Text message received Monday, September 17, 2:10 PM: "At last! One more state left!" Go, Bigby!!
Monday, September 17, 2007
Friday, September 14, 2007
Through the Whites!
Hi Everyone,
Lots of photos on this post! We document Dad K's trip through the Whites (including a scary brush with the famously bad weather of the Presidentials,) a change in Rob's 'do, and the gorgeous scenery in Vermont and New Hampshire. First, pretty Little Rock Pond in VT.
Who says only gregarious Southerners are capable of Trail Magic?
Lots of cold sodas for everyone!
And finally (above), the beautiful GREEN Mountains, on the Long Trail in VT (which runs with the AT in VT.) Rob very much liked the Vermont experience.
Lots of photos on this post! We document Dad K's trip through the Whites (including a scary brush with the famously bad weather of the Presidentials,) a change in Rob's 'do, and the gorgeous scenery in Vermont and New Hampshire. First, pretty Little Rock Pond in VT.
Who says only gregarious Southerners are capable of Trail Magic?
Lots of cold sodas for everyone!
And finally (above), the beautiful GREEN Mountains, on the Long Trail in VT (which runs with the AT in VT.) Rob very much liked the Vermont experience.Below, Bigby decides it's time for a haircut.
And a new man emerges from beneath the mop! This 'do is much easier to maintain on the Trail.
One doesn't always have to rough it on the Long Trail! (Softies like MomK can contemplate hiking inn-to-inn.)
When Rob crosses this bridge, he'll be in New Hampshire!
Next-to-last state line on the Trail.
In Hanover, Rob runs into some old friends - hiking buddies (Byte Code and Churchmouse) from the Southern half!
Here, on September 2, the White Mountains at last.
Rob was delighted to reach the top of Mt. Moosilauke, and the first alpine biome of the AT. "Above treeline at last! I couldn't be happier!"
Above, the craggy White Mountains stretch out forever. Below, a mountain sunrise.
Dad K hits the trail again! Dave drove up to Joe Dodge Lodge, Pinkham Notch, on Thursday Sept. 6 (Happy Birthday Sister Jess!.) MomK called him en route with the news he'd left the rainfly at home. (I was wrong, actually - the fly I found in the hiker staging area (AKA dining room) came from another tent.) Dave decided to ditch the tent, 6 less pounds to carry; and grabbed the hiker shuttle to Franconia on Friday morning, where he and Rob met up. Enjoy the good weather, guys! Won't last long!
After spending the first night 'under the stars' (i.e., no tent for Dad), they used the hut system for the remaining nights. Hikers can often "work for stay" - some huts are more accommodating to thru hikers than others...scene below is from Zealand Falls. Thru hikers on the floor; on the deck; everywhere. (Regular paying guests fork over big $$ to stay here - up to $87/night.) Here, Dave (top tier, left) learns a new card game.
"Work for Stay" includes doing the dishes (below) or, in Lake of the Clouds, washing down an entire bunkroom with soapy water then bleach, preparing to close up for winter.
In exchange, hikers get a floor to sleep on, out of the weather; and LOTS of food.
And a new man emerges from beneath the mop! This 'do is much easier to maintain on the Trail.
One doesn't always have to rough it on the Long Trail! (Softies like MomK can contemplate hiking inn-to-inn.)
When Rob crosses this bridge, he'll be in New Hampshire!
Next-to-last state line on the Trail.
In Hanover, Rob runs into some old friends - hiking buddies (Byte Code and Churchmouse) from the Southern half!
Here, on September 2, the White Mountains at last.
Rob was delighted to reach the top of Mt. Moosilauke, and the first alpine biome of the AT. "Above treeline at last! I couldn't be happier!"
Above, the craggy White Mountains stretch out forever. Below, a mountain sunrise.
Dad K hits the trail again! Dave drove up to Joe Dodge Lodge, Pinkham Notch, on Thursday Sept. 6 (Happy Birthday Sister Jess!.) MomK called him en route with the news he'd left the rainfly at home. (I was wrong, actually - the fly I found in the hiker staging area (AKA dining room) came from another tent.) Dave decided to ditch the tent, 6 less pounds to carry; and grabbed the hiker shuttle to Franconia on Friday morning, where he and Rob met up. Enjoy the good weather, guys! Won't last long!
After spending the first night 'under the stars' (i.e., no tent for Dad), they used the hut system for the remaining nights. Hikers can often "work for stay" - some huts are more accommodating to thru hikers than others...scene below is from Zealand Falls. Thru hikers on the floor; on the deck; everywhere. (Regular paying guests fork over big $$ to stay here - up to $87/night.) Here, Dave (top tier, left) learns a new card game.
"Work for Stay" includes doing the dishes (below) or, in Lake of the Clouds, washing down an entire bunkroom with soapy water then bleach, preparing to close up for winter.
In exchange, hikers get a floor to sleep on, out of the weather; and LOTS of food.Below, see the weather begin to change - rain most of the six days they were together.
And impressive fog. Good thing Bigby and DadK have seen those beautiful ridgetop views before...
Foreshadowing: the familiar yellow sign that warns of Mt. Washington's weather. The sign reads: "STOP: The area ahead has the worst weather in America. Many have died there from exposure, even in the summer. Turn back now if the weather is bad."
Dave had first-hand experience with this weather when, the day after this photo was taken, they went over the summit of the pointy mountain above. The weather was finally clearing; rain had stopped. I'd been monitoring the Mt. Washington observatory weather conditions, and was glad to see that - thought they'd finally have a clear day for their last day above treeline. Didn't notice the wind forecast - "gusts of over 70 mph" - they didn't take note of it either and set off to descend back to Pinkham Notch - in totally exposed surroundings. 
Here, safe below at last!
After this eventful day, Bigby and DadK hit a motel and a nice restaurant for dinner. Next morning, Dad K waved good bye to Rob, who sets off for Maine. Happy Trails! We all miss you!
And impressive fog. Good thing Bigby and DadK have seen those beautiful ridgetop views before...
Foreshadowing: the familiar yellow sign that warns of Mt. Washington's weather. The sign reads: "STOP: The area ahead has the worst weather in America. Many have died there from exposure, even in the summer. Turn back now if the weather is bad."
Dave had first-hand experience with this weather when, the day after this photo was taken, they went over the summit of the pointy mountain above. The weather was finally clearing; rain had stopped. I'd been monitoring the Mt. Washington observatory weather conditions, and was glad to see that - thought they'd finally have a clear day for their last day above treeline. Didn't notice the wind forecast - "gusts of over 70 mph" - they didn't take note of it either and set off to descend back to Pinkham Notch - in totally exposed surroundings. One of those "gusts" literally blew Dave over - and we can only be thankful that he smacked his shin a good one, not his skull. Other scenarios that didn't happen include blowing off the mountain altogether, breaking a bone, or even sustaining a bad sprain! The first aid kit helped, though by the time he got medical attention the next day it was too late for the stitches he could have qualified for. Whew!
Here, safe below at last!
After this eventful day, Bigby and DadK hit a motel and a nice restaurant for dinner. Next morning, Dad K waved good bye to Rob, who sets off for Maine. Happy Trails! We all miss you!
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Bigby finally gets above treeline
Rob sent this photo from atop Mount Moosilauke, his first White Mountain on the AT. He was happy to be "above treeline at last!" His Dad will join him tomorrow, though without the rainfly to his tent. I'm sure they will improvise and I hope they have a wonderful trip!
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Hello friends!
Geeze, looking back through the blog and seeing that I haven't posted a word since Wingdale! Seems like a long time ago. Writing this time from the "Hikers Welcome" hostel in Glencliff, NH. I am ducking in for a quick lunch of microwave pizzas and soda before fording a river and starting the first of the Whites! The first mountain is Moosilauke, which is an imposing 3700 vertical foot climb that I will take on immediately after leaving this lovely hostel. Moosilauke will also be my first foray above treeline on the AT, the imaginary boundary of altitude above which no full size trees can grow. I am excited to get into the beautiful and unique alpine ecosystem that can only be found in the high peaks of the Northeast.
It's surprising that these truly immense peaks will not be the highest point on the trail, elevation-wise. That honor is reserved for Clingman's Dome, a comparatively tame mountain in the Smokeys.
Even though I still have a long way to go (Just under 400 miles), I can't help but feel that this is finally the home stretch. As the hostel owner here said, we've been through the appetizer (the mountains of North Georgia and the Smokeys), the main course (everything from there to here), and we're just now getting into the dessert. The spectacular wilderness ahead is what I've been waiting for this whole trip, and without question some of the premier backpacking trails in the nation, if not the planet.
At the same time, I am starting to get eager, if a bit apprehensive, about the return to civilization that is now just a month away. I cannot wait to see my family and friends, but I have a hard time imagining what it will be like to live normally after over half a year of such a uniquely free and distinctly different lifestyle. For now, my solution is to just enjoy the miles and nights I have left as much as possible, and listen quietly to whatever lessons the next 400 miles have to teach me.
I can't wait to see you all, and to take an extended tour of visits as soon as I get home in early to mid October. I plan on doing a lot of couch surfing for about a month, so let me know if you have room for a wandering hiker!
Happy trails,
Rob
Bigby
Geeze, looking back through the blog and seeing that I haven't posted a word since Wingdale! Seems like a long time ago. Writing this time from the "Hikers Welcome" hostel in Glencliff, NH. I am ducking in for a quick lunch of microwave pizzas and soda before fording a river and starting the first of the Whites! The first mountain is Moosilauke, which is an imposing 3700 vertical foot climb that I will take on immediately after leaving this lovely hostel. Moosilauke will also be my first foray above treeline on the AT, the imaginary boundary of altitude above which no full size trees can grow. I am excited to get into the beautiful and unique alpine ecosystem that can only be found in the high peaks of the Northeast.
It's surprising that these truly immense peaks will not be the highest point on the trail, elevation-wise. That honor is reserved for Clingman's Dome, a comparatively tame mountain in the Smokeys.
Even though I still have a long way to go (Just under 400 miles), I can't help but feel that this is finally the home stretch. As the hostel owner here said, we've been through the appetizer (the mountains of North Georgia and the Smokeys), the main course (everything from there to here), and we're just now getting into the dessert. The spectacular wilderness ahead is what I've been waiting for this whole trip, and without question some of the premier backpacking trails in the nation, if not the planet.
At the same time, I am starting to get eager, if a bit apprehensive, about the return to civilization that is now just a month away. I cannot wait to see my family and friends, but I have a hard time imagining what it will be like to live normally after over half a year of such a uniquely free and distinctly different lifestyle. For now, my solution is to just enjoy the miles and nights I have left as much as possible, and listen quietly to whatever lessons the next 400 miles have to teach me.
I can't wait to see you all, and to take an extended tour of visits as soon as I get home in early to mid October. I plan on doing a lot of couch surfing for about a month, so let me know if you have room for a wandering hiker!
Happy trails,
Rob
Bigby
Monday, September 3, 2007
White Mountain Bound
Rob has crossed his next-to-last state line - arriving in Hanover NH yesterday (Sept. 2.) He has gone ahead of some of his hiking buddies and is hiking long days to make it to the White Mountains for Friday morning, when Dad K will once again take a hike! Dave will be loaded with cold weather supplies and food for the gorgeous 50 mile ridge walk in the Whites. He'll travel to Pinkham Notch on Thursday evening and stay at the Joe Dodge Lodge next to the visitor center at the foot of Mt. Washington. Friday morning he'll take the hiker shuttle over to the Liberty Springs trailhead in Franconia, and walk back to Pinkham Notch via the scenic route with "Bigby". We'll post photos when Dave returns!
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Rob passes through home territory!
Here are some photos documenting Rob's approach to New England.
August 6 - New York. 793 miles to Katahdin, and the approach to the "Lemon Squeezer" shown on bottom sign.
Here's Grizzle getting the squeeze.
August 10, still New York. Jake and Candy Bar pose by the largest tree on the Trail - the "Dover Oak."
August 12 - Happy Day! Rob ("BigBy") poses by a special tree - with the sign marking the Connecticut border.
August 6 - New York. 793 miles to Katahdin, and the approach to the "Lemon Squeezer" shown on bottom sign.
Here's Grizzle getting the squeeze.
August 10, still New York. Jake and Candy Bar pose by the largest tree on the Trail - the "Dover Oak."
August 12 - Happy Day! Rob ("BigBy") poses by a special tree - with the sign marking the Connecticut border.
The Connecticut AT features the Trail's longest river walk, along the lovely Housatonic.
Tater and Candy Bar (above) and Bigby and Candy Bar (below), enjoying the Housatonic on Aug. 13.
A beautiful Connecticut sunset.
Tater and Candy Bar (above) and Bigby and Candy Bar (below), enjoying the Housatonic on Aug. 13.
A beautiful Connecticut sunset. August 15 brought them to one of the places that triggered Rob's love of the outdoors - site of many Boy Scout campouts! 
Here's Rob at a familiar spot - Bear Mountain, CT.
Aug. 15 - Welcome to Massachusetts!
A view of Connecticut.
Here's Rob at a familiar spot - Bear Mountain, CT.
Aug. 15 - Welcome to Massachusetts!
A view of Connecticut.
Last week, friends Mark and Di Orenstein offered their hospitality at their wonderful summer home on Otis Reservoir in the Berkshires. The hikers were quick to accept! This was also the perfect opportunity for Rob's sister Annie to get a taste of the Trail
August 15 - Annie hits the trail! DadK and MomK delivered her to Bear Mountain State Park, where the Trail (and a shelter) are very close to the "road." We entered the park from the Turnpike exit (north) and our route included a near-perfect circle marked on the GPS, as we took the truck down what we thought was the right road to the trail crossing. When the trail became a cowpath, complete with giant potholes, we turned around, and traveled all the way down to the south entrance of the park, and followed directions UP to the trailhead. Turns out we were about a quarter mile away when we rejected the cowpath route!
The truck cab was a little crowded, so Jake chose to ride in style!
Here Tater performs some earthmoving chores at the beach.
Supper at the Orensteins!
Kneeling: Tater, Jake, Bigby; Standing: Annie, Chele Orenstein, Mark and Di Orenstein, Candy Bar, Grizzle and Dad K. (AKA "Mr. Bigby")
A thousand thank yous to the Orenstein family, and to their friend Pete who helped shuttle the hikers back to the Trail after their Otis interlude.
Annie spent the night at a shelter, and hiked out to the next trail crossing on the morning of Aug. 16. There Dad K met them again, to bring them all to the Orenstein's home.
The truck cab was a little crowded, so Jake chose to ride in style!
Here Tater performs some earthmoving chores at the beach.
Supper at the Orensteins!
Kneeling: Tater, Jake, Bigby; Standing: Annie, Chele Orenstein, Mark and Di Orenstein, Candy Bar, Grizzle and Dad K. (AKA "Mr. Bigby")
A thousand thank yous to the Orenstein family, and to their friend Pete who helped shuttle the hikers back to the Trail after their Otis interlude.Saturday, August 11, 2007
Hello everyone!
This time it's Wingdale, New York! The trip into Glastonbury, New Haven and New York was an awesome battery recharger, although I was unable to visit any of my awesome Gbury friends (sorry guys, I feel really bad about that). Anyways, it's good to be back hiking. We hit the trail at Bear Mountain, NY in the midsts of a pretty brutal heat wave that seriously slowed us down for a few days. Luckily a well-placed lake and a swimming pool presented themselves at the perfect moments to keep us cool and happy.
While I was home, a few people requested that I post up what currently resides in my lovely backpack, the items necessary to keep a thru-hiker alive. The list is much simpler than it was when I left Springer Mountain 4 months ago! I'll list items from the bottom of my pack to the top.
-Mystery Ranch Futura Sport 4200 CI internal frame pack w/ pack cover
-25* EMS Caribou down sleeping bag (long, left zip)
-Insulmat Thermo-max insulated self-inflating sleeping pad (think therma-rest)
- Clothes
-1 pair shorts with liner (my everyday hiking wear)
-1 pair convertible pants/shorts with zip off legs (town pants)
- 3 pairs synthetic hiking socks (Smartwool)
-2 synthetic t-shirts
-1 cotton town shirt
-Fleece pullover
-EMS System 3 windbreaker/rain coat
-Antigravitygear 1.5 liter pot
-homemade "penny" stove
-8 ounces of denatured alcohol (stove fuel)
-Food bag with bear hanging line
-Random stuff
-headlamp
-small first aid supplies
-cell phone
-Katadyn Hiker water filter
-3 liter MSR Dromedary Bag (water bag)
-Maps, compass, and AT guide book
-digital camera
-AM/FM/TV/Weather band radio
Thats about all you need to survive for... an indefinite period of time.
Hiking across the Connecticut state line today, and into NEW ENGLAND FINALLY!
Love, peace, and bacon grease,
Rob!
This time it's Wingdale, New York! The trip into Glastonbury, New Haven and New York was an awesome battery recharger, although I was unable to visit any of my awesome Gbury friends (sorry guys, I feel really bad about that). Anyways, it's good to be back hiking. We hit the trail at Bear Mountain, NY in the midsts of a pretty brutal heat wave that seriously slowed us down for a few days. Luckily a well-placed lake and a swimming pool presented themselves at the perfect moments to keep us cool and happy.
While I was home, a few people requested that I post up what currently resides in my lovely backpack, the items necessary to keep a thru-hiker alive. The list is much simpler than it was when I left Springer Mountain 4 months ago! I'll list items from the bottom of my pack to the top.
-Mystery Ranch Futura Sport 4200 CI internal frame pack w/ pack cover
-25* EMS Caribou down sleeping bag (long, left zip)
-Insulmat Thermo-max insulated self-inflating sleeping pad (think therma-rest)
- Clothes
-1 pair shorts with liner (my everyday hiking wear)
-1 pair convertible pants/shorts with zip off legs (town pants)
- 3 pairs synthetic hiking socks (Smartwool)
-2 synthetic t-shirts
-1 cotton town shirt
-Fleece pullover
-EMS System 3 windbreaker/rain coat
-Antigravitygear 1.5 liter pot
-homemade "penny" stove
-8 ounces of denatured alcohol (stove fuel)
-Food bag with bear hanging line
-Random stuff
-headlamp
-small first aid supplies
-cell phone
-Katadyn Hiker water filter
-3 liter MSR Dromedary Bag (water bag)
-Maps, compass, and AT guide book
-digital camera
-AM/FM/TV/Weather band radio
Thats about all you need to survive for... an indefinite period of time.
Hiking across the Connecticut state line today, and into NEW ENGLAND FINALLY!
Love, peace, and bacon grease,
Rob!
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