Diode's Appalachian Trail Hike (2011/2012)

Ed Garvey Shelter

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 05:51:04 GMT

Six miles into our AT adventure! This is our very first shelter. We took a break here, and I used Amy's cell phone to activate my debit card so I could buy food and stuff along the way.

Crampton Gap Shelter

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 05:51:04 GMT

We (dad, sisters, and I) tented here for our first night. It took us forever to bear-bag our food. Started raining right as we were setting up, and rained all night... and pretty much for the next 4 days.

Dahlgren Campsite

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 02:04:54 GMT

We camped here. It started raining hard right as we were setting up. I had set my pack on the ground and it was in a puddle in a few seconds (getting my sleeping bag wet). Didn't use the showers.

Pine Knob Shelter

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 05:51:04 GMT

We didn't like the feel of this place (too many mosquitoes). We moved on to Annapolis Rock.

Annapolis Rock Campground

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 04:49:18 GMT

We camped here. It rained after we got set up, but before that we actually got some sun and view at the overlook! We met Doppler here.
Click here for more information.

Ensign Cowall Shelter

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 05:51:04 GMT

This is the last place we stayed as a family. We met the shuttle in the morning which took everyone but me back to Harper's Ferry; I got dropped off in town where I could dry off my sleeping bag at a laundromat (and get Subway), and then I hiked back up to the trai.

Smithsburg, MD

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 04:50:27 GMT

Got Subway and put my sleeping bag in a dryer here, then walked back up the shoulderless road to the trail.

Raven Rocks Shelter

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 05:51:04 GMT

The first shelter I stayed at alone. This is a brand new shelter (opened 2011, replacing the Devil's Racecourse Shelter). I tented. First time I saw (and used) bear cables. The water is a long way away down a hill.

Quarry Gap Shelters

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 05:51:04 GMT

Very nicely maintained shelters (flowers planted where the roots of trees make a natural flower box; bear box; first time I saw wooden tent platforms). I set up my bivy on a tent platform. Scavenger was staying here too. I got up early and did my first 20+ miler the next day.

James Fry Shelter

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 05:51:04 GMT

Ended my first long day here and styed in the shelter for the first time. This is where I met the geologist who told me I probably couldn't walk through Pennsylvania with its rocky quartzite trail in my Crocs.

Darlington Shelter

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 05:51:04 GMT

I stayed here after Boiling Springs and before Duncannon.

Doyle Hotel

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 04:54:34 GMT

I missed a big thunderstorm by staying here. Good food.
Click here for more information.

Peters Mountain Shelter

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 05:51:04 GMT

Tented here coming out of Duncannon in a huge thunderstorm. It hailed for several minutes. I setup my bivy under a little rock outcropping which helped protect it from the rain. Scavenger and Skippy and several other thru-hikers were at the shelter.

501 Shelter

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 05:51:04 GMT

I tented here and rinsed off on the solar shower (which was cold)

Port Clinton, PA

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 04:56:24 GMT

I slept in the pavilion the city makes available to hikers (with Skippy and Samurai)

George W Outerbridge Shelter

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 04:57:24 GMT

I slept in the shelter here alone until ~3am when a couple of local kids came upand started a campfire and talked for a few hours. I first met Inchworm and Sprocket when they (and Mammoth) walked past while I was setting up here.

Delaware Water Gap, PA

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 04:59:43 GMT

I stayed at the hostel here. I ate at the wonderful bakery with their "True Love" hotdog and slice of apple pie for $2.50.
Click here for more information.

Mohican Outdoor Center

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 05:01:44 GMT

I camped here (they let long-distance hikers camp free)

Brink Road Shelter

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 05:51:04 GMT

Worst mosquitoes on the entire trail. I was going to stay here, but the mosquitoes were just too unbearable. I got water and ran away to the next shelter.

High Point Shelter

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 05:51:04 GMT

I stayed in the shelter here with Skippy and The Intimidator after eating lunch and lazing around at the High Point State Park beach area.

Wawayanda Shelter

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 05:51:04 GMT

This was a long, hot, 25 mile walk from High Point. But I got groceries and a milkshake. I tented here (along with Brownie, Green Mile, and Teen Bean). It started raining hard in the middle of the night... and the sun didn't come out for 3 more days.

Greenwood Lake, NY

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 05:03:02 GMT

I took the one-mile side trail down to this town. There was some kind of fair going on, and a Knight of Columbus bought me a polish sausage withe peppers and some donuts!

Bear Mountain Zoo, NY

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 05:04:23 GMT

Fort Montgomery, NY

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 05:06:09 GMT

Pizza and supplies

RPH Shelter

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 05:51:04 GMT

I walked here from the Greymoore Spiritual Life Center ballpark, where I slept the night before. There were two section hikers here who let me use their phone to order pizza and then paid for it when it arrived! I met Kayak, NB thru hiker, but never caught up to him again.

Mt. Algo Lean-to

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 05:51:04 GMT

When I got here, Climber Ed (WA1LEI) was there operating his ham radio. He made me some hotdogs and gave me some soda and candy. I then went into Kent, did laundry and bought groceries, then came back and tented near the shelter.

Kent, CT

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 05:07:10 GMT

Groceries, laundry, ice cream, thread and needle to fix backpack.

Limestone Spring Lean-to

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 05:51:04 GMT

This shelter is a half a mile (down hill) off the trail, but it was nice. I slept alone in the shelter while three guys with bivies tented down below (Osama bin Llama, and his two friends whose names I can't recall right now because they weren't as catchy as Osama bin Llama -- who was hiking with a llama stuffed animal). In the morning we all went into Salisbury where I used the local coffee shop's WiFi to order a new backpack and where I saw Coyote and Puddle Duck each eating a half gallon of ice cream.

Salisbury, CT

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 05:08:41 GMT

Groceries, coffee shop w/WiFi, ordered my new REI pack from here.

Great Barrington, MA

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 05:09:47 GMT

Groceries and then I stayed at the Econolodge!

Upper Goose Pond Cabin

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 05:51:04 GMT

This is a really nice free cabin, with a volunteer care taker, next to a pond with canoes, which is understandably popular with thru hikers. I don't think it is unusual for some people to take a zero day here and spend time on the pond. I didn't stay here, but I did come up for lunch (I camped a few miles south at the Shaker Campsite).

October Mountain Lean-to

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 05:51:04 GMT

I was the only one staying in the large shelter (most people go straight from Upper Goose Pond Cabin to Dalton, MA), but I didn't get any sleep because of the mosquitoes! I don't know why I didn't just set up my bivy.

Dalton, MA

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 05:11:54 GMT

Stayed at Tom Levardi's place. This is where I met Prescott.

Williamstown, MA

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 05:13:15 GMT

Took my first zero day here (split a room with Prescott).

Seth Warner Shelter

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 05:51:04 GMT

Stayed here after a short walk out of Williamstown (where I spent my first zero day). Prescott was here too.

Spruce Peak Shelter

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 05:51:04 GMT

I was trying to make it to Bromeley Shelter, but this place was nice and I was tired, so I stayed here. I'm glad I did because I found out in the morning that Bromeley was quite crowded. The next morning was Fourth of July.

Cooper Lodge

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 05:51:04 GMT

On top of Killington Peak. I got here just before a thunderstorm and stayed the night (alone).

AT

Inn at Long Trail

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 05:15:37 GMT

Stayed here. Pat the bartender gave me a ride into Rutland to get supplies.

Trapper John Shelter

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 05:51:04 GMT

Got here just as it started raining; slept in the shelter with Prescott, Ulee, and Legion. I met Crumbs for the first time just before this shelter, but he decided it would be fun to go up to Smarts mountain in the rain to catch Spoon.

AT

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 04:45:58 GMT

Hexacuba Shelter

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 05:51:04 GMT

It is shaped like a hexa-cube! It is big, but also the most crowded shelter I slept in (radially, with feet pointing to the center). Prescott, Legion, Pack Rat, Burly, Malarkey, Shepard, and lots of other people there.

AT

Glencliff, NH

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 05:18:43 GMT

Took a zero day at the Hiker's Welcome Hostel before entering the White Mountains.

Beaver Brook Shelter

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 05:51:04 GMT

Short hike out of Glencliff over Moosilauke to here. Nice view of the Franconia ridge.

AT

Lonesome Lake Hut

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 05:51:04 GMT

My first work for stay (out of two), along with Curmudgeon and On Time.

AT

Garfield Ridge Campsite Shelter

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 05:51:04 GMT

It cost me $8 to stay here. I stayed in the shelter with a section hiker who was just about to finish hiking all of New Hampshires 4,000-foot peaks.

AT

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 04:45:58 GMT

Ethan Pond Campsite Shelter

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 05:51:04 GMT

I also paid $8 to stay here. I tented. Not easy to find good free tenting places in the White Mountains, especially when tired.

Lake of the Clouds Hut

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 05:51:04 GMT

I did my second work-for-stay here. Lots of food!

Imp Campsite Shelter

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 05:51:04 GMT

Another $8 site (that's $24 I spent on camping in NH). All the tent platforms were taken, so I slept in the crowded shelter. Steps was there too. Curmudgeon was smart and went on to find a stealth site somewhere.

White Mountains Lodge & Hostel

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 05:24:55 GMT

Took two zero days here. Crumbs and Prescott were there, and I think we watched the entire 3rd season of Seinfeld. I shared a room with White Wolf for one night.

Gentian Pond Campsite Shelter

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 05:51:04 GMT

Hiked here after taking a zero in Gorham. Prescott was already here; Crumbs never made it because his calfs cramped up on him.

Full Goose Shelter

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 05:51:04 GMT

It was misty/rainy all day so Prescott and I decided it was best to stop here and hope for better weather in the morning before going through the Mahoosuc Notch. I'm glad we did, the next morning was beautiful!

Andover, ME

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 05:26:27 GMT

Stayed at the hostel here. I got a ride with the guy who owns Hiker's Paradise hostel in Gorham, because he was dropping off Airbelt and Robin right when I came to the road.

Bemis Mountain Lean-to

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 05:51:04 GMT

I did a 19-miler out of the hostel in Andover to get here back on schedule. I tented. Prescott and On Time were in the shelter; I was happy to catch up to them again. The next night we were all at Little Swift River Pond Campsite, but then Prescott went into Rangeley and I never saw him again.

Poplar Ridge Lean-to

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 05:51:04 GMT

This shelter has a baseball bat floor. I know what that means know. I found Crumbs and Steps here; Steps went on a bit and Crumbs and I stayed in the shelter. Might be the only shelter I stayed in in Maine.

Pierce Pond Lean-to

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 05:51:04 GMT

I tented right down by the lake. Steps, Movie Phone, Amish, and On Time were also at this shelter. In the morning Steps and I went to Harrison's Pierce Pond Camp for a 12-pancake breakfast before going down to the Kenebec River canoe ferry.

Long Pond Stream Lean-to

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 05:51:04 GMT

It rained most of the day out of Monson, but I kept getting to shelters just before downpours. Lots of hikers were here out of Monson (including Steps and Crocodile). I tented up behind the shelter. Less than 100 miles to go at this point!

East Branch Lean-to

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 05:51:04 GMT

Tented here.

AT

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 04:45:58 GMT

Stratton, ME

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 05:28:03 GMT

My first hitch; took 30 seconds. I split a motel room with Crumbs.

Caratunk, ME

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 05:28:26 GMT

Monson, ME

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 05:31:50 GMT

Last town! I took two zero-days (that's 3 nights) at Shaw's hostel. Steps, Crumbs, and I were all there for the same time and ate most of our meals together.

Mount Katahdin, ME

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 02:34:03 GMT

Met my dad in the park and hiked to the end of the trail together (August 19th)!

Black Bear

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 05:42:59 GMT

Bear right on the trail in front of me wanted my hamburger.

HI-Knoxville Harpers Ferry Hostel

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 04:34:54 GMT

I began both of my hikes at this hostel. As many pancakes as you want to make in the morning.
Click here for more information.

Appalachian Trail Conservancy Headquarters

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 04:38:36 GMT

When I checked in I was the 82nd section hiker to do so that year. There had been a record 1,015 NOBO thru hikers, and 14 SOBO thru hikers had already been through.

My photo should show up in the archive at some point: http://www.appalachiantrail.org/about-the-trail/2000-milers/hiker-photo-archive
Click here for more information.

David Lesser Shelter

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 08:24:49 GMT

Rod Hollow Shelter

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 04:41:34 GMT

I camped about 3.3 miles north of this shelter

Manassas Gap Shelter

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 08:24:49 GMT

Pioneer Motel, Front Royal

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 04:39:45 GMT

I walked into Front Royal, 3.5 miles of highway walking, in the rain... and it turned out I could have made it to the next resupply point on the trail. Oh well, motels are always fun!

Gravel Springs Hut

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 08:24:49 GMT

Pass Mountain Hut

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 04:42:57 GMT

Saw a bear cub about a mile north of this shelter.

Hightop Hut

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 04:43:56 GMT

I camped on Hightop Mtn just before this shelter, with a nice view west of the sunset.

Blackrock Hut

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 04:44:50 GMT

Saw a bear a few miles before arriving at shelter.

Calf Mountain Shelter

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 08:24:49 GMT

Comfort Inn, Waynesboro

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 04:46:53 GMT

Yellow Truck gave me a ride into town in his yellow pickup truck.
Click here for more information.

Rock Point Overlook

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 08:24:49 GMT

Harpers Creek Shelter

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 04:47:27 GMT

Camped on Cedar Cliffs near this overlook

The Priest Shelter

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 04:48:28 GMT

Stayed at this shelter on top of The Priest, the first 3,000-foot climb of my SOBO hike.

Bald Knob

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 08:24:49 GMT

Big Rocky Row

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 04:52:26 GMT

Saw a bear about a quarter mile before I got to my campsite!

Camped near a rock outcrop overlooking James River Foot Bridge. The next morning I would learn that 3 women I met hiking this day were going the wrong direction and were the subject of a fairly extensive search. They were all found the next mornin, safe.

Marble Sprint

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 04:50:13 GMT

Had lunch with a rattle snake at the campsite near the spring.

Cornelius Creek Shelter

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 08:24:49 GMT

Wilson Creek Shelter

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 04:54:28 GMT

26.1 miles... almost a marathon!

Howard Johnson Inn, Dalevill

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 04:54:52 GMT

http://www.mretc.net/~cris/AT2011/reports/20120909-daleville.html
Click here for more information.

Campbell Shelter

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 08:24:49 GMT

Pickle Branch Shelter

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 08:24:49 GMT

Sarver Hollow Shelter

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 08:24:49 GMT

Bailey Gap Shelter

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 04:55:52 GMT

Saw a bear and three trail magics this day!

Rice Field Shelter

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 04:56:21 GMT

Camped near a spring about 2 miles south of this shelter.

Wood's Hole Hostel, Pearisburg

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 04:56:53 GMT

http://www.mretc.net/~cris/AT2011/reports/20120915-pearisburg.html
Click here for more information.

Jenny Knob Shelter

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 04:57:22 GMT

21 miles in 7 hours!

Jenkins Shelter

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 08:24:49 GMT

Knot Maul Branch Shelter

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 08:24:49 GMT

Relax Inn, Groseclose

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 04:58:47 GMT

The Exxon gas station slash grocery store where I was planning to resupply before Damascus closed earlier this year! I paid the guy who runs the motel to drive me to Wal-Mart in the next town over.

Hurricane Mountain Shelter

Mon, 24 Sep 2012 23:16:26 GMT

Half way point! I did a 31.3 mile day to this nice shelter, and then had it to myself.

Mount Rogers Summit

Mon, 24 Sep 2012 23:16:46 GMT

I camped a few miles south of the side trail to get to the Mount Rogers summit.

Saunders Shelter

Mon, 24 Sep 2012 23:17:12 GMT

I camped two miles south of this shelter so I could nearo into Damascus (followed by a zero :)

The Place (Hostel)

Tue, 27 Nov 2012 02:42:26 GMT

I took a zero day at this affordable church-run hostel. I ate at the Damascus Subway four times while I was there.
Click here for more information.

Double Springs Shelter

Mon, 26 Nov 2012 03:28:11 GMT

Watauga Lake Shelter

Tue, 27 Nov 2012 02:43:04 GMT

I camped down by the lake about a half mile beyond this shelter. A tree branch almost fell on me in the middle of the night.

Kincora Hostel

Mon, 26 Nov 2012 03:28:11 GMT

Overmountain Falls Shelter

Mon, 26 Nov 2012 03:28:11 GMT

Mountain Harbour Hostel

Tue, 27 Nov 2012 02:44:42 GMT

I wasn't planning on stopping here, but I got absolutely soaked by a rainstorm and thought it would be nice to get dry and warm. I'm glad I did.
Click here for more information.

Roan High Knob Shelter

Tue, 27 Nov 2012 02:46:14 GMT

The highest shelter on the AT! There were six thru hikers here with me.

Beauty Spot Gap

Mon, 26 Nov 2012 03:28:11 GMT

Uncle Johnny's Nolichucky Hostel

Tue, 27 Nov 2012 02:47:24 GMT

Split a room here with Butter Bar, Huck, and Finn.
Click here for more information.

Big Bald

Tue, 27 Nov 2012 02:48:35 GMT

Just past the Big Bald Banding Station (where they count and band raptors). Quite windy, but a nice sunset.
Click here for more information.

Jerry Cabin

Mon, 26 Nov 2012 03:28:11 GMT

Campsite just outside of Hot Springs, NC

Tue, 27 Nov 2012 02:49:06 GMT

I camped by the river just outside of town. So many spiders!

Laughing Heart Hostel

Tue, 27 Nov 2012 02:49:51 GMT

This was a nice place. I zero'd here.
Click here for more information.

Roaring Fork Shelter

Mon, 26 Nov 2012 03:28:11 GMT

Standing Bear Hostel

Tue, 27 Nov 2012 02:51:31 GMT

I wasn't feeling very well the two days out of Hot Springs, so I decided to stay here. I bought some Ibuprofen and snacks then fell asleep at 6pm. Felt much better in the morning.
Click here for more information.

Tri-Corner Knob Shelter

Tue, 27 Nov 2012 02:52:18 GMT

Made it to the Great Smokey Mountains National Park! It was cold and misty at this shelter, and it is the first time I pulled out my hat and gloves.

Microtel in Gatlinburg, TN

Tue, 27 Nov 2012 02:52:44 GMT

I hitch-hiked into Gatlinburg for absolutely no reason at all. I love motels.

Double Spring Gap Shelter

Tue, 27 Nov 2012 02:53:31 GMT

I met Oxy-Lou and Ori-Lou at Clingman's Dome, and then we hiked together to Fontana Dam. This was the first shelter we stayed at together.

Derrick Knob Shelter

Mon, 26 Nov 2012 03:28:11 GMT

Russell Field Shelter

Tue, 27 Nov 2012 02:54:08 GMT

A bear came into the shelter at night to sniff at Ori-Lou's coffee press!

Fontana Lodge

Tue, 27 Nov 2012 02:54:42 GMT

The Lous paid for my stay here and also bought me a good resupply from the general store!

Locust Cove Gap

Tue, 27 Nov 2012 02:55:39 GMT

I possibly saved Golden from serial killers at this campsite. There was also a lost/abandoned hunting dog here who was really cute. I hope he found a home.

Wesser Bald Shelter

Mon, 26 Nov 2012 03:28:11 GMT

Budget Inn, Franklin, NC

Tue, 27 Nov 2012 02:56:32 GMT

I had no reason for hitching into town, except that I love motels. I replaced both pairs of socks at the outfitters here, which was nice.

Carter Gap Old Shelter

Mon, 26 Nov 2012 03:28:11 GMT

Budget Inn, Hiawassee, GA

Tue, 27 Nov 2012 02:57:52 GMT

I did my third and last zero day here, spending my first night sleeping on the lawn of the Budget Inn (for a few dollars) since no rooms were available.

Rocky Mountain

Tue, 27 Nov 2012 02:58:35 GMT

I hiked out of Hiawassee with Golden, and we both camped up here.

Swaim Gap

Mon, 26 Nov 2012 03:28:11 GMT

Gooch Mountain Shelter

Mon, 26 Nov 2012 03:28:11 GMT