I had read in the hut's trail ledger that cheeseburgers and cold drinks were available and I was hoping she could get a ride from there. Jeremiah reluctantly agreed.
It such a strange feeling to feel air conditioning and drink Pepsi with Ice after being out in the wilderness, I know it had only been a day but after what we had been through it was very much appreciated. After wolfing down expensive Aramark Burgers we adjusted our plan once again. We would hike the last 2.5 miles on the road to our cars instead of taking the much longer winding AT which was 5 miles. The road was definitely easier but the bugs swarmed around us as we wearily trudged to our cars. Halfway back Jeremiah plunged back into the woods to finish on the AT. Jodi and I had enough so we continued down the road and were in sight of the parking lot when Jeremiah drove back and picked us up. 18 miles of suffering but we survived and hopefully Jodi enjoyed helping Jeremiah and I on our AT adventure. I would like her to hike with us through the Tennessee Balds or the Smoky Mountains when we get further south.

Rhino: Sky Meadows Solo Hike

With the stress of retirement, I thought the perfect way to wind down would be a solo hike. I had just got done reading "A walk in the woods" by Bill Byrson and while inspiring, I was apalled that he had given up and hadn't Thru-hiked the whole trail. I would never give up, I thought...The Rhino never gives up! Boy was I wrong...I got a late start on Saturday. I had planned on going overnight, however I didn't arrive at the trailhead until 2:00pm. Now choosing where to start wasn't exactly a decision as much as happenstance. As I was driving out Rt 66 I saw a sign for skymeadows State park and took the exit on a whim. Since we had already hiked this area I was familiar with the surrounding and drove to the trailhead. I had drank plenty of water on the way out, but I was not ready for the Inferno I was about step into. Uh Yeah...Virginia in August...not the best weather for hiking. I started off with a spring in my step and beads of sweat on my brow. A little sweat never kill anyone...right? I cross Rt 50 and started up the south side of Ashby's Gap. I should have checked this blog before deciding on that mountain. We had hike it twice before , so this was my third trip up. How did I forget how difficult this mountain was. 15 minutes into the climb I was soaked with sweat, breathing was...well gasping for air and my heart felt like it was going to explode out of my chest. My one thought was..."what the hell are you doing to yourself."



I pressed on, with a pretty good pace I climbed that mountain only stopping twice for water. The woods seem dark and oppressive, the air hung ripe with the odor of steaming vegetation. I continued climbing until I began to see the trees up ahead were ending. I was excited to have made it to the top and emerged from the woods into the glaring sun. Was it my imagination or was it hotter this close to the sun. I felt like Icarus flying to close to the sun. I hurried across the Searing meadows and again saught the shade of the woods. I wondered where all the other hikers were? I found a sign next to a bench stating I had come three miles. I unhooked my pack and sat in a daze...I pulled out my map and thought about the next three miles to the shelter. A Hanta-shelter probably with lots of mice. Or why don't I just call it quits and return to civilization, air conditioning and Coca-Cola. Right then a rabbit hopped across the trail not three feet away, he pause and sniffed, something unpleasant and hopped away. I took it as an omen, a sign of what I should do...and packed up and started back towards my car. Why had I quit? Was it the extreme conditions? I thought long and hard and came up with a few reasons.

1. I didn't have a plan or goal...the Appalachian was built for two reasons going north or going south. I didn't like the thought or understand why I was out here? for the workout?
2. I didn't have a clearcut exit strategy.
3. Most importantly I had found--I missed my hiking partner, my Brother to keep me motivated, to share the hardships with...Solitude was for suckers.

Statistics
Temperature 96* F
Distance 6 miles
Wildlife 1 Rabitt, 1 Frog, 1 Deer, 2 Squirels, 1 Tick on the back of my neck

Bullfrog: 6th Leg Round-Up

We finished the 6th leg by 11:30 am the second day. 20 miles in less than a day and half is pretty good ... for us. We saw a guy we had seen on the 5th leg three weeks earlier. He had been waiting for a ride at the end of his hike, and we chatted for a while with him while I was filling out our backcountry camping permit. This time, we were walking past a campground, and we passed him and a little girl. It took a second to recognize him (and he us) since we were so far from where we had seen him last. The timing and location made it unexpected. Then, on Sunday, after we were done, had had lunch, and I had dropped Rhino off at his auto, we made a pitstop on our way out of the SNP at Skyland, and saw the guy again.

Other than Rhino's balls, the only thing wrong with him was major poison ivy. He said it was everywhere, and, although I didn't see it, he sounded miserable on the phone.

I was fine, other than being extremely tired. I got a shower after I got back, and then after a short nap, we went to our church's picnic. I was feeling dehydrated and tired, but after guzzling some water and chowing down on some hotdogs, I was feeling pretty good. Thought about playing soccer with some church folks, but I figured I wouldn't have any stamina (which was probably right). Finally, someone suggested softball, and it's been too long since I played last ... there was no stopping me.

I played first base and we got trounced in the first inning. When I finally got up to bat, I got to big of a bat, and couldn't get it anywhere near the ball in time. I got a different bat, and I was able to begin to make some contact. When I finally got on base, I was at first, and someone popped up. I had started to run, but once it was caught, I scrambled to get back to first, and sorta slided. It was more of a squat-slide ... which, simply, doesn't work. My ankle rolled inside, and then I sat on it. I knew immediately something was hurt, and tried to walk it off a little, but it was seriously sprained. I ended up playing the rest of the game. I still was able to get my swing back pretty good, and chugged a couple of solid base hits.

By Monday, my ankle was the size of a softball. I could walk ... barely. I didn't do much for it other than to elevate it and ... uh ... self-medicate. Two weeks later, it's doing better, but it still let's me know not to jump or run.

Four weeks until the 7th Leg. I understand that Rhino's going to be doing a solo for several days. Rhino, please fill us in.

Rhino: Breaking Records and Cracking Nuts

Big Meadows, Shenandoah National Park

Bullfrog and I drove out to Shenandoah National Park Friday night. We dropped off his car and then drove 20 miles north to Fishers Gap Overlook. The overlook was quiet, and we slept in the car waiting for the next day and the coming hike. The sun wasn't even up when I woke up, Bullfrog woke later and we packed up and started hiking before 6:30am. We had a great hike, the weather was good and we were really moving. We passed the sleeping campers at Big Meadows, I don't understand this form of camping and what it's use is. RV's and Pop-ups all located in a small area like a suburb outside of a metropolitan area. Big Meadows is considered a high altitude meadow discovered in the 17th century by European settlers. In 1996, during the Blizzard of 1996, Big Meadows recorded Virginia's greatest storm snowfall accumulation at 47"

We didn't get to see much of Big Meadows as we passed through quickly, however on the way home we drove through and it was very beautiful. I don't know why we were moving so fast, but it seemed effortless as we clicked off the miles. It must have been a combination of factors, the early start, the moderate terrain, my light pack, because we made it to Lewis Mtn before noon.

We were tired, but we had done 10 miles before noon! a new record. We made a short sidetrip over to the campstore for a few small purchases. We talked with a wiry Through-hiker who was proud of his 900+ miles, I was more amazed with his Australian sheep dog then him. Do dogs enjoy Through hiking? or do they resent it? Does he have to carry food for the dog?

When we left I began noticing a physical problem...I was chafing in the nether regions...not just a little bit either, alot. I had decided to go commando that morning, and it had turned out to be a bad decision. We continued for two more miles, but I was getting more tired and experiencing discomfort at every step. We stopped at the Pocosin Fire rd. and took a fifteen minute nap with flies, gnats buzzing around or heads. It was very difficult to rest there, as a family of six was traipsing down the road towards the cabin. Two more SOBO (south bound) Hikers stepped over us. Finally I had enough. "lets go find a camp site!" We pressed on, Bullfrog could see I was in pain and began looking for campsites. We climbed an extremely steep switchback and collapsed at the top. There was a small clearing right next to the trail and Bullfrog set up the tent without any help from me. I felt bad, I couldn't move. We had gone 12 miles, and had plenty of light left, but we weren't going any further. Bullfrog cooked dinner (freeze dried Chicken Pot pie) and we had a few drinks before we passed out from exhaustion.

The next morning Bullfrog was up and moving before the Sun came up. A deer was grazing near our camp and the weather seemed almost perfect. Jeremiah ate some freeze dried scrambled eggs and bacon and I had cold granola with blueberries which quickly turned my tongue and lips purple. My chafing problem although tender seemed like a thing of the past, and with a new found respect for Hanes briefs we set off on the remainder of our sixth leg. I couldn't help but point out every grassy flat area that could have been a potentially flat campsite (read: whaaaa, I don't like sleeping on hills w/ rocks!)

We were trudging up Baldface Mtn when Jeremiah shouted out behind me, "Whoooa!"

I looked back to see a small 24" snake I had instinctively stepped over. I don't know if it was poisonous, but it snapped at my hiking pole and crawl away. We saw a few more deer a couple of rabbits, ground squirrels and chipmunks. We saw bear scat on the trail and listened and watched for them diligently, but saw no bear. I still remember the large black bear we saw walking along the trail three weeks ago. He/She seemed very content to walk along with us minding his/her own business. Today, I was reading about bear encounters on whiteblaze.com, uhhhh...next time I won't stop for pictures.

3 miles away from Rt 33 we started a gradual descent along the sunny top of a ridge, which was rough on my knees. We took a short detour for water and picked raspberries along the way. Ripe wild raspberries, felt and tasted like a treat from God Himself...Well, I guess they were. We finally reached Rt 33 and picked some "wine berries" nestled in some poison ivy. We had completed another AT Map, we had a mile and half to go to the car. I didn't want to look at the next map, and I'm glad I didn't because that last mile and half was straight up a mountain...it was the hardest mile. We reached the hot sweltering car, and I was only to happy to just sit and sweat, with the windows down as we drove back to my car.

We may not be Through Hikers, or very athletic, were not the best or fastest hikers but my sense of accomplishment is the same as if I just completed the Boston Marathon. I am very proud of what we do. We are Appalachian Trail Section Hikers.

Bullfrog: 6th Leg Coming Up

This weekend Rhino and Bullfrog are back to the Trail as we continue or journey through the Shenandoah National Park. Last time Rhino survived his first encounter with a bear (we had passed him before we had noticed him about 20-30 feet off of the Trail). It was not nearly as grueling as trying to keep Son of Rhino motivated. It's difficult enough keeping oneself motivated, but it is especially emotionally draining to have to encourage someone else just to keep moving their feet.

Anyway, it looks like it will be just 2 of us for about 18 miles. We'll be picking it up about the middle of the central district and going to the bottom, around Route 33. We hope to head out there early Friday night to get a decent start on Saturday. Trying to go even lighter this time ... particularly you, Rhino! Maybe you should use your new "North Face" pack.

I haven't done much physically since the last hike three weeks ago. The first week I was recovering from the flu or strep or TB or halitosis or something. The other two weeks ... I don't know other than that I've been overly busy. I'll get some exercise this weekend!

Off to home and packing my backpack.

Rhino: Appalachian Odyssey

Today we (Bullfrog, Son of Rhino and Me) finished our fifth leg of our Appalachian Trail odyssey. We have now gone over 100 miles from Harpers Ferry to midway down the Shenandoah Valley.The further we get away from home the more difficult logistics become. Thats why we decided to drive both cars to the start on friday night...er the finish. We arrived at Franklins Cliffs Overlook about Ten O'clock the parking lot was empty. So we decided to look for a trail head with flashlights and a few beers. We couldn't see anything in the dark so we just enjoyed the brisk evening. Bullfrog and I were drinking beers, not son of Rhino, and everytime a car would drive by we would hide our beers. We discussed setting up the tent or sleeping in the cars. Thats when a mysterious SUV drove up and parked near us. We stood by our cars...scared. All I could think of was the Zodiac killer gunning us down as we slept in the cars. After awhile when no one got out of the SUV we decided to risk it and go to sleep. Bullfrog got into his car and me and the boy got into the Grey Ghost. I couldn't sleep at all. I kept looking around expecting to see someone standing by my window. Around 0400 I fell asleep. The next morning we woke up and Boy said "Well were still alive!" We drove 20 miles south to Beahms Gap and began the hike.
Son of Rhino wasn't happy to be there, but I had been very adament that he go with us and experience this rite of camping. We started up Thorton's Gap which was nearly all uphill for 3500ft. I tried to take it easy on the boy, stopping frequently for water breaks. We eventually made it to the top, with its sweeping vistas and cool breezes. The boy enjoyed it...although he didn't want to admit it. We found a relatively flat grassy field and set up our camp. Evidently it was the home of three deer also, because they kept circling our camp all night. Sunday we woke up and started out on our last ten miles. I was really sore and my whole body was aching so I would go slow, the boy foraging ahead with unlimited stamina. We would catch up to him sitting on a rock sipping water. Wildlife was eveywhere, We counted 31 deer the whole weekend and half a mile from the car we saw a black bear ambling alonside the trail next to us. I took a few pictures before I left him, although he could have caught me. I was so proud of the boy and he finished right alongside me. He may never want to go again, but I'm glad he shared this hike with me.

Rhino: Excitement of the trail...

Back on the trail this Friday! I am looking forward to this so much. Do we need to check Equipment? Tent? Sleeping bags? Food? Christopher is still coming with us. I need to go to Hudson Outfitters and get him some Hiking Boots.
I announced my retirement from the United States Air Force this week. I will be retiring on or about 30 July, and yes there will be a party.

Bullfrog: Next up: 5th Leg, June 23-24

It looks like we have our next leg coming up. Just a two day one. At this point, I don't know who is going to be going with us, but I think at least Son of Rhino is coming.

The first 10-day forecast predicts scattered thunderstorms with a 60% chance of precipitation and a high of 88, low of 64 for Saturday, the 23. Hopefully, that will change.

Bullfrog: WaPo article about the AT museum

Cool little article in the Washington Post today about the Appalachian Trial and an effort to set up a museum about it in Harper's Ferry.

Elsewhere in the Washington post ... the U.S. Air Guitar Championships and the Air Guitar World Championships

Supplies!

PowerBar Gel are pretty good for instant energy, like a cup of coffee and they're light so you can pack a handful.

I like Power Bars also.... mmmmm!

I needed a good pair of socks for hiking, these were expensive made by Thorlo

Mountain House Trail Dinners are my favorite, and easy to cook. Heat some water up and pour into the package, wait for ten minutes. Bon Apetit!

You definately need a good water microfilter so that you don't get sick. I got this one 20% off at REI

Check out my Slide Show!

Map of 4th Leg AT

This is the map of our hike through the northern section of Shenandoah National Park.
I highlighted our actual route in blue. 25 miles, but if you count all Jeremiah's side trips to look at each overlook...about 27 miles

4th Leg Appalachian Logistics and Preparations

Before any hike, Logistics and Preparations is imperative. If you go out there without the proper equipment, food or water...you could die. No Joke. However, with a little prep work, you can have a great hike, avoiding dangerous or uncomfortable situations. I'm still learning, every hike I try to take away lessons learned. Last hike i went on...I learned; Wet jeans equals uneed weight. So before I went this time I made sure I purchased a pair of North Face lightweight, perspiration wicking hiking trousers w/ plenty of pockets, from Hudson Trail Outfitters.

Food...Bring enough. Trail Meals, PowerBars, Energy Gels.

Trash bags..Bring one or two small bags. You pack it in, you bring it out. Leave No Trace!

Plan your Mileage...Set a goal, study maps, be realistic.

Jeremiah and I decided to leave my car at Beahms Gap on the Skyline drive. We didn't leave Fairfax until 9pm and it was about 11pm when we arrived at the Thorton Gap Entrance to the Shenandoah National Park. No one was manning the gate that late, shocker. Jeremiah and I pulled over to figure out what to do. We knew we needed a permit to go hiking in the Park...but there was no one there. Thats when Ranger Caldwell arrived. I got to give credit to this guy...I would have been scared to death rolling up on two cars in the middle of the night. He was very helpful, told us where to park and where to go for our permit the next day. So thank you Ranger Caldwell. It took 1.5 hrs to get back to Jeremiah's crib... I could not stay awake and fell asleep in the car.

25 miles...And I feel great!

I stumbled out of the woods, the sun blinding after the cool shade of the Shenandoah Forests. Jeremiah pointed to the Grey Ghost which had been sitting there for three days...unattended. We had finally made it to Beahms Gap.

I looked backed, Sparky was still with us and apparently going to bum a ride. The sun felt good after the chill of the morning. Anticipation of a Front Royal cheeseburger propelling me forward those last few steps. We had come a long way. 25 Miles, a new record for Jeremiah and I. After Loading up our backpacks and getting Sparky situated in shotgun. We hit the road traveling north parallel the very route we had hiked. It was like reversing our hike high speed. Suddenly I had a flashback to Thursday night.

(Insert gratuitous use of Connie's flashback technique...wavy...blurry...fade to black)

4th AT Section Coming up!

Jeremiah and I are starting the fourth AT section hike on May 4-6...We should cover alot of ground in 3 days. We will have a special guest with us on this section...Jodi our sister will be joining us! So far, the forecast is much better this time. We are looking at moderate temps ranging from 60F down to 48F. I think I'll go on over to REI for a little last minute shopping. Things I need...Food, Light-weight hiking pants, a lighter sleeping bag (XL). I need to tell Jeremiah to slow down...not for Jodi's sake but for mine. See you on the Appalachian Trail!


May 4
High 64°F
Low 48°F

May 5
High 64°F
Low 48°F

May 6
High 69°F
Low 50°F

43 Things dot com

Great site for setting goals

Cervini's Spoiler

The last post was a little gay so...I just had a Cervini’s C-series duck tail spoiler installed on my 2006 tungsten grey GT V-8 Coup. That was the hardest three days of my life, but when I got her back…She looked awesome with her new Extreme Makeover. God Damn! Its almost a sin when I look at that car…I think she is the most beautiful thing in the world. October 2006 a 10 inch tree limb fell on her and raked her driver side..from stem to stern and ripped off the mirror. But I rebuilt her…we had the technology. I love my Mustang! The only drawback is I cant sleep in it.

https://www.cervinis.com/product.aspx?car=1&id=1208#2227

Azalea

The Azalea's in front of my house are blooming.

Snow Covered Mustang

It is springtime so I'm just cleaning out the camera SD disc. This was March 2007, One last gasp of old man winter. It was combination snow/ice and very difficult to clean up. I had to be very careful with my little pony, so as not to scratch her. I hate winter...almost makes me want to move to Florida...nah. FYI now that its springtime the trees are crapping pollen all over my stang. Poor thing needs a wash, maybe tomorrow. And then I'll break out my car cover.

Keun Yoo

Keun Yoo - Good friend of mine. Shown here playing poker with Big Ed. Keun only drinks Zimas, but dont let that fool you...Known as the "All-In-Kid" He can play some serious Poker.
Keun and I even made a special trip up to Atlantic City for a poker tournament. I can't wait to go again! Everytime I go all-in against him he's got Aces! I really need to think about the relative strength of Jack-Eight. He also gave me the nickname of Rhino.

Slideshow of Family

I was feeling guilty for not mentioning my family...so here they are. I love youse guys! There are a few of my Mustang also! What did you expect?

First Responders

SSG Karpowicz and I were driving out the the Mapes Gate near Rt 175 when we witnessed a car accident right in front of the Grey Ghost. A car turning left onto base hit another car who was just going through the intersection. BOOM! They came to rest a mere 10 ft in front of the mustang. SSG Karpowicz and I instantly jumped out of the car to offer assistance. Both airbags had deployed and the drivers seemed disoriented. I approached the first car and asked if the lady was alright? She replied that she was OK. I was alarmed at the amount of smoke coming out of the dashboard so I told her to climb over the center console and exit the passenger door, as the other car was firmly wedged against the drivers door. SSG Karpowicz was checking on the other driver, an elderly woman and reported that he thought she had broke her arm. After getting my victim out of the car, and telling her to sit in my Mustang. I went over to other car and KP. We decided not to move the old lady as we didn't know the extent of her injuries. I could see blood coming out her mouth, but she seem coherent enough as KP distracted her with conversation. I tried calling 911 on my cell phone...and when that didn't work, I walked back 25 yards to the Guard Shack. The guard told me law enforcement was enroute and seemed surprised when I told him, we had injuries requiring Emergency Medical Personnel. The guard went back in to make the call. Within minutes police cruisers came racing up along with firetrucks and a ambulance. I watched as everyone went into action, and took a few digital shots with my camera which was in my pocket. The Police directing traffic, taking statements and documenting the scene. The fireman cleaning up the scene, disabling the victims car and removing her from the wreckage. The EMT assessing the ladies injuries and keeping her calm as they removed her and placed her on a gurney. Although we didn't do much I was very proud of the way SSG Karpowicz and I responded to the accident and offered assistance at the scene. It took a while for me to calm down and when I did...I was scared to drive!
PS The mustang is alright.

Front Royal, VA

Two miles later we reached the Jim and Molly Denton Shelter. There were two elderly hikers inside and we chatted them up while we took a much needed break. I took off my Gortex jacket and my pack. They were section hiking but they were from the Boston area. They had been Hiking the AT for nine yrs and they were almost finished. Nine Yrs! I hope I finish before that. But what an accomplishment, maybe I can't climb Mt Everest, or swim the English channel...but I sure as hell can hike the whole AT with a little perseverance.

We left Denton, but it quickly became clear with 6 more miles, we had bitten off more than we could chew. A quick team conference and we all agreed for Jeremiah to go ahead and meet his wife at Rt 522. I was moving very slowly at this point, my legs and knees protesting every movement. Jeremiah made the call on my Motorola Razr phone. He said we were only 1 mile away from the pickup, so I bet him $20 I would beat Diedre...mainly to get her moving towards us, in a timely manner. The last two times we had to wait hours for her to pick us up. Not fun after a 20 mile hike! Jeremiah left with such energy and speed, I was impressed with how much energy he had...Instead of the 1 mile he had promised us we ended up hiking 4 more miles to 522 were we completed our 20.5 miles in about 15 hours...I know, I know slow right? Well we didn't see to many people out in those conditions...Every time we complete a leg I'm filled with a overwhelming sense of accomplishment. I can look at the map and say...I did that.

Another thought I couldn't shake...Was the Grey Ghost alright?

The morning after the storm

The morning after the storm...we slowly woke and started preparing to break camp.
Jeremiah gave me some Granola and berries, which I ate for breakfast. It was still raining pretty hard, with no sign of any relief. My whole body was in agony, stiff with pain I could barely get out of my sleeping bag. When I did, I realized there was an abundance of water and mud underneath our tent...which was ice cold!

Note to self: tuck your shoe laces into your hiking boots and keep them underneath cover to keep them from getting soaked.

We packed our gear into our packs. We took down the muddy, soaked tents and packed them, lastly we took down the tarp, which had protected Jeremiah from the elements. We picked up our garbage and when we left the campsite we tried to leave it in the same condition as we had found it. We hadn't even started but you could already feel how miserable this day would be.

The trail was full of 2-3 inches of water, so we tried walking to the sides or around the deep streams of water running down the middle of the the trail. After laying on the cold tent all night it was almost enjoyable to be up and walking with my heavy North Face pack and warm Gortex BDU Coat...yes, you know it, shameless plugs!
We quickly approached Rt 66 and could hear the cars and trucks speeding on the wet asphalt. After descending a steep incline we crossed a rushing stream and walked a quarter of a mile on the road underneath the highway. We were in good spirits and enjoying the hike despite the cold rain and conditions. Thats when I glanced up at the looming mountain in front of us. "oh crap," I thought.
Jeremiah assured us, that it was a gentle incline over two miles and that there was nothing to be alarmed at...yeah right.

I Felt the Rain Down...

Up and down the 2000-mile long Appalachian Trail are a series of three-side shelters constructed for the exclusive use of backpackers using the back country trail system for three or more nights. Shelters are generally spaced 12 to 20 miles apart along the length of the trail. Each shelter, or series of shelters, is maintained by a local hiking or trail club.

We had planned on staying the night at Manassass Gap Shelter. It was about our half way point but when we got there, it was occupied by Boy scouts staying out of the rain. I needed to sit down for 10 minutes so I walked up and invited my crew to rest by their smoky fire for a spell.
We still had plenty of light left so 15 minutes later we said our goodbyes and started south with The Jim and Molly Denton Shelter (5.5 miles away) as our goal for that night. We quickly reassessed our situation...We needed to set up camp...and soon. Walking along a cliff we searched for a reasonably flat place to pitch our tent. We found one amongst some saplings 50 feet off the trail. The area was approximately 20x20 and surround by Young trees. Jeremiah and Robert set up camp as I uselessly watched in a exhausted daze. First they laid down some ground cloth then they set up the tents on top of that. And finally they hung a Ultra-light tarp over both tents. I wearily dug out my leftover MRE (eggs w/ vegetable omelet) put the heating element and an ounce of water in the package. I don't know if you've ever seen these things...but it got hot quickly! I shoved the whole package back into the cardboard box, so as not to scald my hands. It chemically bubbled for 15 minutes. The eggs tasted like crap, but I ate them all. I was so sore I could barely take off my shoes and crawl inside the tent...thats when it stopped showering and the gates of heaven opened up! It was loud in the tent with the rain pounding incessantly. But I was snug as a bug in my down sleeping bag. We ate, listened to shortwave radio, drank a few shots and settle in for a long night of hard rain. I tossed and turned, the ground was extremely hard and I couldn't get comfortable. We where in the tents by 7 pm and we didn't venture forth until 9am the next day. During the night the rain stopped for a short time and I could hear footsteps...approaching the tent. I held my breath, straining to listen, thinking of serial killers or bears...I think it might have been raindrops on the leaves.

List of all AT Shelters
http://www.cs.utk.edu/~dunigan/at/index.php

Powerful Nor'easter Pounds Northeast

Powerful Nor'easter Pounds Northeast
By DAVID BAUDER
AP
NEW YORK (April 16) - A menacing spring storm punished the Northeast for a second straight day Monday, dumping more than 8 inches of rain on Central Park and sending refrigerators and pickup trucks floating down rivers in one of the region's worst storms in recent memory. "This one is really a horror show," Gov. Eliot Spitzer said after touring hard-hit areas north of New York City.

The nor'easter left a huge swath of devastation, from the beaches of South Carolina to the mountains of Maine. It knocked out power to hundreds of thousands of people and was blamed for at least 11 deaths nationwide, including a New Jersey man who drowned inside a car. The storm showed no immediate sign of letting up. The National Weather Service predicted showers through Wednesday night in the New York City area, with rain mixed with snow at times.

Mean while on the Appallachain Trail...

I knew it was going to be a bad storm...but Damn! Maybe we shouldn't have gone hiking in such weather. Consider this, maybe we could handle the rain and the cold...but what happens when we have to cross a rain swollen stream that might wash Jeremiah away? How do I explain that to Mom or Diedre? I like hiking in sunshine.

We managed to stay fairly dry. We caught up to a group of teenage Boy Scouts and we passed them going uphill. We had never passed anybody on the AT so this was a first. Jeremiah's pace quickened and he told me..."they are not going to pass us...Let's Go!" A mile later we reached the Shelter. We had planned...

3rd Leg - Appalachain Trail Snickers Gap, VA

We had planned going out 14-15 April for weeks, however looking at the forecast the night before, I was ready to quit even before we began. A huge storm, a Nor'Easter was swinging in and the whole east coast was bracing for a wintery mix of rain, sleet and snow. I called Jeremiah hoping he would back out, but he didn't.

Saturday morning I packed up my gear and drove out Rt 66. There was no traffic that morning and the road was just to tempting so I unleashed the Grey Ghost...I dont want to incriminate myself so lets just say...110 and I could have gone faster...guess I'm just chicken. But seriously, I'm safe so don't worry about me and my baby.

Met Jeremiah and his coworker, Robert near Front Royal and we dropped Jeremiah's car off near some trail head...They piled into the Mustang and Jeremiah took us on some crazy backroads as we headed north towards RT 50. At one point we went over Morgan's Ford a crazy concrete bridge barely above water level...Very scary. I know, "Morgan's Ford in Morgan's Ford" It felt like something from the Dukes of Hazard...The Morgan Boy's terrorize Northern Virginia!

We made it to Snickers Gap in no time. The trail head was hard to find and we drove right past it. After U-turn that scraped the undercarriage we finally found a parking spot and started getting our gear out. Weather was not rainy, but it was overcast and we knew it would only be a matter of time. We donned our backpacks and traipsed down the trail, full of high spirits and joking with each other. Little did we know what 24 hrs had in store for us. We quickly crossed Rt 50 and attacked the first mountain to the south. I don't know about those two, but my lack of conditioning had my heart racing and I soon was gasping for breath, within 10 minutes. Robert surged ahead leaving Jeremiah and I trudging up the mountain in his wake.

It soon began to sleet and we all put our rain gear on. Both of those guys laughed at my green Poncho and said I wouldn't get any style points. My Green Poncho kept me dry for the rest of the day.

Salutations! Hello! Guten Morgen!

12 Apr 2007

This is not my first foray into the arena of blogging, I have numerous accounts on different websites. Myspace seems to be designed for a younger spamming crowd of holligans. 43 Things is an interesting goal setting site, albeit a little sophmoric. I also have a music blog on ProjectPlaylist, unfortunately I haven't written anything there. Librarything is a Virtual library where you can review books. Cool but is it Blogging? I don't know.

Admittedly I'm not the best blogger in the world and as of this date I have no subscribers. However I do have secret plans on becoming The Uber Blogger of Earth (TUBE). No seriously I just want to motivate myself to write more often. What will I be focusing on? Will there be a theme or branding to my Blog...probably not. What can you expect here? I'm not going to focus on any one area or topic. I'm going to write about what I like and dislike. I'm going to regal my readers with my zany exploits and hairbrained schemes. I'm going to recount my adventures hiking the Appalachian Trail with my brother Jeremiah. I might describe my Love of everything Mustang. I might do some therapeutic ranting about work, or dicuss what's going on in my life. Yes this will be about Everything Jeff!

I do enjoy writing and would love to improve my wordsmithing skills. I barely passed English 101, so I'm sure there will be grammatical errors and poor sentence structure. I do want to thank my literary friend Connie and her well written blog about her Southern Maryland Vineyard for inspiring me to just Blog it. Thanks.

http://asthevineyardgrows.blogspot.com/

http://blog.myspace.com/rhinoplanet

http://www.43things.com/person/jeffmorg

http://www.projectplaylist.com/download/5023240

http://www.librarything.com/catalog.php?view=jeffmorg