Hello All,
We are in Franklin, North Carolina and have now hiked ~106 miles of the trail. We crossed into North Carolina the day before yesterday!! We've had a tough past 2 days as temperatures dropped from the 70's into the low 20's and teens with high winds. We have had two really long mileage days as well, with yesterday being a 19 mile day and the day before 17 miles, both hiked on only 1-2 hours of sleep due to the cold. We are going to get a little r&r here in Franklin and then head back on the trail tomorrow. During our past two days we have had some great "Trail Magic" which really helped lift our spirits. Yesterday, after having already hiked 14 or so miles in the cold we came across a man "fishin' fred" who was at a road crossing cooking chili and hot dogs and had cold drinks and desserts, the whole bit. We got to share that with several other hikers including "iron chefs" 3 guys we've spent several nights with who are awesome! More "Trail Magic" was found mid morning today as we crossed a stream after a climb and sitting in the cold stream were a bunch of Capri Sun juices, those never tasted so good. The people we have met have been absolutely amazing both on and off the trail, it helps to see the kindness in people that sometimes we forget in our busy everyday lives. We are eating well and eating plenty. Have had some sore feet and sore muscles, but all in all continue to do well. Oh also we forgot to mention that the first night we arrived in Georgia before heading onto the trail we encountered a cool opportunity. We met a professor from Alma College, John Davis who is doing a study on AT hikers regarding their fitness and nutritional changes, is that up my alley or what?! So we had to do numerous tests regarding out percent body fat, urine samples, lung capacity and more. He will be finding us on the trail in Virginia and then again in Maine upon completion to see changes. He was a great guy and we are happy to be a part of his study!
Well our next stop with the possibility of computer access with be right when we get ready to enter Great Smoky Mountains National Park! It's an adventure everyday and both Ben and I are happy to be sharing it together. O.k. lastly today we took a little detour per Ben to see the 2nd largest poplar tree in America, it was 27 feet in circumference. Ben kind of had to drag me to walk that extra distance for a tree, but he's been so good to me and a little nature school never hurt anyone :)
We miss and love everyone back home!
15 comments:
Woof to you both. Glad to see you're finally getting the idea that sleeping on the bed, like I do, is the only way to go. Those hot dogs sound good too. Capri suns don't cut it for me however, I prefer to simply drink from the stream. Running through culverts is fun too if you get the chance. Are there any canine angels that leave bisquits or kibbles or any good stuff like that? Also, when I go on a "13" mile hike I usually log about 20 miles. Call me crazy but I like to run back and forth a bit. There's a lot to sniff out there in the woods.Keep in touch.WOOF WOOF.
Miller gave me the link to your blog and it is great to be able to put a name and face together. Miller said it has been great hiking with you. I think you need to share some cooking tips with the Iron Chefs. Your food looks better than what the guys have been cooking for themselves. I hope they continue to see you along the trail all the way to Maine. Happy Hiking!
you guys are amazing! at this rate it seems like you'll be back in maine before the snow melts.
keepin' it real,
libby.
Hey Ben,
I used to be a faculty member at UMaine and am now at Virginia Tech. The Boyle Prize that you were just awarded was named in memory of my Dad. When you are coming through Western Virginia please feel free to stop by our house for a warm meal, shower and overnight. Our house is in the mountains just two miles off the trail, about 10 miles after you cross the New River. My office phone is 540-231-6301.
K Boyle
Hey guys!
Amanda, we saw Auntie Becky and your mom at grammies house yesterday and got your blogspot address. Chuck and I are thinking of you both. Sounds like you are doing well so far.
Take care,
Love,
Auntie De
Hey, That's some tree, the pictures are wonderful to see, it makes it real.for us. Glad you are meeting some good hikers, sounds like there are a few Angels out there as well. The study guy seems interesting. I could use just one of those trees for the campground, that would be sweeeet! Your Dad had the speedometer fixed in your car, so when you get home you'll still know how many miles you travel in a day!!! Just kidding, love you both, stay safe, happy, and well. Miss you, Mom & Dad
Hi there!
The pictures are awesome! Your stories are great! I can't believe you ran into the guy doing the study. That is so cool! (hmmmm a little extra data collection) I bet you can't wait to catch up with him again to see if there were changes. I'm glad you guys are healthy and having fun!
Talk to you soon.
Fle
p.s I think Larry is missing you guys!!
Hi Ben and Amanda, Sorry I missed your call, Ben so proud of you, the Boyle Award, what an honor!! You continue to amaze me, so proud of you. Keep on trucking, I'm exited about coming to meet you both on the trail. Stay safe and enjoy!!! Love you both, Love, Mom
hi guys, glad to hear (via marcia's posting) that you're back in our so called civilization. I hope you get the chance to post something new. I trust that this weeks weather was a huge improvement over what you faced earlier. Mom tells me the food shipment process is back on track. You did such a great job planning. I've just been stacking your mail on your bed (with the cat). The only piece that seems of interest is your federal tax return check. Advise me on an entry or call if you'd like something done with it. Bill came through his surgery just fine this week. Myra and I plan to visit him today. I hope you aches and pains are few and your beautiful sunsets many. Enjoy every second.
Love to you both, dad
Way to go!!! Great photos! Hope you've warmed up by now. Today it was in the 50s here in Vermont. Biking weather!
The AT nutrition study sounds very cool... With all that delish looking dried veggie mix I'm sure you'll keep fit and 'trim' Don't loose too much weight! Glad you're visiting an 'all you can eat' spot to counter lost pounds from shaking through the night :-)
Good Speed :-)
Love, Ned
Hi Kids, It's just one of the moms checking in. Keep sending your location and I'll keep flying overhead by way of Google Earth. Only problem is the vertigo when I come in for a landing. Makes me wonder if I should go back to dial up so I don't travel so fast. I'm hoping you are having some better weather and a wonderful trek.
The DAN-MOM
Hi guys-hope you are enjoying the walk through the smokies...The MD arrived at Fontana Dam 4 hours after you left-fun to talk with you as you were standing there about ready to cross the dam and head into the Smokies for 6 days... Box #5 is awaiting you and I will be mailing #6 today with more goodies inside. I am sending along some zinc oxide to help with the sunblock for your hands..Oh, a package arrived from LL for Ben-?extra boots... So now for a whole pile of love and light to be with you as you journey outward and inward. May your hearts be warm and open and each moment be rich and filled with blessings-
I love you
warm hugs to you both
mom
talk again soon...peace
Hey guys, O.K. It's now official, I MISS YOU! I made some turns this morning and of course thought of you. The base was firm and the surface was buttery (and slightly dirty)just the way we like it. Rode the lift with a fellow who plans to hike the trail starting in March of 09 so he can celebrate his 60th birthday on Katadin in September of 09. That made me think a bit. Actor John Barrymore says " A man is not old until regrets take the place of dreams". It sure was hard to practice for the powder 8 championship without you right on my ass. Sounds like The Iron Chefs are crankin right along. Hope they don't throw up too much of a dust cloud. Have fun, be safe and keep in touch. Oh yea, and remember Ben, I'm watching you!
3pindog
Amanda and Ben-I'm writing this and Chrissy will help with the input. Is it still very cold across those higher mountains? and? Snow? I like keeping rack of you on my map-and-hope all is going well.
Cookies are on the way!
Love Grammy
Hi Amanda! This is Carrie Hart!
Kim Alley sent me your link.. So I am watching your progress! Hope you return to MaineGeneral when you get back.. Have a wonderful adventure!
~Carrie!~
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