The Sprout: Day 4

Poppa Lip is getting a mail drop ready!

Today we woke up and got on the trail by 6:45.  It was nice to get an early start.   We had an 8 mile day which puts us at 42 miles!!

Our day ended at noon and it felt really good to get to the hut early in the day.  Since we got to the hut so early we went through our bags and got reorganized, again!  We also set all of our food out to see what we needed to make it to our first drop box.   We're passing a campground store tomorrow so we're going to buy a few things for breakfast for the rest of the week and we also need a few more dinners.

Jeff at Hightop Hut

It was a perfect day for a fire so Jeff and I started one as soon as we got to camp.  The guy we met yesterday showed up at the hut for lunch.  His trail name is The White Walkers. He’s a really cool guy from Massachusetts and he gave us his number.  He said if we need anything at all to give him a call, he even gave us his parents number!  

We love our fires!!

Yesterday we met a mom and a daughter at the spring.  They were so happy because a trail angel had just given them a bunch of granola bars and other food to get them through the rest of their trip.

We saw a few more squirrels today and a snail in the middle of the trail.

The best part about the Shenadoahs is walking through all the valleys and not know what or who you will see next.

Trail Marker

Day:  4

Miles hiked:  8

Miles off trail to shelter:  0

Total Miles hiked on the trail:  42.4

Blisters:  0

Real Bears:   0

Deer:  4

Bubbles DAY 3 (Wednesday, March 30th)

(Note:  This is published out of order because I just got it from Maggie today.  I figured many people wouldn't go back down to the bottom of the blog and might miss it!)

Ox and I

Day three was a tough day for me physically.  I really had to focus on why I was hiking instead of my throbbing legs.  When I started to think about my mom I got emotional and then very happy.  I feel really proud to be out here doing something positive with my life.  I really believe I am supposed to be here.

The people we have met are incredible.  We met an older man at a beautiful overlook named Survivor (because he beat cancer).  He was a very sweet man.  His pack looked like it weighed more than him!  He said it was close to 50 pounds!  Fifty pounds on your back when you are young and fit is hard, but being 67 it must be a grueling task.  We met again at a wonderful and refreshing creek. Ivy creek has to be one of my favorite parts of the trail so far. It was gushing crystal clear cold water which felt like heaven on my feet.  We spent some more time with Survivor and then the men took off (Jeff was probably already at the hut when we stopped at the creek).  I rinsed out my under garments, shirt, and buff (you can't use soap though so I still smelled like a raw onion) and enjoyed the solitude of the creek.

Ivy Creek

When I took off from the creek I climbed a very steep incline (it was only 600 feet in elevation change, but in only .7 miles so it was a leg BURNER) and I made it to ivy creek overlook.  I walked across the parking lot and looked out over skyline drive and started back down the trail.  I was happily humming to myself, "Yayyyyyy, I am close to the hut and my feet feel great!!!" and then I suddenly realized I hadn't seen a white blaze in a while.  I kept walking down and down for what felt like an eternity and didn't see one.  What was I going to do?  I kept going and going without seeing another blaze.  

A view from up the steep incline

Then, Skyline Drive popped up on my left and I remembered my dad telling me, "If you are lost in Shenandoah National Park and see Skyline Drive jump out and walk the road until you get help."  I took the opportunity.  I walked through a jungle of thick brush and pricker bushes. I had to take my pack off and throw it through prickers and maneuver my way through the maze of painful prickers. I got to the road, with some roughed up hands, and looked left then right, I knew I should have went left but for some reason I went right.

Not supposed to be walking on Skyline Drive right now!!

I walked down until I saw a mile marker and then checked my guide book.  I thought to myself, “Really, I went the wrong way twice?”  I walked an extra mile down the road!  I was annoyed, especially because I knew that I could get to camp if I walked down the road another .5 miles but I didn't want to miss any blazes, so I turned around and went back up to Ivy creek overlook.  

Peaking through the trees to take this picture

I was about to get back on the trail when two beautiful white Huskies came barreling my way. Usually a person would be alarmed when two strange dogs came galloping up to them barking, but I was jacked.  I met The White Walkers (named because they started the trail on December 13th and walked North from Georgia. He got his name because there was snow everywhere and his dogs are white). I told him I was lost and trying to make my way to Pinefield Hut and he told me I was heading the right way.  I didn't know then, but we would be running into The White Walkers for the next two days.  I am so happy we got to know him and his dogs better. He is amazing and I am in LOVE with his dogs.

I know their pictures are already on one of Robby's posts but I LOVE THESE DOGS!!!

After walking down the same path again, and panicking once again that I was heading the wrong way, I made it to the hut.  I was going the right way the whole time and was only about a half mile from the hut when I jumped off trail!!  Hahahaha!! I laughed so hard. It was a learning experience for sure. I am happy I walked the road for 2.5 miles because I saw some awesome views I wouldn't have seen from the trail!

The Sprout: Day 3

Good Morning from the Trail (The Three Amigos)

We had an early start today.  I think we got up around 5:30.  We were on the trail at 6:45.  Even though we got up at the same time as Ox, he is a lot better at getting his gear together and getting out of camp pretty quick. I know it will come with time but I can't wait until we can get into a quick routine.

Instead of making breakfast at camp we decided to hike a few miles down the trail then stop and make breakfast and watch the sunrise.  Maggie hasn't been too hungry so she just kept hiking.   Jeff and I on the other hand were ready for some breakfast!  My plan was to have some oatmeal and I added 2 packets of jelly and a little honey, it hit the spot!  I had a pop tart too and Jeff crushed his up and put it in his oatmeal, haha.  He said it was good. We were lucky because we stopped at this picnic area that had trash cans.  I was happy to get rid of the trash I was hauling around.

Baba Ganoush and Bubbles on the Trail

We did 13 miles today, well Jeff and I did 13 miles.  Maggie got lost and did about 16 miles!  Sometimes it's easy to feel like you might be going the wrong way on the trail.  Some areas of the trail are marked really well and sometimes, like today for instance, there were a few spots where it felt like maybe they forgot to put a blaze or two up.  I felt like maybe I was going the wrong way earlier too, but I kept going and eventually saw a white blaze.  One thing I'm noticing is there's a ton of time to think while you're on the trail.

AT Marker

We were three miles from the hut when we came across this amazing spring.  The trail crossed Ivy Spring and it was just too tempting not to dip our feet in for a few minutes. A guy we met earlier named Survivor was there dipping his feet in as well.  The water was really cold and crystal clear and it felt so good to take a 20 minute break and just relax. I rinsed my buff and shirt too.  Survivor told us his story and his reasons for hiking the trail. I left Maggie at the spring to continue to rest while I went ahead to get our water filtered and everything ready at camp.

Bubbles resting at Ivy Spring

We saw two more deer so a total four deer so far.  Maggie got pretty far ahead of us but we eventually found her at a turning point on the trail. I was happy to see her.  The three of us stopped to have lunch at a spot with an amazing view.  We sat on the edge of the mountain and had a bagel and pepperoni sandwich.  

A Delicious Lunch with a View!

Today I noticed we went through different terrains.  It was really cool to all of a sudden start walking through a grassy mountainside.  We went through rocky areas, grassy areas, and some parts had a lot of thick trees.  It will be really cool to see everything blooming.  There are going to be so many different colors!  

 

I love getting water from the springs.  It tastes so fresh and it's always ice cold.  There's just something rewarding about being thirsty and having to go get your water from the water source and filter it out.  

First fire on the trail!!

One last thing before I go to bed.  Jeff and I made a fire today at the hut!!!  I wanted to surprise Maggie with a fire and Jeff was all for the idea.  It didn't take us long as we just gathered some small dry sticks and some dry pine needles.  It felt so good to have a fire.  Six other people made their way to the hut throughout the day and everyone loved having a fire to sit around.

Heroes!!

I know there's probably more I wanted to write about but I'm getting too tired to think.  Tomorrow is another day, and we have 8 or 10 miles planned.  It's supposed to storm in the afternoon so we need to get an early start. I need to get some sleep.

Happy trails!

Love Life!!

Day:  3

Miles hiked:  13 (16 maggie)

Miles off trail to shelter:  0

Total Miles hiked on the trail:  34.2

Blisters:  0

Real Bears:   0

Deer: 4

The Sprout (Robby) Day Two

We got up early today but it took us a little longer than expected to get on the trail. Rambler came over as soon as we got up and we ended up talking to him for a little bit. We were on the trail hiking around 9. We went 13 miles today!

Map in Mrs. Davison's class room following the adventures of the Three Amigos!

Last night Maggie and I woke up around 12 -1 to go use the restroom.  We got out our headlamps and had to walk a little ways past the spring down the mountain a little.  When you’re the only one out in the middle of the night, in the middle of the woods, the trees make some weird noises! The wind was howling through the valleys and making all sorts of noises. It was nice to look up at the stars on the way back.  I really want to take the time while we're out here to listen to the sounds of Mother Nature.  Last night I was so tired but it just felt so good laying in the tent listening to the wind blow through the trees and mountains. Even though the walk to use the restroom was a little eerie I am even thankful for those sounds too. It's all so new and I love it.

One thing I've noticed is some of the really big trees. You can tell they have been here for a long time because they look so old. It'll be cool to start back in July and see what this area looks like fully blossomed.  They call the Shenadoahs, the green tunnel, but right now you can see through all of the branches.  It's a beautiful site to see when you peak through some of the trees and see small towns below.

I've often wondered how someone could do this hike alone.  I feel lucky to have two other hikers with me, but I'm starting to understand why a person would walk alone.  Some people come out here for healing and sometimes you need to go through the healing process alone.  Ox is in the shelter with us tonight and he was telling us he has thought about those five soldiers a lot while he has been out here and has cried plenty of times over it but that's just part of the healing process. Yesterday he told us how he will sometimes be walking alone and start smiling.  Then that smile turns into laughter. He said it feels good to be able to make yourself laugh and feel good. I thought that was a powerful message. It's a beautiful thing to be happy and to feel good inside.

Bubbles at the Black Rock Hut

I feel so lucky to have such wonderful hiking partners Maggie and Jeff.  We're the three best friends out here.  I also feel lucky to have met the people I already have and it's only the second day!  Today we met a guy named Jason.  He was from the area doing a week or so hike.  Jason just recently lost 180 pounds and had a kidney transplant.  He was so happy to be out on the trail walking around.  He said his overall health is so much better after his weight loss.  He was on his first 20 mile day and I'm glad we could be a part of it!  It's funny how you run into certain people at the right time.  I think we all were getting a little tired at this point and Jason's message kind of gave us a little motivation.  You never know who you will run into out here or when and everyone has a different story. I'm going to try to get to know as many people as I can.

Baba Ganoush Filtering Our Water

Jeff saw two deer today add that to the animal list.  Poppa lip wants to know how many animals we see and how many different kinds.

There are two dads with their sons at the shelter tonight.  They are earning the 50 mile badge for boy scouts!  Pretty cool.  They saw a black bear earlier! I’m not too worried about the bears right now.  If they show up they show up!  I'll just yell at them.  Hahaha!  They're supposed to be afraid of you, I guess.  One thing I didn’t think of when I was at home was after I've walked 13 miles I don't care what comes up to my tent, I'm not moving!  Haha! I claimed this spot for the night so get lost bear!!

With that said, I have claimed my spot here in Black Rock Hut for the night.  We didn't set up our tents.  We are just sleeping in the hut in our sleeping bags.  Jeff, Maggie, and I are in one corner, Ox in the other corner, two kids up top, and their dads have set up hammocks. We have another 13 mile day tomorrow so we're getting up at 5. I better get some rest! I think it's supposed to rain tomorrow so maybe we will see how well our rain gear works!

Happy trails!!

Day:  2

Miles hiked:  13.2

Miles off trail to shelter:  0

Total Miles hiked on the trail:  21.2

Blisters:  0

Real Bears:   0

Deer: 2

Just so you know, no more updates until Friday!

Hi Everyone,

This is Marybeth.  I'll be updating Maggie, Robby, and Jeff's blog throughout this amazing journey.  Usually I'll post their pictures and text the same day I receive them, however, I'll be at 6th grade camp this week and will have ZERO internet or cell phone connection until Friday.  

While I do not expect them to keep us updated everyday (although wouldn't that be awesome?) please don't panic if there isn't anything posted Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday.  I promise to catch up on anything they send to me when I get home from school on Friday!

Have a great week everyone,

Marybeth

Robby: Day One

Getting ready to start the AT!  Thanks for driving us Poppa Lip and Jimmy!!

We met a guy at the hotel who is thru-hiking, his name is Ox.  He needed a ride to the same spot we were starting, Rockfish Gap, and he also needed to go to Walmart and the post office... Weird coincidence but we also needed to go to those same spots.

It was nice dropping him off because he answered all of our questions and made us all feel more comfortable with the whole day.  He just finished 25 years in the army and was in the war. He lost 5 guys from his platoon and is hiking the trail for them.  Ox is also camping in the same hut as us tonight.  

It was nice getting here and seeing him and again, he was super helpful with anything and everything we needed...  His friends sure do know how to make some good beef jerky! lol He gave us a package and we gave him a couple of protein bars.

There are 4 or 5 guys from Kentucky staying in the shelter and they have a dog named River.

Our Water Filter (add water and squeeze it through a filter)

Yay!!  Water

I'm glad we set our tents up as it kind of gives you some privacy.  When we were filtering water a guy named Ramble walked into camp.  Really nice guy... After about 10-15 minutes I understood how he got the name Rambler!  Haha, but he is also super nice! He is finishing his hike from last year and was full of great stories about The Whites, Vermont, and Mount Katahdin.  Right before I got into my tent for the night I noticed he has a hammock setup... We might get a hammock once summer hits because they are really comfortable!

First Day Tent Set Up!!

Ox showed us how he hung his food in the tree.  It was nice to see someone do it. It might not seem like that big of a deal but it’s kind of stressful if you've never hung food.  We already had our food up on a bear pole so we didn't have to use a tree today.

Earlier today I was walking and Jeff was a little bit in front of me, almost out of sight, and Maggie was behind me, almost out of sight... Jeff gave me a bird call to make sure I was behind him.  I gave him a call back and just saw his legs before they went out of sight up the mountain.  I looked back and saw Maggie's head popping up over a rock behind me. It was such a good feeling to see Jeff and Maggie and know that I was in the middle.  It made me think of how lucky we are to be out here and how happy I am that both of them are out here with me! I guess I was living in the moment but I'll tell you what, I know this is what I'm supposed to be doing right now and I'm with the people I'm supposed to be hiking with.

Maggie filtering our water

Ox was telling us how everyone is willing to help hikers out.  Young or old, people in these little hiking towns love to help thru-hikers.  A guy at the post office gave Ox his information and told him to call if he needed anything at all.  Seeing and hearing this gives me faith in humanity. We live in a crazy world and it is a crazy time to be on this earth.  It's a great feeling to see people helping hikers on this journey.

Jeff ahead of me on the AT

I was talking to Maggie earlier today about why I'm hiking the Appalachian trail.  I'm hiking for both of our parents, for our families, personal growth, for mine and Maggie's relationship, for our relationship with Jeff, and for so many other reasons.  Why not hike the Appalachian trail?! Momma Lip is a huge inspiration for all of us!  I know Poppa Lip would be here right now if he could!  I really want to make him proud and show him we can do this.  I would have liked to have been there with him when he was hiking the AT.  I called my mom earlier and it was so nice to talk to her and let her know we are safe and everything is ok.  I'm so lucky to have the mom I have.  She has always been there for me no matter what! I also called my Nanny and she was happy to hear from us.  I had to let her know we are safe and there's nothing to worry about!  We love you Nanny and Papaw!  

We have a great support system back home and we love each and every one of you! Thank you all so much!

Maggie: Day 1

Today started off perfect.  We woke up excited and ready to go!  After showering we headed to breakfast and stuffed our pockets with jellies and condiments until the seams in our clothes were compromised!

As we headed back to our room, Dad met a thru-hiker named Ox at the front desk.  He asked Ox if he would like a ride back to the trail.  He did, and we officially met our first thru-hiker!! :)  

Ox on the way to the Post Office

Ox started January 29th.  He is one of the kindest persons I have ever met.  He had some very useful advice and made my heart smile.  He had to go to the post office first, to bounce a box (that means he was sending a box to himself up the trail).  This was was perfect for us since we had to mail our first mail drop.  (We also stopped at Walmart for a few last minute things)

We discussed, with Ox, that we would be at the same shelter later in the day because as fate would have it, we were starting at the same place, Rockfish Gap!

Our hike was fairly uneventful but we had a lot of laughs, smiles, and some cool views.  

Ready to get started!!!

I was a bit disappointed because there was trash on the trail (who would leave a whole ziplock gallon size bag of trash on the side of the trail?) #annoying.  We didn’t have any room in our packs to pick it up and bring it with us, but luckily, we met up with someone else at the shelter who did!  He carried someone else's trash for FIVE miles.  Fortunately, a few nice ladies (who had just day hiked) were driving down Skyline Drive on their way home and stopped to ask him if he needed anything.  They took the trash with them to throw away.  Thank you for taking care of our trails and our hikers!!!

When we arrived at Calf Mountain Shelter we set up our tents, filtered water, and then ate dinner.  Ox came over and gave us his cell phone number and told us to call him if we need anything or are in trouble in the future.  Side note:  This is why I am hiking the trail, because of people like him.  His story is compelling and heartfelt.  I would tell you more of his story, but he has a blog so you can read it.  Because of his kind soul, I would definitely recommend it and I haven't even read it!  His blog also contains his reasons for hiking the trial:  https://ox2016appalachiantrailhike.wordpress.com/

Later on Ox came back over and gave us homemade jerky that a friend made for him.  Even though he needs the protein himself, he was generous and kind.  He said he has lost 16 pounds!!! It really made my incredible day even better and the jerky was sooooooo good.

And now we are snug as a bug in our sleeping bags and ready for sleep!

Day:  1

Miles hiked:  7.7

Miles off trail to shelter:  .3

Total Miles hiked:  8

Blisters:  0
Real Bears:   0

Jeff and Robby on the trail!

Jeff enjoying life on the trail

I love trees!!

Let the Adventure Begin!

The Appalachian Trail (AT) is a mesmerizing National Scenic Trail spanning from Georgia to Maine along the Appalachian Mountains.  I should also mention that the trail goes up and over every possible peak in the Appalachian mountains. I am lucky to have the time and resources to attempt this challenging and rewarding 2,190 mile thru-hike with my husband Robby and my younger brother Jeffy.

This is my attempt to write a blog to keep our family and friends updated on our progress - Hi guys, we haven't been chomped on by a bear (yet) 😝 !

There are a plethora of reasons why I want to hike the trail. I won't weigh you down with all of them, but I will explain a few important reasons:

• My mom was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis 23 years ago when I was five years old.  She can't walk. She can't do a lot of things, but she wants to. I am going to be hiking the Appalachian Trail for Momma Lip.

• My dad spent a lot of time on the AT when he was a Scoutmaster in the 80's and 90's.  It was always a dream of his to complete a thru-hike, but life and responsibilities got in the way.  And let me tell you, when he wanted to hike the trail things were a lot different.  Heavier gear, resupplying was almost entirely mail drops, no cellphones...😱 NO INTERNET!  When Robby and I approached my dad, and confessed our love for the trail and our thoughts on thru-hiking, he was completely supportive.

• I love a challenge.  I have the time.  I have the support of everyone close to me. So, why not?  My husband is my #1 supporter and always encourages me to better myself.  He loves me unconditionally.  

• To strengthen my relationship with my husband (if that is even possible) and my baby brother.

I always imagined I would be hiking from Georgia to Maine.  Up until about ten days ago that's what we planned.  This changed when I looked at the number of people attempting a thru-hike starting in Georgia at the same time as us.  I was discouraged. I love people and love being around new people, but I am looking for a full wilderness experience, not a tent city of people.  My dad is passionate about respecting the trail and taking care of it for future generations.  Over populated trails can permanently damage the trail.  After doing research we decided on a "flipflop" hike.  We are starting in Virginia and walking north to Mt. Katahdin in Maine.  After we summit Mt. Katahdin we will get a ride south to Virginia and continue walking south to Springer Mountain in Georgia.

So, I would like to introduce us!  We are flipflop hikers and we are damn proud of it!  We start our long haul tomorrow morning (March 28th) and it's expected to rain.  Is rain on the first day of a thru-hike good luck, like a wedding? Well if it isn't, it is now!

We are excited to be sharing our story with you.  Thanks for reading.  Happy Trails

Email us at flipflophikers@gmail.com

Mile:  0

Blisters:  0
Bears: 1

First Bear Encounter at West Virginia Rest Stop