Roan Mountain - photo

   Red Bull posted this photo on Instagram.  His caption regarding the photo was;
                      6,000 foot mountain + 40 foot tree = amazing view

  I spoke with him regarding his latest photo.  It was taken on Roan Mountain, at the High Knob area.  I asked him about the 40 foot tree.  He informed me it was a sixty foot tree, but he had only climbed 40 feet high into the tree to see the sunset view (and take the photo).  I am so glad he is no longer wearing a cast on his hand!

photo by Red Bull
Roan Mountain
elevation 6,193 feet + 40 feet high in tree)

 

Caught His Group - Staying in Highest Shelter on Trail!

   Red Bull has caught the group!  It makes me feel so much better, knowing he is not out there alone!

   He Hiked to the Roan High Knob Shelter on mile 376.8 on the A.T., hiking over 17 1/2 miles today in the Cherokee National Forest,  The Roan High Knob Shelter is at an elevation of 6,193 feet.  It is the highest shelter on the entire trail.  It is also known as the Fire Warden Cabin, because it was built to house the area fire warden in 1933.

   It is considered one of the nicest shelters on the Appalachian trail,  It is two stories tall, and actually has four walls (most shelters only have three).  It can easily hold 15 people, while most shelters sleep 6.  Nothing inside but bare walls and floors, although there is a ladder to reach the "second floor".

online stock photo
Roan High Knob Shelter
"Fire Warden's Cabin"
Highest Shelter on A.T.

Hiking Alone Again... for now

   Red Bull hit the trail alone today.  His pal "Gator" is still waiting in town for a package to arrive in the mail from home.  Red Bull is trying to catch up with the group, but did not manage it today.  He hiked rather late into the evening.

   Red Bull stopped at Cherry Gap Shelter on mile 359.2 on the A.T., hiking over 17 miles today.



 

stock photo via internet

Red Bull Looks Great - but smells....?

   Part of the family was able to journey to Erwin, Tennessee to visit with Red Bull today!
   He looks great, but the smell... was not so great!

We took Red Bull and Gator (trail name) to a local store so they could restock on food, they were running pretty low.  They bought big boxes of Twinkies and cookies, along with some healthy items!

stock photo of local mountains 

   Red Bull hiked to mile 342.1 on the A.T. (6 1/2 miles today) where it crosses Erwin.
   He and "Gator" will be hanging out together, spending the night at a Super 8, doing laundry and grabbing showers.  He believes they will be about 10 miles behind the rest of the group, but can catch up.

   Red Bull gave us a few items to take home; a chair he purchased in Hot Springs, his well worn hiking boots (seen in his photo on Max Patch), and a few other small items he felt he did not need.  He had also picked up a self inflating camp pillow for his father.

   We asked what one of Red Bull's favorite parts has been along the trail.  He said he really enjoyed the views from the "Big Bald" the other day.  It was at mile 324.1, at an elevation of 5,516 feet.  He said it had wonderful 360 degree views.  Unfortunately he did not get a photo, so I found one online and placed it below.

   Hike on Red Bull...

Big Bald - online stock photo

Hiked 20.7 miles today!

   Red Bull hiked to No Business Shelter at mile 335.9 on the A.T. (he hiked 20.7 miles today)!  Amazing!

   We are going to meet him in Erwin, Tennessee tomorrow.  He has asked for us to bring his second hiking pole, and his second pair of hiking shoes.

online stock photo

   I was checking on The Appalachian Trail Conservancy for updates in Tennessee.  They have issued a bear warning around the Watauga Dam, and have closed the Watauga Lake Shelter at 428.7.  See excerpt below:

Tennessee

Watuaga Dam - Bears Active in Area
(5/17/16) Hikers should use caution near Watauga Dam as bears are active in this area; hikers should be alert for and keep a respectful distance from bear(s) with cubs. 

Watuaga Lake Shelter - Closed
(4/15/16 - present) Watauga Lake Shelter closed to all entry due to bear activity.

No picnicking, lingering or overnight camping. Hiking the Appalachian Trail only. BEARS ACTIVE IN THIS AREA. Please continue through the area without stopping. Closure Order: National Forest System lands Oliver Hollow Rd. to Wilbur Dam; closed until further notice.

TN - Appalachian Trail has re-opened from USFS 293 to Dennis Cove - Moreland Gap Shelter open
(4/25/16) The A.T. is now open from USFS 293 to Dennis Cove. The wildfire that the USFS was dealing with, known as the "Railroad Grade" fire, is out. Hikers should remain situationally aware of potential threats along the Trail.  For more information about this wildfire, see InciWeb.

In Tennessee

   Red Bull hiked to the Hogback Ridge Shelter on mile 315.2 of the A.T. (he hiked over 15 miles today), elevation 4,314 feet.  The trail has been weaving in and out of North Carolina and Tennessee, but he is now exclusively in Tennessee.

Hogback Shelter, in TN
photo by Rohland

   Red Bull told us he is approaching a town in a couple of days, and would like for us to meet him.  Erwin, Tennessee is about 6 1/2 hours from home, and will be a fun day trip.  He picked a good time with it being Memorial Day Weekend, his siblings are home from school and can come along!

   He has not specified what he would like us to bring him.  Pretty sure he would like his second hiking pole.  His back up hiking shoes (Salomons) are ready to go as well.  We found some Gatorade chews which we thought he might enjoy also, they replenish like Gatorade without the weight of the liquid.

  Looking forward to seeing Red Bull soon!

UPDATE - photos

I have finally found a way to include Red Bull's photos from Instagram!
I have gone back and put them chronologically when and where they were taken.
I have also included the word "photo"in any title of a daily entry that includes a photo taken by Red Bull (or someone with Red Bull).
He has only shared 6 photos so far, I have included a few we have taken as well.

Enjoy!

Forest Fire Scars - Photo

   Red Bull is spending the night near the Jerry Cabin Shelter, mile 300.1 (hiked 15.4 miles today).
I asked if he had seen signs of the recent wildfire, and he simply responded "yes".
I then asked if he had any photos, and he sent me the photo below.
Over 5,000 acres burned during the recent fire.

Scars from the Silver Mine fire
photo by Red Bull

Hiking Area Previously Closed Due to Fire

   Red Bull is back on the trail!  He is currently hiking along a 15 mile section of trail that was closed recently due to fire.  We are very happy that the fire was brought under control, and the trail reopened.   Red Bull wants to hike every mile of the trail.

   Today Red Bull hiked to mile 284.7 (he hiked 11 miles today).

photo of Silver Mine Fire in Citizen Times
 by Kevin Reese

Here are a few excerpts regarding the reopening, and initial closure of the area.

Appalachian Trail Conservancy:
Appalachian Trail has re-opened from Hot Springs to Allen Gap 
(Updated 5/2/16) The A.T. is now open from Hot Springs (approx. mile 273.7 from Springer) to Allen Gap (mile 288.4).  It was previously closed due to the aftermath of the Silver Mine wildfire.

Forest Service - United States Department of Agriculture: Hot Springs Wildfire Grows to 2,500 Acres, 10% Contained MARS HILL, N.C., April 22, 2016 - The Silver Mine Fire grew overnight and is now estimated at 2,500 acres. The fire was reported Thursday afternoon on the Appalachian Ranger District of Pisgah National Forest in Madison County, near Hot Springs, NC. The fire is located approximately 1 mile east of the town of Hot Springs on Highway 25/70.   The following roads and trails in the area remain closed: Hurricane Gap Rd (NC-FS467) Mill Ridge Rd (NC-FS113) Shad Rd (TN-FS422) Hurricane Creek Rd (TN-FS31) Appalachian Trail from town of Hot Springs to Hurricane Gap Lovers Leap Loop Trail (#308) Pump Gap Trail (#309) The public can expect to see heavy smoke in the area today. Officials urge travelers to use caution on area roads. Firefighters with the U.S. Forest Service, North Carolina Forest Service, local Volunteer Fire Departments, and North Carolina Emergency Management are assisting in suppression efforts. Multiple hot shot crews and helicopters are on scene this morning. Additional resources are expecting to arrive throughout the day.  The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Zero Day in Hot Springs!

   Red Bull has decided to take a zero day with his companions in Hot Springs!

   They enjoyed the "...natural hot mineral waters.  Heated deep within the earth, these crystal clear carbonated waters are world famous for their mineral content and legendary healing powers"  (quoted from the Hot Springs Resort and Spa site).  The waters are sent into outdoor jacuzzi hot tubs (cleaned and sanitized after each use).

   Sounds like a well deserved treat after walking 273.7 miles (plus the 8 1/2 miles of the approach trail makes it over 282 miles!

photo found in article: 10 Jaw Dropping Places to Visit this Fall
the natural hot springs located in Hot Springs, N.C.

photo from the Hot Springs Resort and Spa site
Hot Springs Water Jacuzzi

   I had offered to drive to Hot Springs to deliver Red Bull's second hiking pole, and to resupply him (and see how he is doing).  Red Bull told me he did not want us to have to drive that far, and he would rather meet us when he gets closer to home.
   How thoughtful... and such a difference from a little over two weeks ago when he was ready to quit!  We are very happy that he is now enjoying his hike, and has found people to share the journey!
   God Speed Red Bull!

The Balds - Max/Mack's Patch - Photo

   Red Bull posted this photo on Instagram while in Hot Springs, N.C.
   I am assuming it was taken on the Balds - Max/Mack's Patch.
   It is mile 253.9 on the Appalachian Trail, with an elevation of 4,629 feet.
   I love that we see his hiking boots in the photo!

photo by Red Bull

There is a Red Bull in the Hot Springs!

   Red Bull and his hiking buddies made it to Hot Springs, N.C. today, mile 273.7 (hiked 18 miles today)!  I think that is the farthest he has gone while on the Appalachian Trail!  Way to go!

   He texted me that he was:"staying at the hairsprings resort, splitting it with 8 people."
   Hairsprings... splitting?!  Sounds like a trip to the salon!

   Yes, he is tired again, I did not have the heart to correct him...  Hot Springs, N.C..

   He said his hiking pals are taking a zero day tomorrow, but he is uncertain he will.  They have not taken a zero day in over a week.
   I told him tomorrow would be two weeks back on the trail, and he can remove his brace.  I offered to bring his hiking pole to him tomorrow if he takes a zero day (he is 7 hours away by car)..  He told me not to come tomorrow, and that he will let me know when and where to meet him later.  (We have planned to check in with Red Bull every two weeks to visually see he is well, and to resupply him as needed).

Excerpt from the Hot Springs Resort and Spa site:
   Come to where Mother Nature waved her magical wand and created one of the most natural of all wonders, Natural Hot Mineral Waters. Heated deep within the earth, these crystal clear carbonated waters are world famous for their mineral content and legendary healing powers. We pipe these waters to modern outdoor Jacuzzi type hot tubs that are drained and sanitized after each use.

Hot Springs, located in the mountains of Western North Carolina, and cuddled along the banks of Spring Creek and the French Broad River, is a town rich in history and beaming with natural charm, this town serves as an intersection along the historic Appalachian Trail and is part of the Southern Appalachian Mountains.

The heart of Hot Springs, North Carolina, is our 100 acre Resort & Spa. We feature modern Jacuzzi style hot tubs, positioned outside along the tranquil banks of Spring Creek and the French Broad River; our tubs are supplied with a continuous flow of World Famous Natural Hot Mineral Water. 

Located across the road from the Mineral Baths is the Hot Springs Campground. Here you can find peace of mind with ease and comfort. We feature eight primitive camping cabins, over a hundred tent sites (primitive, group & sites with partial hook up). On site comfort station features hot showers (seasonal) and clean bathrooms. Whether you’re coming off a long hike on the Appalachian Trail or just passing through, you don’t want to miss the charm and beauty of the Hot Springs Resort & Spa.

"Going over some balls today"

  Red Bull checked in during the afternoon, with his goal to hike 15+  miles today.
  We could tell he was tired when he texted;
 "I'm doing fine.  I'm going over some balls today, 15 miles or so."
  My response; "Balls?"
  Red Bull; "Balds"
 
  We can always tell when he is tired by the way he texts!

  He ended up stopping at the Roaring Fork Shelter at mile 255.7 (hiked a little over 15 miles).

BALLS


VS

BALDS - Max/Mack's Patch

An excerpt from Romantic Asheville - Insider's guide to the N.C. mountains:
Hike a section of the famous Appalachian National Scenic Trail (or A.T.) on top of Max Patch Mountain near Hot Springs. This 4,600-foot mountain was cleared and used as pasture in the 1800s. Today, it's a 350-acre tract of open land on a high knob with 360-degree views. On a clear day, you can see from Mt. Mitchell on the east to the Great Smoky Mountains on the south. What a picnic spot! And great for star gazing and enjoying wildflowers.. Max Patch is part of the Pisgah National Forest.
 See more at: http://www.romanticasheville.com/hot_springs_hikes.htm#sthash.FXfjplDF.dpuf

Out of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park!

   Red Bull is out of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and away from the shelters with bear warnings!  He hiked the 70.5 miles of the Appalachian Trail through the GSMNP in under 6 days, along the highest terrain of the entire Appalachian Trail.
   Red Bull reported in that he has now hiked to the Standing Bear Farm, mile 240.6 (almost 11 miles today).  It is at elevation 1,788 feet, quite the descent from the 5,00-6,000+ elevations he has been hiking lately,  His first 4 1/2 miles tomorrow he will hike up to an elevation of 4,263 feet!  I am certain he wishes he were able to use two hiking poles!
   Red Bull said it has been raining and he wanted to get out of the rain for the night, I checked the weather and it is 41 degrees.  I looked at the website online for the Hostel, it was pretty amazing!  I decided to copy and paste it below!  Enjoy!

Standing Bear Farm
Hartford, Tennessee

Old shed spanning creek has become The Cabin

In the heart of the Smoky Mountains surrounded by Cherokee National Forest lies Standing Bear Farm, a turn of the century multi-generational farmstead including the original homestead, barns, outbuildings and farmhouse. The outbuildings have now been converted to a bunkhouse and cabin where we offer rustic lodging to hikers and others interested in stepping back from today's hectic lifestyle to a time in America's past when life in rural backcountry Appalachia was considered the "good life".

Standing Bear Farm is three miles North of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and two hundred yards off of the Appalachian Trail.

We offer lodging in our rustic bunkhouse or cabin, tent camping, authentic Tee-Pee, hot showers, laundry, free internet, phone, mail-drop, shuttle service, microwave, fire pits and gas grill. We have resupply to include items for you to grill plus condiments.

White water rafting trips available on the Pigeon River, a class 3+ river. Raft in the morning and continue hiking that afternoon.

Contact:
Maria Guzman or Curtis Owen
4255 Green Corner Rd.
Hartford, TN 37753
423-487-0014
mailto:cvowen@planetc.com

Nightly Rates:
$15.00 per person
Includes hot shower, laundry, phone/internet, kitchen. Non-guest Laundry: $3.00

Staying in a "bear warning" shelter again!

   Second post for today!  Red Bull and his companions were unable to make it out of the "bear warning" area tonight!  They stopped at the Cosby Knob Shelter, mile 229.9 (hiked 12 1/2 miles today).

   One of his sisters has teased about this meme bear warning:

    One of Red Bull's favorite shirts is a classic button down style, with mini tacos all over it!
    Rather ironic...

UPDATE - Bear Warnings 3 Shelters in a Row!

   Red Bull responded to my warning texts and phone message, fairly late last night.

   The shelter where he is camping (Peck's Corner) has been added to the warning page of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, due to bear activity.  It was a new addition, and I had not seen it to alert him before he stopped.

   Red Bull told me he was fine, and that a ranger was stationed at the shelter.  He plans to hike almost 20 miles today (really a hard push with elevations going to 6,054 feet) to get past the next problem bear areas. The next two shelters along the trail, Tri-Corner Knob Shelter (mile 222.2) and Cosby Knob Shelter (mile 229.9) both have bear warnings issued.  Red Bull has not hiked that far in one day on this trip, at least the last 4 miles will be almost all down hill!

Thank You to all the Hard Working Park Rangers!
photo credit: visitmysmokys.com

  Before he left, I would often ask what he would do if he encountered a bear on his journey.  He told me he would love to come face to face with a bear,  If a bear charged him he would scare it away. if it attacked he would stab it with his hiking poles.  His good hand is injured, and he only has one hiking pole until that hand mends.  So... I wonder if he is as confident in his ability to carry out that plan with his left hand and one pole?

 Godspeed Red Bull... you are ever in our prayers.

Nuisance Bears!

 
   Red Bull  is camping at Peck's Corner Shelter, mile 217.3, elevation 5,556 feet (hiked 14 1/2 miles today).
 
   There are warnings issued by the park regarding "nuisance" bears around the Cosby Knob Shelter (mile 229.9).  The shelter is open, they just want to keep hikers aware.  Red bull and his companions will be in that area tomorrow.

stock photo

   YIKES!  As I was copying the warnings from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park site... they have recently added the Peck's Corner Shelter to list of "nuisance bear areas"!   Red Bull is camping there right now!  I tried to call... left a message.  Then tried to text... no response!  He is smart, he is okay... right?!

Warnings from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park site:

Bear Warnings - areas where bears are active. Please read  What Do I Do If I See A Bear?  for important safety information about bears .

• Cosby Knob Shelter
• Tricorner Know Shelter
• Pecks Corner Shelter
• Laurel Falls Trail
• Campsite #113

 

Clingmans Dome - all is well!

   Red Bull checked in with us this morning!  All is well!
   He said cell reception is not very good in his location.  We texted a bit, then I called him... just being a Mom!

   He spent last night at the Derrick Knob Shelter mile 189.3 (traveled 12 miles yesterday).
   He is still with a group of hikers ages ranging from 25-35, there are about six of them.  They hike at different paces, but set a location to stop and camp together at night.

   Tonight they plan to visit Clingman's Dome, mile 199.5.

   Speaking of being a Mom... I asked if he was wearing the hand brace, and he admitted he was not.  I warned him that he only has one right hand, and if he were to fall and damage it... the injury could be lifelong.  He informed me that he has not fallen once, and has no plans to fall.  I simply stated that he is too far away for me to make him wear the brace, but as his mother I strongly advise he wear it at least while hiking.  I told him that he is a big boy, and can make his own decisions.

   Oh the "invincibility" of youth!



   Update:  They did go to Clingman's Dome, but it was too cloudy to see anything.
   This is the highest elevation on the entire Appalachian Trail!  The trail reaches 6,643 feet, but the tower takes you to 6,667 feet!

   They camped at the Mount Collins Shelter mile 202.8 on the trail (hiked 13 1/2 miles today).
   It is at 5,962 feet in elevation.
   The trail weaves in and out of North Carolina and Tennessee in the Smoky Mountains.

   Red Bull is doing well with one good hand, and one hiking pole!

Clingman's Dome and Tower - photo from the GSMNP site

Map of A.T. and Clingmans Dome area from the GSMNP site

This is an excerpt from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park site for Clingmans Dome:

At 6,643 feet, Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It is the highest point in Tennessee, and the third highest mountain east of the Mississippi. Only Mt. Mitchell (6,684 feet) and Mt. Craig (6,647), both located in Mt. Mitchell State Park in western North Carolina, rise higher. The observation tower on the summit of Clingmans Dome offers spectacular 360° views of the Smokies and beyond for visitors willing to climb the steep half-mile walk to the tower at the top. On clear days views expand over a 100 miles.

 

No Check in from Red Bull Today

   We have not heard from Red Bull at all today.  He did not respond to a morning text, nor evening text and phone call.  The call went straight to voicemail, so I know the phone was turned off.
   Red Bull was in town a couple of nights ago, and has various chargers... even a solar charger for his phone.  He should have a charged device.

   Feeling a bit concerned, he always checks in with us.  The A.T. Guidebook does not list this area as having poor cell reception.

   Doing all I can, praying and putting him in the hands of the Lord.  I did receive confirmation through my prayers that he is fine, and there is no need to worry.

   It will still be a long night...

 

400 Pound Aggressive Black Bear Euthanized

   I was checking The White Blaze this morning, searching for an update regarding the bear that attacked a hiker last week.  Red Bull and his buddies will be hiking through that very location today.

  Yesterday's news stated that the bear returned to the shelter during the night, and was tranquilized by authorities.  He was a 400 pound black bear.  They decided due to the aggressive behavior they had witnessed, and the injury around his canine teeth that would occur with an attack on a person... this was the bear they were watching for.  They decided to euthanize him, so he will not attack anyone else.  Normally they would wait for a positive DNA match, but felt they had enough evidence.  The DNA testing will still be done.

   I have alerted Red Bull to the situation.  It is so interesting that he is right where this is occurring.

       Entrance to the the Great Smoky Mountains National Park from Gatlinburg (MICHAEL PATRICK/NEWS SENTINEL)

Link to the story:
http://www.knoxnews.com/news/local/park-euthanizes-black-bear-believed-to-be-responsible-for-may-10-attack-on-appalachian-trail-hiker-3-379698431.html

There is a Red Bull loose in the Great Smoky Mountains!

There is a Red Bull loose in the Great Smoky Mountains!

Red Bull and his hiking buddies departed Fontana Village after lunch, and hiked to the Mollies Ridge Shelter mile 177.3 (about 12 miles).  They are now in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, overnight camping permits in hand... and very aware of the recent bear attack.  They will be passing through that area tomorrow during daylight hours.

Go Red Bull!

Sea of Clouds - Photo

   Red Bull posted this photo on Instagram.  He has entitled it "Sea of Clouds".
   He uploaded it on 5-14, while at Fontana Village, N.C.
   I would guess this photo was taken just South of that location, perhaps near Wesser, Swim or Cheoah Balds?  All are at an eleveation of approximately 5,000 feet.

   It is absolutely stunning!

photo by Red Bull

Fontana Dam - Edge of Great Smoky Mountains National Park

   Red Bull and his hiking companions arrived at the Fontana Dam and Village today!
Mile 164.7-166.3 (12.8 + miles today).
   The four of them are sharing a room at the Fontana Lodge.  The cost includes boating on the lake, put-put golf, ladder ball, cookies and flavored water in the lobby, and smores kits.  Great place for a zero day, which they will be taking tomorrow!
Below is an excerpt from Wikipedia explaining a bit of history concerning the village and lodge.

History

The town is based around the village built to support the dam construction from 1942-1944, so that the dam could produce electricity to power the ALCOA (ALuminum Company Of America) in nearby Alcoa, Tennessee which is a suburb of Knoxville, Tennessee. The company was producing aluminum to make military aircraft in the War. The cottages now rented out for visitors were employee houses. The dining hall is now a cafeteria and the commissary is now the village store. The old lodge was once a hospital and a school was also on the grounds. The children who grew up there during the dam construction times now have an association called "Dam Kids" and they keep in touch and have reunions.

Fontana Lodge Exterior

Fontana Lodge Interior

Hiked Almost 17 Miles Today!

  Red Bull is still with some hiking buddies, and traveled with them to the Brown Fork Gap Shelter... almost 17 miles!  That is his best day yet!  Sounds like he found a good group to hike with.
   I found out that there has been another bear incident on the trail... but it is several hundred (339) miles ahead of Aaron.  A bear entered a shelter where people were sleeping, and took two food bags.  There have been other nuisance bear incidents there as well.  That shelter and the adjoining campground has been closed temporarily.  This happened at the Lambert's Meadow Shelter on May 11th in Troutville or Botetourt, Virginia.
  Aaron is doing well.  They plan to hike to the Fontana Dam Shelter known as the "Fontana Hilton" tomorrow, then take a zero day.  They already have their permits to head through the Great Smoky National Park.

 

Bear Attack!

   I was on the White Blaze last night looking for "News on the Trail".  I was alarmed by the recent news, and must admit I had trouble sleeping!

   Tuesday night a thru-hiker was bitten by a bear!  He was asleep in his tent near the Spence Shield Shelter (Graham County, N.C.) in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  He began to scream (understandably), and the bear ran away.  Those in tents went to the shelter for the remainder of the evening.  When they returned to pack up their gear in the morning, they discovered the bear had returned during the night  and torn apart two tents.  Rangers transported the  injured hiker out of the forest on horseback, and he then was taken to the local hospital.  The shelter is now closed, and a Park Wildlife Technician is remaining at that location in case the bear returns.

Not sure how long this link will remain active, but here is the story:

http://www.knoxnews.com/news/local/appalachian-trail-hiker-attacked-bear-3295aebe-a1ba-5901-e053-0100007fd09e-379057861.html

   I dropped Red Bull off at Winding Stair Gap, in Franklin, N.C. Tuesday night.  He hiked 15 1/2 miles yesterday, and camped at Cold Spring Shelter.  That is only 57 miles from where the bear attacked!  He will be at that location in about 4 days!

   I imagine with the forest fires in the area, there is a lot of wildlife searching for new homes and food sources.  Commentors on the White Blaze speculate there may have been food in the tents?  I will call Red Bull today to be certain he is aware of the situation, so he can remain alert and vigilant.

   Red Bull is doing well!  He is excited to be back on the trail!

   Happy Trails!

Pushed too hard today!

  Red Bull was enthusiastic and determined to go as far as possible today!
  Most of the elevation ranged from 3,800 feet to 5, 200 feet.
  He hiked 15 1/2 miles of rugged terrain his first full day back on the trail, still only able to manage with one hiking pole.
  He also is carrying the larger and heavier pack.

   He stopped at the Cold Spring Shelter, mile 125.6 on the trail, elevation 5,000 feet.

   When asked how he was feeling; "I really hurt more than any other day.  I might have pushed it a little much on my first day."

   He said it was his feet and shoulders hurting... I guess that takes his mind off of his hand?!

   Keep going Red Bull!  You can do this!

Back on the Trail! - photos

   Red Bull is back on the trail again!  Yay!
   Note the new hand brace!

Red Bull about to descend the "Winding Stairs"
photo by Red Bull's Family

photo by Red Bull's Family

   I dropped him off at the Winding Stair Gap mile 109.8, just outside of Franklin, N.C. exactly where he left the trail 9 days ago.
   It was 7:30 pm, so he hiked to the nearby Stream Campsite at mile 110.1.

   While home, he traded packs to his Dana Designs Arc Flex TerraPlane.
   It is an expedition pack, that belonged to the husband of my college professor.  I had shared with her Red Bull's test hike, and she shared it with her husband.  He was very impressed with Red Bull's planning and preparation for this endeavor.  Her husband has had this top quality pack sitting in the closet for years.  It has many fond memories associated with it, of his hikes with his brother in their home state of Washington.  He has not had the heart to part with it, until he heard of Aaron.

   Aaron was very thrilled to meet him, hear about and see photos of his exciting adventures with the pack, and receive advice regarding gear.  Other gear was gifted, and Aaron went searching for recommended items for his journey.

   Aaron chose to take his smaller and lighter pack initially due to his broken hand.  He is now looking forward to being able to carry a few more items.

Needed A Brace!

  Red Bull now has a brace on his hand, but plans to return to the trail on Monday (after Mother's Day)!

  The specialist examined Red Bull's  Xrays from the initial break, as well as the Xrays from Franklin; examined his hand and proclaimed all is well.

   She was amazed the ER had not put a brace on his hand.  It was a four week cast, so the hand is not fully healed.  It now needs a study brace to keep it stable and protected while it continues to heal over the next two weeks. This gives the fingers more of an opportunity to move a bit, to reduce the likelihood of physical therapy.  There are aluminum strips within the brace on both sides of the hand.

   Red Bull says the brace hurts.  He wants to just take it off.  We have stressed the importance of keeping it on.  We have offered to return to the doctor to have the brace adjusted, or to try a different one... but he does not want to go back to the doctor.

   He is enjoying time with family and friends.  It will be nice to have him here for Mother's Day!

Red Bull Coming Home!

   So Red Bull was ready to hit the trail this morning...
   but his hand had other plans!

   It is swollen, and hurts to touch.  He also believes his knuckles look out of alignment.  Honestly, we do not feel comfortable going back to the tiny ER in Franklin... so Red Bull is coming home.  He still has his previously scheduled appointment with a specialist tomorrow.

  Just hoping he does not decide to stay home, just when he was ready to go back onto the trail!

  Really thankful it was so late last night, that the three of them stayed at the Microtel.  If he had gone back on the trail, and Dad and Madison had headed home... this would have been bad.  I think a stubborn Red Bull would have just kept going, and not told us about his hand!

Cast being Cut Off!

   Dad and big sis Madison went down to give Red Bull a face to face pep talk, and to take him to the hospital to get his cast cut off.  We had tried to encourage him to continue hiking until it was time for the cast removal, but he parked himself at the Microtel and would not budge.

   They went to the Franklin, NC Angel Hospital ER tonight, I had phoned ahead this morning to see if they could remove his cast.  There were 2 patients in the ER (Red Bull being one of the two), it took 3 hours.  They needed to locate someone who could cut off the cast.

   They then took Red Bull shopping to stock up on supplies.  He is renewed and rejuvenated... ready to hit the trail in the morning!  YAY!

   Whew!  Disaster averted!  Mom and Dad were set up to lose either way!

   Go Red Bull!

 

Don't Give Up!

   I spoke with a member of The Appalachian Trail Conservancy in Harper's Ferry, West Virginia (their headquarters).  She told me to keep encouraging Red Bull.  She began her thru-hike on May 20th (years ago).  She intentionally chose to begin later when there were fewer crowds, "the perfect time."  She said he will catch up to the slower hikers, and to the faster hikers as they take their "zero" days.  People coming later will catch up to him!  There are over 3,500 hikers currently on the trail!  Do NOT give up!  He will regret it forever!  Keep going, he will make life long friends!

    I shared our situation on The White Blaze (AT Hiker forum) looking for advice, and received unbelievable responses!  Everyone telling him to keep going, don't give up, you will regret it the rest of your life, etc...
There have been 68 responses today!

   Here is a funny link someone posted for us on the forum, I shared it with Red Bull.  It made him laugh, and see the situation from both perspectives.  It is a clip from Young Frankenstein.
   Please be aware, it does contain offensive language!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nalaY6pczpc&noredirect=1

Young Frankenstein starring Gene Wilder

"When can you come get me"

   Those dreaded words...

"When can you come get me."

   When I left Red Bull in Georgia at the Approach Trail to the Appalachian Trail, he insisted we not come get him, even if he calls and asks us to.

"Mom, DO NOT come get me if I call you, do not let me quit."

   I warned him this would be a very difficult thing for a mother to do... he insisted that I needed to follow these instructions.
   Now here we are, 1 1/2 weeks and almost 120 miles of hiking the AT and approach trail...

   What do we do?  Encourage, problem solve, remind of the instructions given...

   It is heart wrenching, and we feel we will be choosing wrong either way...
   If we pick him up, he will be upset with us later for letting him quit.
   If we do not pick him up, he believes we do not care about him... and are leaving him alone in the woods (or Microtel).

 

Microtel?

   Red Bull caught a 10 mile ride into Franklin, N.C. with some fellow hikers.
He had hiked to Winding Stair Gap, mile 109.8 (almost 16 miles today).  He wanted to restock a bit, and is staying at the Microtel, alone.
  We have a bit of concern...

Misty Mountains - photo

   When Red Bull was in Franklin, he put this photo on his Instagram.
I believe it was taken between mile 81.4 and mile 109.8 on the AT.
I would guess it is Standing Indian Mountain or Albert Mountain?
I will just call it "Misty Mountains".

photo by Red Bull