editor's note

Bird and I are leaving for Maine to pick up the C-Zur after his Sunday summit. The rest of the blog entries are in his hands, so if you want the end of the story you gotta bug him for it, or he might post it anyway--I don't know. Hope you had more fun reading them than I had typing them!

June 13

Carter Hut -- 14 miles

Pretty good weather today. Quite a few climbs and drops the last few days. Alot of residual tiredness, but it has all been worth it. Another easy work for stay and we got bunks! Last Hut though, outta the Whites tomorrow. It has been great, but I'm looking forward to Maine and a warm home coming.

C-Zur

June 12

Madison Hut -- 13 miles

The hutmaster from Mizpah was so taken by our work that he gave us all bunks with mattresses and a note to give to the hutmaster of Madison so that she wouldn't turn us away. Though she freely took us in, she definitely gave us work: paint scraping/sanding that sucked but she also threw in breakfast (PANCAKES!) Beautiful weather leaving with great views of Washington, which we hiked over in the fog/rain on the 12th.

C-Zur

June 11

Mizpah Hut -- 20 miles

Another work for stay with a good recommendation from the Hutmaster at Galehead. With 5 of us the work seems to go very fast. It's also nice to do a different task that doesn't ahve anything to do with hiking. And all the FOOD you can eat! The Whites have been breathtaking despite foggy weather today. I say goodnight with a full belly.

C-Zur

June 10

Galehead Hut -- 13 miles

Work for stay and FOOD! Easy work sweeping and cleaning the kitchen. Another short day but with beautiful weather and great views. Franconia Ridge was both a hell of a climb and spectacular. First Hut stay, I'm looking forward to a hot breakfast. Alot of views left to see. The Whites are truly beautiful. Being above the treeline (alpine zone) offers some great overlooks into the valleys miles away. Hopefully a longer day tomorrow so I'm calling it a night.

C-Zur

June 9

Chet's Hostel --6 miles

NERO! Rainy day so we decided to hit town again. Great place to relax though. Food is wonderful!

C-Zur

June 8

Kinsman Pond Shelter --21 miles

Nice hike out of the Hikers Welcome Hostel up Moosilauke (3700 ft climb) wihtout stopping ~2 hours. Great 1st hike into the White Mountains. Still with the Fearless 4; they are a good group of guys. 2 brothers from CA Chert and Grizzly Adams and Pac-Man and Wally from the UK. Got in late though so it is bedtime.

C-Zur

PS Twenty mile day in the Whites means that I get to eat 2 dinners.

June 7

Welcome HIkers Hostel -- 20 miles

Took a nice lunch today next to a lake for about 2 hours. Pretty easy hiking all in all. Tomorrow we start the Whites, I'm looking forward to some new scenery. Getting a new box tomorrow as well (looking forward to it). I think I have Tykey (?) to thank for this one from what Mom said, so thanks a ton Tykey! Well, it's movie time! Here I come Mount Moosilauke on the morrow.

C-Zur

June 6

Smarts Mtn. Ranger Cabin -- 23 miles

Nice relaxing day of hiking, a few climbs but with good company. Chert, Grizzly Adams, Wally, and Pac-Man are really nice guys and didn't even mind me waking them up at 11pm last night. Had a swim in a nice pond just after lunch, but still got to camp early enough to eat dinner and tehn appreciate a great sunset. Hope to get a good night sleep in this 4 walled shelter away from the bugs. Night.

C-Zur

Quote of the day: I'm gonna try and catch a tabpole with my mouth. -Pacman (with a British accent)

June 5

Velvet Rocks Shelter -- 27 miles

Long day, but ultimately rewarding. Stopped at Cloudland Farms for an early lunch with ice cream and a soda. About 2 hours later I walked through West Hartford for a second lunch --> deliciions and relatively cheap. Then on to Hanover for a free slice of pizza and a not so free beer. I was even able to take in a movie, the new Terminator (I wasn't too impressed). I wasn't worried about waking anyone up when I got to the shelter (because I didn't think anyone would be there), but much to my surprise it looked full when I arrived. I CAUGHT THE FEARLESS FOUR! Finally...well it's late, off to a well deserved rest after 6 days of marathons.

C-Zur

June 4

Wintturi Shelter -- 26 miles

Another good day, though not as good as yesterday. I woke up early (6:00) and left by 6:30, making it to Killington by 10:00 (10 miles by 10 o'clock is going to be my new standard) Maildrop (thanks again Mom), a hot lunch, shower, and even laundry. An all inclusive 3 hr break. Did another 16.5 this afternoon that kicked my butt. Very poorly graded trail by the D.O.C (Dartmouth Outing Club IDIOTS). Their idea of a climb is a straight line between the lowest point and highest point. (There was literally an extension ladder at one point.) Read some entries of Bird's and Schwenk's that mentioned the same thing...Glad I'm not the only one. I don't think that I will catch the Fearless 4before the Whites unless they stop for a day. I know I won't be able to keep this pace up once I'm there and I want to enjoy them anyhow. Not that I haven't enjoyed the last few days, it's fun pushing yourself and I got the fast, quick, light hiking down to a science/art form. I should film it, I bet I could make a fortune if I call it abstract art. Night.

C-Zur

June 3

Cooper Lodge (shelter) -- 27 miles

I enjoyed today's hiking to the point I would call it my favorite day so far. Did not see a great many things, but it was just a wonderful day. Sunny mid-70s at the hottest. It was not an easy day however, especially in the end. I had my 1st constant 2000 ft climb since Virginia. At the end of the day...the last 3.5 miles. The grade wasn't bad, but I walked into town and ate ~10 miles from camp, and I forgot to eat before Mount Killington...so I almost blacked out 1/2 way up because I was trying to makie it to the top before stopping--->stupid idea.. Got to see a beautiful sunset while enjoying some chicken Ramen and some chicken tenders that I carried from the mom and pop place that I ate at lunch. Into Killington tomorrow for a mail drop (thanks a ton Mom!). I've almost caught the group that calls themselves "The Fearless 4"...been following them for the last 6 states. They're within a day's hike of me right now...I can smell them.

C-Zur

PS I wonder every day if I'm starting to lose my mind.

June 2

Big Branch Shelter -- 27 miles

Awoke tihs morning to a woodpecker knocking away at the damn shelter! Stupid bird. Got an early start though. Apparently its not the first time it has happened if you consult the register. Took ALOT of breaks today, for no other reason than it was a pretty day. A couple big climbs (1000 ft plus); it is nice to be back in what I consider the mountains. The blackflies/mosquitoes/gnats are upon me! Damn the bugs. There are so many beaver ponds that almost all the lower (below 2000 ft) water sources have this gross urine color. Oh, how I miss the pristine, plentiful springs of the South. Alot of hikers the last 2 days (Long Trail hikers), but I have the shelter to myself. I'm glad it has been awhile since I had some "ME" time. Solitude becomes much easier out here. Well, it's getting dark and I've got another big day tomorrow. PEACE.

C-Zur

June 1

Stratton Pond Shelter -- 28 miles

Got in late tonight due to my 1st bad experience out here...a guy at a trailhead offered to take me to a nearby town and buy me a burger for dinner, he seemed alright and a burger sounded good.. So I went along, within 10 mins I knew something was askew...his mind! So I politely asked to be let out and much to my surprise he did so without any hesitation. Unfortunately now i was 10-15 miles away from the trail in the middle of nowhere. So I started walking. Trying to hitch away from the trail actually made me feel like a bum so I stopped after 30 minutes or so. I tried to explain my situation to one elderly gentleman who was outside his house, but he refused to give me a ride, so I trudged on. I had planned on a 35 miler, but I had been willing to cut it short for a burger...now I was gonna end up walking it anyway. Luckily, after an hour and a half of road walking I passed another house with a younger guy getting out of his car. After explaining my story yet again he thankfully took me back to the trail and would not even take any money for gas. It turned out that he had 2 friends that started the trail in April. Thank god for that guy. (Didn't even get his name.) Good day other than that.

C-Zur

May 29-31

Levardi's -- 23 miles over 2 days

Tom Levardi is an amazing guy. My faith is continually restored in humanity since being out here. We were expecting to sleep on his porch...he brough us in, fed us, gave us beds, a shower, and did laundry. For THREE NIGHTS!!! Then he bought us breakfast before setting us back out on the trail. Me and Easy Goin' have deemed him the Magic Man. On the 31st I left for good unfortunately and forced myself to hike 20 miles where I stumbled upon some Long Trail hikers who had a fire going. Its supposed to get cold tonight, maybe below freezing. Oooo, scary. Above 3000 feet again tomorrow. Goodnight.

C-Zur

PS I saw my 1st mosse and porcupine today. Oddly the porcupine was more frightening.

May 28

Tom Lavardi's House -- 20 miles

Late start due to the cabin's caretaker making me and Easy Goin' pancakes. Sweet surprises! Into Dalton tonight to see about sleeping on dude's porch.

C-Zur

May 27

Upper Goose Pond Cabin -- 36 miles

Biggest day yet. Surprised to find the cabin's caretaker present and propand lights/stove. I also finnaly ran into Easy Goin' (been following him the entire trip!) took me 13.5 hour to do 36 miles. I feel like superman! But it is bedtime for the man of steel.

C-Zur

May 26

Glen Brook Shelter -- 15 miles

Nice day today, left town ~11 after a great resupply (thanks, Mom!) and a new pack (thanks ULA!). Beautiful hiking weather-->slightly overcase w/a little breeze and we made it into Mass., the end of CT was the only nice part as far as I'm concerned. After crossing the state line the trail really reminded me of the Smokies. Last day on the trail with Poco Loco (it's been a pleasure, never though I'd find such a kindred spirit in a 62 year old man.)

High bear activity at this shelter supposedly, maybe we'll se one! Exciting! I'm sleeping with my food bag to try and coax one out. Well I'm off to bed, gonna try for a 36 miler tomorrow to gain on a crew I've been chasing for awhile. Sweet dreams...OF BEARS!

C-Zur

May 25

Vanessa Breton's House, Salisbury, CT -- 26 miles

Relatively late arrival into town (~6pm). Had to do some road walkin' today due to a detour in the trail because of some bridge construction over the Housatonic River. I think it may have added some miles, but I'm not really sure. I'm excited about my new pack in the Post Office across the street...damn National Holidays! Poco Loco bought me dinner tonight...what a treat! You've gotta love the random acts of Trail Magic. Always better when they are unexpected. Nighty-night.

C-Zur

May 24

Stewart Hollow Shelter -- 20 miles

Caught up to a couple of Brits, father and son, who have wonderful stories. I also ran into my 1st ridgerunner of the trip. Rained just after we got to the shelter--1st thunderstorm too.

C-Zur
GA-->ME

May 23

Wiley Shelter -- 26 miles

Wonderful Day! Recap...

Deli breakfast--swim in Nuclear Lake (great lake, bad name)--sweet trail magic--shower at a hiker friendly nursery--26 mile day despite all the stops. I've been hiking with Poco Loco, he is a great guy, 62 years old from Arizona. He is the director for a 800 mile trail they've bu8ilt through the entire state. Very interesting to talk about anything trail oriented.

C-Zur
GA--->ME

May 22

RPH Shelter -- 19 miles

Nice hike today, better spirits. Take that, AT...I control my mood, not you! Hot as Hades again today, but slightly cloudy. Got to camp early ~4:30. Caught up to a sectioner, Loco Poco, this afternoon and talked w/him till we got to the shelter and after too I guess...he's staying here too. He's a nice older guy and it is good to have someone to speak to. Early to bed early to rise!

C-Zur

PS Deli in the morning for breakfast!

May 21

Graymoor Monastery Pavilion -- 29 miles

Completely out of water this morning...not another source for 5 miles. Damn I was thirsty! Long day despite the shitty start (29+ miles). Didn't get in till 10:30 though. The pavilion had a light switch though...sweetness. Gonna take a cold shower tomorrow to get some of this salt off of me. This place even has a porta-shitter, I feel like I'm at the Ritz!

C-Zur

PS Sorry for the language, today was a day full of sailor hiking.

May 20

Hiked outta Vernon today planning on doing however many miles I could. The shelter spacing was poor to say the least. It was either 17 or 31+. Well of course being the genius I am..."lets go for the 31+!", I said. (Buzzer noise) Wrong choice. The climb outta Vernon was the highlight of the day-->blisteringly hot and up,down,up,down (little ones, but tiring). Ended up camping ~24 miles from town @ 8:30 pm. The bugs are out in force to top everything else.

C-Zur

PS New York State...the land that God forgot to put decent H20 sources on.

May 19

Vernon Church Hostel -- 19 miles

Stopped in and got an ice cream before starting my trek into town. i remembered the hike well from last year...many fond memories. (I miss my friends.) Well, I've gotta resupply/make phone calls.

C-Zur

PS The dollar menu cures all!

May 18

High Point Shelter -- 20 miles.

Beautiful weather again today (keep it up, please!) I decided to pass up Rutherford shelter due to the extreme downhill hike. I'm sure that it is fine down there by itself. Spent the night last night with a gentleman who is 69 years old. I hope I am as light footed as him when I'm his age. I got to see the pointed fallace (sic) that New Jersey claims as its highest point again today. (Not very impressive at only ~1800 ft.) On to Vernon tomorrow.

C-Zur

P.S. Stopped at Culiver's Gap for a bagel and coffee at "Joe ToGo." The guy is still an asshole. (for Dave and Bird)

May 17

Brink Rd. Shelter -- 25 miles

Beautiful hiking weather today--cloudy ~60 deg. I'm now doing the section that I hiked w/Bird and Dave last year. First day in and I'm staying where we stayed the second night out. Sorry I slowed you two down so much. Juersey is just like I remember it. I've seen everywhere that we stopped or stayed at and been surprised at how vivid y memories are of them. Possible frost tonight-I hope so...die bugs die.

"I don't want any part of that sword fight." - Dave's words of wisdom, almost 1 year ago.

C-Zur

May 15, 16

Zero DayS! I miss TV and cars. Just another month and a half of bliss before coming back to the real world though. Here I come Katahdin!

C-Zur

May 14

Aunt Helen's House -- 24.4 miles

17.4 miles to Fox Gap, leaving a 7 mile hike into the Water Gap with the family. Good day despite waking up wet and hiking all day in the rain. Zero day tomorrow. Glad to be done with PA.

C-Zur

May 13

Camping near Stempa Spring -- 29.4 miles

Long day, but good weather. Meeting up with the folks, Aunt Helen, Uncle Dave, and the dogs to do some hiking tomorrow. I've gotta hike 17.4 miles before I even meet them though so goodnight.

C-Zur

May 12

Allentown Hiking Club Shelter -- 22.6 miles

Planned on going farther but I found a book in a shelter earlier that I kinda got into. Stopped early, beautiful weather today. Relaxing afternoon.

C-Zur

May 11

Port Clinton - Dave and Cindy's -- 27.8 miles

Good hiking today, looking forward to a bed and shower. Thanks for dinner and everything Dave and Cindy. Thank God for no more Man Week. Beautiful today.

C-Zur

May 10

William Penn Shelter -- 30.8 miles

Almost done with my week of foolishness. I'm gonna come up ~22 miles short of the 210 mark. On to Port Clinton tomorrow and a bed/shower at my Uncle Dave and Aunt Cindy's.

C-Zur

Good weather today though.

May 9

Peters Mtn. Shelter -- 11.4 miles

I'M HUNGOVER! It was crazy hot today and I stayed up too late last night. Didn't get outta town till 12 today. Possible end of Man Week. I may still be able to squeeze it out. Day 5 (or 4.5) down.

C-Zur

May 8

Duncannon - Doyle Hotel -- 29.5 miles

Thanks Uncle Walt for the Trail Magic. Room, food, and beer waiting on me. Which was nice cause I didn't get in till 9:30. I hate Montrail Hardrock -09...got a pair of -07s waitin' on me at the Doyle! Day 4 down, Man Week is a bitch.

C-Zur

May 7

Alec Kennedy -- 32.8 miles

So much for hiking with people...had to leave them in the dust for Man Week - Day 3. On to Duncannon tomorrow. I'm beat. Didn't get in till 10:30.

C-Zur

May 6

Quarry Gap Shelter -- 30.5

Caught up w/Panama Red, WizKid, and Spirit Fingers after getting in at 9 pm. Rain rain go away. Night Day 2 down.

C-Zur

May 5

Smithsburg, Aunt Dorrial and Uncle Brad's -- 24.6 miles

Happy Cinco de Mayo. The trail is a river and I need a boat. The 1st day of Man Week cut a little short so I could get a bed and a shower. Leaving early tomorrow to continue this craziness.

C-Zur