Hello West Virginia.jpg

Hello West Virginia.jpg, originally uploaded by Hikingfool.

Well it is official, I have left the mad state of Virginia for good, and have crossed into West Virginia. I am eating lunch at the Blackburn Trail Center. I only have 1.1 more miles to the 1000 mile mark, so stay tuned!

Shepherd

Bears Den Hostel.jpg

Bears Den Hostel.jpg, originally uploaded by Hikingfool.

Well today I zero'd at Bear Den Hostel, which was just what I needed. I have learned that I am more a cold weather hiker than a hot weather one. I have trouble with the heat and humidity.

So today I read 3 chapters in our men's bible study book, 12 ordinary men by John Macauther. It is really good. Then I ate half a pizza while watching the movie Cars. Then I talked with Amee and took a nap till more hikers showed up. Oh, I also helped Hopeful by vacuuming and making the beds. lol. I dont mind helping out, since I was resting all day. Currently there are 6 hikers here plus me. I just ate my other half of my pizza and will be enjoying my pint of Ben & Jerry's real soon. This is the 2nd best hostel to date. Kincora holding the top spot.

I guess this was the summer home of a washington doctor built in the 30's, then the patc bought it up.

Tomorrow I plan to hike past 1000 miles and maybe even into Harper's Ferry. Yeah! Then I will determine if I will go on or stop there.

Shepherd.

The AT RollerCoaster.jpg

The AT RollerCoaster.jpg, originally uploaded by Hikingfool.

Well computer is down at Bear's Den Hostel, so I will have to post via cell phone.

Well hiked 18.1 miles long, hot, difficult miles. I am 991 miles from Springer! 1185.2 from Springer and only 18 more miles of Virginia.

Today I bought my ticket fo the roller Coaster, which ia a 13.5 mile stretch with about 13 up and downs. The cost of the ride...981.1 miles, and they dont even throw in a suviener photo. I tried to raise my hand up and yell Wheeee on the way down, but to tired. Did feel like I was going to puke about 5 times on the ride though...lol.

Well I made to Bears Den hostel, which is literally a castle. pretty cool. Prob about 2nd behind Kincora for hostels. Found out today was the hotest day this week & i believe it. Literally soaked all day from sweat.

Going to zero tomorrow to recoup.

Shepherd

Hey Sheperd.jpg

Hey Sheperd.jpg, originally uploaded by Hikingfool.

Well I hiked 15.1 miles today after being off the trail for 78 days. Yes thats right...11 weeks. Man time flies by! So I am officially 972.7 miles from Springer & 1203.5 miles from Katahdin and out of shape!

Well I was looking through the register for CJ's entry, and low and behold they put a full page tribute to me. I dont know who did the drawing, but it ROCKS! It made my day. The group is singing to the song " hey Jude" but putting in Shepherd instead. Wow! Thanks CJ, Dynamite, Dorothy & Howedown! Even Dirty Charlie made it in, who is CJ's alter-ego! How cool.

Well my streak for company at the shelter continues. Bonnie is here so far and is hiking south. Tomorrow I get to ride the rollercoster! Yeah.

Well I am glad I am back, but already miss Amee. I love you!

Shepherd

Good-bye Virginia & Welcome Home!

Amee, made me this sign to say good-bye to Virginia, cause I was hoping to be rid of it by the time she came to see me. But in the end, I did say good-bye to Virginia & hello to Indiana!

Kimbra & Jed made up this AWESOME welcome home sign that they put on my garage, so I could see it when I got home! They even put a picture of my favorite place...McAfee Knob...how cool was that! Plus they got many of my co-workers from the hospital to sign it for me! What a great gift! Thanks Kimbra & Jed and all that signed! You guys ROCK!

It is nice to be home!

Shepherd.

The Farewell Post: A Hiliarious Video of "The Hiker" song!

Here is a hilarious version of the "Hiker" song sung by Lee & Matt. Two great friends from church! I couldnt stop laughing! Hope you enjoy! Great job, but dont quite you day job!

Well, it is time to say good-bye for now. Who knows, this blog maybe up and running quicker than one may think. We will see what God has in store! Again, special thanks to Pastor Scott, who went well out of his way to get me some much needed and useful gear while on the trail! Thank you, PS! Hike on, and keep fighting! You will be in my prayers!

Also, thanks for the encouragement & prayers during my 2 months from all who were...as Mac would call it..."arm chair hiking". I love it! lol. It has been a blast. Now it is time to get back to Indiana for some recouperation!

In Christ,

Shepherd

AT Trip in Review: It is not the destination, it is the journey.

Day 62: 5/4.

Well today is my last day of my 2nd month out on the trail. I was hoping to write this post atleast 2 more months from now, but God has different plans for me. I truely believe everything does happen for a reason, and that God is in total control of what happens in my life. He could of easily prevented me from having this injury, but He allowed it in my life at this point on the trail. What a wonderful chapter in my life to reflect on and Lord willing tell my kids about someday!

This trip has been 8 years in the making, atleast that is how long I have wanted to do it. I feel blessed that God allowed it to happen this year, even though I didnt finish...it is more about the journey than the destination. I have gotten to know many great people that I wouldn't of... if not for this trip, such as Pastor Scott, Mac, Russel, Lakewood, Just John & all the 2008 thru-hikers that I met on this trip!

I had a wonderful time enjoying God's creation, getting back into reading God's word, meeting new people and getting to experience many cool AT traditions! Plus eating a bunch of junk food and still loosing weight!

It is difficult to really recap 2 months worth of the trail, with only having about 24 hours to reflect on it. So I will do my best & start by putting up some stats on my trip.

Food: ( ) = number of item eaten total on trip
Poptarts (124); Snickers (49); Paydays (17); Milkyways (18); Reeses (4); M&M's (7); Skittles (2); Rolo's (4); Cookies (20); Nabs (21); Ice Cream pints (5); DQ Blizzards (3); Tuna (62 oz); Tortillas (40); AYCE buffets (6); Sweet Teas (11); Eggs (14); Pancakes (6); Pizza Slices (34); Clif Bars (16); Spam singles (12); PB&J (9); Bags of chips (5); Burgers (6); Fries (6)

Spending the Night:
Shelters - 40
Hotels - 11
Tarp -3
Hostels - 5
House - 3

My favorite Places on the Trail: (#1 = most favorite)
#1 - McAfee Knob
#2 - Little Hump & Big Hump Balds
#3 - Unaka Mnt Pine Forest
#4 - Grayson Highlands
#5 - Smoky Mnt National Park
#6 - Tinker Cliffs
#7 - Max Patch
#8 - Roan Highlands
#9 - Wesser Bald Tower
#10 - Tray Mnt shelter overlook

The people I will miss most on the trail! (I met 111 thru-hikers on the trail!)
#1 - California Joe (of course!)
#2 - Pastor Scott, Ralph & Bob (The 3 Amigo's)
#3 - Burpples
#4 - Toots
#5 - Team Deustchmark (Bad Hummus, Yeti, Stovie & Toddy Bear)
#6 - Ruby Tuesday
#7 - Popeye
#8 - Dynamite
#9 - Cowboy Killer
#10 - Captain Jack

Mileage breakdown: 957.6 miles traveled in 62 days which averages 15.4 miles/day
Zero's days - 5
1-5 mile days - 1
6 - 10 mile days - 11
11 - 15 mile days - 11
16 - 20 mile days - 14
21 - 25 mile days - 13
26 - 30 mile days - 5
31 + mile days - 1

I am glad I was able to share my faith, give my testimony & talk openly about God on the trail and in my blog.

The thing that would actually bring me the most joy would be to hear that someone reading my blog or that I met on the trail, would have realized that they are a sinner, & realize their need for a Savior (to save them from their sins). And, that that person would of admitted their sin and placed their trust of salvation in Jesus Christ and His work on the cross!

If anyone has questions or concerns about their eternal destination feel free to email me, call me or even visit me if you want...our door is always open. I am sure Pastor Scott, wouldn't mind it if you contacted him as well...see the link to his blog!

"Do you not know? Have you not heard?
The Everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth
Does not become weary or tired
His understanding is inscrutable.
He gives strength to the weary,
And to him who lacks might He increases power.
Though youths grow weary and tired,
And vigorous young men stumble badly,
Yet those who wait for the LORD
Will gain new strength;
They will mount up with wings like eagles,
They will run and not get tired,
They will walk and not become weary. "

Isaiah 40: 28-31

Shepherd.

Emergency Trip in Front Royal.jpg

Emergency Trip in Front Royal.jpg, originally uploaded by Hikingfool.

Day 60: 5/3.

Well today I saw off Team Deustchmark at 11 am as they continued their trip up north on the AT after checking out of the Quality Inn. I then went to test out my leg with a very short walk to the visitor center. I continued to have very sharp pain in my leg and continued to have numbness in my right foot, which worried me the most. This even after icing my leg pretty much all day yesterday and this morning, and taking my regular doses of Vit I.

So, I came back to the hotel and checked in for the night. I thought about maybe staying at a hostel, but when I called, the lady wasnt to thrilled with a hiker staying for 2 days. Totally understandable.

So, I was chilling out in the hotel resting my leg, when Amee called during her lunch break. I gave her the update, and we decided that I should check to see if I have a stress fracture or compartment syndrome going on. So, I called my family doctor oncall (Dr. Cooper). She also was very worried, and recommended me to go the ER and get it checked out.

So, I got a cab and took my first ER visit in as long as I can remember. I was quickly processed and triaged. The doctor quickly saw me and ordered up the x-rays. Then the came back and said that he saw no obvious stress fractures, but said my right ankle was significantly swollen, which is causing the numbness in my foot. So, his recommendations were obviously not what I wanted to hear, but I knew it was coming. To get off the trail and rest my leg for 6-8 weeks. I asked about maybe 5 days of rest, and he said that it may feel a bit better but you would just continue to be plagued by these shin splints and probably do more damage to your leg in the future. Especially hiking the AT! I was in the ER for 1.5 hours (amazing!)

Lakewood: I hope I dont have the insurance problems that you had to go through in your 2007 thruhike! I am sure I will, because you know how insurance companies are! lol.

So, what does that mean for me. Well, I took a cab back to the hotel and waited for Amee to get off work to talk about it.

Painfully and through many tears, I have decided to get off the trail at mile 957.6 at Front Royal, VA. Virginia finally got the best of me, but I am totally fine with it, and am at peace. All day, I have been reflecting on the amazing gift God gave me to do this trip, see all that I have seen, and met some amazing people! I am so thankful. I pray you aren't to dissapointed with me. I know that is stupid to think, but I have enjoyed getting to know all of you that have been following me on my journy!

So, Amee is coming to get me on monday and then we are headed back to Lafayette on Tuesday. She is excited to have me coming back home. I plan to write 2 more posts over the next 2 days (a trip in review & a farewell post), so stay tuned!

I am a statistic though...80-90% of all people who start this trail, DONT make it to Katahdin. So, my hats off to Bill Tilt (Yossarian) and John Fegy (Lakewood) who have done the whole AT in one season! It is by far the TOUGHEST thing I have ever done in my life!

Again, thank you all for the support and encouragement that you have provided, but more on this in my farewell post! To God be the glory! We serve an amazing God!

Shepherd

GA-->Front Royal 08

Update: Change of Plans

Day 59: 5/2.

Well after talking to my wonderful and brilliant wife that God has blessed me with, I have decided to take the next 5 days off from hiking to rest my shin splints that have plagued me the past 3 days. What great wisdom, eh! So instead of Amee meeting me on Monday at Harper's Ferry, she will be coming to Front Royal, which is actually a nice, big town with full services. The prices in Harper's Ferry are outragious. So that means, I will be chilling here in town and taking advantage of creature comforts, such as running water, showers, flushable toilets, and soft beds! Wow.

Then after she visits on monday, tuesday and wednesday, I will be resuming my AT hike heading north to Katahdin, and Lord willing leaving the dreaded state of Virginia starting Thursday! But, Virginia they say is for lovers! lol.

Again, thank you for all your encouragements and texts. I really appreciate it! I do miss you all! I am almost half way! Yeah!

I will continue to blog about my experiences in this wonderful town of Front Royal, and will probably become a Civil War buff by the time I leave. I guess the battle of Front Royal was here, so it should be interesting.

Hiking on, with a short break!

Shepherd!

Front Royal - Nero

Day 59: 5/2. Officially hiked 2.9 miles to US 522 this morning, to procure a ride into Front Royal with Team Deustchmark. It was a warm night last night with the temps hovering in the low 60's, which caused me to sweat quite a bit in my 15 degree sleeping bag. Definelty shedded some layers during the night!

Well, hitching into town is always an experience especially with a group of 5 smelly hikers. So Bad Hummus was up for the challenge at getting us a ride. His family is from India, so he looks kind of threating especially with his big beard. So we timed him. Almost immediately a cop actually turned around in the road and came back to where he was trying to hitch a ride. We were like...oh no...he is in trouble, but the officer just wanted to make sure no one was injured. Which was nice, but he didnt offer us a ride! So then 10 minutes into the event, he was able to get a guy in a truck to pull over and give us a ride into town! Yes! He even showed us where the all you can eat buffet was! How nice!

So then we just chilled out at the visitor center and outfitter, since it was still to early for lunch. Then at 11:00, we hit the AYCE buffet at Victoria's, which was a pretty good one...if I must say. I have become quite the critic on AYCE's since being on the trail! Yeti won top honors by putting down 5 FULL plates of food. Then we waddled over to the post office for maildrop pickups and then went to the Quality Inn for the day.

Parents are wonderful! Toddy Bear's parents were in town and met us. They graciously bought us lunch and paid for our night in the hotel room! Such kindness, and I am not even in Team Deustchmark. I am blown away by there generousity. Again, thank you.

So right now, I have been resting my leg, putting ice on it and taking the routine doses of Vit I throughout the day. Although, I have like no appetite for some reason. I had to force myself to eat lunch today, and will have to for dinner as well. My stomach has just been doing flip flops on and off during the day. Took some Pepto Bismol as well, which usually helps. It might be the ice cream I had at lunch, or just the shock of real food for a change. This is pretty usual in towns that I visit. My body must not be as young as it once was. Plan on getting some Papa Johns for dinner, and that I will not turn down!

So the next 4 days are LOW mileage days. Day 1 -15, Day 2 - 15.3, Day 3- 14, Day 4 - 9.4 into Harpers Ferry. So my right shin should do ok. I cant wait to see Amee and have a couple of zero days!

Andrew: GORP = Good Old Raisens & Peanuts! A hikers must. Never have a day without it! And nope...havent had to use the Flagyl yet! It is my most valued possesion I carry with me!

Well, it is getting dinner time! God bless. Thanks for all the prayers with the shin splints.

Shepherd.

Floyd Wayside Shelter.jpg

Floyd Wayside Shelter.jpg, originally uploaded by Hikingfool.

Day 58: 5/1. It's official, I am crazy. By the grace of God, I made it the 23.6 miles to Floyd Wayside Shelter, plus the fact that I know I overdosed on Vit I (Ibuprofen). My right leg shin splint bothered me all day & my foot still feels like it is broke in two. But I am planning to take a nero day tomorrow into Front Royal (only 2.9 miles away). I was trying to make it into Harpers Ferry a day early so Amee & I could have 2.5 days together. I just dont know what happened. Guess Pastor Scott was right about the too fast too soon quote awhile back.

I am officially 954.7 miles from Springer & 1221.5 miles from Katahdin. I officially said good bye to the Shenandoah National park today. It was actually a very nice hike for the most part..except for my shin splints. I didnt see any bear, but did get my cheeseburger and fries today. The blackberry milkshake machine was down though. Bummer.

Full shelter tonight with Team Deutchmark, Squire & a SOBO named Micheal.

Shepherd

Bad Hummus eyeing his land in SNP.jpg

Bad Hummus eyeing his land in SNP.jpg, originally uploaded by Hikingfool.

Day 57: 4/30. Officially hiked 26.8 miles today to Pass Mnt Hut. We are officially 931.1 miles from Springer & 1245.1 miles from Katahdin.

I got to eat at Big Meadows Wayside today for a second breakfast. We were 30 mins to early for lunch. It was still good. Will try to hit lunch tomorrow at the next wayside.

I had some major shin splints on my right leg & the rocks after Mary's rocks made my right foot feel like it broke in two. I am taking Vit. I, which helps. I only have one more 20 plus day tomorrow then low mileage days till Harpers, in which I will take 2-3 zeros. Please pray for my shin splints. Thanks.

Saw 7 more deer, which brings my totals to 32. No bears.

Shepherd.

Funny AT sign in SNP.jpg

Funny AT sign in SNP.jpg, originally uploaded by Hikingfool.

Day 57: 4/30. Saw this sign and thought it was pretty funny. I have been enjoying all 57 short day hikes on mt AT adventure. lol.

Shepherd

Jigsaw and Jaybird.jpg

Jigsaw and Jaybird.jpg, originally uploaded by Hikingfool.

Day 56: 4/29. This is Jaybird & Jigsaw, who are section hikers headed for Harper's Ferry. Jigsaw has been at it for 12 years & Jaybird has been out for 8 years. They are a 20 year plan. Dedication! Jigsaw saw 2 black bears today & Jaybird got some pictures. Hopefully we will see some tomorrow.

Today we crossed the 900 mile mark! Unreal. I cant believe I have been hiking for 900 miles. Actually, officially we are at 904.3 miles from Springer & 1271.9 miles from Katahdin. Only 6 more days till I get to see Amee in Harpers Ferry!

Hiked with Bad Hummus, Yeti, Toddy Bear & Stovie today. Cold and windy. Glad I have my winter gear! It is going to get below freezing tonight.

Lakewood: That would be cool to meet somewhere in PA. My number is 765-589-8220. If it works out just text me and let me know what you think. If not, no big deal. I am glad to have your advice & encouragement.

Shepherd.

Team Deuscthmark and Me.jpg

Team Deuscthmark and Me.jpg, originally uploaded by Hikingfool.

Day 55: 4/28. Officially hiked 26.2 to Pinefield Hut Shelter. I am now 883.7 miles from Springer & 1292.5 miles from Katahdin. We broke under the 1300 mile barrier.

Today the trail was very nice and graded well. The only thing was that it rained pretty much all day. Nice! We did dry out a bit at the end of our hike.

Yeti, Bad Hummus, Toddy Bear, South Side, Snickers & Energizer Turtle are here tonight. All of us NOBO's. Missing hanging with CJ though.

Missed our first wayside cause we thought they were only open on the weekends. Bummer. We still have 3 more to hit. They are restraunts just so ya know. :-)

Saw 6 more deers today which brings my total to 25.

Shepherd.

Captain Jack.jpg

Captain Jack.jpg, originally uploaded by Hikingfool.

This is the infamous Captain Jack. The finest pirate on the trail. He is from New Jersey, and is a great guy. He is a few days behind though.

He is hiking with Popeye. They did some section hikes together in the past.

He got his trail name cause he looks like Captain Jack from the movie. This picture probably doesnt do him justice.

Shenandoah National Park .jpg

Shenandoah National Park .jpg, originally uploaded by Hikingfool.

Day 54: 4/27.

AT Hiker fee: Blood, sweat & blisters.

Officially entered into the Shenandoah NP today. Yeah. I have so far mixed feelings about the park. I will give it another day before I comment more on it. I did see 4 bunnies in the park.

I did 27.8 miles today, which puts me at 857.5 miles from Springer & 1318.7 miles from Katahdin. My second longest day so far.

I caught back up to Strides, & met Team Deustchmark, who is Yeti, Bad Hummus & Toddy Bear. They have been a couple days ahead and been complaining that no one has caught up to them yet. They are pretty funny. CJ & I were going to call us Team Dollar Bill to rival them. lol.

It is suppose to get down in the 30's the next couple nights and rain is in the foecast tomorrow.

Shepherd.

Gods trail magic.jpg

Gods trail magic.jpg, originally uploaded by Hikingfool.

Day 54. 4/27.

Found my first morel, which are the greastest things about spring. I guess they are really popping up. Havent had time to really hunt them yet. Only if i had some flour, butter & a frying pan. yum.

I am sure it brings back memories for grandma, who is the greastest mushroom cooker ever, and of course grandpa was the greast mushroom finder ever! He found some huge one's.

Anyone else out there enjoy morels?

Shepherd.

Maupin Field Shelter gang.jpg

Maupin Field Shelter gang.jpg, originally uploaded by Hikingfool.

Day 53: 4/26.Officially did 18.2 miles over some tough terrain today in temps in the 80-90's. The trail formed a V today. Went from 4000 ft atop of the Priest down to 970 ft then back up to 3970 ft up 3 ridges mnt. Ouch. The toughest day yet.

I am 829.7 miles from Springer & 1344.3 miles from Katahdin.

At the top of 3 ridges, I met Blue & Chad. They are 2 weekenders out on the trail. Great guys. They are in the Coast Guard (not like the movie..Guardian). They still have about 10 more weeks of training, then they will be sent to there stations. Chad is wanting to hike the AT someday. Thanks again for the fellowship and GORP. Lord willing I will be done in 10 weeks. God bless & text me any time u want.

Also in the picture are Daniel, Matt & Gary, who all out for the weekend too. Great getting to know ya guys.

Getting to meet the people on the trail has definetly been the best part. God has made us relational beings. eh!

Shepherd.

"The Hiker" - a song

"The Hiker" sung to the tune of "The Gambler - by Kenny Rogers"



On a warm summers evenin'
on a trail bound for Katahdin.
I met up with "The Hiker", we were both to tired to speak.
So, we took turns a starin' out the shelter at the darkness
till boredom over took us and he began to speak.


He said, "Son, I've made a life out of reading hiker's faces,
and knowing how much their packs weighs by the way they held their eyes.
So, if you dont mind me saying, I can see your packs too heavy,
for a taste of your water, I'll give you some advice."
So, I handed him my Nalgene, and he drank down my last swallow.
Then he bumbed a ClifBar, and asked me for some GORP.
Then the night got deathly quite and his face lost all expression,
He said, "If your going to hike the AT, boy, you got to learn to go ultralight."

Chorus:
You got to know when to go 20's, know when to do 30's.
Know when to take a zero day, know when to leave town.
You always count your ounzes, when filling up your food sack
Cause there will be time enough for eating big, when you hitch into town.

Every hiker knows, that the secret to Katahdin.
Is knowing what to throw away, and knowing what to keep.
Cause every gears a winner, and every gears a loser.
And the best you can do is to keep your pack under 30 pounds.

So when he finished speaking, he turned back towards his food sack.
Scarfed down some beef jerky, and faded off to sleep.
Then somewhere near Katahdin, "The Hiker" he broke even,
and in his food sack, I found a Snickers that I could keep.

Repeat chorus

Hope you enjoyed. God bless. Hopefully more to come.

Shepherd

PS: Yes, I carry a mp3 player/fm radio that I listen to... usually half the day. It definelty helps!