#at 2015

[lionandthecrow]

Answering the never ending questions about the Appalachian Trail, my second post is up! Only ONE more day until we leave!! Super excited and scared at the same time!

[imonahike]

Mountain Crossings

I'm definitely crashing already tonight so I apologize if this isn't the most coherent post. But since I won't have internet after today, I'd better post now. Hit the trail on Monday around 10:30. Hiked to Woody Gap through the most which was neat! And then up a Mountain that wasn't too bad. Still going at a Snail's pace on the way up, but the point is I get up the mountain. At the top was a magnificent view! I called some people from the top and spent an hour just enjoying the sun and the view. It was glorious and made the slow hike up worth it. Flew down to Lance Creek and hiked with a guy named Cody. He was super nice and had hiked 16 miles that day! I can't even comprehend that. Gosh. Camped at the creek which was my first good night's rest on trail! The sound of the creek covered up the noises and it helped me a lot. I think I'm getting used to it maybe? Also adjusting to peeing in the woods at night. The things you learn on the trail! Hiked up Blood Mountain the next day. Super slow at first and then sped up in the middle. There was a big section without white blazes that made me nervous, but I was still on the trail. The climb up Blood Mountain wasn't as terrible as Sassafras, the switchbacks were nice. I'm still slow, but it was ok. Came across a guy who was basically delirious from lack of water. Concerned enough that I hiked with him the rest of the way. Someone had given him water and an electrolyte packet, but still. Reminded me that I needed to drink and eat! The descent of Blood Mountain is actually what killed me. It was a rocky maze and absolutely killed my knees. The most painful part of the trail for me so far. Emily and Michelle (two girls hiking!) came across me and hiked the rest of the way down. I was going sooooo slow too! Very kind of them. I was so relieved when I saw Mountain Crossings! My knees were done for the day and I was for sure taking a zero. Some people said they saw Mackenzie and Kayla (now Happy Baby!) head up the trail and I was devastated. We had been planning on getting a cabin together for the night. After asking at the store it turned out the rumors were wrong, they had already acquired a cabin! I started crying again. No shame. A lovely lady who worked there felt sorry enough for me to drive me to the cabin. Very kind of her. I bought a coke and sandwich and finally ate! I had only eaten a poptart and clif bar for those 7.4 miles. NOT GOOD. But my hunger kicked in and I ate a bunch more food. I'm hoping it'll only get better. My body would just not let me eat! The shower was glorious and they had actual shampoo, which was also perfect! Towels and such. Free laundry (deodorant does indeed make a difference...) was also super useful! Watched Great Expectations which was... weird. Made some calls and crashed early in my own bed! Yes! Definitely taking a zero day, my body needed a break! I woke up early the next morning. My feet had also been suffering down Blood Mountain. I could feel pin pricks in them and couldn't feel my toes well. Disconcerting. I decided to go up to Mountain Crossings for a shakedown of my pack and ask about my feet. Turns out my shoes were 1.5 sizes too small. Ouch. I'd actually torn a hole into my darn tough socks. Good job, self! And I thought they were big when I left! Wound up getting new shoes and superfeet inserts. I also had to get a new sleeping bag. My Sea to Summit Down Trek Tk II is already completely balled up and almost useless after four days. Thank you REI and your return policy! Sent my four season sleeping pad home for an 8oz one, smaller fuel canister was also acquired. And a legit spork. That double ended light my fire spork is terrible! Sent home my fleece and bowl/cup as well. All in all I cut around 3lbs, maybe more. My body says thank you! Went to Walmart with Happy Baby and her husband who was visiting. Acquired food and braces for both my knees and wrist, which was oddly also hurting quite a bit. McDonald's as well! Perfect! Now it's almost 7 and we still need to make dinner. So much to do before sleep and I'm already tired! Gosh. Hoping to finish a letter and gather up the other odds and ends to mail home tomorrow. Also just found Blazing Saddles on VHS.... perhaps tonight's entertainment? Who knows. Not sure what I'll be up for tomorrow, but I need to get moving. Starting to feel lethargic here! Next resupply is Hiawassee! Around mile 69. Woah. Who knows what adventures lie ahead! Oh! I might've said this already, but I have a new trail name. "Cecilia" like the Simon & Garfunkel song. It's the song to sing while alone in the woods! I have more to say but it's going to have to wait, I'm too tired!

[lionandthecrow]

Moving back in with my parents this week in order to save money for the AT. I think 3 months of living with my mother may end up being harder than hiking from Maine to Georgia..

[theflowerthatsmilestoday-blog]

Holy crappola, Georgia here I come!

[lionandthecrow]

I guess we have to start somewhere...

So i'll use this first post as a little intro into who we are and what we're all about.

The lion and the crow. Thomas and Shannon. The adorable idiot and the intimidating beauty. 

The goals of this blog are to document our adventures and lust for exploration. In July of 2015 we will be starting a Southbound thru hike of the Appalachian trail (roughly 2,180 miles) and this seemed like the best place to showcase our journey. 

We'll explain more in time.. 

[caitlintokatahdin]

Well...

So, what I am getting ready to do clearly hasn't hit me yet and I hope it hits me soon. I mean, I leave NY tomorrow! I should be over the moon excited and yet I'm just kind of numb. Not overly ecstatic, not nervous, not anxious, not...anything. This is the exact reason why I need this trail. I want to feel again. I have taught myself to turn off all emotions as a defense mechanism to deal with loosing my mom and I am apparently way too good at it. 

 I'll start taking bets on the first emotion I feel again being the "shitting my pants with fear because I'm all of a sudden alone in the woods" one...

[caitlintokatahdin]

Tickets have been bought.

I will be going on an adventure to get to the start of my adventure…

March 3rd: 

Jitney to Queens 

Cab from Queens Jitney stop to LaGuardia Airport

Plane from NY to Tampa, FL. (because a one way ticket to Tampa was $100 cheaper than to Atlanta…riddle me that.)

Stay with my best friend in FL for a farewell visit.

March 5th: 

Drive with said best friend from Tampa to Atlanta having a blasty on a mini road trip because we love those. Crash with my cousin in ATL for the night for another farewell visit.

March 6th: 

Drive from Atlanta to Amicalola Falls State Park.

March 7th: 

Hike the approach trail.

March 8th (My 25th birthday): 

FINALLY START THE TRAIL.

It may not seem that crazy to some but I am not a mass transit kind of girl. It’s gonna be interesting to say the least but that’s what makes this all so exciting! Now just back to the waiting. Watching the minutes tick away….and I thought the planning made me anxious!

11 DAYS!