Red Bull is Home

   Red Bull came home on Wednesday, August 17th.  He took the following day to do laundry and get settled.  He also purchased a mini drone, and practiced flying it around.  He had a Nerf battle with his two youngest sisters as well.

   On Friday, August 19th Red Bull went to his previous place of employment to see if they could use assistance.  They asked if he could work that afternoon/evening, and he agreed.  He worked the following afternoon/evening as well.  They have switched uniforms since he left in the spring; and they do not have a new uniform for him, so he wore his old uniform.

   It appears he is serious about not returning to finish the trail anytime soon.  He has spoken with Rd Brd and Cntr.  They are both disappointed he did not make it to the end, but understand.  Rd Brd continues Northbound with Cwby, while Cntr and Sqtch jumped to Maine, and are now heading Southbound.

   If Red Bull  completes the remaining miles within 12 months of when he began, it is still considered a "thru" hike.  If he completes it after that, it is considered a "section" hike.  Either way he would then be part of the "2,000 miler" group, and recognized as having completed the entire Appalachian Trail.  Red  Bull has hiked 1,194.8 miles of the Appalachian Trail, and an additional 8.8 miles of an approach trail to Springer Mountain in Georgia.  Way to go Red Bull!  He has an additional 994.3 miles to complete, including the 228.6 mile section from Pensylvania to New York he jumped to catch his group when he returned from his sister's wedding.

   He has expressed an interest in taking his old scout troop to explore sections of the trail, he has some favorite spots he would like to share.  He has requested to have the evenings off when the scouts meet, so he can volunteer.

   The hiking shoes are not put away, he actually went for a run wearing them last night!  Yes... a RUN!  :)

  Thank you for following Red Bull on this adventure.  It has changed his life, and ours as well.
If he decides to finish the trail, we will continue this blog.

   Happy Trails!

Red Bull Coming Off the Trail

   The weather is too much for Red Bull.  He has refused to hike today, and is remaining at the State Park.  We do not disagree with this decision, considering the heat warnings that have been issued.  The temperatures remain in the mid 90's with a heat index of 103-114 degrees.

   Red Bull says there is a little store inside the State Park that has air conditioning.  He is sitting there until it closes at 5:00 pm.  He says they are going to be closed tomorrow due to the extreme temperatures.  I ask Red Bull if he would like the Park Rangers to drive him into the nearest town, or if we could contact a Bishop in the area to help him.  He does not want a ride into town, he wants to come home.  I told him to see if he can volunteer to help out in the store, instead of just sitting there.

   We had a medical emergency within our home very early this morning, and I was in the emergency room for several hours with a family member.  Red Bull called wanting to come home, I was exhausted and stressed... I told him I could not pick him up at this time.  I cannot leave the family member who has the medical situation... I finally told him to see if his brother in New Jersey can pick  him up.  It is heart breaking, but it is also dangerously hot.

   I am torn in so many ways... I believe he will always regret this, but I cannot bear to think of him just sitting all alone in the oppressive heat.  I have heard if a hiker exits the trail, but returns to complete the hike within a year it still counts as a thru hike.  I have not investigated the details on this, there are so many other things taking priority at this time.  To see Red Bull give up on his dream when he is almost 3/4 of the way finished is heart wrenching.  He has struggled so hard to get back onto the trail after his sister's wedding, two attempts, in two different states.

   Red Bull's brother picked him up at 10:00 pm this evening, and should back to his home at 1:30 am in New Jersey.

   Rest well Red Bull, rest well.


   Update:  Red Bull and his brother arrived safely to his brother's home in New Jersey at 1:30 am.  Red Bull's brother says Red Bull appears healthy and well.  His brother is going to "put him to work"  until I can pick him up next week, when I can safely leave our family member with a medical situation.  If I have anything new to share I will, but please do not expect any additional posts.

   Thank you for following Red Bull on this grand adventure!  I wish it had a grand ending... but knowing Red Bull is safe and well is comforting.

Happy Trails!

Still Struggling

   Red Bull is still struggling.  He hiked about 8 miles to the Clarence Fahnestock State Park today, mile 1423.4 on the A.T. an elevation of 998 feet.

Clarence Fahnestock State Park - photo from NYStateParks

   Red Bull says it is extremely hot and humid (understandably near the Hudson River), that he is sweating profusely even though he is taking it easy, and that he is beginning to have difficulty breathing.  He stopped very early today at the State Park.  We are fine with this due to the extreme weather conditions, and feel better if he is near people in case he needs assistance (medical or otherwise).  He sent me 22 texts today, and called me 6 times.  We are trying to convince him to hike a full week, before he makes a decision to come off the trail.  He actually suggested he could take a taxi into New York City then catch a train to D.C., where we could pick him up.  While I was out doing back to school shopping with his sisters, I received numerous texts and phone calls from Red Bull.  Then I received a call from his brother in New Jersey, Red Bull had arranged for his brother to pick him up this evening.  We let his brother know the plan to try to keep Red Bull on the trail for a week, his brother reluctantly agreed to not pick him up yet.

   At times Red Bull agrees to continue for a week, and at times he wants us to pick him up immediately.  We are approximately 5 hours from his current location, so picking him immediately would be an issue (unless he had an emergency situation).  However, he actually told his father this evening that he wants to continue hiking at least until "The Whites" in New Hampshire.  We continue to encourage him, but are very mindful of the temperatures and his health.

   There are excessive heat warnings along the East Coast through the weekend.  It is in the mid 90's with the heat index reaching 105-115 degrees.  This is a huge concern, and we are closely monitoring the situation.  Red Bull is resting through the afternoon and evening, as he drinks lots of Gatorade.  He is frustrated and discouraged.  Many are keeping him in their prayers... thank you!

Red Bull Wants to Come Home

   We believe Red Bull slept close to mile 1,403.7 on the trail last night, and stopped near mile 1,415.8 tonight.  He could tell us he had recently passed blue and yellow blaze trails, a very small stream, and was at a larger stream.  This appears to be the spot he stopped, the best we can decipher from the guidebook.  If it is correct, he hiked a little over 12 miles today.
 
   Red Bull called every couple of hours today, very discouraged.  He told us that he has gained everything he can from the trail, and wants to come home.  He is so close to being 3/4 of the way done... we cannot imagine quitting at this point.  He says it is not quitting, it is a change of goals.

   His muscles are aching, but his knee is holding up pretty well.  The muscles will strengthen, but we are monitoring the knee.  He certainly hiked at a slower pace today.  We knew it would be a bit difficult to get back onto the trail after time off for his sister's wedding., but it is proving to be quite a challenge.

   We have gotten Red Bull to agree to give it a try for a week.  We suggested he get a shuttle or taxi into Peekskill New York (4 1/2 miles from the trail), to purchase a knee brace.  He declined, not wanting to waste the time and money.

   He stopped to camp earlier this evening, so was not hiking until nightfall.  We hope with a longer break, he will feel a bit better tomorrow.

   We appreciate the many offers of prayers from family and friends, it means so much.  We also appreciate those calling/texting Red Bull to offer encouragement... thank you!

 

Hiking the A.T. - stock photo

Morning Update

   Red Bull called this morning.  It rained last night, so he is wet and he has wet things to carry (making them heavier).  He also said there was a set of train tracks nearby, so trains woke him up throughout the night.  He did not sleep well.

   His legs and knee are still hurting.  He is very discouraged.  He did not communicate with Rd Brd, so they have no idea what has happened to Red Bull.

  He camped at the bottom of a hill, so begins with an incline this morning.  The next shelter on the trail is 25 miles away... I do not believe he can make it.  I checked into the fine details of the guidebook to see if there are other options available.  There is a Baseball area that allows hikers to spend the night in the baseball shelter, but that is only 6 miles from his current location.  There is also a state park that allows Appalachian thru hikers to spend one night for free in the park.  Unfortunately that is 20 miles away, and I am uncertain he can hike that far today.

   Red Bull will keep us updated throughout the day.  We have advised him to proceed gently, and not push it too hard.  I know he does not like to spend the nights alone, and thought of his group getting farther and farther ahead causes disappointment.

Rain in the Woods - stock photo

 

Red Bull is Struggling

   Today Red Bull and pals began hiking out of the Harriman New York area, mile 1,383.3 on the Appalachian Trail.  It was an elevation of 550 feet.  Red Bull climbed several mountains, Fingerboard Mountain elevation 1,350 feet, Black Mountain 1,200 feet, West Mountain 1,220 feet, and Bear Mountain elevation 1,300 feet.  There were two areas with views of New York City, unfortunately Red Bull was in no condition to appreciate these vistas.  He did climb the tower on the top of Bear Mountain.

   Red Bull contacted us around 3:00 pm asking for advice.  The goal for the day was to hike 22 miles, with the group meeting at Hemlock Springs Campsite on mile 1,405.4 of the trail.  It was now well into the day, and he had only hiked 12 miles.  He was hurting and uncertain if he should push it to join the group, or take it easy and fall behind.  We cannot make a decision like that for him, but expressed concerns about doing permanent damage to his body if he pushed too hard for too long.  Along with the strained muscles, he now says that his knee is hurting... which is a concern.

  We advised taking a 20-30 minute rest, having a snack, hydrating, and taking some ibuprofen.  He told us he had just done that, and it was his third break today.  He continued on, and told us he would keep us updated.  Around 6:30 pm he was climbing down Bear Mountain, and was near the Bear Mountain Recreational area.  He decided he would get a hotel here for the night because there was no where else to stay, and he did not believe he could make it the additional 5 miles to the designated shelter (also the next shelter on the trail).  Red Bull has been with a group on most of his thru hike, and when they check into hotels he helps pay.  There is a complication that arises for Red Bull at most hotels, but he decided to give it a try.  He called the Bear Mountain Bridge Motel ($75 a night with free shuttle service) and the Stony Point Center ($50 a night, with $10 shuttle fees each way).  Red Bull told us there were "no rooms available".  There is also the Bear Mountain Inn and the Overlook Lodge for $149 a night, as well as the Holiday Inn Express for $120, but he passed on those due to the expense.  He had hiked down to the Bear Mountain Zoo thinking there would be a parking area there to meet a shuttle, but he was mistaken.  The Zoo area is the lowest point on the Appalachian Trail at an elevation of 177 feet.

   Feeling frustrated and hurting, Red Bull decided to press on as far as possible for the night.  He called home around 8:30 pm, to tell us he had stopped on the side of the trail at the best spot he could find.  It was dark, and he could not travel any further tonight.  He sounded miserable.

   I will not sleep well tonight, if I sleep at all.  Red Bull is sleeping on Bear Mountain, all alone, in the dark, hurting, discouraged, on the side of the trail.  I asked him if he were to tell his hiking pals what was happening, if they would slow down over the next couple of days for him.  His response was, "you fall behind... you stay behind."  He will not even ask.  I told him to text Rd Brd and let him know what is happening, but I doubt he will.  His sisters tried to convince me to text Rd Brd and ask him to wait for Red Bull tomorrow morning, but Red Bull would be upset.

   We have alerted all his siblings, and family to what is happening.  Many prayers are being offered, and there is even some fasting/praying for Red Bull.  That is all we can do from here...
May he sleep well, and awaken refreshed and rejuvenated in the morning.

Sleep well Red Bull, sleep well... may you escape the pain, discomfort, and mental anguish as you dream of hiking to the top of Mt Katahdin in Maine!


Photos and information about Bear Mountain State Park:

Bear Mountain Merry Go Round - stock photo

Stock Photo

view of Hudson River from Bear Mountain
photo from explorehudsonvalley.com

From NewYorkStateParks.com:

Bear Mountain State Park is situated in rugged mountains rising from the west bank of the Hudson River. The park features a large play field, shaded picnic groves, lake and river fishing access, a swimming pool, Trailside Museums and Zoo, hiking, biking and cross-country ski trails. An outdoor rink is open to ice skaters from late October through mid-March. The Perkins Memorial Tower atop Bear Mountain affords spectacular views of the park, the Hudson Highlands and Harriman State Park. Perkins Memorial Drive and Tower are open from April through late November, weather permitting.

The Merry-Go-Round at Bear Mountain State Park features hand painted scenes of the park an 42 hand carved seats of native animals including black bear, wild turkey, deer, raccoon, skunk, Canada goose, fox, swan, bobcat, rabbit and more

Sad News

   We received sad news from Red Bull as we were driving home from New York last night.  I posted a story on August 6th of a hiker in Pennsylvania who had became dehydrated; left the trail to search for water, and became lost.  Fortunately a rescue party was able to locate him; he was severely dehydrated, and transported to a hospital.  This was actually Red Bull's hiking pal J Drt!  He learned this from his hiking group last night; and not only was J Drt severely dehydrated but he also had Lyme disease.  They believe he went home to recover.

   I know how disturbing it was when I first heard the story, and how thankful I was that the hiker was located fairly quickly.  We were also concerned as Red Bull was hiking through the same area, with no water sources available for great distances.  Now to realize this was his hiking pal, dehydrated, disoriented, lost, and not knowing he was also suffering from Lyme disease... it is heart wrenching.

   I remember Red Bull's comments to me when I first shared the story with him.  He was hiking into Harper's Ferry, and was pushing hard to cover 48.2 miles in one day.  I told him the story as I was warning him to remain hydrated.  We used it as a warning again when he was in that area of Pennsylvania complaining of the dried up water sources.  We double checked to see if that was where the other hiker became dehydrated and lost, it was.  It is incredible to now realize this was/is Red Bull's hiking pal!

   We hope J Drt recovers quickly, and is able to finish his hike!  If not, that he will be able to finish his hike when he is feeling better!  Rest and recover J Drt!

Red Bull Hits the Trail - again!

   Red Bull traveled to Harriman New York to join his hiking group, a little north of New York City.  He is now with Rd Brd and Sndy Mn.  He was very happy to hear they had caught up with Cwby too.  Red Bull was feeling much better, and was no longer limping.

   Cntr and Sqtch got off the trail to attend a sister's wedding.  Red Bull believes Cntr and Sqtch were then planning to head to the end of the trail in Maine, and do a "flip flop".  They would hike Mount Katahdin in Maine, and then turn southbound on the Appalachian Trail ending where they exited the trail.  We asked if Red Bull would like to do this with them, but he prefers to continue with the northbound hike finishing on Mount Katahdin as the finale.  This is the most popular approach, but does contain an element of risk.  They close overnight camping in Baxter State Park (where Mt. Katahdin is located) October 15th.  Access to Mt. Katahdin is also closed during severe weather, and strong winds.  One trail referred to as "the Knife Edge" is only three feet wide for 3/10 of a mile, with cliffs dropping off the sides.  Several hikers have lost their lives when falling from the Knife Edge.  There is more than one trail to the top of Mt. Katahdin, but they are all considered strenuous or extremely strenuous in difficulty.  To finish on Mt Katahdin, they should plan to arrive late September/early October.  They will need to hike approximately 19 miles each day, with one zero day per week to arrive by October 5th.

 

Mt Katahdin - Baxter State Park, Maine
photo on Wikipedia by TJ

 

The Knife Edge - photo on Wikipedia by Greg Neault
I believe those are hikers on the left

 

photos added in previous posts

   I have added a few photos to previous posts for Red Bull.  I debated just adding them here, but I wanted to place them in with the posts from the locations where they were taken.

   It is difficult for me to retrieve his photos from his Instagram account.  I usually do it quite by accident... and am never quite certain how I achieve the accomplishment!  :)

   Since I had planned to spend today driving Red Bull back to the trail, I found myself with some free time... something that has not been available this summer!  I took advantage of this to try to retrieve and post Red Bull's photos.

   You will find a photo he took from the plane while flying to Nevada on the post for August 1st.

   There is a photo from the halfway point of the A.T. on July 21st.

   There is a photo of the Mason Dixon line on July 19th.

   There are photos from the Washington Monument in Maryland, and a nice sunset scene in the woods on July 18th.

   Sorry for any confusion!  It has been a very busy time, and quite the ordeal to catch up with Red Bull's posts!  I feel like my summer is just beginning... although back to school orientations begin this week!  I am trying to NOT think about Back to School!  I told Red Bull's siblings that we should take an extra two weeks of summer!  Dreaming...

   I will delete this post in a couple of days...

Second Zero Day - photo

   Red Bull took a second zero day today!  He is still limping around, but does not need furniture to support his weight. His plan is to rejoin his group in New York tomorrow.  They are taking a zero day tomorrow, so he will meet them at their hotel.

   He feels with the rest today and tomorrow, he will be able to begin hiking again on Wednesday with his group.  He has been drinking protein enhanced beverages, in an attempt to help his muscles heal.

   I have my doubts about his ability to do strenuous hiking while carrying a 35 pound pack, but it is entirely his decision.  We support him, while offering our guidance.

Pennsylvania - photo by Red Bull

Red Bull taking a Zero Day! Ouch!

   Red Bull was going to head back onto the trail today after his appointment (this was not a medical appointment), but decided to take a Zero Day.  He had some strained muscles in his leg, and was still limping.

   It did not help that in being a good son this afternoon, he went to our second pantry (in the basement) to bring his mother some supplies for preparing the family meal... then fell down the stairs.  Fell down may be an exaggeration, perhaps it would be better said that he slipped and slid down the stairs on his side... the side with the aching leg.  For several hours following that incident he was actually holding furniture to walk around.

   He plans to return to the trail tomorrow... location to be announced!  He had planned to join his group at their shelter tonight, so we now need to re-access the situation.  We will also see how he is feeling in the morning!  Poor Red Bull!  A second zero day may be in order?

basement stairs - stock photo

Red Bull Home

   Red Bull had planned on us picking him up this evening, because he had an appointment on Sunday.  He had a very rough day yesterday, and requested we pick him up a little early.

  We picked him up at mile 1154.7 where the trail intersects with PA 225.  He hiked a little over 4 miles today.  It is a concern with no water available for 16 miles.  We welcomed him home for lunch with pizza!

   He is limping, has huge blisters on his heals, and a big area rubbed raw on his hip from the waist belt of his pack.  He says he hurts everywhere.  His new insoles cushion his feet well, but raise his heal higher in the shoe, and the shoes rub on the top of his heals.

   We thought he had hiked 20+ miles his first day back on the trail.  He actually hiked 22+ miles that day.  He had accidentally gotten off the trail, and did not realize he was on the wrong trail until he had traveled a mile.  So... an extra mile off and then back to the trail that day!  I think he should have eased back into hiking a little more gently... but he was on a quest to catch his friends!

   Red Bull has decided he would like us to jump him up the trail to his hiking group, there is no one in this area.  We will make the 4 hour drive tomorrow after his appointment, to transport him to his pals.  Upon completing the North section of the trail, he will come down to hike the section he missed.  Hopefully in the fall the water sources will be flowing.

   I remember hearing a few weeks ago that a hiker near this area was lost, and a search party had been sent out to find him.  He was out of water, dehydrated, and left the trail to find water.  He became lost and called his family for help, he was incoherent.  The rescue party located him, asleep in his tent and very dehydrated.  They transported him to the hospital.  I now want to look up the story again, I am pretty certain it was in this area!

   Yes, I just looked up the article.  It appears to have happened about 15-20 miles North of where we picked up Red Bull!

Here is the story!
Lost Appalachian Trail hiker found 
- Lebananon Daily News - part of the USA Today network

 John Latimer, s.com2:13 p.m. EDT July 7, 2016

A 24-year-old North Carolina man who got lost after wandering off the Appalachian Trail Wednesday was found dehydrated but otherwise unharmed around daybreak Thursday morning.

The search began about 12:40 a.m. in Union Township after state police were notified by a family member whom the hiker had texted after wandering off the trail and becoming disoriented. The trooper hiked about four miles on the trail before giving up the search and notifying the Pennsylvania Game Commission, which has jurisdiction in the area, state police said.

Wildlife Conservation Officer Brian Sheetz, the state game warden in charge of search and rescue operations in Lebanon County, said he was contacted about 4:45 a.m. and given the GPS coordinates that had been obtained from the hiker's cellphone.

Sheetz said he contacted his neighbor, Wildlife Conservation Officer Scott Frederick, who covers Dauphin County, and the pair searched the area near Rausch Gap for about 30 minutes without any luck.

"I went back and checked his coordinates with my GPS and found we were about a quarter mile off," Sheetz said. "We went back and eventually found him in his tent, which he set up near the railroad bed. He was severely disoriented and severely dehydrated. His speech was slurred and things like that."

The hiker, whose name was not released, told Sheetz he was on a through hike on the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine, when he became low on water and left the trail to replenish his supply. When he crossed over the mountain, he became disoriented.

"He was thankful to see us," Sheetz said.

After giving the man some water, the officers drove him about five miles in a pickup truck back to a parking lot on Gold Mine Road in Cold Spring Township, where he was taken by a First Aid & Safety Patrol ambulance to WellSpan Good Samaritan Hospital for evaluation at 6:40 a.m. Also assisting during the search were crews from Greenpoint and Lickdale fire companies.

"We are wardens. That's what we do," Sheetz said. "Our track record is 100 percent in Lebanon County."

Sheetz said he offered to take the man back to the trail to resume his hike if he felt up to it but had not heard from him by 1 p.m. Thursday.

Discouraged and Hurting

   Red Bull had a rough day today.  All seemed to be going well at first... but the water sources were dried up again, his new insoles were "ripping up" his heels, and he thinks he has poison ivy.

   When he checked in for lunch at 3:00 pm, he was energetic and encouraged.  He called me at 6:00 pm asking me to double check things in the guidebook, and by 7:00 pm was feeling very discouraged.

   He took a lunch break in Duncannon, Pennsylvania, mile 1146.6 on the A.T., elevation of 353 feet.  He was trying to reach the Clark's Ferry Shelter, and said he had been hiking up a very steep hill for over two hours.  He said the guidebook was way off, and the terrain is much more difficult than it claims.  The elevation at the shelter is 1,211 feet.

   He was running low on water, and we were hoping the shelter had water as it claims in the guidebook.  He had to hike a little ways (another hill) for the water, and he said it took almost an hour to fill up a water bottle... but there was water.  This is good news, because I do not see any reliable water sources listed for tomorrow until he has hiked 16 miles!

   He stopped for the night at the Clarks Ferry Shelter.  He said he met a few people yesterday who were out hiking for a couple of days.  He said he met a couple of people today hiking the trail southbound.  He is all alone at the shelter tonight, which he does not like... and we do not particularly like.  He is considering jumping ahead to rejoin his group.  We have told him we will assist him with this if it is what he chooses to do.  He would go back to hike this missed section at the end.

   I hope he awakens refreshed, energetic, and ready to tackle what the day holds... I also hope he meets some good people to hike with, or at least talk to at the end of the day at the shelter.

stock photo - dry stream

Hiked 20+ miles first day back! photo

   Red Bull hiked to the Darlington Shelter on mile 1135.3 of the A.T., over 20 miles today.  It is at an elevation of 1,221 feet.  There have not been reliable water sources (like at his shelter tonight) so he carried 3 liters of water with him all day, keeping it filled as he crossed water.

   He does not usually carry that much water, and has been off the trail for almost 2 weeks... he said his legs are very sore.

  He did send this interesting photo.  I believe it was taken by an old overgrown dirt road, near a spring at mile 1134.2 on the trail.

relic of an accident - photo by Red Bull

Hike on Red Bull!

Back on the Trail! - photos

   Red Bull came home from his sister's wedding on Monday, traveled to see an older brother in New Jersey on Tuesday, took Wednesday off to reorganize, and headed back onto the trail this morning!

   We dropped him off right where we picked him up almost 2 weeks ago, on Whiskey Springs Road near Boiling Springs Pennsylvania.  He had debated having us drop him off with his group, currently 162 miles ahead of him on the trail.  He would then finish the trail with them, and later go back to hike the section he missed.  He has decided he would prefer to continue with his thru hike, and not jump ahead.  He believes he will catch his group in about a month.  We feel he will meet new friends along the way.

   The offer still stands for us to transport him ahead to join his group at any time.  We are glad to see him being independent.  He is also making plans to do a cross country road trip, to visit all the National Parks in America.  He would need to finish his hike, earn enough money to buy a car and finance the trip, etc...  He actually asked his sister who is a senior in  high school, if she would like to join him for his road trip.  He is a remarkable young man, and we are very pleased with his ability to make and reach worthy goals.

   Happy Trails Red Bull!  Happy Trails!

view from the plane - photo

   Red Bull took this amazing photo from the plane, on his flight into Nevada for his sister's wedding.

flight into Nevada - photo by Red Bull

Funny Story from Wedding Day!

Casablanca Resort - Mesquite, Nevada - stock photo

Casablanca Pool - stock photo

   We stayed at the Casablanca Resort in Mesquite Nevada for the wedding, because it was half way between the two locations we needed to be for the celebrations.  The wedding and bride's side of the family were in St. George, Utah.  The reception and groom's family were in Las Vegas, Nevada.

  We left our hotel at 5:00 am for the wedding, parents needed to arrive at 7:00 am for the 8:00 am ceremony.  There is also a one hour time difference between Utah and Nevada... always good to know!  :)

   FUNNY STORY!  We stopped at the hotel before the evening reception in Las Vegas.  Upon entering his room, Red Bull discovered his fairly new Salomon hiking shoes had been discarded by the maid.  These are the shoes he has been using to hike the trail, since his old Columbia hiking boots finally gave out on him!

   We could not imagine how they could have been thrown away... then the story comes out!

   Apparently at the airport, Red Bull slipped off his hiking shoes.  It happened to be as a gentleman walked by, and Red Bull's father commented that the man had a rather strong odor.  It was not the man... but Red Bull's hiking shoes.  Upon arriving at the hotel feeling self conscious, Red Bull placed his shoes in the bathroom and turned the empty trashcan upside down over his shoes to help contain the odor.  In the early hour to get out the door for the wedding, he left the shoes and trash can in that position.

  The maid assumed the odorous footwear was trash; wrapped them in the empty trash bag from the can, and threw them away.  Red Bull and his father went to the front desk to stress the importance of these missing shoes.  The young lady said she had hiked part of the Appalachian Trail, and was very helpful in locating the maid who had discarded the shoes.  The maid was sent on a grand search through the trash to find Red Bull's essential hiking shoes.  There was a great deal of tension... while waiting to see if they could be located.

   Success!  They were located, still wrapped in the plastic trash bag... so no more smelly than they were originally!  :)

   I think Red Bull  has realized it is better to allow shoes to air out, and breathe... instead of trying to hide the offending odor under a trash can!

Red Bull's Offensive Shoes

Red Bull attends a Wedding! - photos

   Red Bull traveled to St. George, Utah for his sister's wedding.  The reception was in Las Vegas.  The temperatures were 117+ while we were there!

Red Bull hiding in the corner during the reception
almost 9:00 pm in Las Vegas - almost midnight East Coast time!

The Bride with her sisters, new sister in law, and best friend
St. George Temple

Bride and Groom cutting the cake

All is Well - Vacation

Greetings followers of Red Bull!  Red Bull is doing well, but is off the trail for his sister's wedding on the other side of the country!  Just in time with the temperatures staying steady in the upper 90's-100 at his trail location!  He said many of the water sources they crossed, had dried into dust.

He did hike through Harper's Ferry and into Pennsylvania, passing the half way point of the trail...  over 1,000 miles!  In Pennsylvania he faced the infamous "half gallon challenge" and consumed an entire half gallon of ice cream (and kept it down)!  Reward... a mini wooden ice cream scoop!  This is a challenge very famous on the Appalachian Trail, and something the hikers look forward to just after their half way point!

His name has been changed by his fellow hikers... he is now Red Bull son of Rambo.  He picked up an Appalachian Trail bandanna that he wears around his head to catch sweat, in a Rambo style. Funny... his father now bears the titles of Rambo and the Avatar... interesting combination?

I apologize for not keeping this updated recently... life has been hectic!  After the wedding I will post the dates and locations of Red Bull on the trail before the wedding vacation.  He will be back on the trail next week!

Happy Trails!

Red Bull taking a zero day

   Red Bull is taking a zero day at home today.  It has been very hot, and many of the water sources he has crossed have been dry.  With the temperatures in the mid to upper 90's this poses a risk.

Red Bull is Ill - coming home

   Red Bull called us today, he is ill and wants to come home.  We had just arrived home from our church young women's camp.  If he had called an hour sooner, we would have been 10 minutes away, and could have brought him home with us.  His father headed back to Pennsylvania to rescue Red Bull.

   We are sad he is not feeling well.  I wonder if the ice cream challenge was giving him a pay back?  It is also very hot today, with the temperatures in the mid 90's.

   Poor Red Bull!   His father picked him up on Whiskey Springs Road on mile 1115.0 of the A.T., elevation of 830 feet.  Red Bull hiked 10 miles today.

Half Way Done! - photo

Halfway there! - photo by Red Bull

   Red Bull and his hiking pals have reached the official halfway point of the Appalachian Trail!  It is mile 1094.5, in Pennsylvania!

   At mile 1101.7 they reached Pine Grove Furnace State Park.  In this park is the Pine Grove Furnace General Store, and they offer a challenge to the Appalachian Trail hikers... the half gallon challenge.  They may choose a flavor of Hershey's Ice Cream, eat the entire half gallon... and keep it down!

   Red Bull accepted and won the challenge, flavor choice - Strawberry Cheesecake!  The prize is a little wooden ice cream spoon, claiming you the winner of the Half Gallon Challenge!  Winners also get to sign the winner's journal!

  Some of Red Bull's group took the challenge as well.  Rd Brd won the challenge, but Snd Mn was unable to complete the task.

   Red Bull and pals hiked to mile 1105.3 on the trail, elevation of 1,370 feet.  They hiked 23 miles today.

Dinner with Red Bull! - photos

   I am at a Church Camp for young women this week in Fayetteville, Pennsylvania.  Red Bull's three younger sisters are all at the camp as well.

   Red Bull and friends would be hiking within 2 miles of the camp, so we asked Red Bull to let us know when he was in the area.  His father drove up, and we snuck away to meet Red Bull for dinner.

   We met him at the Timbers Restaurant just outside of the Caledonia State Park.  The food was amazing.  They had a poster in the entry for hikers to sign, because they are right off the trail.  I asked the proprieter how long the current poster had been in place, and he told me they replace the poster every few days as it fills up!

   It was fun to see Red Bull and a couple of his companions!

Red Bull and Dad at Timbers - Fayetteville PA

Hiker Sign In at Timbers

   After dinner Red Bull hiked another 1-2 miles; spending the night in the Caledonia State Park, mile 1082.3 on the A.T. at an elevation of 934 feet.

Into Pennsylvania! photo

   Red Bull is with his hiking companions again, and they are in Pennsylvania!

   They hiked to the Falls Creek Campsite, mile 1064.6, at an elevation of 1,068 feet.

Appalachian Trail Marker - stock photo

Mason Dixon Line - photo by Red Bull

On the Trail Again! photos

   Red Bull is back on the trail!  We dropped him off in Harper's Ferry West Virginia where we had picked him up, and he is back on the trail!

   Today he hiked to Pine Knob Shelter in Maryland, mile 1046.1 on the A.T. at an elevation of 1,378 feet.  He hiked almost 24 miles today... those zero days really helped to revive him!

   Go Red Bull, Go!!!

view from Washington Monument
in Washington Monument State Park, Maryland
 photo by Red Bull

sun going down in the woods of Maryland
photo by Red Bull

Information about the Washington Monument from Maryland.gov - Department of Natural Resources

Washington Monument State Park

Located atop South Mountain, Washington Monument State Park is named for the first completed monument dedicated to the memory of George Washington. The Washington Monument is a rugged stone tower that was initially erected by the citizens of Boonsboro in 1827.

stock photo

Another Zero Day!

   Red Bull takes another zero day to spend with family and friends!

   His hiking companions took the day to visit D.C., but Red Bull remained in his hometown.  He has visited D.C. countless times, and chose to spend his time off the trail with us!

Another Zero Day!

   Red Bull takes another well deserved zero day at home, while his hiking companions arrive in Harper's Ferry!

Red Bull takes a Zero day at Home

   Red Bull takes a zero day at home!  He enjoys time with family and friends!

Red Bull makes it to Harper's Ferry!

   It was a rough day and an especially rough night for Red Bull!

   He got up early and began hiking again, estimating an 11:00 am arrival in Harper's Ferry.  I checked in with him before I left, to be certain he was still on schedule.  He had stopped and fallen asleep under a tree, so was now running late.

   I picked him up in Harper's Ferry at noon.  I brought what he requested... a double cheeseburger, and chocolate milk.  He was exhausted, and his feet were in pretty rough shape from hiking 48 miles in less than 1 1/2 days!

   He was excited to come home and relax... which is exactly what he did!

Red Bull Still Pushing! 1,000 miles!!!

   Update... Red Bull is doing his best to reach Harper's Ferry tonight, and have us bring him home for a visit!

   He had told me he was in the "roller coaster".  I checked his location in the guidebook. and thought he might actually make it!  I was impressed with how far he had traveled!

   Later he contacted us for a weather forecast... my weather channel app said it was clear all afternoon/night.  He checked in a few hours later to confirm... he saw lightning.  We had just experienced a nasty thunderstorm... and when I checked the weather again...thunderstorms!!!

   When I asked his location, he said he was getting close to the end of the Roller Coaster!  What?  When I checked the guidebook, I did not realize the Roller Coaster was listed more than once... a north and south end!  Yikes!  He was almost to the location I thought he had reached several hours ago!
He still had over 20 miles to hike, and it was now after 9:00 pm!

   He was insisting on hiking into the night, and predicted he would reach Harper's Ferry by 2:00 am.   As his parents, we were trying to persuade him to stop for the night, and begin early in the morning.  We were not comfortable with him hiking in the dark.

   He told us he had recently passed the Bears Den Hostel (mile 1002.6), and they were closed for the evening.  He was going to continue.

   An hour later he called us to tell us he was not feeling well, and was debating having us pick him up  at his current location.  He had tried to rest, drank some water, had a snack... but still felt ill.  We looked at his current location in the guidebook.  He would need to hike two miles back (south) to Snicker's Gap for us to pick him up.  He considered this, but decided he was not up to it and pitched his tent where he was on the side of the trail.  This is not allowed, but he was too ill to hike any further.  He texted me about 5 minutes later to tell me he had pitched his tent on an anthill, and he was now covered in ants.  He was too ill and tired to move it... so went to sleep with the ants as his unwelcome companions.

   He slept on mile 1005 of the Appalachian Trail, at an elevation of 825 feet.

What a way to reach the 1,000 mile mark!!!

 

Red Bull Pushing HARD!

   Red Bull is SO close to Harper's Ferry!  This is where we were going to pick him up, so he could take a day or two off at home!  He left his group behind, and is trying to reach Harper's Ferry tonight!

   That would be a 48.2 mile hike!  The farthest he has gone in one day was 30 miles, and that was without a pack!  It is also very hot, with temperatures in the 90's!

   He insists he can do this, we told him to be certain he keeps drinking!

  The group plans to take a zero day when they reach Harper's Ferry, to travel into D.C..  Red Bull wants to get home as soon as possible, for some rest and relaxation.

Solar Shower!

   Red Bull and friends stopped at the Jim and Molly Denton Shelter.  It is on mile 974.3 of the Appalachian Trail, at an elevation of 1,326 feet.  In the guidebook it boasts to  have a solar shower, porch, and chairs.  Luxurious!

Jim and Molly Denton Shelter - stock photo

Solar Shower - Fabulous!

No News

   We estimate Red Bull and friends stopped at Gravel Springs Hut, mile 955.7 on the A.T., elevation 2,639 feet.

Gravel Springs Hut - stock photo

Skyline Drive - Luray Virginia

   They have hiked to Pass Mountain Hut on mile 942.6 of the Appalachian Trail.  This is at an elevation of 2,795 feet.  They are in the Skyline area, and just  passed Luray Virginia.

Pass Mountain Hut 

Red Bull with his two older brothers
7 years ago in Luray Caverns

Dream Lake - Luray Caverns - stock photo

No News Again

   No news again, so guesstimating.  We estimate they stopped at the Rock Spring Hut, mile 927.3 on the Appalachian Trail.  This in an elevation of 3,513 feet.

 

No News

   Guesstimating between times we have heard from Red Bull and his locations, we ascertain they probably stopped at the South River Shelter site on mile 909.4 of the A.T.  This would be an elevation of 2,952 feet.

   The past 25 miles of trail had been closed late spring/early summer due to a forest fire.  We are very happy it has reopened.

stock photo

Hiked 19+ Miles Today

   Today Red Bull and his group hiked to the Loft Mountain Campground, mile 888.1 on the A.T..  It is at an elevation of 3,259 feet.  They hiked a little over 19 miles today.

   I keep thinking of him wearing those fairly new hiking shoes.  He sent them home once before because they were hurting his feet.  His hiking boots were falling apart, so he switched to his shoes.  He told me he took the insoles out, and that helped.  They say a hiker's foot can increase a full size while hiking the Appalachia Trail.  He is quickly approaching the half way mark, and I believe the hiking shoes that fit well when he purchased them are now a bit too tight.  I guesstimate his foot is a half size larger than when he began his hike?

   No other news.  I know he is making plans for when he arrives in Harper's Ferry, W.Va..  His group would like to take a trip into D.C..  Harper's Ferry is the headquarters of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, and the unofficial halfway point of the trail.

online stock photo

In the Shenandoah National Park

   Red Bull and his companions hiked to the Calf Mountain Shelter, mile 869 on the A.T.; with an additional 4 mile journey from town, making their hiking total about 12 miles today.  They are at an elevation of 2,668 feet, and are about 19 miles north of where the mountain lion attack occurred 5 days ago.

   They have entered the Shenandoah National Park.  The timing of Red Bull's hike is extraordinary, with it being the 100th anniversary of our National Parks.  This is a coincidence, it was just the best time for Red Bull to begin his hike.  Tomorrow he will enter a 25 mile section of the trail, that had been closed due to a forest fire earlier this year.

   Hike on Red Bull, hike on...