17 July 2012

17 July, Day 7 trail version 2.0, 0 miles Appalachian Motel, NJ.  By Crocadilly. We stayed in Vernon last night to give Tailbones feet a chance to recuperate. Unfortunately it looks like the feet are pretty toasted  and so contingency plans have been laid to  get her off the trail so she can rest up.Marti, Papa Wolfs mom will come and pick her up in the morning and she will rest up in NY and return to the trail in tip top condition. I am sad to see Her go but it is just for a short time and for the best. she really has done amazingly well considering the pain she has been experiencing. So today was a zero day  and we will be in town one more night! We have a room at the Appalachian motel on the outskirts. It is comfortable and professes to be dog friendly. Scott and I had to walk the dogs to the motel along a main road which was scary so that was a bad start and then were told the cost was twenty bucks a dog a night - WHAT? No return of money either! We were told this was for cleaning but they don't deep clean every night you are there and most rooms were smoking rooms - our room stank of stale smoke but of course smokers dont have to pay extra do they?!!! So I got on my soap box twice today! We went off to do our laundry so were walking around town like hobos with bags of incredibly stinky clothes - now Vernon is a very spread out town - more spread out than most towns and in the end we gave up looking for the laundromat!!! Soap box point number two! I always wonder why when these towns Are built why they are made so pedestrian unfriendly? Even when shops are close together you take your life into your hands trying to cross roads or obstacles to get to them!! Grrrr! But I do have to admit that Vernon is a super nice town and the people we came across were incredibly friendly! I had my first coffee  in a week which was actually a little disappointing! Had a fab breakfast in a great little place called the mixing bowl which squatch had previously recommended - great food and atmosphere! I prided myself on ordering a whole breakfast without our waitress having to ask me any questions about toast or eggs lol! Any Brit or other foreigner will understand the gauntlet of ordering an american breakfast!  My brain always amazes me how evil it can be - on the trail my mind is often occupied with thoughts of what i would like to eat when all these joyous items aren't available to me! So I plan in minute detail what I am going to order to eat in the next town! I have been looking forward to this breakfast for six days! My brain always does this when I am out in the field or away from civilisation hahaha! I am used to the evilness of my mind when it comes to food now and it really makes you appreciate the good stuff when you get it! We managed to hook up with thirty pack and the rest of the wolf pack gang and I finally met Gumby! So great to see these guys as haven't seen them since they left our house after the July 4th party!!  We also did a little resupply and then hit the motel again - I washed through some clothes as didn't want to completely repulse my wonderful mother in law with my incredible stench!Fabulous takeaway and in the evening we were joined by thirty pack And another group of north bounders who I have heard so much about but yet to meet. Pops, Yukon, Squatch, Boomer and Daffy duck! Its great to meet these amazing characters that I have heard Scott talk about so much and get to spend some quality time with them! You get to hear some great stories along the trail!  Pops said some great things which I have taken on board - the trail will always provide you with what you need and the journey may not be what you expected but it is your journey and you don't necessarily have to have done the whole trail! Very very wise and lovely guy! 

14-16 July 2012

14 July, Day 4 trail version 2.0, 7.2 miles High Point Shelter. By Papa Wolf. Started off really pretty well but am a bit concerned about Tailbones feet. She has some good quality hiking boots, but they are giving her some serious blisters and issues. She is doing incredibly well despite her feet so maybe she will be able to just "walk through it". We are keeping an eye on it as we certainly do not want her to walk hurt. We came to High Point State Park HQ in NJ which was great...free sodas for thru hikers...can't beat that. Another mile through the woods was a great lake and public beach. It was hot so no sense passing up a bath so we all headed to the lake. :)  It was a great afternoon just relaxing having some great food. another mile and we stopped for the night...good day! 15 July, Day 5 trail version 2.0, 7.1 miles Memorial Park, Unionville NY. By Papa Wolf  We tried a different tactic with Tailbones feet today and it seems to have worked. She has 6 blisters on one foot and 4 or 5 on the other. Despite that, Crocadilly and I had a hard time keeping up with her...which is great. This is suppose to be a fun adventure, not a painful one. We only did a short 7 today as we met Atlas in Unionville. He was in Maine for a week earning a bit more cash for the rest of the trip. So into this cute little town early and straight to Annabelle's pizza across the street...amazing food!! Had a bit of rain but stayed dry under the park gazebos hanging out with Cheeks, Atlas and the gang. Back to Annabelle's for dinner and a good night in the park. The plan is maybe 16 tomorrow depending on Tailbones feet and Crocadilly's shin-splint. That would be huge mileage for day 6 on the trail...so we shall see. Slow and steady so no big deal either way. 16 July, Day 6 trail version 2.0, 11.8 miles Appalachian Motel, Vernon NJ. By Tailbone. We are sitting in the Appalachian Motel watching a documentary on bears. My feet are absolutely gnarly and my blisters are causing lots of pain and annoyance. We should be camping, but unfortunately we got about 5 miles from where we were supposed to end up today before my feet decided they had enough. Tomorrow we are going into town to the department store as the boots I have are just not working for some reason. Makes me wonder how much the guy at the outdoor gear store where i bought these actually knows about backpacking. But besides the blisters, the past few days have been absolutely gorgeous. We walked over a mile long stretch of boardwalk today that was phenomenal and yesterday on the way to Unionville, we walked through some fields that were positively lovely. The flowers that are in bloom right now spotted everything purple and there was a nice breeze blowing over everything. We all came to the conclusion that Unionville would make a great trail town if there was a hostel or some place for hikers to stay besides the park- not that the park was bad. There was a great little restaurant called Annabel's that I would recommend to anyone ever driving through or walking by that small little town. Even the rain couldn't dampen our spirits after eating there. (haha! Real food!) We have officially gone over 50 miles today which is a really cool accomplishment, I think. So only around 830 miles left to go. :) yay! By Papa Wolf. Tailbone did AWESOME! But her feet are not getting better and need rest. I feel bad we walked so far...she didn't say a word. Stern stuff those Clan Pickens/Willits lasses are made of. We'll make a decision in the morning as to the next step.

Day 3 - CrocaDilly's thoughts

13 July, Day 3 trail version 2.0, 12.4 miles, Mashipacong Shelter. Crocadillypig What a day! Thoroughly thoroughly enjoyed myself and really pushed myself to the limit! In the morning we sort of hiked altogether and were looking forward to a swim in a lake which eluded us so we carried on regardless! I have never smelled so bad or been so dirty and i was gutted to have missed the lake especially as we could see it from the trail and hear peals of laughter but I am truly at home on this adventure! I have 34 lbs on my back and that's all I need right now in terms of worldly possessions and  for the most part thats all the weight mentally and physically i am feeling! I feel great and life is good. Life is measured in half hour increments as that is roughly what we take to hike a mile give or take - am hoping to quickly shave off the time - I like to give myself small goals and I am wearing a watch! The terrain is quite rocky and tough going but plugging along - in times where I find I am hiking by myself I like to croc hop - jump from rock to rock as fast as I can without touching the floor camp carona pirate style for those who know what that is! I also have a new game of how many times can I stub my right toe which is now quite painful and whose toenail is probably not long for this world lol! We had a little interlude in a small trail town as the trail hit the main road. We were going to go to a place called joes to go but he told papa wolf rather unpleasantly three times that he would not provide water for the furry boys so we took our business en mass to a lovely little tavern down the road called gyps.diet coke has never tasted so good and we had a lovely view of a lake too so we hung out there for half an hour or so. Then off we set again! Just as we set off papa wolf and I bumped into a former thru hiker called snores who gave us some trail magic! Pepsi and mountain dew! Two sodas within two hrs awesome! Second stage of the day I was by myself and determined to beat the half an hour mile and with five miles ish to go I had a time set to beat - I did and enjoyed every second! Lots of croc jumping and pretty scenery and some awesome rock formations! I did 25 mins to a mile and was super pleased! My shin will probably tell you otherwise but we will push on through together! I am loving it! I hoovered down my dinner and was so excited and happy could not go to sleep so read some news and listened to the rain - such a fab noise on the tent! It has to be one of my all time favourite noises since childhood ! Oh how could I miss my first encounter with a rattle snake! We are hiking along a trail with a bunch of boys from a summer camp behind us who were among the troops at the camp last night when mojo decided it would be a good idea to severely annoy a rattle snake! All I could hear was the rattle and him looking perplexed at it - papa wolf and I screamed at him to come back which he did but the snake was not happy! Throwing stones and sticks did not help so we were forced to circumnavigate said snake. I tried not to think of the irony of leaving the trail to step through vegetation which probably contained a multitude of critters - needless to say I moved fast especially as I had a bunch of fifteen boys behind me and didn't want to look like a total loser! There was some significant croc jumping though whilst holding onto one of the dogs!

Day 1-2 Ver 2.0 :)

11 July, Day 1 trail version 2.0, 5.9 miles, Campsite. By CrocaDilly...first day on the trail for crocadilly and tail bone and first day back for papa wolf. We are hiking with cheeks and of course the boys! We eased into the trail with a steady six mile day starting at 3:44pm having been dropped off by papa wolfs mom at the Mohican outdoor center Nj. The first day for me was exhilarating taking those first few trepidatious steps waiting to see if something burns pulls or doesn't feel quite right but it was good and a relatively comfy start. The pack felt a wee bit heavy but we made good pAce enjoyed some gorgeous scenery saw our first fire tower and encountered some thunder and light rain. We set up camp easily enjoyed some home Made zucchini bread and Mac n cheese over the camp fire which was waiting for us thanks to the lovely cheeks! Her first solo camp fire yay! Have really enjoyed the first day and hiking with my boys! Mojo of course had to swim in a sWamp whilst wearing his pack it now smells really bad! Also gt a taste of trail magic! Someone had left sodas and water at a road so that was splendid - don't think getting trail magic within your first three miles is the norm though. Off to bed well past hiker midnight which is 9pm its half past ten! Happy  days :) By TailBone...Day 1 in the wilderness! Crikey! Hiked 6 miles from the Mohican Outdoor Center to the top of a mountain in New Jersey. The only specific location I could even attempt to give you is that we are somewhere past a fire tower and some power lines. When you see the smoke of a distant fire, feel free to howl and you will get most definitely get a response. If Crocadilly, me, and Papa Wolf were to represent a body, Crocadilly would be the head, followed by a long torso with me acting as the lower lumbar (apt since my trail name is Tailbone) and Papa Wolf acting as the legs. I was slow going to say the least, but when we traipsed into camp, I had a grand sense of accomplishment. Cheeks had a fire going which was great and even though it is really early in the regular world, we are all pretty tired, so it's about 9pm and I am laying in my tent writing this by headlamp (not a new fashion statement, I can assure you), about to fall asleep. Oh the times, they are a-changin'. Attempting to sleep without my beloved mountain of pillows will be great fun, I'm sure. To be real honest, it will probably be better for my back (haha!). Day 2 tomorrow-- wahooooo!   12 July, Day 2 trail version 2.0, 8.4 miles, Brink Road Shelter. From TailBone...reveling in the hills and valleys. It was harder today as I have developed blisters and am chafing. Holla! We had great views crossing Rattlesnake Mountain and although the trail is still pretty rocky, it's not unpleasant. Questioned myself on what the heck I was doing out here but upon entering the shelter site where we are staying tonight, again that sense of accomplishment felt awesome. We're hiking 12 miles tomorrow, which I'm a little nervous about since before yesterday, I don't remember ever even hiking more than 3 miles. But it will be a new experience and I'm also really excited about it. Better rest up-- I'm tired! (Btw it's not even 7:30! This is nuts!) 

BACK ON THE AT!!! tomorrow. :)

Hello Everyone,

I AM BACK on the trail as of Wed 11 July…WOOHOO!!!  For those that did not know, I was forced to come home on 1 June because some cowards broke into my house in New York. Infuriated, frustrated, and disappointed do not even come close to how it felt to have to leave the trail, end my goal of being called a "Thru-Hiker", and let down the charities I am raising money for. It has been a very long June 2012, but we have caught one of the low life's who was a part of it.  He has been charged with two felonies and a misdemeanor, so with luck he will spend 3-15 years in prison.

Now that this situation is well and truly in the hands of the Court and the wonderful State Troopers and Investigators who have been working the case, they have all encouraged me to get back on the trail. They have all said that this personal challenge and these two charities are far too important to let the actions of a few dirt bags destroy the rest of the adventure…and that they will call me if they need anything. I cannot thank them enough for all their support.

The best news is that Vicki is back from the UK, so she and my niece Mattie will be joining me and Mojo and Skye. Due to a festive 4th of July week with the "Wolf Pack", they have been given the trail names "Crocadillypig" (Vicki) and "TailBone" (Mattie). :)  Excellent names indeed. As I will not be able to complete a "Thru-Hike" this year, we have decided to "jump forward" and meet up with the "Wolf Pack"…the group I had been hiking with most of the trail. We will start near Delaware Water Gap on the New Jersey, Pennsylvania border. That leaves us only 900ish miles to go which keeps us on our scheduled of finishing mid to late September.

Thank you so much to all who continue to support our trip and who have donated to these wonderful charities. If all goes well, I will have walked 1600ish miles (73% of the trail) and Vicki and Mattie will have walked nearly 900 miles (40% of the trail. We will continue to update the every time we have phone service so you can follow along if interested.

We are still doing the "amount per pound" challenge as well. To date we have 6 folks who are participating. If interested, send us an e-mail. Remember, Mark will MATCH the TOTAL AMOUNT raised for this challenge, essentially doubling your donation. This is such a generous idea and we cannot thank Mark enough for this wonderful gesture.

I cannot express how happy I am to be able to get back on the trail, especially with Vicki and Mattie.  Thanks again for all your wonderful support!

All our Best,

Scott, Zip, and Trail Name - Papa Wolf.

Vicki - New Trail Name - Crocadillypig
Mattie - New Trail Name - TailBone

Back with the Wolf Pack in July!

Hello Everyone,

It has been too long since I have posted on here and time for an update. YES, I am planning on getting back on the Trail just after the 4th of July!  These charities are far too important and deserve better than a 700 mile effort because some cowards broke into a building. The plan is for me to pick up most of the Wolf Pack near the NJ/NY border and bring them up to the property for the 4th and a few days of R&R. This will allow some of the other Wolf Pack members, who have gotten off the trail for a few days for various family events, to catch up as well. Then we all meet up and get back on the trail together…to include my niece Mattie and hopefully Vicki depending on a potential job opportunity in the UK. I will have missed approx. 600 miles of the trail, but that still gives me just under 900 miles to go so I am ok with that.  Disappointed that I cannot say I am a "Thru-Hiker", but still a wonderful experience!    

I am using some of the time I have at home to upload photos into the previous posts.  I have only made it to the end of March, but there are photos now for those that do not have Facebook and would like to see some. I shall update you all again as I turn my attention from the house back to the trail. Thank you again everyone for all your support with both the WWP, H4H and with my situation. I am truly blessed to be surrounded with such wonderful friends and Family…I am honored to be a part of your lifes.

Scott    

Crazy two weeks...

Hi Everyone. It has been a CRAZY two weeks...highs and lows. I will fill in the details in a few days. Quick an dirty is that I went to Hilton Head for a week, got back on the trail and had food poisoning for 4 days, then found out that some cowards had broke into my house in NY. SO...I am typing this from NY as I am back to deal with this ridiculous lowsome act. My plan is to get back on the trail, but when and where is dependent on how quickly I can sort out the mess here. Mom sent my laptop up so I will post more details when that arrives on Monday. Until then, here are the basics. Hope to have better news soon.   19 May, Day 62, 0 miles, Holiday Lodge, Pearisburg VA at AT mm 629.8. Great zero with everyone! Walk-n-Eats folks flew into town and 30 Packs Dad drove in as well...regular PTA meeting. As I am 5 months older than Cheeks father, I was her stand in Dad for the night. :) 20- 25 May, Day 63-68, Unexpected "Sand Blazin"!! 0 miles, Hilton Head Island, SC at AT mm ????? Had a very unexpected opportunity to head to Hilton Head Island to see my Mom for the week without missing any of the trail so I took it. :) 26 May, Day 69, 0 miles, Holiday Lodge, Pearisburg VA at AT mm 629.8. VT dinner with My good friend Bill Gould. Food poisoning or something that was NOT fun arrived in the middle of the night.  27 May, Day 70, 21.7 miles, VA 635, Stony Creek at AT mm 651.5. Do not hike with food poisoning and and "squirly innards"... What a crazy long day. That goodness for 30 pack.  28 May, Day 71, 10.3 miles, War Spur Shelter at AT mm 661.8. Still sick. Need to eat.  29 May, Day 72, 12.2 miles, Sarver Hallow Shelter at AT mm 674.0. Still sick.  30 May, Day 73, 14.9 miles, VA 620, Trout Creek at AT mm 688.9. Still sick but kept food inside for more than 10 mins :)   31 May, Day 74, 7.9 miles, VA 624, North Mtn Trail at AT mm 696.8. Felt much better. Finall got a signal on Dragons Tooth and received the word the the house had been broken into. The Incredible's had an aunt and uncle lived near by, came and picked me up. Rental car at Roanoke airport within 3 hours. 30 pack and I found rest of Wold pack...lucky. Reunited 30 Pack, spent the night.  1 June. Drove back to NY with a very heavy heart.