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

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.

The Dutch Haus

Day 52: April 25th.

Officially hiked 18.1 miles to the Fish Hatchery Rd, then walked another 2.5 miles (unofficial) to Montebello, VA.

This is where the Dutch Haus B&B is located! Lois & Earl are in their 8th year doing this. They actually offer a free lunch to all hikers whether they stay or not between 11-1 pm, but I wasnt able to get there in time. So, I will get to enjoy their dinner and breakfast! They give us cool robes to wear around the house while our laundry gets done! Very cozy! Spruce & South Side are here as well. They both slacked packed 25 miles today. I havent gotten the chance to slack pack (which means you just hike with a day pack with a few essentials) yet. I would like to hear other hiker's opinions on whether slack packing is "allowed" on a thru-hike or not. So far there have been a mixture of hikers who say they would and many who say they wouldnt. I dont think I would turn down the opportunity if it came up, but doubt it will. Currently I have carried my full pack the whole time.

I officially broke the 800 mile mark today over Cold Mountain, where I called and actually talked to my co-workers today! It was great to hear their voices and their encouragement, and of course a patient was trying to get out of bed! It never fails! lol.

I am officially at 811.5 miles form Springer & 1364.7 miles from Katahdin! Tomorrow, I have a tough downhill hike down "The Priest", which has 36 switchbacks! But, then I have a equally large climb up 3 ridges mnt. So the saying is true, "If you go down, you will soon be going up!"

Just John: Great to hear from you and welcome to the blog! Would love to meet you and especially if you have trail magic! Thru-hikers crave trail magic! lol. I always wear a blue bandana and carry a hiking stick. My picture is on the post of the "one month snapshot". Also, how is the trail in PA? I have heard that it is pretty flat and the rocks dont come into play till near the end!? I also heard Maryland isnt too bad as well.

Rich: I have a tarp (1 pound) and have used it successfully on the trail. I currently use the shelters if possible, but have come out dry using the tarp in a rain storm! Most hikers still carry tents, but tarps are becoming more popular, esp. with ultralighters. I recommend the website, http://www.backpackinglight.com/. Very informative, esp. their forums!

Jen: Great to hear from you. I miss seeing you guys and esp. Kayden. Tell him I said hello! I bet he wont recognize me at Matthew's graduation! lol. Congrats on your job in Lafayette, we hope to see you often!

Alyssa: Yes, I forgot about the mouse count! I have seen 8 dead mice at the shelter. 1 alive, and another one ran over my head while sleeping. The MBG's (Mouse-B-Gone's) are working well lately, since I have 2 fresh ones! I gave out the rest PS! Thanks again!

Eikenberry: Yes, I hope my beard grows quickly! Any tips on how to make it grow faster would be much appreciated. I dont think Amee will want me to keep it once I am finished with the hike! lol. Also here is the updated poptart count!

Poptarts: 102
Snickers: 44

Bill Bolander: You should try to stay here if possible! 4 stars! Great food and wonderful place to sleep! Highly recommended!!!

Pete/Wendy: Is getting married tomorrow!! Yeah! God bless you guys and have a great honeymoon! It is finally here!

Shepherd.

Dirty Dancing.jpg

Dirty Dancing.jpg, originally uploaded by Hikingfool.

Day 43: April 16th. Today we have just been chilling in Pearisburg & Christiansburg. There isnt much to do and see, but one thing of interest is that they filmed part of Dirty Dancing at a resort here in Pearisburg. It is called Blue Mountain Resort. They were still closed for the season, so we were limited on what we could see. Still it was fun.

We are now trying to resolve the free advertizing I am giving Verizon on my blog.

Shepherd.

sorry for the finger in the photo.

Pearisburg, VA

Day 42: April 15th.

Got into Pearisburg at 11:30 and immediately went to the Pizza Hut's AYCE lunch buffett with CJ, Rat Sandwhich, Matthew & Five Bags. We put a dent in their profits today! lol. 5 hungry hikers and pizza! Yeah baby. We did a short 8.2 miles into town, so we are officially 624 miles from Springer & 1552.2 miles from Katahdin!

Amee got into town at around 1:30 and we checked into the hotel. I got a shower and we went to wash my clothes and go to the post office! With a side trip to Dairy Queen for another Blizzard!

Pastor Scott! Got the package and the goodies! THANK YOU so much! I loved the Mouse-B-Gone stickers! Also I havent read that book and I needed some new reading material! Thanks again! Will let you know what I think of it! Also I think I will go with the coffee system and try to make some more friends on the trail with free coffee! Thanks for the system and the coffee and filters...way more than I had expected. I love to lighten my pack!! To God be the glory!

Then we went to Virginia Tech and ate at Boston Beanery, which was delicious! Tomorrow is the one year anniversery of the VT shootings, so there are alot of news vans around and vigils planned for tomorrow. We may try to check it out if we can find it. CJ actually is a graduate of VT, so he will be there.

Well enjoying my rest days with Amee. Time to chill and watch a movie.

Debbie: Yes, tell Doug I use my pepsi can stove every night! It has worked wonders. I even gave one of my 2 extras to a guy who needed to go lighter with his pack. He was very thankful! Grandma, I love you! Hope you enjoy reading about my adventures!

Margie: Thanks for the mention of leaving the day with my posts. I have been actually thinking about doing that, but thought it showed when I posted. It actually only shows the time. So that will be a future addition! Any suggestions are greatly appreciated!

Lakewood: It is too ironic. As I sit here at this computer at the Motor Lodge Inn, I looked over and on their pinup board is your "thank you" picture at Katahdin! Too funny. It is the first time Amee has seen a pic of you ..I believe. I am hoping my beard gets as long as yours was! lol.

Risk at Kincora Hostel.jpg

Risk at Kincora Hostel.jpg, originally uploaded by Hikingfool.

Day 30: Today was an easy nero day. Officially 9.3 miles, which puts us 410.9 miles from Springer & 1765.3 from Katahdin.

We are at Kincora hostel, which definetly gets 4 stars. Bob Peoples goes out of his way to cater to hikers. Bill plan to stay here. Showered and ate 3 beef n chedders & curly fries at Arby's. Dynamite ate over 3000 cals there! Then we went back to play some Risk! One of the greatest game created. I came out victorious, when all hope looked lost. Then we had some pizza & ice cream for dessert, and I know I am still loosing weight.

Well 2 days til Damascus. Rain in the forecast. Yeah.

Shepherd

Sonic ordering.jpg

Sonic ordering.jpg, originally uploaded by Hikingfool.

Here is CJ and Dynamite ordering from the sonic drive up. It is like Dog N Suds in Lafayette, but way better.

CJ ordered about $15 worth of food, but Dynamite and I only ordered about $9.50 worth. Doesnt Dynamite look like Napolian Dynamite (that is where his trail name came from!)

I got the #6 - Chicken Club Toaster with onion rings and rootbeer. Also I got their famous breakfast burrito! Yummy! Well as a thruhiker, pretty much anything tastes great!

Also Lakewood: Gave Uncle Johnny your message for you! God bless.

Shepherd!

My Sonic Experience.jpg

My Sonic Experience.jpg, originally uploaded by Hikingfool.

First things first, please try to forward this posting to Trey Gardner at FBC!

Well I first learned about Sonic from Trey, himself, who is an avid lover of Sonic. He is SUPER excited that a Sonic is coming to Lafayette, IN this summer! He told me that they had the best onion rings ever, and that I should definelty eat there when an opportunity presented itself.

Well today, I experienced my first Sonic. We realized that Erwin had a Sonic about 2 days back, and it has been the topic of discussion ever since. CJ and Sam raved about it, especially their breakfast burritos. Dynamite and I had never eaten there, so we didnt know what all the hype was about. We do now!

Well thanks Trey for letting me know about this hidden treasure!

Shepherd aka Jeremiah Redden

Uncle Johnny's

Day 26: Easy 6.3 miles into Erwin, TN where we are staying at Uncle Johnny's hostel, which is the nicest hostel to date! Super friendly, warm showers, warm bunkhouse with TV and plenty of movies to choose from! Cant beat that for 15 bucks! Bill: Stay here when you hike! Thanks Scott for the upcoming warning on the trail over Roan! I have heard it called Groan Mnt! Lois: This is the section in the "Then the Hail Came" called Hump and Groan...I wish I had a copy to read while I travel it!

So far it is CJ, Dynamite, Sam & I for the night. We already showered and headed into town for the all you can eat Chinese buffet at the China Kitchen! Yummy! I had 3 and half plates, so I am doing better with the AYCE!

Then we went to the Food Lion to resupply for the next 4 days, and of course I got a pint of Ben & Jerry's to eat while watching March Madness! Finally, I get to see my first 2 games! Hoping Davidson pulls off the upset!

Tonight for dinner it will be Sonic, which will have it's own post in tribute to Trey....an avid Sonic fan...so stay tuned! Then it is a sermon by Pastor Broggi and probably National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation for a night cap movie!

God bless,
Shepherd!

Hot Tub.jpg

Hot Tub.jpg, originally uploaded by Hikingfool.

This is the hot tub at the Hot Springs Suites. It uses the mineral spring waters that make this town famous. It was very nice. I totally recommend this place if you dont mind spending a little extra money. If not Elmers is the place to stay in this town. I would shy away from the Creekside Inn.

Well said my farewell to Amee, but we will see each other in 3 weeks in Pearisburg.

Of course my pack is too heavy. To much food and out of towns it is always up! Trying for 19.6 today.

PS: Thx bro...will be checking the PO in Damascus! The peppermint oil didnt work at Walnut Mnt shelter cause had a mouse run over my face while sleeping! Though it was an old shelter with brave mice.

Kimbra: thanks for the encouragement. Keep Amee out of trouble at work!

Shepherd.

Biltmore Mansion.jpg

Biltmore Mansion.jpg, originally uploaded by Hikingfool.

Day 22: My first zero day and I got to spend it with Amee! We slept in and then went to visit the Biltmore Mansion in nearby Ashville, NC.

I think we will model our next house after this one! lol. Our favorite place was the indoor heated swimming pool with under water lighting. How cool! The expansive gardens were awesome too. It was definetly a sight to behold, and imagine what a believer's place will be like in heaven! To God be the glory.

Well back to hiking tomorrow. Atleast my feet feel better.

answer to fungi that mule ate: lichens (sp?)

Shepherd

Laundry Sign.jpg

Laundry Sign.jpg, originally uploaded by Hikingfool.

Well I found Amee at 1:00 pm today in Hot Springs. Yeah! Will post more later about this town, but am doing laundry with Poncho.

I had to post this sign Amee & I found in the laundry place that could only be found in a hiker town! Hope you enjoy, thankfully Amee brought me some spare clothes!

Shepherd.

CJ's Diner

Here is a short video made at Standing Bear Farm Hostel. I hope to get more short videos up as I can. Enjoy. Just press play even though the screen is black. God bless.

Shepherd.

Hot Springs

Hello all,

Arrived in Hot Springs around 1 pm about the same time Amee arrived! Perfect timing! We checked out Creekside Inn, but it wasnt open yet so we chilled out in the outfitter and then went for lunch at the Roadside Diner. It was pretty good. Had a cheeseburger and fries. Amee a taco salad. She didn't really care for it.

Well finally after lunch, the Creekside Inn was open, but the rooms were freezing cold, no tv and very small. So, we decided to splurge abit and get a suite at the Hot Springs Spa Resort. This has a heart shaped hot tub, tv and very spacious! Good choice!

I quickly jumped into the hot tub to wash off the 2 days worth of trail funk that had accumulated on me! Amee was surprised to see so much facial hair on my baby cheeks. It is finally growing on her.

After the hot tub experience, it was time to wash my clothes which havent seen the washer for 9 days. Poncho and CJ were doing their laundry as well. There was an intersting sign in the place that I will post later once I figure why my phone wont send my pictures....so stay tuned.

After laundry we just hung around and chilled until time for American Idol. Grabbed a pizza at the local diner and are now watching American Idol! I am afraid I will get to comfortable hanging out here in Hot Springs! Loving the time with Amee though!

God bless,
Shepherd

Standing Bear Farm Hostel

Howdy All! Happy Easter! He is RISEN!

I am reminded of the chorus of "Alive Forever, Amen"

"He's Alive, Alive, Alive Hallelujah. Praise and Glory to the Lamb!
Alive, Alive Alive Hallelujah. Forever, Amen!"

Great song!

Well my battery died on me after sending out the Tribute to California Joe. He was bummed that I didnt get a more flattering picture of him! We see him eating his "Nabs" or what we northerns call...cheese and crackers, and did you see his white legs! You were probably blinded I know! That is why I am wearing pants all the time! Right on! lol.

No he is actually a fire fighter for the Northern California Forest Service! Great guy and a professing believer. I actually got to give my testimony to him as well as our dating testimony too! lol. Heck we have only been hiking for the past 7 days together. We are like bros now! Also ladies...he is single and 25 years old! hehe :O)

Well ok...back to the AT!

Day 18. We did 20.4 miles to get us to Cosby Knob Shelter. We delibertly did this to our bodies so we could get to Standing Bear farm earlier in the day on day 19. It was definetly tough but the views were AMAZING! It was all ridgeline hiking, with great weather! Couldnt have asked for a better day. I truely loved the Smokies! We met Steady On at the shelter as well, another thru-hiker that started in late Feb.

Day 19. Today we did only 11.4 miles to the Standing Bear Farm Hostel! Actually we got our directions messed up so we actually did 13.4 miles...2 unofficial. We werent happy, but we made it still by 12:30. We are officially 239.3 miles from Springer and out of the Smoky Mnt National Park. We just have a short 32.3 miles left to Hot Springs, so 2 fairly easy days ahead.

When we got to the hostel, was able to take my 3rd shower in 19 days!!!! Oh it felt sooo good! I also was able to eat an entire Digorno Supreme Pizza as well, and will have my first pint of Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream for dinner tonight! I think it is Chocolate Fudge Browny! Yum! Here at the hostel is CJ and his friend who will hike the next 5 days with us, Poncho, The General, Steady On, and Lady and the Tramp.

I just also want to give a review of the Hostel for any future hikers...4 stars! Great place. Very nice. Plenty of food to eat, hot showers, internet access. Highly recommending staying the night if you are able!

Well anyway. Thanks for all the encouraging comments and prayers!

PS: Yeh, I might be needing a refresher on the peppermint oil. How about sending one to Damascus, VA. I am about 13 days away from there. Just address it to Jeremiah Redden...Hold for Thru-hiker. If it isnt much trouble! So far it has worked wonders! Thanks a million!

NOC.jpg

NOC.jpg, originally uploaded by Hikingfool.

Well day 12 is in the books. Officially hiked 16.5 miles (my longest so far). I am at the NOC, which is 134.9 miles Springer & 2041.3 miles to Katahdin. The NOC is the Nantahala Outdoor Center, which would be a nice place for a retreat. lol. Tomorrow I plan to do 16 miles to Brown Fork Gap Shelter, then to Fontana Dam the next day.

Thanks everyone for all the encouraging comments. They really help.

Russell: Great to meet ya. I hope to check out your program on YouTube when I get the chance! Lord willing I will have many opportunities to share my testimony, even if I can't I hope by my actions I stand out for God! Since I am His ambassador on this trek! I would be happy to hike with anyone out here.
Bill Bolander: When you get to this area when you start your hike. The 6.5 miles from Wesser tower to NOC is tough! Lots of steep up & downs. Not many switchbacks. Rivers end has great food. Wesser General store has limited food.
DaisyGirl: Yeh, glad my trail name isnt Cookie Monster!

Breakfast Club.jpg

Breakfast Club.jpg, originally uploaded by Hikingfool.

Day 11. Good morning all. Spent the night at the Sapphire Inn. For all you future thru-hikers, Ron Haven treats you right. He is awesome. For 35 bucks for a room with free shuttle to and from trail. Also they have shuttle services around town for free. So if you need to go into Franklin..check out Haven Budget Inn. 4 stars!

We are at Wilson's Diner for breakfast. Plan to finally eat something other than poptarts. Eggs and biscuits!

Well heavy rain is in the forecast with baseball size hail. Will only do 11 miles today to get to wayah shelter.

Here at breakfast is popeye, california joe, greg, macky, lil mak, chair, limestone, cahoda, krt, & silas.

Shepherd.

The Hiawasee Inn.jpg

The Hiawasee Inn.jpg, originally uploaded by Hikingfool.

Just wanted to give free advertisement for the Hiawasee Inn. It isnt much to look at but they have treated me well, and even did my laundry for me...and folded it too! It is definetly better than a shelter.

I will post a reviews about Blueberry Patch & Cloud 9 when I see hikers who stayed there...for any future thruhikers out there.

Welcome to Hiawasee!

Hello everyone!

It is 4:30 pm and I am at the public library checking out the wonderful comments you guys have left me! Thank you so much for all the encouraging words! Been having a blast so far! So far God has thrown about everything at us...snow, freezing wind and tempatures and rain...and I am still alive! Praise God!

Well today I am staying a dive called Hiawassee Inn, but it has a hot shower, warm bed and they are even doing my laundry! Plus they picked me up from the trail and will take me back tomorrow! Yeah!

After the library it is time to grocery shop and then later I am going to an "All you can eat" buffet as a steakhouse in town. I am not ravenous yet because I only bought a medium DQ blizzard this afternoon! You will know if I am really hungry when I am eating the large...but it was soooo good!

Well I only have 10 mins remaining on the computer, but I want to tell a couple of stories about 2 events that have transpired over the last few days.

The first one is about "Pearls". On saturday, the day it turn to snow in the early morning (Scott...your weather forecasting was right on!), we were just leaving the shelter when "Pearls" and her husband Alex were getting out of their tent. Well we didnt know the whole story till yesterday. They had left all their clothes out to dry over night due to the all day rain on friday. Well they didnt dry...they froze! So she had to put on those clothes and hike in the snow and freezing wind. Well I guess she got hypothermia and passed out a couple of times. Thankfully a couple weekend hikers had some emergency firewood with them and they started a fire for her to dry out! So when we saw her at Neels Gap, she actually looked good and was about to take a shower. Scary! But she is doing fine now and is staying in town tonight!

The other story happened Saturday night into Sunday morning. We left Neels gap that saturday and tarped, but they had a huge party with all you can eat food and alcohol for FREE! Why we didnt stay...who knows! But one guy named "freight train" got a little to drunk and in the morning woke up and thought he was outside...then he started to relieve himself right there in the bunkhouse! Everyone was shouting at him to get outside...and that made things worst cause he kept moving around! Finally they got him outside...but his new trail name is "Pee Train" now! Too funny. That is why you should stay away from alcohol!

Well my time is up! will update later! God bless!

Shepherd!

Neels Gap.jpg

Neels Gap.jpg, originally uploaded by Hikingfool.

Made it to Neels gap at 1030 this morning. Trail goes right through the store. Talk about bringing your customers right to you! Bought a new food sack..some snickers and poptarts. and some new insoles for my feet. The girls are doing laundry and showering..I am waiting till Hiawasee. I want the funk to be strong..although I really dont smell the other hikers..just me. Will try to tarp tonight somewhere down the road.