Zach's Thru-hike 2006
Zach's Thru-hike 2006

Friday, May 12, 2006

15. Off Trail

Gravy and horse, Watauga Lake

Watauga Dam

This is a difficult post to write, because I have to say that I'm off the trail. However, it is only until Trail Days, and due to a ripped muscle in my back. I needed a chance to rest, and figured I'd sit it out until Trail Days on the 19th. So right now I'm back in Ohio, for at least a week. But it's been great visiting all my friends here in Kent: a special shout out to my Starbucks crew, ya'all know who you are. (especially Laurie and Lori.)
I've had a great time on the trail and I'll have more; the trail isn't going anywhere. If anyone wants to go to Trail Days with me, let me know.

Posted by Tsnake :: 2:15 PM :: 14 Comments:

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---------------oOo---------------

Saturday, May 06, 2006

14. In Damascus again

Okay, so I've been a slacker. I first rolled in to this town saturday evening, and partied with Lone Wolf until tuesday. He threw an amazing barbeque on his patio, and then we blueblazed out along the Virginia Creeper Trail on tuesday, destination: hobo camp, where HoboCentral started over 12 years ago. There we camped by the Whitetop Laurel Creek...for like 5 days. We had a guitar, a drum, and a couple of harmonicas, which were expertly played by the D.C. boys: Thumbs, Tender, Gravy, and Balou. We ate steaks, ribs, double bacon cheeseburgers with pepper jack, bratwurst, hot dogs, and more. During the day we fished, waded down the creek, explored the woods and the Creeper Trail, and slept.
I don't think I've ever had this much fun. Last night we walked back into Damascus and had $1.25 Dos Equis draft beers (Cinco de Mayo) and watched the Cavs wrap up the series against the Wizards. I saw the Spurs blow out the Kings.

But I am getting out of here today, I promise.

Posted by Tsnake :: 12:16 PM :: 2 Comments:

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---------------oOo---------------

Tuesday, May 02, 2006

13. The crew


Posted by Tsnake :: 9:58 AM :: 4 Comments:

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---------------oOo---------------
12. More Pictures

Enjoying the veiw

The best campsite in the Smokies

Posted by Tsnake :: 9:47 AM :: 3 Comments:

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---------------oOo---------------

Sunday, April 30, 2006

11. Damascus, VA

Finally in Damascus! This town has a reputation as the friendliest trail town out here, and it is well deserved I think. I ran into some old friends whom I hiked with in 2000 and we will be having a hiker BBQ on monday...I can't even begin to describe these guys. They are known as HoboCentral, the Blue Blazers (see blog entry #2 I think) and the blue blaze is a trail philosophy for them. Take your time, see cool stuff, and don't stress about mileage. It's a vacation out here, why kill yourself with heavy mileage and itineraries and purism?
Anyway, so here in Damascus there is river rafting, fishing, the Virginia Creeper Trail, the A.T., and a transcontinental bike trail, amongst other things. Lots of great stuff to do. And since I have old friends here, it's gonna be hard to leave. But the trail north of here is amazing (Grayson Highlands)so I will leave sooner or later.
Oh, Fischer, I found that spot where we were swinging on vines a couple of years ago at Trail Days. Yeah. Trail Days. The biggest festival on the trail, May 19, twenty thousand people. Fun. Ya'all who read this: you should go, it rocks. More soon,
--T.Snake

Posted by Tsnake :: 4:07 PM :: 3 Comments:

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---------------oOo---------------

Monday, April 17, 2006

10. Erwin, TN

Okay, now I'm in Erwin to pick up a drop. I'm currently sharing a room with Tecumseh, Cool hand, Grinds, and 42, and all is well. It is finally warmer out here and I am reunited with the hikers that I went into Gatlinburg with (and had so much fun). We ordered 5 pizzas and got a case of beer, and got showered and laundered. It's funny how much thru-hiking fosters an appreciation of the minor but essential pleasures in life, such as eating, having a roof over your head, and being able to shower. I don't think a shower has ever felt sweeter, especially after the recent hot weather. Spring is emerging and so are the insects, and I am thankful to be free of bugs for at least one night. I saw a large frog and a salamander on the trail on my way down into Erwin, and last week I saw an impressive grey owl and several wild turkey. More pictures by Damascus, I promise. Hope all is well with everyone, and a special hello to current hikers and their families who may happen to view this blog.

Posted by Tsnake :: 11:32 PM :: 8 Comments:

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---------------oOo---------------

Saturday, April 15, 2006

9. More pics, cont'd.

Snow on the mountain

The wacky oak at Bly Gap

I'm now on my way back to Hot Springs to pick up the trail once again. The next major stop will be Damascus, Virginia, where I will be leaving three states behind and starting the longest single-state section on the trail. I will definitely update again there, but in between I may be able to check in and read mesages and such. Hello to all in Kent and in San Antonio!

Posted by Tsnake :: 11:54 PM :: 5 Comments:

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---------------oOo---------------
8. More pics

Up in the heights


Sunset on Springer Mt.

Posted by Tsnake :: 11:46 PM :: 2 Comments:

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---------------oOo---------------

Tuesday, April 11, 2006

7. In Hot Springs!

Whoo! I'm in Hot Springs, NC, and I have once again survived the Great Smoky Mountains National Park! The Smokies are the most beautiful, most rugged, most dangerous, and most exciting to hike mountains east of the Rockies, and they always seem to school me. I got caught in a rainstorm that was spitting hail at me so hard that it left bruises...and soaked me to the bone of course. Up on the ridgeline there's nowhere to hide, either, so there is no option except to hike on to the next backcountry shelter. In this case it was 8 miles away, and this particular one was undergoing rennovation and had no roof! The look on my face when I found out might have made a good Kodak moment. Anyway, that was one day of crappy weather amongst many many other days of amazing weather and awesome views. So far, I've been lucky in terms of weather and all.
I will be taking a few days off here to go to Asheville with Laura, so soon this blog will be updated retroactively with all the photos which I've been taking but have been unable to post. Thanks to all who have read this blog so far, and please feel free to leave comments or email me at Tsnake333@Hotmail.com .

Posted by Tsnake :: 3:13 PM :: 11 Comments:

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---------------oOo---------------

Thursday, March 30, 2006

6. In Franklin, NC

Okay, so now I'm past the 100-mile mark and out of Georgia, staying in a hotel in Franklin, NC. Yesterday me and about 25 hikers slackpacked 10 miles north of Winding Stair Gap, allowing us to stay an extra night in town. The owner of our hotel, local businessman Ron Haven, has been a great help here in town, shuttling hikers around, slackpacking us, and even offering special hiker hotel rates. So it's been a hard place to leave, but today we head out from Wayah Bald, where there was a beautiful 360-degree view of the surrounding mountains yesterday.
Once again I have been screwed in the photograph department, as there turns out to be nowhere in town to develop 35-mm film. But in two weeks at the latest I promise to have lots of great photos up here on the blog, including the ice and snow storms of last week, and the great sunny weather and awesome vistas of this week. All has been well so far, excepting a left foot full of blisters and bruises and a sore right knee, but no pain, no gain, I suppose. I did my longest day of this hike so far the day before yesterday as I hiked 19.7 miles in order to catch up with my Springer Mountain crew. Next up is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and some blueblazing, something which i am looking forward to a great deal.
Updated with picture 4-13-06

Posted by Tsnake :: 8:49 AM :: 5 Comments:

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---------------oOo---------------




Zach's Thru-hike 2006

Friday, May 12, 2006

15. Off Trail

Gravy and horse, Watauga Lake

Watauga Dam

This is a difficult post to write, because I have to say that I'm off the trail. However, it is only until Trail Days, and due to a ripped muscle in my back. I needed a chance to rest, and figured I'd sit it out until Trail Days on the 19th. So right now I'm back in Ohio, for at least a week. But it's been great visiting all my friends here in Kent: a special shout out to my Starbucks crew, ya'all know who you are. (especially Laurie and Lori.)
I've had a great time on the trail and I'll have more; the trail isn't going anywhere. If anyone wants to go to Trail Days with me, let me know.

Posted by Tsnake :: 2:15 PM :: 14 Comments:

Post / Read Comments

---------------oOo---------------

Saturday, May 06, 2006

14. In Damascus again

Okay, so I've been a slacker. I first rolled in to this town saturday evening, and partied with Lone Wolf until tuesday. He threw an amazing barbeque on his patio, and then we blueblazed out along the Virginia Creeper Trail on tuesday, destination: hobo camp, where HoboCentral started over 12 years ago. There we camped by the Whitetop Laurel Creek...for like 5 days. We had a guitar, a drum, and a couple of harmonicas, which were expertly played by the D.C. boys: Thumbs, Tender, Gravy, and Balou. We ate steaks, ribs, double bacon cheeseburgers with pepper jack, bratwurst, hot dogs, and more. During the day we fished, waded down the creek, explored the woods and the Creeper Trail, and slept.
I don't think I've ever had this much fun. Last night we walked back into Damascus and had $1.25 Dos Equis draft beers (Cinco de Mayo) and watched the Cavs wrap up the series against the Wizards. I saw the Spurs blow out the Kings.

But I am getting out of here today, I promise.

Posted by Tsnake :: 12:16 PM :: 2 Comments:

Post / Read Comments

---------------oOo---------------

Tuesday, May 02, 2006

13. The crew


Posted by Tsnake :: 9:58 AM :: 4 Comments:

Post / Read Comments

---------------oOo---------------
12. More Pictures

Enjoying the veiw

The best campsite in the Smokies

Posted by Tsnake :: 9:47 AM :: 3 Comments:

Post / Read Comments

---------------oOo---------------

Sunday, April 30, 2006

11. Damascus, VA

Finally in Damascus! This town has a reputation as the friendliest trail town out here, and it is well deserved I think. I ran into some old friends whom I hiked with in 2000 and we will be having a hiker BBQ on monday...I can't even begin to describe these guys. They are known as HoboCentral, the Blue Blazers (see blog entry #2 I think) and the blue blaze is a trail philosophy for them. Take your time, see cool stuff, and don't stress about mileage. It's a vacation out here, why kill yourself with heavy mileage and itineraries and purism?
Anyway, so here in Damascus there is river rafting, fishing, the Virginia Creeper Trail, the A.T., and a transcontinental bike trail, amongst other things. Lots of great stuff to do. And since I have old friends here, it's gonna be hard to leave. But the trail north of here is amazing (Grayson Highlands)so I will leave sooner or later.
Oh, Fischer, I found that spot where we were swinging on vines a couple of years ago at Trail Days. Yeah. Trail Days. The biggest festival on the trail, May 19, twenty thousand people. Fun. Ya'all who read this: you should go, it rocks. More soon,
--T.Snake

Posted by Tsnake :: 4:07 PM :: 3 Comments:

Post / Read Comments

---------------oOo---------------

Monday, April 17, 2006

10. Erwin, TN

Okay, now I'm in Erwin to pick up a drop. I'm currently sharing a room with Tecumseh, Cool hand, Grinds, and 42, and all is well. It is finally warmer out here and I am reunited with the hikers that I went into Gatlinburg with (and had so much fun). We ordered 5 pizzas and got a case of beer, and got showered and laundered. It's funny how much thru-hiking fosters an appreciation of the minor but essential pleasures in life, such as eating, having a roof over your head, and being able to shower. I don't think a shower has ever felt sweeter, especially after the recent hot weather. Spring is emerging and so are the insects, and I am thankful to be free of bugs for at least one night. I saw a large frog and a salamander on the trail on my way down into Erwin, and last week I saw an impressive grey owl and several wild turkey. More pictures by Damascus, I promise. Hope all is well with everyone, and a special hello to current hikers and their families who may happen to view this blog.

Posted by Tsnake :: 11:32 PM :: 8 Comments:

Post / Read Comments

---------------oOo---------------

Saturday, April 15, 2006

9. More pics, cont'd.

Snow on the mountain

The wacky oak at Bly Gap

I'm now on my way back to Hot Springs to pick up the trail once again. The next major stop will be Damascus, Virginia, where I will be leaving three states behind and starting the longest single-state section on the trail. I will definitely update again there, but in between I may be able to check in and read mesages and such. Hello to all in Kent and in San Antonio!

Posted by Tsnake :: 11:54 PM :: 5 Comments:

Post / Read Comments

---------------oOo---------------
8. More pics

Up in the heights


Sunset on Springer Mt.

Posted by Tsnake :: 11:46 PM :: 2 Comments:

Post / Read Comments

---------------oOo---------------

Tuesday, April 11, 2006

7. In Hot Springs!

Whoo! I'm in Hot Springs, NC, and I have once again survived the Great Smoky Mountains National Park! The Smokies are the most beautiful, most rugged, most dangerous, and most exciting to hike mountains east of the Rockies, and they always seem to school me. I got caught in a rainstorm that was spitting hail at me so hard that it left bruises...and soaked me to the bone of course. Up on the ridgeline there's nowhere to hide, either, so there is no option except to hike on to the next backcountry shelter. In this case it was 8 miles away, and this particular one was undergoing rennovation and had no roof! The look on my face when I found out might have made a good Kodak moment. Anyway, that was one day of crappy weather amongst many many other days of amazing weather and awesome views. So far, I've been lucky in terms of weather and all.
I will be taking a few days off here to go to Asheville with Laura, so soon this blog will be updated retroactively with all the photos which I've been taking but have been unable to post. Thanks to all who have read this blog so far, and please feel free to leave comments or email me at Tsnake333@Hotmail.com .

Posted by Tsnake :: 3:13 PM :: 11 Comments:

Post / Read Comments

---------------oOo---------------

Thursday, March 30, 2006

6. In Franklin, NC

Okay, so now I'm past the 100-mile mark and out of Georgia, staying in a hotel in Franklin, NC. Yesterday me and about 25 hikers slackpacked 10 miles north of Winding Stair Gap, allowing us to stay an extra night in town. The owner of our hotel, local businessman Ron Haven, has been a great help here in town, shuttling hikers around, slackpacking us, and even offering special hiker hotel rates. So it's been a hard place to leave, but today we head out from Wayah Bald, where there was a beautiful 360-degree view of the surrounding mountains yesterday.
Once again I have been screwed in the photograph department, as there turns out to be nowhere in town to develop 35-mm film. But in two weeks at the latest I promise to have lots of great photos up here on the blog, including the ice and snow storms of last week, and the great sunny weather and awesome vistas of this week. All has been well so far, excepting a left foot full of blisters and bruises and a sore right knee, but no pain, no gain, I suppose. I did my longest day of this hike so far the day before yesterday as I hiked 19.7 miles in order to catch up with my Springer Mountain crew. Next up is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and some blueblazing, something which i am looking forward to a great deal.
Updated with picture 4-13-06

Posted by Tsnake :: 8:49 AM :: 5 Comments:

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---------------oOo---------------