3 states down. . . 10 to go!

3/22/07 19.1 mile slackpack from Iron Mtn Gap back to Erwin, TN. So let me tell you about slackpacking. It means you get a shuttle to a spot on the trail north of where you are at and then you hike the AT south back to the destination you started. Some people aren't big fans. I say, I am still doing the mileage and it gives my aching body a little bit of a break because we just carry a day pack, in my case a fanny back from the top part of my backpack. Very cool! Today was probably one of my favorite days on the trail. It was amazing. I hiked with Jen, Fed Ex, Cough Drop, Guthook, and Turbo. We hiked together most of the day, found this amazing spring to have a snack, just had great conversations. It went by really fast. The best part is after this long day, we got to go back to Miss janet's and had mango margaritas and pizza - can't beat that after a day of hiking!

3/23/07 6 miles to Clyde Smith Shelter. It was hard putting back on a pack after the small fanny pack yesterday. Gave our bodies a bit of a rest day and just did a few miles but did manage to carry some margaritas in to camp. Made for an interesting evening - Jen and Cough Drop had me rolling. Ran into a bunch of thru-hikers behind us just before we left Miss Janet's. It was good to see them all still on the trail. I feel so blessed to be out here right now - there is no where else I'd rather be. Before I left today, Miss Janet gave me a hair cut, rather she shaved my head. With the heat we are experiencing out here, it was definitely worth it. Mouse Trap got the same hair cut.

3/24/07 12.7 miles to Overmountain area. There is a really cool shelter that was used in a movie that we wanted to stay at tonight after going over big Roan Mountain but it was so crowded (like 30 people in and around the shelter) - no thanks! We all decided to tent it, Comer and Jean and Osprey and Mouse Trap also joined us. My tummy was not feeling all that hot today so we got into camp early and just chilled out.

3/25/07 17.4 miles to Mountaineer Falls Shelter. This shelter was built just last year - very swank for us thru-hikers. It was so hot today, 85 degrees. When you are hiking, this means insanely hot and lots of sweating. I must say, I had to take the shirt off and hike in the sports bra. Can you say chaffing? I have got to figure out some system to make that better! Besides the heat, I had a great day. Hiked with Jen and Guthook today. We "borrowed" some water from a church near the trail, played at Jones Creek Falls (Jen did some nice climbing up the falls :)), and then found some trail magic in the creek. That's right, someone left unopend cold cans of beer in the creek. You just can't beat that on a hot day! I love my life!

3/26/07 15.8 miles to Kincora Hostel. I was moving a bit sluggish this morning despite the fact that I get to go to a hostel tonight. After lunch, I felt good and was finally moving. About a mile from the hostel, I took a bad spill and turned my ankle pretty good. I hobbled down to Kincora and ouch! I iced all afternoon and decided I should take it easy the next day. It's amazing how the trail teaches you lessons when you least expected. I need to slow down sometimes and now I get to! I was able to eat almost an entire pizza by myself - mmm good!

3/27/07 9 mile slackpack from 321 back to kincora. I decided to take it easy today and hike without my pack but still get in some mileage. Turned out to be a great idea. My ankle was all taped up and feeling better. I had a great hike today with Guthook, Mouse Trap and Jen. We found this great swimming hole at the end of the trail that Bob (Kincora hostel owner) recommended. It felt so good to soak the ankle and the feet. MT and Jen actually got in to the balmy 35 degree water. I need it to be a bit hotter outside for me to get in! Got back and took it easy the rest of the day. Had an amazing dinner of grilled salmon and strawberry shortcake. Glad I decided to stay an extra night - thanks for the advice Bob and Pat!

3/28/07 23 miles to Double Springs Shelter. My biggest mile day yet and I felt great - i completed it in 9 hours, just before the thunderstorm hit. Hiked by myself today and really enjoyed it. Met a section hiker at the shelter and we watched the thunderstorm while eating dinner. Can't say I minded being in the shelter and not outside. Mouse Trap wasn't so lucky but made it there shortly.

3/29/07 Yeah Damascus! I crossed into Virginia today via 18.3 miles. So excited - I was grinning like a little kid after I passed the state line. Can't believe I made it to Virginia. It feels good to be here. I made it into town pretty early so I grabbed a snack with Guthook and Cough Drop. Guthook decided to take it easy because it foot is bothering him so I get to hike with him a few more days. I love these guys! We decided to be normal for a change and headed into town for a movie - it felt so weird. Let's just say we are a very smelly bunch and I was massaging my foot during the movie. I feel bad for the other patrons. Met Mo Lasses in town and had fun with him this evening.

3/30/07 23.8 mile slackpack from Elk Garden. Decided to do another slackpack to get some mileage in before the weekend when we are taking a day off. It was a bit foggy this morning (pic of Guthook and Cough Drop) but it cleared up and turned into a beautiful day. My feet were hurting toward the end but made really good time. Alleycat and Hawk showed up in town, along with Comer and Jean. It's a big party. Took the best bath I've ever had in a whirlpool tub at Old Mill Inn and then Bridgette got into town. We had a great dinner with the boys and Pilgrim and then headed to bed by 10. I was looking forward to seeing some live music but I was so tired and full after our 5:30 am wake up and 24 mile hike today!

3/31/07 Yeah it's my day off- just updating stuff, laundry, and lots of eating. Even Guthook is taking the day off. Our bodies need nourishment and rest. Going to go through the pack today and see what else I can get rid of or exchange for less weight. Virginia is over 400 miles so we will be here awhile.

Thanks for all the love and support. I have completed 490 miles so far and I wouldn't have gotten this far without words of encouragment. A little news annoucement. I was offered a Graduate Assistantship at the University of Georgia to teach undergrads while I am getting my Masters Degree and have decided to go there next year. Pretty excited to know where I am going when I finish. I guess I am not finished with Georiga yet - I am a bit attached to my family down there.

Love you guys,

Kentucky Blue

Yeah - Erwin, TN

Made it from Hot Springs, NC to Erwin, TN in four days. Had some crazy mileage day but feeling pretty good right now. Pictures are of Guthook and Turbo listening to some awesome bluegrass music. The view from above Erwin, TN and then me at this awesome overlook in North Carolina.

3/18/07 Hiked 11 miles from Hot Springs to Spring Mountain Shelter. Starting to see more people on the trail. Got a little chilly tonight but happy to be back on the trail. Hiked some today with Pilgrim and also Jen. It's nice to have some conversations while hiking. They pushed on past the shelter but I'm sure we'll see them soon.

3/19/07 Hiked my biggest mileage day yet - 21.3 miles. Whew! I am tired just thinking about it. Actually it was a pretty good day. After hiking a few miles in the morning, I saw a sign for some trail magic. Trail magic is any good thing that happens to hikers that is ususally performed by former thru-hikers or just nice people. This couple that thru-hiked in 1999 regularly open their home for free food to hikers. Not just any food, but really yummy food. I had a belgium waffle, several cookies, hot cocoa. Thanks so much Fal and Hercules! After stuffing myself, I still had 16 miles to do. It was a long day but well worth it. The views were amazing. I felt like I was hiking in the jungle book.

3/20/07 18.8 miles to Bald Mountain Shelter. My feet are hurting today. I am losing another toenail (no pics this time :) but still in good spirits. The rain came right as we were getting into the shelter. I have had just a great time the past few nights. Met up with Alleycat and Hawk and still hiking with Turbo, Guthook, Jen, and Coughdrop. They have had me cracking up. I am definitely in good company!

3/21/07 16.9 miles into Erwin, TN. Great day today, really foggy in the morning but cleared up nicely this afternoon. My body feels better today. Hiked most of the day with Turbo and had some good conversations. Fed Ex caught up with us and we strolled into town. It's about 4 miles into town but luckily a nice guy who lives near the trail gave us a ride! Just got to Miss Janet's, definitely the place to be. Finally catching up with some folks that I have been reading about in the shelter journals at night. It's nice to put some faces to the trail names. Looking forward to feasting tonight. I realized I have lost about 8 pounds and we all know I don't have much to lose these days!

I hope everybody is doing well. Thanks for all the comments, concern, and good wishes my way. They are keeping me safe out here!

Love,

Kentucky Blue

Made it to Hot Springs

We made it to Hot Springs, NC woo hoo! and i am posting some pictures as promised.

3/13/07 Christy and Shannon dropped me, Guthook, and Cough Drop back on the trail at Newfound Gap after a much needed shower and meal in Gatlinburg. We did about 16 miles today, saw some crazy ice just north of Icewater Springs Shelter. It covered the trail. Cough Drop took some pictures and hope to post some later.

3/14/07 What a great day - did about 18 miles to Standing Bear Farm, .1 mile off the trail right after the Smokies. Can't believe I am already out of the Smokies. This place was great - Curtis and Marie own it and they were very welcoming. I was able to eat 3/4 of my own pizza - yeah me! it was a treat to have two showers in one week. My feet are still hurting a bit but definitely healing. Crossed under our first interstate today - I-40 in North Carolina. What a crazy feeling!

3/15/07 15.5 miles to Roaring Fork Shelter. Caught up with some other northbounders yesterday - otto, toesocks 1/2, Pilgrim and Jen. Hopefully we will be seeing them later on the trail. Everybody has a different story and a different reason to be out here. Looked like it was going to rain all day today but it didn't until 6 pm.

3/16/07 Did 18 miles in 7 hours. We were definitely moving. Nothing like food, shower, and hostel to get hikers moving. Oh yeah, rain all day doesn't hurt either. Rained most of the day today but we just kept moving and eventually made it to Hot Springs, NC. The trail goes right through town. I'm staying at Sunnybank Inn where they served organic vegetarian cuisine. Yum! It was built in the 1800s. Me and Guthook got the last room and had to share a bed but we didn't care. Yeah flannel sheets and down comforter and a pillow!

3/17/07 My first zero day!!! Bridgette came up from Atlanta and we all went to breakfast at the Duckett House. Cough Drop and his friend bought us all breakfast. It was so amazing - homemade soysage and banana pancakes. I'm beginning to enjoy this zero day. Getting ready to head to the "hot springs" that the town in known for and go for a soak. I can't wait. More food later and hopefully catch up on some basketball scores.

I am a bit ahead of schedule and wanted to let you all know some dates I will be in towns the next few weeks:

Erwin, TN 3/21
Damascus, VA 3/30 and a zero day on 3/31
Atkins, VA 4/4

By the time I reach Harpers Ferry, WV (approx. halfway), I will probably be 6 days ahead of schedule. I am doing really good with hiking and enjoying my two companions - Guthook and Cough Drop. Guthook will soon be leaving us to hike a bit faster in order to finish by July 1st.

Hope you enjoyed the update. Miss and love everyone!
Kentucky Blue





Below are some pics from the first few weeks on the trail. Sunrise on clingman's dome, lost my first toenail, me and some of the boys at the "Fontana hilton", our first night at a hostel, me atop Wesser Bald, after hiking a long day getting to the shelter, and a sunset view over the handicap accessible privy. These crack me up - only in Georgia - someone in a wheelchair can't hike up the 13 miles to get to the privy but they can wheel their chair over to the privy no problem.

The Next Few Days!

3/2/07 It was really hard to get back on the trail when all of my new friends decided to stay an extra day at the hostel. Guthook got a serious nosebleed and Cough Drop wasn't feeling that hot. But I headed out to do just 4 miles to Plumorchard Shelter and ran into Hatchet Jack who I met earlier last week. We figured out we were on the same schedule for a few days so I was relieved that I wouldn't be out by myself just yet! By the way, blisters still hurt a lot but hopefully the new boots will help!

3/3/07 Did a 12.3 mile day to Standing Indian Shelter. Got a little chilly out - about 15 degrees - brrr! Did a little breakfast in bed aka cooked granola in the shelter in my sleeping bag. I had to take a sleeping pill last night because i haven't been able to sleep. Can't figure out if that is making me sluggish today or just getting used to hiking again!

3/4/07 Still really chilly - had snow on the ground this morning at the top of Standing Indian mountain. Me and Hatchet Jack are still hiking together until Franklin. We did 14.4 miles to Big Creek shelter. Summited Albert Mountain today and it was a lot of fun. There were some serious steep climbing but the weather was sunny and it just felt fun. Met some new folks on the trail that were out for the week.

3/5/07 What a day today! I did a 20.6 mile day. i can't even believe I did that! Hatchet Jack got off the trail to go into Franklin, NC. I ran into a trail angel (someone who routinely does nice things for thru-hikers) at a shelter this morning. He had orange soda! i was so excited because my water bladder and bottle froze last night despite my attempts to keep it from doing so. He said he just dropped off some hikers that were going to camp near Wayah Bald. I felt really great today so I decided to see if I could catch up with those guys. Pulled into camp around 5:15 after summiting Wayah. It was so beautiful. Those guys are Garrett and Adam and they are from Georgia too - just graduated college. Set up my tent (rather my rainfly and footprint since I sent home the rest of my tent) and called it a night.

3/6/07 Another big day today - 16 miles to Rufus Morgan Shelter. A lot of down hill today and my feet hurt. I have some new blisters from my new boots and ouch! But the ones on my heels are finally starting to heal - thank God! Spent the night with Garrett and Adam again - we had a lot of fun talking about our favorite restaurants in Atlanta and Athens, GA. It is amazing how hungry I have gotten out here. Food is a big deal!

3/7/07 Only .8 mile into the NOC. So excited to see Bridgette and Tanya. They brought beer and some lighter gear. I am/was very thankful. They are defintely the best. Went to Bryson City for some yummy italian food and then on a bit of an excursion to Slyva, N C to find Guthook some new undies. He is having some serious chafing issues. Him and Cough Drop caught back up with me after spending the extra day at the hostel. Yeah - I get to hike with those guys again. We always have a lot of fun! It was hard to say goodbye to Tanya and Bridgette but their visit definitely energized me and lightened my load!

3/8/07 16 mile day to Brownfork Shelter. Long day of hiking with lots of uphill but that pancake and egg breakfast really helped me out. Hatchet Jack caught up with us again too. It was like a big party at the shelter. Looking forward to the Smokies - only a day away!

3/9/07 12.7 mile day to Fontana Hilton. However, the Fontana Hilton isn't all what it's cracked up to me. It's supposed to be this really posh shelter with showers and a bathroom really close. However the visitor center with showers isn't open for the season yet and the bathroom was out of order. Plus the shetler ran out of water the next morning. Go figure! It was still a beautiful day to hike and it was nice to get to the shelter early and just rest up a bit.

3/10/07 17 miles to spence field shelter. First day in the Smokies! I rocked it out in the morning. It was definitely a self-esteem boost to finally pass some hikers up the mountain. Started passing some spring-breakers who are not as in shape as someone who has been hiking for two weeks. Made it 11 miles by 12:45 pm. The trails in the Smokies were very nicely graded, aka not so steep uphill but lots of switchbacks. A nice change from the Nantahala region. It has been fun seeing some people. Some guys gave us some homemade caramel candy that made my day at lunchtime!

3/11/07 13.7 miles to Double Spring Gap shelter. Walking a little slower today because we can. Enjoyed Silers Bald and ran into some more spring breakers. Can't wait to meet my friends tomorow in Gatlinburg for my R and R. There were some interesting folks at the shelter today - all sorts of people out here!

3/12/07 Made it 11 miles to Newfound Gap where Duck and Peace met me, Guthook, and Coughdrop. Also met some friendly folks from kentucky that brought KFC and mountain dew for thruhikers. I don't eat chicken but I wolfed down 3 biscuits and a mountain dew in no time. We strapped our packs to the Jeep and headed to Gatlinburg. getting ready to head to dinner now - i'm thinking salad, potato, and a nice piece of salmon. and probably a beer or two :)

So i am not sure what's up with this computer but it is not letting me hook up my camera to the computer. i will be in hot springs, nc on fri/sat so i promise to post some pics this weekend!

I miss and love everyone! I am having a great time and have some great hiking buddies right now. Thanks for everyone's support.
Love,
Kentucky Blue

Week One

Hey Guys! Made it through my first week. Yeah! Will upload more pics soon. Only one for now.

Day One: Left my Atlanta posse at Amicalola Falls State Park. It was kind of hard. I love you guys! Hiked up 8 and 1/2 miles straight up. It was a bit much with a 45 pound pack. But I made it up to the top just in time for a rain storm. Good times

Day Two: 14.9 miles to Gooch Mountain Shelter. My body and feet hurt. Twisted my ankle a few times and got several very large blisters. Ouch! But I made it and met some cool folks. I have befriended a fellow thru-hiker from Maine that is hiking roughly the same schedule I am for awhile. We will probably hike together thru the Smokies. His trail name is Guthook.

Day Three: Only 12.4 miles to Woods Hole Shelter. Beautiful weather - 60 degrees and sunny. Met some more awesome thru-hikers - Bushwacker, Taken, Carefree, and Dean. Also hiked with a father and son team that were very friendly. I am a bit jealous of how light some hikers packs are - 30 lbs!

Day Four: 14.6 miles today, so many beautiful views today starting with Blood Mountain, the highest point on the AT in Georgia. Then on to Neels Gap to drop off some pack weight. Shaved off 7 pounds of gear. Thank God! Still looking to shave a few more pounds. Don 't need too many luxuries out here.

Day Five: 15.1 miles to Tray Mountain Shelter. Long day but spirits are good. Met Cough Drop and Wonder yesterday and hanging out with Cough Drop for the next few days. We are all headed to the Hostel tomorrow. Also met our first south bounder. Can't imagine being almost finished!

Day 6: 11 miles in the pouring rain and sleet. Good times. It was crazy. So happy to get to Cloud 9 hostel. They were so friendly. Robes to wear while clothes were drying after showering. My feet still hurt but my new boots were overnighted here so hopefully things will improve. Can't wait to see my best friends at NOC next week.

I am doing okay everyone. I miss you all and I will talk to you soon.

Love,

Kentucky Blue