Basically Virginia So Far - photo

  Red Bull posted this photo on his Instagram today.  He entitled it "Basically Virginia So Far."
It looks like a scene from Lord of the Rings, or a fairy tale.

photo by Red Bull

Crossing the James River

   Red Bull and his pals have hiked to the Johns Hollow Shelter in Glascow, Virginia.  It is mile 786 on the A.T., at an elevation of 1.021 feet.  They hiked 20-22 miles today.

   They crossed the James River on the longest foot bridge on the Appalachian Trail.  Red Bull has fond memories of youth canoe trips on the James River with friends.

photos from vatrailguide.com
James River Foot Bridge

An excerpt from traillink.com:

The James River Foot Bridge carries the Appalachian Trail over the James River in Snowden, Virginia, approximately 20 miles northwest of Lynchburg. The bridge was built on the piers of a demolished CSX bridge that had been replaced with a longer trestle just east of the original bridge, providing a straighter course for freight traffic. Trains pass by frequently against the scenic backdrop of rolling hills and refreshing water below.

When opened in 2000, the James River Foot Bridge eliminated a dangerous crossing of the James River that mixed hikers with vehicular traffic on US 501. A curious note: While this is indeed a footbridge, its name actually refers to Bill Foot, an Appalachian Trail enthusiast who spearheaded the conversion of the bridge into its present use.

 

All is Well

   Red Bull and friends are at the Cornelius Creek Shelter, mile 764.4 on the A.T., with an elevation of 3,114 feet.  We estimate they hiked approximately 15 1/2 miles today.

   It was a brief text to let us know all was well, and his current location.  He is 4 miles away from a shelter closed due to bears, the Thunder Hill Shelter.  Below is an excerpt from The Appalachian Trail Conservancy.

Central Virginia - Thunder Hill Shelter closed due to Problem Bear activity

(5/25/16) Due to repeated problem bear activity the Thunder Hill Shelter (located at mile 769.7 miles north of Springer Mtn) is closed indefinitely. In addition, the Harrison Ground Spring dispersed campsite (mile 772.9), used as an alternate to Thunder Hill Shelter, has been compromised by a problem bear, and is no longer a viable option for camping. Marble Spring dispersed campsite (at mile 776.6) remains viable for camping overnight. 

stock photo
The real bears are not as friendly as Yogi and Boo Boo 

 

Where's Red Bull?

   We have not heard from Red Bull today.  We have projected his location to be around mile 749.1 on the A.T., elevation of 2,228 feet.  This is Buchanan, Virginia with a campground named Middle Creek.  If this is where they stopped, then they would have hiked about 12 miles today.

   Remember the old Where's Waldo books?  Where's Red Bull?

online stock photo

Red Bull Worrying

   Red Bull and his companions are carrying their packs today.  They hiked to the Wilson Creek Shelter on mile 738.7, elevation of 1,854 feet.  They hiked just under 10 miles today.  Hmmm... I think hiking 30 miles took a lot out of them yesterday.

   Red Bull had some questions regarding his finances.  He is looking at the amount he has spent so far, and projecting how much he needs to have in the bank to finish his hike.  He had some valid concerns, and said; "I'll need to cut back on snacks and stuff".  I told him that food was vital to his ability to maintain health and finish the hike, not an area where he should cut back.  I reminded him that he made several expensive purchases (raincoat, hammock/chair), as well as a few nights alone in a hotel when he wanted to quit.  If he is smart with his spending, he should be fine.  He had forgotten about those large expenses and felt relieved.  In his pre-hike planning, he had really only considered the cost of food.  There has been a lot of expense on hostels and occasional hotels.  I do understand the need for showers and the ability to do laundry, but this is adding up very quickly even with shared costs.

   We are glad that Red Bull is looking ahead, and evaluating what he can do to make his resources last through his hike.  He has planned, worked, and saved so much for this dream.  We all feel he has enough savings left to complete his hike.  We told Red Bull as long as he was being wise and sensible with his funds, we would loan him money to complete his hike if necessary.  He could pay us back when he finishes his hike and returns to work.

   Hike on Red Bull, hike on...

photo from offgridsurvival.com

 

McAfee Knob - photo

   Red Bull posted this photo on his Instagram today, to me this is a heart stopping photograph.
His father and I both agreed we would not go anywhere near the edge of this rock.
This is McAfee Knob, mile 711.4 on the Appalachian Trail.

photo by a pal of Red Bull
Red Bull giving a "thumbs up" on McAfee Knob

Here is a little information about McAfee Knob from: visitroanokeva.com
McAfee Knob is the most photographed site along the Appalachian Trail which crosses 14 states along its 2,178 mile trail from Georgia to Maine. In Virginia, McAfee Knob is the appalachian trail's poster and postcard image. The hype is supported by the reality. McAfee Knob is the jutting end of a crazily tilted rocky mountain, sticking out into thin air like a diving platform. The view from the Knob sweeps around 270 degrees (everything except through the forest behind), surveying the Catawba Valley and North Mountain to the west, Tinker Cliffs to the north, and the Roanoke Valley to the east. Length:  6 mile round trip (out and back). Difficulty:  Moderately difficult - gradual uphill on the way out and the return is downhill.

Interesting Cloudy View - photo

   Red Bull posted this very interesting cloudy view today on his Instagram.

photo by Red Bull

"Slack Pack" Hiking Today!

   I learned a new hiking term today!  Red Bull and his nine companions are doing a "slack  pack" hike today!  The Four Pines Hostel offered to transport their gear to a designated location 30 miles North on the trail.  The trail is muddy, and the only shelter in the vicinity of where they would normally stop is closed due to bear activity.

   The Four Pines Hostel took their gear in the "Dragon Wagon" to the Howard Johnson's in Troutville, Virginia for a flat fee of $40.  Splitting this fee 10 ways made it $4 per person.  They could then hike the 30 miles quickly since they were not carrying the extra weight of packs.  Red Bull's pack tends to weigh about 35 pounds.  This is the first time they have tried "slack packing", and it was mainly due to the mud and closed shelter.

   The Howard Johnson's placed the hikers' gear in their rooms.  When they arrived from their 30 mile hike, their belongings were waiting for them.  Interesting way to hike, this is just off mile 729 on the A.T., at an elevation of 1,300 feet.

photo from HoJo.com
This Howard Johnson's looks remarkably like Red Bull's old elementary school!

   Red Bull told me they stopped at a gas station that we had made a visit to on our way to Georgia.  We had come across two females who were thru-hiking the A.T.. they had started in February.  It was interesting to think that Red Bull and his pals were now the hikers stopping at the same gas station.  

 

Four Pines Hostel and Dragon Wagon

   Red Bull and his pals hiked to the Four Pines Hostel in Catawba, Virginia mile 707.7 on the A.T. at
an elevation of 1,990 feet.  They hiked 12 1/2 miles today, the trail is muddy and difficult to traverse.

   This hostel is a 3 bay garage with a shower.  The owner simply requests a donation if you stay, and offers free shuttles into town.  For a fee he will transport hikers farther in the "Dragon Wagon."

photo from AppalachianTrailCafe.net
Four Pines Hostel/Garage

photo from Kathryn's Thru-hike 2016 Blogspot
Hostel's "Dragon Wagon"

Finally Heard from Red Bull!

   It has been a little unnerving not having Red Bull check in, with all the severe thunderstorms and flooding.  West Virginia has had the worsting flooding in a century in some areas, receiving 1/4 of the year's total rainfall on Wednesday and Thursday.  This is just west of Red Bull's location.  Red Bull is in Virginia which has also declared a State of Emergency in some counties due to flooding, with some towns evacuated.  We have remained calm knowing he is with a group; and at least one of his buddies, Rd Brd has our phone numbers.  Red Bull also carries an emergency contact card in his wallet, as seen below (his card has the proper names and phone numbers instead of asterisks).

Note the Lord of the Rings reference?

  Red Bull contacted us today to tell us he has not had a cell signal, and he will be stopping at the "Pickle Shelter" tonight.  He also asked if I could let him know the weather forecast.

  There is a great site that will look up the weather at any shelter along the A.T., as forecast by The National Weather Service.  I just go to atweather.org and enter the trail, state, and choose from the list of shelters.  It then shows you the current forecast, as well as the predicted weather for the next seven days at that location.  I sent Aaron the link for the Pickle Branch Shelter, and also texted him the forecast since it sounds like he does not currently have internet access.  We had a chance of thunderstorms in our area, and the sky was growing dark.  He had a chance of severe thunderstorms in his area, and it sounds as though the sky was appearing ominous there as well.

   We have not heard from Red Bull for the past two days, so here is my guesstimate at his shelter locations during that time:

   Wednesday, June 22nd    Bailey Gap Shelter?       mile 658   on the A.T.  
                                           elevation 3,510 feet
                                           16 1/2 miles from previous shelter

   Thursday, June 23rd       Sarver Hollow Shelter?  mile 679   on the A.T.  
                                           elevation 3,402 feet
                                           21 miles from previous shelter

   Today he is at the:          Pickle Branch Shelter     mile 695.1 on the A.T.  
                                          elevation 1,951 feet
                                          16+ miles from the previous shelter

   I wanted this post to be... YAY, he has hiked over 700 miles (including the 81/2 mile approach trail)!  The severe thunderstorms and flooding have taken priority.

   But... Yay!  He has hiked over 700 miles!

 


 
                                                                 

Severe Weather

   Red Bull and his hiking buddies are back on the trail again!  There is impending severe weather so they decided to take shelter in the Rice Field Shelter on mile 641.5 of the A.T., elevation of 3,375 feet.  They hiked a little over  7 miles today, and stopped in the early afternoon.  The severe weather alert is in effect until 11:00 pm in Virginia.

   There is a large storm system causing severe weather on the East Coast.  We have had very severe thunder storms all afternoon and early evening at our home.  When I checked the Weather Channel, I saw that Virginia was included in the Severe Weather area.  I am so glad that Red Bull and his companions are keeping up to date on weather warnings, and sheltering when necessary.  There have been reports of tennis ball sized hail in West Virginia and New Jersey, with a tornado in Maryland.  There was a wind gust registered at 80 mph in Cape May, New Jersey and 35,000 people without electricity.  There were also 35,000 households in Maryland without electricity.  There have been many flash flood warnings, and I know the A.T. crosses many streams and is near many fresh water sources.

   It is good to know that Red Bull is in a shelter, although depending on the direction of the wind... it may not help much being a three sided structure!

Rice Field Shelter photo from The White Blaze
they look like stairs to nowhere...
that actually take hikers over a wire fence

Rice Field Shelter Privy - photo from The White Blaze
Not all shelters have a privy... luxurious!

 

Zero Day in Pearisburg

   Red Bull and his companions are taking a well deserved zero day in Pearisburg.  I asked Red Bull what he was doing, and he told me they had restocked their supplies at Walmart; and he was watching the History Channel.  He also informed me that all the needles I had given him in his mini sewing kit were now bent.  I asked what he had been sewing, he told me he was trying to use one to fix his hiking boots that were tearing.  He said a friend had also borrowed one to repair his pack.  I told him he could pick up heavier needles at Walmart, or almost any store.  He is debating wearing his boots until they fall apart, or having us bring his hiking shoes on our next visit.  I advised the hiking shoes.  I cannot imagine his boots getting to the point where he would need to buy new ones somewhere along the trail.  Breaking in new boots hiking 15-20+ miles each day, carrying 35 pounds of gear would be torture.

 

photo from their Website

Father's Day in Pearisburg, VA

   Red Bull and his companions Rd Brd, Cntr, Sqtch, Hppy Ft, J Drt, Sndy Mn, and Aq Mn arrived in Pearisburg, Virginia today.  They hiked 18 miles today on the A.T., Pearisburg is at an elevation of 1,650 feet.

  They are staying at the Holiday Motor Lodge.  They have several types of rooms available; $20 for a bunk in a shared room, $39 for an economy room, or $50 for an "other" room.  I do not know what type of accommodations they chose.

   Red Bull told me it is pretty much the same group I met in Damascus, with the addition of Aq Mn.  Aq Mn had been in Gtr's group a day behind them, when they caught up in Damascus.  Instead of taking a zero day with his group, he headed out with Red Bull's group.

  When I visited Red Bull in Damascus, he helped me with a couple of Father's Day gifts and signed a card.  His father was very happy with his gifts today, wearing one to church and the other to work.  He was surprised to see Red Bull's contribution (as well as his first grandchild's)!  It involved a bit of planning and sneaking, but was priceless!  Thank you Red Bull!

 

Hiked over 24 Miles Today! Passed 600 Mile Mark!

                         600+ Miles!


   Amazing!  Red Bull and his companions stopped early last night due to impending weather, but made up for lost time today!  They hiked to the Wampiti Shelter, mile 616.3 on the A.T at an elevation of 2,603 feet.  They hiked over 24 miles today!

   He asked me to send the photo he took on Roan Mountain (elevation 6,000 feet) having climbed 40 feet into a 60 foot tree.  It is incredibly sad that he lost all of his photos from his phone.

  They have now hiked well over 600 miles!  They hiked just under 120 miles this week!

   Go Red Bull!!!

 

Visit With Red Bull - photo

   We finally had contact with Red Bull today!  Whew!  They were stopping to set up camp early, with impending severe weather.  His father literally jumped into the car moments after speaking with him to begin the journey to deliver his phone, and Indian flute.  While his father was driving, I called one of his older sisters to see if she wanted to go along to help drive.  She had 15 minutes to prepare, before Dad reached her location.

   What should have been a 5 hour journey took a little longer, due to a car accident blocking the road.  The A.T. intersected an area with a parking lot about 1 1/2 miles from Red Bull's shelter, and this is where they planned to meet.

   Red Bull and his companions hiked to the Helveys Mill Shelter at mile 592.1 on the A.T., elevation of 3,121 feet.  They hiked about 14 miles today.  Red Bull backtracked about 1 1/2 miles on the trail to the parking area for the Kimberling Creek off of VA 612 near Bland, Virginia to meet Dad.

   The plan was to meet so Red Bull could return to the shelter before dark, but it was going to be close.  With the traffic from the car accident, they actually met him a few moments before sunset.  I was incredibly concerned about him trying to hike 1 1/2 miles back to the shelter in the dark, but he had the confidence associated with youth.  He did make it back to the shelter, and his father and sister made it safely home in the early morning hours.

   Red Bull is doing well.  He wanted his Indian flute, a Lord of the Rings book, earbuds (his got lost), and chocolate chip cookies.  I hope he is careful with his flute, he purchased it on a family trip to the Grand Canyon.  It was handmade by Native American Indians, and would be difficult to replace.  He enjoys using it to play songs from Lord of the Rings.  He also decided to trade packs again, choosing to go with the smaller lighter one for a while.  He said he is trying to "downsize" what he is carrying for now.

   He told me that "Gtr" did catch up to them when they took an extra zero day in Damascus, but that Gtr then needed a zero day too.  So Gtr continues to be a day behind them, but he is also with a group so all is well.  I know Red Bull appreciates the company of Gtr because they are closer in age than anyone else in their current groups.

Red Bull looks very happy with his chocolate chip cookies!

handmade Native American wooden flute, similar to Red Bull's

Severe Thunderstorms

   Red Bull and his companions hiked to the Jenkins Shelter on mile 578.6 of the A.T., elevation of 2,400 feet.  It appears to have been about a 17-18 mile day?  His previous camp location was undetermined.

   He told us they had terrible thunder storms this night, we also had very bad storms.  We were thinking of Red Bull during the storms, and wondering if he had the same weather.  I cannot imagine sleeping outside during storms like those.  He said they expect severe weather again tomorrow night, so they plan to stop at a shelter a little early so they can make camp before the weather hits.

photo from hikingabout.com

 

 

Bad Battery+Poor Reception=No Contact

   Red Bull has had difficulty checking in because his temporary phone has a bad battery, and he has also had poor cell reception.  When I recently spoke with him, he could only guesstimate where he had spent the night from a couple of nights previously.

   He would have spent this night at the Knot Maul Branch Shelter or the Lynn Camp Creek, mile 558.5 or 559.5 on the A.T..  Their elevations are 2,757 feet and 2,400 feet respectively.  He would have hiked approximately 14-15 miles this day.

   We have been attempting to get in touch with him, so we could deliver his new cell phone.  His father had a window of opportunity to make the journey, but we could not contact him to know his location.

1/4 Point of Appalachian Trail!!!

   Red Bull could not remember the name of the place where he spent the night (he checked in with us the following day).  He told us he hiked about 15 miles, which would place him in the vicinity of the Davis Path Campsite, mile 547.2 on the A.T., elevation 2,874 feet.

   This location would place him at the 1/4 point of the Appalachian Trail!  Way to go Red Bull!!!
It is such an amazing accomplishment!  We have no doubts he will finish in Maine this fall!

found on Wanderopolis.org

   Today Red Bull and his companions stopped to resupply in Marion, Virginia.  They also went to eat "at some Mexican restaurant."  As I look on the map of Marion in the guidebook, it would appear they ate at the My Puerto Restaurant.  Too bad they did not go to the "Yummy Yummy Restaurant" (Japanese) listed in the guidebook!

online stock photo

 

Hiked 19 miles today!

   Today Red Bull hiked to Partnership Shelter elevation 3,242 feet at mile 532.3 on the A.T.; he hiked 19 miles today!  Wow!

   This shelter actually has a shower, that is very unusual!  I read online comments that it is a "free hot shower" but Red Bull said it was only cold water.  Many hostels and other places charge for showers and laundry facilities.

   The Mt Roger's Visitor Center (Sugar Grove, VA) is 1/4 of a mile from this shelter.  It has a phone available for use outside, and a phone number to order pizza from a local pizza shop.  The pizza place will deliver to the Visitor Center before nightfall.  Red Bull and his companions ordered pizza... of course!

online stock photo
Partnership Shelter

   Not much news other than "This phone keeps dying on me."  Yes, the replacement phone we took to him belongs to one of his sisters, and has a poor battery.  We are still trying to work out a day and place to meet him, to give him his new phone.  Unfortunately, nothing could be saved from his old phone.

Dip in a Stream, and Wild Ponies

   Red Bull and his companions reached the Hurricane Mountain Shelter tonight, mile 513.2 on the A.T., hiked a little over 16 miles today.

   We had not heard from him for a couple of nights, but knew he was with a lot of people so tried to not be concerned.  It was great to have him check in with us tonight.

   Red Bull told us he "took a dip in a mountain steam today" and "saw wildponies".  I have never heard of wild ponies in Virginia, so decided to look it up online.

Here is an excerpt from an article in Southern States:

photo from Southern States
wild ponies in Virginia

Running Wild: The Feral Ponies of Mount Rogers, Virginia

With so much wildness disappearing around us, it might surprise you to know that high atop Virginia's tallest mountain peak lives a herd of feral, unbridled ponies. 

These ponies roam free and unhidden along the mile-high ridgeline. And despite the intimidating elevation, anyone can lace up their hiking boots and go see them. Simply head to Grayson Highlands State Park, VA, and strike out on the beautiful and rugged stretch of the Appalachian Trail that approaches Mount Rogers. It's only a four-mile walk, and if you keep your eyes and ears open, you can find members of this 150-pony herd standing weathered but majestic against their high country backdrop.

These ponies, which are slightly larger than Shetland ponies, have lived up on this area of Wilburn Ridge for longer than most folks can remember. According to Laney Irving, a 74-year-old retired Southern States employee and member of the Wilburn Ridge Pony Association, they were put up there by the park service. The ponies, which are aided but not tamed by the club's eight members, serve the park by grazing on the undergrowth and brush, helping prevent forest fires.

"See, the ponies will go down into the lower wetlands and survive good in the wintertime," says Laney. "That helps to clean the wetlands out and protect the older forests from summer fires. Then in the warmer months they stay up in the higher elevations, where it's better picking. That helps manage the threat of fire on the mountains' grassy bald faces."

In exchange for this free labor, the park service and the Wilburn Ridge Pony Association help the herd live healthy and free lives. "In the spring and the fall of the year we round up the ponies and check them over," says Laney. "During the winter we provide them with salt licks and some Southern States feed." Bryan Cassell, Assistant Manager of Southern States' Wytheville store, says that they've been supplying the Pony Association for years.

The real thrill is to watch these animals live outside the reach of humans - to help and observe them from afar. "It makes you feel good," admits Laney. "It feels like a good deed to get salt or feed to them, especially when it's cold and bad up there. Plus, checking on them gives me and my wife a good reason to go walk around the park. We still have a little bit of kid left in us, and seeing those ponies roam free brings that kid out."

It's true that these ponies bring a childlike sense of wonder to every hiker who has a chance to glimpse them. That is why we're glad that folks like Laney Irving and the Wilburn Ridge Pony Association offer up their time and Southern States products to protect them. Because there's something mythical about these small, strong horses standing stalwart against the elements. There's something inspiring about their thick coats and wispy manes parting in the wind. There's something in these freely wandering ponies, with wise eyes and old souls that has the ability to make full-grown men think about magic.

Hiked over 500 Miles!

   Red Bull has hiked over 500 miles!  He is almost to the 1/4 point of the trail!

   He stopped at the Thomas Knob Shelter elevation 5,413 feet, and mile 497.0 on the A.T..   He had also hiked the 8.5 mile approach trail in Georgia making it 505.5 miles total.  I believe he hiked 13 miles today, but he could not remember the name of the shelter where he stopped last night, so the distance traveled today may not be precise.

   When we said goodbye in Damascus last week, one of the last things he said to me was; "you never thought I would make it this far did you?"
   I responded; "I never doubted you, I have always expected you to make it to the end!"

   He has planned, and saved, and prepared so well for the past year... I have not doubted his desire and ability to reach his goal of thru hiking the entire Appalachian Trail.  His favorite place to be is in the forest, or on a mountain.

  Hike on Red Bull, hike on!

 

Not Sure?

   Red Bull had not been in touch for a couple of days.  He did not remember which shelter they stopped at on Friday evening.  As I look at the guidebook, I believe they probably stopped at the Iron Mountain Shelter, mile 484.8 on the A.T., traveling 15.8 miles?

 

Second Zero Day in Damascus

   Red Bull and his companions decided to take a second "zero" day in Damascus.  They were waiting for "Gtr" and the group he was with to catch up.

   It appears that they also really enjoyed mountain biking on the Virginia Creeper Trail.

   The phone Red Bull is using has a battery that does not seem to hold a charge very well, so we have not been hearing from him very regularly.  We are hoping to get his new phone to him soon.

photo from AppalachianTrail.com

Tales of the Trail - Bears

   I will use this post to share some of the "Tales of the Trail" shared by Red Bull during my visit with him yesterday in Damascus, Virginia.

photo from NBC29 news

   Red Bull has become very alert for bears, and with good reason!

   One evening they encountered a "Ridge Runner" who was posting signs of bear warnings.  It was her job to travel the trail to place bear warnings, verify previous warnings had not been removed, and alert hikers to dangerous situations.  Red Bull admires this profession very much, I can only imagine the tales she told of bear encounters in the area as they hung out at the camp before nightfall.  Unfortunately she decided that the six person shelter was overcrowded with six people, so she told Red Bull and one of his companions they needed to pitch their tents.  Normally Red Bull prefers his tent, but in bear areas he has preferred the shelter (especially since a hiker was bitten by a bear through his tent while sleeping).  He immediately pitched his tent, but I could still hear in his voice how much it had upset him.  As you read on... you will understand why.

   Red Bull's hiking pal Wffls had a bad tent experience with a bear.  She was sleeping in her tent, when she awakened to the sound of a large animal outside her tent.  She could tell by the sounds it was making that it was a bear.  The bear began to nudge her tent, she did not move nor make a sound.  Eventually the bear lost interest and departed.  She was very fortunate.

   Another one of Red Bull's companions had a face to face encounter with a bear.  Hppy Ft had stopped along the trail for a lunch break.  He stepped off the trail to use the "restroom", when he returned there was a bear between him and his lunch/foodbag.  Needless to say he lost his lunch/food bag.

   Soon after, the group was spending the night in a shelter.  Rd Brd was having trouble sleeping, so was sitting up enjoying the cool night air.  He saw a bear approaching the shelter with large cubs.  Rd Brd began yelling; "BEARS, BEARS! Get out of here, this is MY shelter (insert a few profanities as well)!  Red Bull and his friends awakened to the shout of "bears" and saw the situation.  Fortunately the mother bear decided to take her cubs elsewhere, although I am certain Red Bull and his friends had a sleepless night.

   One day Red Bull was hiking alone for a time, when he saw a bear cub cross the path.  He was quickly scanning to see if he could spot the mother, to avoid contact.  He did not see her, but was very cautious over the next couple of miles.  When he met his pals at camp, one of them said he had come across a couple of bears that day on the trail as well.

   Red Bull also related to me that one day he was hiking alone on the trail, planning to meet his friends at camp that evening.  He heard the sound of something approaching behind him on the trail, and an odd growling/guttural sound... he thought there was a bear behind him and turned around with a hiking pole raised to strike.  It was only a man who was clearing his throat in a strange way...  I think they gave each other a bit of a startle, quite unintentionally.

   I can tell Red Bull is on high alert for bears from a scene I witnessed, when I had taken him to the grocery store in Damascus.  While inside the store there was an unexpected sound behind us.  Red Bull visibly jumped, and very quickly side stepped while turning to look behind him.  We saw the sound was made by something harmless, but I could see Red Bull is very on guard to his surroundings.

   He has many reasons to be cautious...

stock photo of black bears

There is a Red Bull on the Streets of Damascus! - photos

   Red Bull and his hiking companions are taking a "zero" day in Damascus.  From my visit yesterday, it looks like his feet could use a break.

Red Bull on the Streets of Damascus

Red Bull at Mt Rogers Outfitters
Someone asked me via text if I was with Red Bull,
I responded by sending this photo,,, he looks thrilled!

Woodchuck Hostel - photo by Red Bull's Family
You can rent various accommodations, even tents or a tepee.
Red Bull and his companions are renting a large wooden shed.
It contains 4 bunkbeds (sleeping 8), Red Bull's has no mattress!

   Red Bull, Cntr, Sqtch, and Rd Brd rented mountain bikes to ride along the Virginia Creeper Trail today.  It is "rails to trails" which means it was a railroad bed in years gone by.  Here is a brief excerpt from virginiacreepertrail.com:

The Va Creeper Trail stretches 34 miles from Abingdon, Virginia down thru the lovely town of Damascus, Va (known as the Heart of the Va Creeper) along the Whitetop Laurel River and up to its highest point Whitetop Station near the NC State Line at Whitetop, Virginia. The Va Creeper Trail is open year round to hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding.

This former rail bed passes through the Mount Rogers National Recreation area and the highland country of Southwestern Virginia. The Virginia Creeper Trail is rich in beauty and regional history. This is a biking adventure that you and your friends and family will talk about for a long time.

photo from greenvillerec.com
A RR Bridge on the Virginia Creeper Trail

Visit with Red Bull in Damascus - photos

   Red Bull and his group arrived in Damascus, Virginia today.  They hiked to mile 469.0 on the A.T. traveling 10 1/2 miles.  They are staying at the Woodchuck Hostel, where they have access to a shower and laundry facilities.

   I was able to journey 5 1/2 hours to meet Red Bull, and give him a temporary phone to use.  It does not have internet capabilities, but at least he can text and call.  I brought home his broken phone, and we will see if Verizon can transfer anything onto the new phone when it arrives.

Red Bull's Cell Phone has Seen Better Days!

   I was very happy to meet some of his trail buddies.  I LOVE their trail names, but Red Bull told me to not post them to maintain their privacy.  So, I will put hints so Red Bull can look back on this later, and will readily recognize who they were.  Rd Brd was kind enough to allow Red Bull to borrow his phone to stay in touch with us, until we could bring him a phone.  I met Rd Brd (from Georgia) and he is very appropriately named!

   I also met Cntr and Sqtch (from Minnesota), they were very nice, and their trail names are amazing.  Gtr (from Ohio) is still a day behind them but they are taking a zero day tomorrow, so hopefully he will catch up to them. I did not get a chance to meet Hppy Ft (he was talking on the phone) but he looked like he could live up to his trail name.  Their group fluctuates in size, J Drt and Wffls were not currently with the group, but have been most of the time.

Red Bull had a fall

The feet of Red Bull (taking a respite from hiking shoes)
having hiked over 475 miles 

   Red Bull wanted to go to the local Dairy Queen to get a chili dog, and Royal Oreo Blizzard.  He finished both in under 4 minutes.  We sat and talked, while he waited for me to finish a medium blizzard.  There was more to the story of his "fall".  When I first asked for details, he got his funny smirk... and said he could not remember what had happened.  I told him that by his expression I knew he remembered.  I tried again a few minutes later and he shared the tale.  He and Rd Brd were tossing insults to one another jokingly, when Red Bull apparently crossed a line.  Rd Brd started to chase Red Bull, when he slipped and fell.  It looks painful... you cannot tell from the photo but there is a nasty gash on his left toe, that has a flap of skin covering it at the moment.  This is why he requested we bring down his old comfy hiking boots.

  There were some other tales he shared, which I will place in a separate entry.  Quite a few bear encounters.
 

Almost to Virginia (and Damascus)

   Tonight Red Bull  is staying at the Abingdon Gap Shelter on mile 458.6 of the A.T., hiking 16 miles today.  It is at an elevation of 3,780 feet, and is 7 miles from the Tennessee/Virginia border.  He is also 10 miles from Damascus, where we will meet him to give him a replacement phone.

from appalachiantrail.org

 

Watuaga Dam - Bear Warning Area

   On Monday, June 6th Red Bull reported in that on Sunday, June 5th he hiked to the Iron Mountain Shelter, mile 442.7 on the A.T. (hiked 14 miles that day).  He told us it had been a rainy day and night.

   He had hiked though the Watuaga Dam area, which contained bear warnings.

From the Appalachian Trail Conservancy:

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. 

photo from TVA - Tennessee Valley Authority site
Watuaga Dam 

***Spent the Night NEAR a Shelter Closed due to Bears!

   ***On Monday, June 6th Red Bull reported in that he hiked on Saturday June 4th to mile 426.4 (15 miles that day) to a little campsite less than 2 miles from the Watuaga Lake Shelter which was closed due to Bear Activity.  According to the guidebook, this shelter was just reopened this year after a two year closure due to bears.  Looks like it was not open for very long.

From the Appalachian Trail Conservancy:

TENNESSEE

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.


   Red Bull had also hiked past Laurel Falls that day, which had a bear warning issued.
   As I was searching for a stock photo online, I read this is part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  The guidebook did not say that he was reentering the park, perhaps it is for a short distance.  When he initially entered the GSMNP on May 16th, he needed a special permit to spend nights in the park.

from GreatSmokyMountains.com
Laurel Falls

*details may have been changed slightly for privacy

Phone Does a Factory Reset! - photo

   Our family had journeyed 3 1/2 hours, to spend the weekend with Red Bull's brother and his dear little family.  Red Bull's niece was receiving a special blessing.  Four generations of family were joined together.  While enjoying time with loved ones we do not see as often as we would like, we received a distress call from Red Bull.

Red Bull's Sweet Niece on her Blessing Day

   Somehow Red Bull's phone did a factory reset, and deleted absolutely everything he had on his phone.  He lost all his contacts, photos, music, and inspirational talks.  In addition he was keeping a verbal journal on his phone the first few weeks on the trail, because it was too difficult to write with a broken right hand.  He was going to transfer his verbal journal into his regular journal later, we are pretty certain that had not occurred yet.

   Red Bull was incredibly distressed, his father and older sister tried to calm him down; and explain that things may be able to be retrieved.  He then sent me a text from a friend's phone to please meet him in Damascus, Virginia on Monday to help him get a replacement phone.  At this point Red Bull's phone was no longer working.

   The so the debate begins, do we drive to Virginia on Monday or tell him to wait another week for our regular date to visit?  Damascus is a good sized town that the trail crosses through, and there are three Verizon stores nearby.

   We did not hear from Red Bull that night, nor the following night.  He is in an area with bear warnings.  He is "with" a group, but they do not hike together all day.  They agree to meet at a certain shelter for the evening, and everyone hikes at their own pace throughout the day.

   I had decided to leave this morning when we received a phone call from Red Bull.  He had borrowed "Red Beard's" phone, a hiking buddy.  There had been a great deal of rain yesterday and last night.  He wanted to let us know they would not be in Damascus until midday on Tuesday, and then the group planned to take a zero day there on Wednesday.  If he had called 30 minutes later, I would have already left.

  So, the plan is to leave tomorrow morning, drive to Damscus, VA and take Red Bull to a Verizon store.  It is unlikely the old phone can be saved at this point, so he may be buying a replacement phone.

   He also asked me to bring his old hiking boots.  He wears flip flops when he stops for the night, to rest his feet.  He slipped on a wet rock and fell, cutting his foot.  He said it is not bad, but the cut is at a spot where the hiking shoes he currently wears is aggravating the wound.

   So, I get to see Red Bull tomorrow!  Maybe I will get to meet his hiking group?

Quick Check In - hiked 18 1/2 miles today

   Red Bull hiked to the Moreland Gap Shelter at mile 411.5 on the A.T., traveling almost 18 1/2 miles today.  The Shelter is at an elevation of 3,798 feet.  He has been very busy with hiking and recovery; he has been checking in briefly with little conversation.
   On the A.T. hikers are required to overnight in the vicinity of a shelter.  Red Bull typically prefers to set up his tent in the designated tent areas near the shelters.  This shelter is supposedly a six person shelter... I prefer a bit more personal space!

Moreland Gap Shelter
photo from Tennessee Eastman Trail Club site

Taking a Zero Day

   Red Bull and the group have decided to take a zero day at the Mountain Harbour Hiker Hostel on Roan Mountain, in Tennessee.  Perhaps "Gator" will catch up to the group?

   Red Bull said they do not have any plans for the day, just a little R&R.

   As I was reading about Roan Mountain, it is known for having beautiful rhododendron  gardens.  They are in full bloom in late June, and there is a festival to celebrate. He is a bit early to enjoy them in full bloom, but perhaps they are beginning to bloom?

photo from the Appalachian Trek website

online stock photo
Rhododendrons on Roan Mountain

Mountain Harbour Hiker Hostel - Roan Mountain

 I alerted Red Bull he is approaching another "Bear Warning" area.  Two places have warnings, and one shelter has been closed due to bears.  He should be hiking through these areas tomorrow and the following day.

   According to the weather forecast they are also in for a bit of rough weather.  They are expecting two inches of rain in the area tonight and tomorrow, with more rain through the weekend and 35 mph winds.  It looks like he has descended out of the higher elevations tonight,at least.

   Red Bull is staying at the Mountain Harbour Hiker Hostel, Roan Mountain, TN at mile 393.1 on the A.T., elevation 2,895 feet.  He hiked 17 miles today, the temperatures have been averaging in the mid 50's during the days and nights on Roan Mountain.

photo form their website
Mountain Harbour Hiker Hostel

photo from their website
Mountain Harbour Hiker Hostel 

   The family that purchased the property had intended to use the main home as a Bed and Breakfast (which they do).  Their first winter they saw four men with packs standing near their home.  The men were cold and tired, and hoping to find a place to sleep out of the elements.  They were welcomed into their home, and the family learned all about the Appalachian Trail from these thru hikers.

   The family's home is so close to the trail and they have had so many hikers looking for shelter; that they eventually converted their 100 year old barn into a hostel for hikers.  They also have a fully enclosed tree house for rent.  They will make a home-cooked breakfast for an additional fee if there are 4 or more guests.