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...

Mountain Lion Attacks A.T. Hiker!

   When visiting Red Bull Monday we asked if there were any stories from the trail he wanted to share.  He said nothing out of the ordinary had occurred lately.

   I was reading through The White Blaze today, and saw there had been a mountain lion attack on a hiker on the Appalachian Trail 11 miles South of Waynesboro on Friday.  Red Bull's father tries to protect me, and at times has warned our children to not share alarming incidents.  This happened with Red Bull's oldest brother who served a mission in Cambodia.  He wrote home about close encounters with a cobra, as well as a drunken native with a Samurai sword.  His father told him to stop writing home about these alarming encounters.

   When I asked Red Bull today if he had heard of the mountain lion attack, he commented; "Yes, that's all people talk about.  We did that section and saw nothing."  Interesting that he did not share this with us?  When I discussed the mountain lion attack with Red Bull's father he assured me Red Bull hikes with a large group, so would not need to worry about mountain lions.  Yes, but they often hike alone at their own pace; meeting at the designated shelter.  Hiking in the mountains is not without risk... there has been a bear attack near him, now a mountain lion attack... all we need are tigers.. and perhaps a few flying monkeys?!  Lions, tigers, and bears...oh my!

Here is an article:

 Hiker attack by mountain lion reported near Waynesboro, Virginia

Channing Frampton
wric.com
Sun, 03 Jul 2016 18:05 UTC

 

Mountain Lion

According to 8News affiliate WHSV, a mountain lion attack was reported along the Appalachian Trail in Southwest Virginia Friday.

The attack occurred near Humpback Rock in Augusta County, south of Waynesboro, Friday afternoon, according to Augusta County Emergency Communications.

A 911 operator told WHSV that the Blue Ridge Parkway Police called in the request for help from the picnic area of Humpback Rock. The station said they were still waiting to hear back from the police department about what happened.

The attack occurred along the Appalachian Trail about 30 minutes from Humpback Rock. The man involved in the attack is being treated and is in stable condition.

It is still unclear what exactly attacked him.

According to the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, "since 1970, 121 sightings have been identified as possible mountain lions but have not been officially confirmed. Most sightings occurred in Shenandoah National Park and in the nearby Bedford, Amherst and Nelson County regions."

from sott.net

Slack Pack back to Waynesboro?

   Red Bull and his pals did a "slack pack" today.  We thought he had hiked into Waynesboro, but they had taken a shuttle.  It was a hiking companion's birthday, and a friend was driving to Waynesboro to meet him and celebrate.  They had not made it to town and the weather was bad, so they arranged for a shuttle.  They also left half their group behind.

   Today the other half of group is catching up to them in Waynesboro.  Red Bull and the group already in Waynesboro are taking the shuttle back to the location where they exited the trail, and will be hiking back to Waynesboro today as a "slackpack".  This means they are leaving their gear at the hotel, then hiking fast and light.

   So no additional mileage today, because I had already counted it in on July 3rd.  It looks like they will be covering about 35+ miles today.  Tonight the group of about 10, will be reunited to continue their hike tomorrow!  Fun!

photo from Waynesboro Va official website

With Red Bull for Independence Day - photos

   Red Bull took a zero day today in Waynesboro, Virginia with his hiking pals Rd Brd, Cntr, Sqtch, J Drt, and a newer addition named Shd or Rcn.

   We visited with Red Bull, and took him a few items he had requested.  He wanted his newer hiking shoes, hanging chair, pocket knife, and what has become the traditional delivery... chocolate chip cookies.

   We had hoped to celebrate a fun Independence Day with Red Bull.  We saw online that the small town of Waynesboro has many festivities at the town park, similar to our hometown,  The closer we got to Waynesboro the darker the skies became, and it then began pouring rain so intensely we could hardly see to drive.  As we arrived in Waynesboro, it was still raining although had lessened.  The plans to celebrate the holiday at the park were no longer an option.  We asked where he wanted to go for lunch, and he chose Burger King.  We enjoyed all-American hamburgers and fries, and some even chose milk shakes.

Lunch with Red Bull

   We discussed our plans for the day, over lunch.  Red Bull informed us that many of the shops in town were closed for the Independence Day celebrations.  There is an outfitter's shop he had wished to visit, but his friends had tried to go earlier in the day only to find a "closed" sign hanging on the door.  We had noticed many of the parking lots at stores were empty.

   We went to pick up a few supplies at the local WalMart, and then headed to the theater.  We bumped into most of his hiking pals at the theater.  They had gone to watch Independence Day before we arrived in town.  It was fun to see this shaggy group of hikers together in public, I have only met them individually in the yard of a hostile previously.

   We allowed Red Bull to choose the show, and saw Finding Dory.  He really only had a couple of options since it needed to be PG or G rated.  Every seat was full in the theater, it seems most of the town had the same idea for the rainy day.  Only one person in our group said they wanted popcorn, but I got a large size thinking others may decide they want some later.  Before the movie began, the popcorn was half gone, so I went to get another order of popcorn and drinks.  It was amazing to look down the row of theater seats, and see Red Bull with his siblings again.  It was a as though time had stood still, and he had not been away for 2 1/2 months.  We have missed him very much.

Red Bull in Waynesboro with his younger siblings,
his oldest sibling came along as well.
Happy Independence Day Red Bull!

   We had hoped to stay for fireworks, but decided with the weather there would most likely not be fireworks.  We took Red Bull back to his hotel, and left on the 2 1/2 hour drive home.  We had heard the fireworks in our town had been cancelled due to weather so were in no rush to return.  We had a pleasant surprise along the way, we saw fireworks from several towns as we drove home.  We saw fireworks from about 5 different locations.  None of them were spectacular due to the weather, but it made it feel more like Independence Day.

All is Well

   Red Bull and companions have hiked into Waynesboro, Virginia today.  Waynesboro is near mile 842.2 of the A.T., I believe the town is 4 miles off the trail adding another 4 miles to their daily total.

   Red Bull is doing well, and making plans for the 4th of July!

stock photo

Planning Our Next Meeting

   Red Bull and his companions hiked to The Priest Shelter at mile 826.7 on the A.T.  It is at an elevation of 3,885 which is almost 2,530 feet higher than last night's shelter.

   We have been discussing our next meeting location, and what he would like for us to deliver.  It is about time to try out his Salomon hiking shoes again, before his Columbia boots fall apart.  He also wants the hammock chair he purchased in Hot Springs, and his Swiss army knife.

1 1/2 Miles from Buena Vista and SVU

   We did not hear from Red Bull today, but the following day he filled us in with his location on Friday.  They hiked to the Brown Mountain Creek Shelter.  It is on mile 804.3 of the A.T. at an elevation of 1,358 feet.  They hiked over 18 miles today.

   They are 1 1/2 miles from Buena Vista, the home of Southern Virginia University.  It is a private liberal arts college, with a strong support of moral values.  Red Bull has siblings who have attended youth conferences there in past summers, and have had friends attend this school.  It has a beautiful old Victorian building, that I adore.

Southern Virginia University (once the Buena Vista Hotel)

Southern  Virginia University - main hall

A bit of history from Wikipedia: 

It was originally founded as a school for girls in 1867, later moved to Buena Vista in 1900, and changed its name to Southern Seminary. It was located in the splendid Buena Vista Hotel, which had been built 10 years earlier to accommodate the large numbers of land speculators investigating the town's iron ore deposits. The iron boom was short-lived, however, and the school purchased the hotel. The original hotel still serves as Main Hall, the university's principal building, and holds a place of distinction on the National Register of Historic Places and listed as the Southern Seminary Main Building.^[10]