Tuesday, May 26, 2009

May 4

Ed Garvey Shelter ~6 miles outta Harper's

Wet, dark hike out of Harpers after a sleepy train ride out of DC. Got in ~9pm to find 2 thru-hikers that have been following me for a month...they seem nice (one of which is definitely a trail hottie), unfortunately I'll probably never see them again. I'm starting "Man Week" tomorrow. Wish me luck.

C-Zur

Evening of April 30th ---> May 3

Washington DC, Hoy's Place. 0 miles.

Saw the sights...via bicycle and metro. Thank god for the wheel. Thanks Hoy for a great stay, plenty of R and R and a good birthday.

C-Zur

April 29/30

Partial stay at Sam Moore Shelter (30.4 miles) then on to Harper's Ferry (22.9 miles) 53.3 miles total

I left Front Royal at 9am and made killer time to the Sam Moore Shelter-->Got there at 7:30pm and decided to try and take a power nap so I could still hit the train to D.C. that left at 11:45am on the 30th. Well my power nap turned into 7 hours of hard sleep, during which my phone died and my alarm didn't go off to wake me up. I jumped up in a whirlwind at 4am this morning, threw all my shit in my pack and started running-->8 hours later with no breaks I was in Harper's and thank god the train was running late. I got my boarding pass number from the woman on the phone as the train was pulling up. Here I come Hoy!

C-Zur

April 28

Quality Inn 0 day

A zero day that came outta the blue. The blue chlorinated water of a swimming pool that is. I packed up this morning with every intention of hitting the trail, but between the weltering heat, a swimming pool, and the weatherman's promise of a cooler day tomorrow (60s) I decided to say with Panama and Spirit just one more day.

C-Zur

PS Drinking cold beer on a hot day next to a swimming pool or any body of water is the life.

Friday, May 22, 2009

April 27

Quality Inn ~26 miles + 2

We left this morning at 5, but in the dark we left the shelter on the wrong blue blazed trail and walked way too far before realizing it. But, due to our screw up, we did hit the last Wayside in the Shenandoah National Park for brreakfast. it got hot today, but not nearly as hot as yesterday. I got a sweet sun hat out of the hiker's box in Luray which seems to have helped alot. Long day + town = sleepy time.

C-Zur

PS Harper's Ferry in two days!

WOOT, WOOT! (thanks, schwenk)

April 26

Pass Mtn Shelter ~15 miles

Short day today. We ran to skyland (a resort) this morning for a buffet breakfast...deliciousness. They definitely lost money on us...we each ate at least a pound of bacon. The day was blisteringly hot so we ran into Luray, VA in the evening for a nice Hardee's dinner and a movie (Wow, I miss movies!) Then we got an expensive shuttle back to the trail at ~10 at night--->only a mile in to the next shelter. Running on to Front royal tomorrow...26 miles! We're getting up at 4:30 to try and beat the heat. Night.

C-Zur

April 25

Rock Spring Shelter ~24 miles

Wow, it definitely got hotter. We sat around in the shade for ~4 hours during mid-day ---> Didn't really help though. A day hiker did offer us a cold beer which didn't really help us to get motivated to keep walking. In after dark again. This heat really sucks the life out of you. I slept comfortably last night without any clothes on at all in my 40 degree bag. I got a new pack in Waynesboro that I'm just carrying in my other one right now. I'm gonna ditch my big one in Luray I think...drop my pack weight by another 3lbs at least. Sweetness!

C-Zur

PS Crazylight packweight= true enjoyment from hiking.

April 24

Hightop Shelter ? miles

Got a little steamy today, but we took ALOT of breaks. The waysides in the Shenandoahs are awesome. We scored a burger and fries during our 2.5 hour lunch. Wizkid got off today to visit his folks for a few...he is very knowledgeable about gear. He made just about all the gear he is carrying...super lightweight stuff. Might have to learn how to sew. Another late arrival, but some section hikers already had a fire rolling. It's been a quick minute since I've had a fire. I hope it doesn't get any hotter.

C-Zur

April 23

Blackrock Hut ~20 miles

Didn't leave town today till 2... not gonna do Man Week this week I guess. Still did some good miles, but didn't get in till after dark. Met up with Panama Red at the shelter...he's a character. Great personality and funny as hell. It is supposed to be getting into the 90s in the next couple of days...what the hell...it snowed yesterday.

C-Zur

April 22

Waynesboro! Ran into Wizkid and SpiritFingers on the way to town. Nice to run into people that I've been reading about for a month. Shower and camping fo' free at the YMCA...nice. Fast food for dinner. Night.

C-Zur

April 21

Harper's Creek Shelter 30.1 miles
Woo-woo! 1st 30 mile day--feeling good. Got to camp after dark and had to cross the same creek 2 times to get to the shelter--what the hell! I'm beat night-night.

C-Zur

April 20

Brown Creek Mtn Shelter ~20

Hard to leave the Pannabecker's, especially due to the rain but one must press onward. Ran into my first SOBO thru-hiker this evening--"Desert Fox" an elderly gentleman from Arizona. Wet wet wet, I'm already tired of being wet. It's late I'm tired goodnight.

C-Zur

PS I'm dreaming of your pizzas Karen and James...

Thursday, May 21, 2009

April 19

Pannabecker's Cabin 0 miles

I got probably the best night's rest (that I've had since my own bed) last night. The Pannabeckers are 2 of the kindest, most giving people I've ever met. It is going to be very hard to leave this place tomorrow, hopefully I will be able to come back and visit for longer though. We had a nice lazy day today, however I did help James with his garden some this morning...it was nice to do some physical labor that wasn't hiking (don't get any ideas Dad!) I found a fellow thru-hiker's wallet and phone a few days ago and today he and his parents drove down from Waynesboro to pick them up...his Dad brought me a six-pack, cookies, and oranges for a reward (Crazy Awesome!). Glad to hlep you out, Splinter. Well I'm off to have another wonderful night's sleep. Thank you, James and Karen, for all of your wonderful hospitality...I hope to see you again when I have more time to hang out.

C-Zur

April 18

PANNABECKERS!!! 14.4 miles

James picked me and Myco up at the Foot Bridge @ 3:00...took us back to his house and his wife Karen gave us all sorts of junkfood. The he took us kayaking for a couple hours and we had freshly baked pizza when we got back. Sweetness! These are hands down the nicest (I can't think of a better adjective to describe them.) people I've met. I don't think this can be topped. These people are the Houdinis of Trail Magic! We are staying in a cabin they own near their house and it just made the stay here even better. There aren't even words to describe how great this is...Zero day tomorrow!

C-Zur

April 17

Thunder Hill Shelter ~14 miles

Keeping the miles short for Myco's feet...though I enjoyed the shortness today. We had a lot of climbing today--1100 ft out of the camping area last night then 2200 ft up Floyd Mtn then another 1000 ft up Old Orchard Mtn. It was a good day to take plenty of breaks, but I still busted ass on the climbs...keeping a 3-3.5 mph pace on all the uphills...and downhills (though I'm still trying to take it easy on my knee, I don't want it to sstart hurting again.) The weather has been BEAUTIFUL the last two days. I love the sun. I think me and the trail gods are finally getting along.

C-Zur

April 16

Jenning Creek (Camping) ~23 miles

Well I've had a great day...Myco however is still having foot problems. I know he wants to keep hiking with me but his feet really need a break and I'm not game for taking a few zeros. I planned poorly coming out of Daleville and only got 2 days worth of food when it was actually 3 days to the James River Foot Bridge. Luckily, there is a camp ground with a little store ~2 miles up the road...so I really did like 25 miles. (The owner was really nice and gave me a ride back to the trail.) So I won't starve before I meet the Pannabeckers in a few days.

C-Zur

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

April 15

Fullhardt Knob <--- 6 miles N of Daleville ? miles (forget)

Hiked back up to McAfee's Knob this morning and it was pretty sweet! (The earliest I've gotten up on the Trail so far ~5:00) Then we packed up and headed into Daleville which was more than 15 miles, but I can't remember exactly. (And I already threw my waypoint sheet away.) Spent WAY too much time in town--arrived just after lunchtime and stayed till ~7:30, but still had 6 miles to hike to the next shelter. But we pulled it off and I just barely had to cut on my headlamp due to the town lights making the sky so bright.

C-Zur

April 14

Campbell Shelter. ~17 miles
Good and bad day today...still crappy weather but all in all good hiking. Dragon's Tooth and McAfee's Knob were passed and partially enjoyed due to heavy fog. Me and Myco did get some sweet photos anyhow. Jumped into town for some good grub and even a couple of beers for the trail. Plan on upping our miles tomorrow to still hit Harper's Ferry by April 30th. Well, I've got a full belly and I hear my bag singing those sweet lullabyes.....sleep is glorious!

C-Zur

April 13

Pickle Branch Shelter. ~17 miles

Short day, plenty of breaks...after this resupply we're gonna pick up the pace now that Myco's feet are back in good shape. Still on schedule to hit Harper's by the end of the month. "Here I come Hoy!" That'll be a big stepping steon for me...it's all downhill after you hit half-way, right? Nice weather today, but it's supposed to rain tomorrow and maybe the next day. McAfee's Knob is coming up which should be sweet, but we'll probably be robbed of our view due to bad weather...like always. Well it is off to the privy and then to bed.

C-Zur

April 12

Saver Hollow Shelter. ~21 miles

Beautiful weather today--not a cloud in the sky, cool this morning but warmed up throughout the day. I'm really enjoying Virginia...maybe I'm just finally getting up to speed, but the hiking seems to be getting easier. I'm finally getting a good routine with just about every task that I perform. It is supposed to get "cold" tonight, that is what I keep hearing anyway...

I've pretty much had to deal with being "cold" since I swapped for my summer bag. So unless "cold" is in the single digits I wish people would quit telling me about the temperature. Another Mountain House for dinner (Beef Stew) and then bedtime.

C-Zur

Monday, May 18, 2009

April 11

Bailey's Gap Shelter ~16 miles

We had planned on camping tonight after 5 more miles, but the rain moved in and after a short discussion we opted to take a shorter day. (We are still ahead of schedule to get to Harper's Ferry, WV by the end of April.) Of course ~1 hr after stopping the clouds parted and the sun came out. I do not understand the "trail gods..." they don't like sarcasm or disdain, but they seem to like to keep me confused. Well I think I'll have a Mountain House tonight...hmmmm Lasagna with Meat Sauce sounds tasty. Thanks Mom!

C-Zur

P.S. Dad my gaiters have been working great and I now know what it is like to sleep warm.

April 10

Rice Mtn. Shelter 6.8 miles outta town

Easy day out of town with full packs and stomachs. (Thanks a ton Mom and Dad!) My pack weighs at least 10lbs more than it ever has, but it is filled with deliciousness. I had a great town day/visit with my folks, though it was too short. Like always though it was nice to get back on the trail. Me and Myco have the shelter to ourselves and there is a storm abrewin', but it is all good. We are just sitting back eating our fill and chasing it down with some wine. (I feel like I'm at the Ritz.)

C-Zur

April 9

The Plaza Motel ~17 miles

Pearisburg, VA

Well our group of 4 made it to town, but not together. Kickstep was 1st we can only guess that he pressed on after resupplying--I was next and Frisbee found me eating at Pizza Plus where he joined in. At some point Myco Polo rolled into the Chinese buffet and my parents are supposed to show up in a couple hours.

C-Zur

Thursday, May 14, 2009

April 8

Wapiti Shelter ~26 miles

Long day but very nicelyo graded trail. i think I've finally got my "hiking legs." A man killed 2 hikers here in the 80's, spent 15 years in prison then came right back and tried to do it again last year...the victims luckily got away and the guy was caught and I was pleased to find out that he died in jail 3 days later. I finished a terrible book that I've been reading (The Madman's Mansion) luckily I can lighten my pack and leave it here for some other poor soul to find.

C-Zur

April 7

Bland, VA ~22 miles

Big Walker Motel

Due to the snow me and 3 others hitched into town for a night in a motel and a hot shower. The weather is supposed to clear up tomorrow so we plan on doing ~26 miles. We found a shuttle back to the Trail, but it's coming early so I'm hittin' the sack.

C-Zur

April 6

Chestnut Knob Shelter ~17 miles

Last night it rained ALOT! but no T-stormin' at least. Pretty warm this morning, looked like decent weather, turned to shit just before we broke camp. Rain, rain, big climb (for VA), then snow and crazy wind. thank god the shelter is fully enclosed! It is supposed to get down to the 20s in the foothills tonight and we are at 4,400 feet. Luckily, I have my 40 degree sleeping bag to keep me warm (don Juan note: that's sarcasm). We have decided with the wind chill it is at or below zero right now and it isn't even dark yet. They are calling for 4 in. of snow in the mountains, so I guess it will be a winter wonderland tomorrow (in April! come on man.) Well I'm gonna go freeze my ass off goodnight.

C-Zur

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

a note from your local "moderator"

those of you wondering why it's been so long since the last post can take issue with the c-zur himself. he has repeatedly failed to send his entries until he reached D.C.
ill be posting them in daily clumps. heh heh clumps is a funny word.

April 5

Camped at Crawfish Valley ~19 miles

Had to say goodbye to the sisters today. They are taking a few days off to see their family. (Fun hiking with you two!) Me and Myco pressed on and met back up w/Kickstep and Frisbee. It seems like a nice night to camp, but they are calling for a possible T-storm and snow. Why did I alaready swap for my summer sleeping bag?! I'm sure I'll survive, I just might not be happy doing it.

C-Zur

P.S. meeting my folks in Pearisburg, VA...Yea!

April 4

Partnership Shelter ~25 miles

You can order pizza from this shelter. It is SWEET! We had beautiful weather today--I even broke a sweat. (Think I might even cowboy camp tonight.) Long day and I'm full of pizza, goodnight.

C-Zur

April 3

Old Orchard Shelter ~23 miles

Long, crappy, cold, windy, rainy, foggy day. We crossed the Grayson Highlands today in terrible weather. It seems that anytime we are supposed to see "good" views the fog and wind set in. We did see some of the ponies that roam freely though, one of which looked to be frozen stiff. I also have finally caught up to a couple from Fairbanks, Alaska who are in their sixties. (They seem to move better than me.) Cold night ahead, but a full shelter so I can always cuddle if I have to.

C-Zur

April 2

Lost Mtn Shelter ~15 miles

We left Damascus with some encouraging weather, though it quickly turned sour. Rain, rain go away...or at least turn the wind off! It's just me and Myco Polo now, the Chicago sisters are slckpacking and hooking back up with us tomorrow on the highlands of Virginia. It's still raining and I think that we are supposed to get a thunderstorm tonight. Thankfully we have a shelter. We met Kickstep and Frisbee today, they seem like some cool cats. Sleepy time.

C-Zur

Saturday, May 2, 2009

More More Pictures

You may not have noticed, but C-Zur has been adding pictures. Now he's out of space, so he has to use another account. Check out

http://picasaweb.google.com/zurhellen

for the latest.