FACEBOOK FROM JEFF: Smoky Mountains Completed!

I got a quick Facebook message from Jeff last night, around 8:30PM:

call mom for me tell her im ok tornado warnings all over my area but im on a porch at a hostel tonight. finished smoky mtns today

I can't wait to here more about his trip through the Smokies, especially since it appears that the weather has not been kind to that region this week.  Lots of wind and rain, tornado warnings... Hopefully he's managed to hang on to all his gear and a positive attitude.  Collecting some amazing memories, I'm sure!

In taking a quick weather check at Clingman's Dome, which is the highest peak in the Smoky Mountains, it looks like today has started out with beautiful weather.  73 & sunny.  Thunderstorms are predicted, however, with more rain in the future.  He should be just outside of this region, since he's already summited Clingman's Dome... but this was the closest reference point I had from the brief FB message. Perhaps he's ahead of the storm, on the sunny side of the rainbow ;)

The next generation of AT hikers?

The day after Easter was one of the most beautiful so far, in Upstate New York.  I decided to give in to the itch of cabin fever from (what felt like) the longest Winter EVER and the pangs of jealousy as Jeff calls in with trail updates.  My Mommy partner-in-grime, Annie, and I planned to do a little outdoor adventuring with the kids at Bash Bish Falls, just over the NY/MA border.

Annie's son, August, is just a few weeks younger than Felix.  So, basically, the two boys have been rough-housing since the womb (when Annie and I were working dynamic-preggo-duo shifts together at New World Bistro Bar).

We packed the Jeep with all 3 car seats, some snacks and the LL Bean kid-carrier that Jeff had picked up for me at a Salvation Army a few years ago.  Without much research, we took off on what turned out to be the more difficult of two trails leading to Bash Bish Falls.  Either trail is pretty beginner, in my opinion... but the other trail is level and paved (where's the fun in THAT?)  The rugged boys had a great time jumping over tiny tributary streams, scaling rocks bigger than them and stopping to listen for the rushing water that awaited below.  Fiona was all smiles, leading up the caboose, in the pack.

Two favorite moments:

Right before we got close to the falls, Annie made the boys sit down and raise their right hands, boy scout honor style.  "Repeat after me," she said, as she made them solemnly swear to listen to their mommies, pay attention, be safe and have fun.  "Amen."  They apparently took the oath very seriously and were amazingly well-behaved for the hour we hung by the water.

The other moment that stuck out was as Felix took it all in while munching on his PB&J.  He looked around and shouted, "THIS IS AMAZING!"  Haha.  If he was just a few years older, he might've even called it "fukkin' maje$stic."  And so, it begins...

Felix and Gus.  Ready for action.

At the trail head.

Hi-ho.

Me, with my two little hikers (a few frat boys photobombing).

Awesome-Mommy-Monday!

Gods and Irony.

I forgot to mention, I very briefly heard from Jeff while he was gearing up at The Fontana Dam - just about ready to embark on the Smoky Mountains.

His package sent from Catskill to the Fontana Dam post office was lost in transit.   The package contained supplies for his trek through the Smokies and he was pretty damn bummed that he would have to drop some extra cash at an outfitters nearby in order to restock on fuel for his camp stove and other goods he had meticulously planned to receive at this stop.

The package, sent through the US Postal Service, had a tracking number.  We have now been told by a rep for the USPS that these tracking numbers are basically bogus and they had absolutely zero idea where his box is.

My theory?  Jeff tempted the gods when he considered the trail name "Postmaster" and they are now teaching him a lesson in irony.  Just like sixth grade English class.

A google-found photo of the Fontana Dam Post Office.

Sunrise over some smokies.
A photo taken by "Carl Smith" and posted on The Great Smoky Mountain Association Facebook page.

Other AT Bloggers...

Some of the people Jeff has met along the way also blog.  Here are some links you may be interested in...

• Jessica, Washington DC gal hiking half the AT with her partner-in-trails, Alex.  www.jphikinghome.wordpress.com

• Sean, a Florida thru-hiker traveling (most days) with his brother, Ken.  www.seanxedge.blogspot.com

Appalachian Trials: The Psychological and Emotional Guide to Successfully Thru-Hiking The Appalachian Trail is a book that Jeff read, and took notes from, before leaving to become a part of the AT Class of 2014.  The author of this book, Zach Davis, has inspired a generation of trail bloggers. Many of them share their stories through his website, here:

• www.appalachiantrials.com/appalachian-trials-bloggers/

I added these to the "Links" page of While You Were Walking... and if I encounter any other cool web spots, I'll add them there too. 

EASTER, PHONE CALL FROM JEFF: some river in NC

I got a call from Jeff on Sunday afternoon.  The reception was a little spotty, as he was calling from a borrowed cell phone... but it was great to hear is voice, as always, and get a few tidbits about his travels.

Jeff's toes were dipped in the cool, refreshing waters of a North Carolina river.  At 2 o'clock in the afternoon, he had already hiked about 11 miles and was done traveling for the day.  A large number of the thru-hikers he has met along the way were gathered together - cooling off in the river, sharing beers and stories, really enjoying the company and setting up camp for the day.

As I wished Jeff a "Happy Easter," he reported that they had received some "trail magic" that day in the spirit of the holiday (Easter Bunny-type goodies).  I was excited to hear about the trail magic, since I had read about it on other AT blogs and think it is such a beautiful, loving gesture of humanity.   I'm hoping to hit a spot where the AT passes through nearby and provide some trail magic sometime soon.  Hopefully, the good karma I put in to the trail will come back around to Jeff in the end...

Trail Magic, defined as an unexpected act of kindness, is a quintessential part of the Appalachian Trail experience for many long-distance hikers. - Appalachian Trail Conservancy

Since Jeff was calling from a friend's cell phone, I asked him to ask the cell's owner to send me a photo of their day.  A few hours later, I received this awesome shot of "Fukkin' Maje$tic" and his cronies.

Meanwhile, on the home front...

Jeff, as you are walking, the kids are growing.

Felix talks about the Appalachian Trail often.  Occasionally, it gets worked in to his daily role-playing. Michelangelo and Raphael, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (not the artists), have kicked some serious enemy butt along the AT... he and Maeve went hiking on the AT... we were going on a picnic on the AT...

Fiona's personality is beginning to emerge.  She is silly and girly, but pretty darn tough (thanks to big brother, I'm sure).  For the most part, she is a super happy-go-lucky little gal... except for her hard-to-handle sleeping habits.

Here are some photos:

sweet... 

...and sour.

This is Felix at school last week.
He looks like he could be a film director
in his little man-style gettup, huh?

Fiona, doing some AT Data Book reading...

JEFF VIA FACEBOOK: Franklin, NC

I was surprised to wake up to Facebook message from Jeff this morning... Here's the copy-and-paste:

hey! I'm in franklin, nc. stayed at a motel last night with ''my ladies''. finding phones and computers has been harder than i thought. but in the past few days i hit the 100 mile mark. crossed the GA/NC state line. survived a 10 degree night. hitched to towns. hiked 16 miles days. saw awesome views. got down poured on. doing laundry right now, and then going to resupply for 4-5 days until i hit Fontana Dam, NC which starts the Smoky Mountains. Life rules. Love you miss you. Tell mom and dad and everyone you heard from me. I'll call soon.

hitchin' a ride... Jeff's current Facebook profile pic.

The Daily Mail, Mike Gilfeather

The Daily Mail did a story on another Catskill High grad, Mike Gilfeather (aka "Wingin' It"), and his AT hike.  Mike is currently on the trail, hiking in honor of a Multiple Sclerosis charity.  Mike's mother, Sheila, was diagnosed with the disease years ago.

Read the full story here:
http://www.thedailymail.net/news/article_0bbd244e-c461-11e3-bc8b-0019bb2963f4.html

Mike is about 200 miles ahead of Jeff.  He called Jeff, from the trail, about a week before Jeff embarked on his journey.

We wish the best of luck to "Wingin' It" and look forward to hearing more about his travels too!

PHONE CALL FROM JEFF: Hiawawsee, GA

Living the good life.

Jeff called on Saturday from a hotel in Hiawassee, Georgia.  He has loosely hung with a group of about 15 AT thru-hikers.  The entire group was spread out among hostels and hotels in Hiawassee, celebrating their first full week on the trail with hot showers, Mexican food and margaritas.

I stole these photos while Facebook stalking Jeff's new friend Sean (pictured in the blue jacket, on the right).
Sean uploaded a whole bunch of photos when they were on hotel Wi-Fi.
Here is the group of hikers enjoying a Hiawassee-Mexican meal, Jeff just out of the photo across from Sean.

Drink up, Buddy.

Jeff split the hotel room with three 20-something girls (Alex, Amy, and Jess) and a guy named Sean that he said reminds him of his friend Wayne Hutchins.  The girls are all solo-hikers, I think.  Sean is traveling with his brother, who stayed at a hostel with some others from their crew that night.

He described his first week as a little tough, physically.  The whole group of hikers is complaining of various aches and pains, sunburns and sore spots.  Jeff made a stop at an outfitters along the trail and bought a new pair of boots (sending his old ones home in a box), after finding that the old boots were about a half size too small.  Major blisters!  His knee is also feeling some pain.  He's been treating it with Ibuprofen and was very happy to ice it at the hotel... and even happier to enjoy a luxurious soak in the hotel hot tub.

Jeff sounded beautiful.  Happy.  Healthy.  Grateful.  Surrounded by love and excitement, new friends and adventure.

OHHHH, I've got a Trail Name update:  "Fukkin' Maje$tic"  (yes, that dollar sign is not a typo).

In true Jeff fashion, he's not all that concerned with the label of a trail name... thus the humorous moniker.  Among the small group he's traveling with, he's still "Jeff."  If he runs in to others along the trail that introduce themselves using a trail name, he shares in their trail-name-game and says "Fukkin Maje$tic, with 2 k's and a dollar sign."  It came about during a quiet moment on the trail.  Everyone was hoofing it.  Hard.  They had been plugging along and Jeff realized he, and his friends, had barely taken a moment to notice the breathtaking view displayed before them.  "Yo, guys!  Stop!"  He exclaimed, motioning towards the scenery "This is fucking majestic!"

You can take the boy out of New York...  but you can't take New York out of the boy.

PHONE CALL FROM JEFF: Suches, GA

Jeff called me this morning from Suches, Georgia.  The nice folks at the General Store let Jeff use their phone to make a quick check-in with his family in NY (they have free long distance... but, man, you've gotta love the sweet South!).

He spent last night (Monday) in a hostel in Suches.  It may or may not have been connected to this General Store, pictured below, which does have a hostel called the Wolf Pen.  I don't think it was part of his initial plan, but with 2 days spent in super-rainy weather he adjusted accordingly and I'm sure the hostel provided a much-needed dry space for him to recoup for the night.

Jeff has been traveling with a small group consisting of half a dozen twenty-something girls (which, upon my questioning, he divulged that a few of them are pretty cute) and a newly retired guy from Dallas, TX.  Each of the individuals are traveling alone, but have enjoyed each other's company.    They spend most of their days hiking solo, but planning to meet up at days end.

A view from Blood Mountain.
(This is a photo from an online website dedicated to a trail journal written in the 1980's by a AT Hiker  "Gonzo," http://www.2000milehike.com) 

Today, they were going to hike Blood Mountain.  In an earlier post, I speculated that he may have stayed at the Blood Mountain Shelter.  He will not be staying at that shelter, though.  In order to stay there, you are required to have a bear capsule to protect your food (...and, subsequently, your arms and legs from hungry Yogi's... hey, Boo Boo?).  None of the folks in the group, including Jeff, have a bear capsule (don't worry, Mom)... so they will be hiking through that area and setting up camp elsewhere, not far from Blood Mountain.

Jeff sounded great!  Happy, eager and ready to keep trekking.  Weather looks better for the rest of the week.  We can expect to hear from him again in 4-5 days, when he reaches the next town.

(Note to novice blog readers:  I often include links within the text.  You will notice some text that is underlined or highlighted, which indicates that it will link you elsewhere.  You can click on these links for additional or related information.  For example, in this post above, I have linked the un-official website for the town of Suches, GA and the Wolf Pen Gap Hostel & General Store's Facebook Page).                                                                                                                                                                                                              

The Suches General Store, quite a few years ago... 

A "new" photo of the same Suches General Store / hostel I pulled of the 'net.

Rainy Days.

Jeff intended to spend his first night in a shelter, I believe.  That is, if I'm correctly following the Appalachian Trail Data Book he gave me for Christmas (complete with highlighted notes from Jeff, by the way.  Awesome gift!).  There were a few shelter options, but I'm thinking he stopped at Gooch Mountain Shelter on Saturday night, continuing on to Blood Mountain Shelter today, Sunday.

Well, it's pretty damn soggy at Blood Mountain right now.  The forecast calls for a lot more rain, 52 degrees with a chance of thunderstorms and strong winds (though I'm not certain if this forecast if for the town nearby or the Mountain, factoring elevation, for temp).

He's well prepared for all weather conditions.  Either way, rain or snow, I'm sure he's enjoying the majesty of nature...

Blood Mountain Shelter.  Jeff's home for the night?

"uh, guess you ain't no 'Postmaster,' Jeff!"

I heard from Jeff via Facebook late Friday afternoon.  He had arrived at the hostel as planned... but there was a hiccup in the journey already...  His major box of gear hadn't made it to the hostel, even though his tracking information said "delivered."  Lost.

The box contained EVERYTHING (pretty much) that Jeff needed to load in his pack.  Boots, clothes, pots and pans... all in all about $500 worth of gear.  Financially, it would be a blow to replace.  Mentally and emotionally, it was an even bigger devastation.  For months, Jeff had painstakingly selected the few items he would bring on the journey.  Each object's importance was determined based on size, weight and level of necessity on the trail.  Propane to heat food?  Yes, it was packed.  Fourth pair of underwear?  Nah, three would be fine.  Not enough room.  And so on...

When I heard from Jeff via Facebook, he was going through the emotions of loss.  Denial, anger, sadness (all this, yes, a sister can ascertain from a few short instant messages).  The post office was supposedly closed until Monday - so not only could he not start the trail on Saturday as anticipated, he wouldn't even know if the box was confirmed lost or stolen until Monday morning!

Immediately, I googled "Dahlonega Post Office" and took a stab at a phone call to the Georgia number.  To my surprise, someone answered!  The USPS employee said he was in the office late and only answered the phone by chance, they were indeed closed since noon.  After a little explanation and a plead for help, he looked around the office for the box with Jeff's name on it.  Viola!  It was found!

After I hung up with the post office, the nice USPS worker I spoke with called the hostel and reported the good news!  He even let them come pick up the box right away!  How's that for southern hospitality?

Basically, this is what went wrong.  The box had in fact been "delivered" to the correct spot (the Dahlonega Post Office).  However, when the office receives boxes intended for P.O. Box addresses (in this case, the hostel's) they put a notification slip in the P.O. Box.  The slip must've gone in the wrong box at the office, so the hostel was unaware of its arrival.

Long story short... Jeff, and full gear, took off Saturday morning.

In a related story... prior to Jeff's departure from Catskill, he already had an issue sending this very same box.  The box contained a propane tank and the Catskill Post Office was not going to allow him to send it.  He went home and did some research, eventually going back to the Post Office and citing the very exact byline in the rules (Section 56 B, Law 78 or something...) that stated that he indeed COULD legally send propane via mail.  He claims he said to himself "I'm the Postmaster now,"  a take on the 'Captain Philips' line "I'm the Captain now."  He even considered coining himself 'The Postmaster' as a trail name!  When ending my conversation with him on Friday, I said... "uh, Guess you ain't no 'Postmaster, Jeff!"  

And, once again, things come full circle.  ;) 

...and he's off!

Jeff left for Georgia, on a flight from Albany, around 6am.

Mom drove him to the airport and said "if I could've fit in his backpack, I would've."  Needless to say, her drive home was with teary-eyes... but we're all filled with excitement for his journey.

He will arrive at the ATL airport, then take a shuttle to a hostel in Dahlonega, a few miles from the trail. Side note:  Dahlonega is where Seth & Bree Roe got married in a few years ago... beautiful, sweet southern town in the Georgia mountains! If I was going on this trip, it'd be hard for me not to get sidetracked at a charming little cafe on the village's square.  I highly doubt that's going to be the case with our very determined Jeff as he eagerly starts this journey.  I digress...

Jeff will be spending tonight in a hostel, most likely with other AT hikers.  In the morning, the hostel shuttle will take him to the start of his hike.  The actual Appalachian Trail doesn't start until about the end of his first day, at the top of Springer Mountain.

In about 2 days, there will be an opportunity for Jeff to take a short detour in to a town.  He says he'll probably skip that and spend the first 7 days on the trail.  At around day 7, he will visit another town off the trail to reload some food supplies and (hopefully) check in with us at home.

We'll update when we hear from him.  Maybe he'll have a trail name by then!

Bon Voyage #2... and #3.

#2:  On Saturday night, Jeff's closest friends celebrated his trip with a small gathering at Adam & Lena's house.  His friends Matt & Colleen (along with daughter Brooke), Mike and Justin (and perhaps more... I'm not sure) had some grub, some drinks and a cake that featured the following photo(shop) of our own Mountain Man, Jeff.

#3:  Tasty Mexican food at Casa Latina last night, impromptu.  Jeff, Mom, Terry, the kids and I.

On a related note... during (another) dinner over the weekend, Felix raised his glass and said "Cheers!  To Jeff's hike."  Completely on his own.  We all laughed and toasted our glasses, which Fiona is also quite good at (oh, boy - looks like I'll have a couple of booze hounds on my hands).  We then asked Felix, "where is Uncle Jeff going?"  To which he very articulately answered "the Appalachian Trail."  Pretty damn good for three and half, huh?