Class of 2015 - And then there were none...

This will probably be one of my lasts updates on this year's class of Appalachian Trail Hikers that I met in January at the NoRuck.  

I plan on one more post that throws the numbers together and offers my summary of the six hikers that I followed along with this hiking season.

Previously on the Class of 2015:

Slingshot - Done

Clifford - Done

Treehugger - Done (injury)

Scoops and Iceberg - Off and on

Justin - Started, still in ME.

So just a few days ago, Justin had made his way through the White Mountains of New Hampshire and had announced that he was pretty much done.  He was able to do some awesome hiking along with several side adventures and was satisfied with what he had accomplished.  Here is his Facebook Post:

As all my friends and family know I started this amazing idea of a southbound thru –hiking the Appalachian Trail. I started at Katahdin on July 31st and have hiked through the state of Maine and into White Mountains of New Hampshire. I have met amazing people, seen beautiful wildlife, stayed at amazing camping sites, lean-tos and hostels, climbed crazy mountains, enjoyed the bonus miles (blue blazes & ‘yellow’ corridor/boundary blazes), and of course warm meals and ‘smile for miles’!

From the beginning I never really intended on hiking the Appalachian Trail in its entirety as a thru-hike, even though I stated I was. The reason I started in Maine and wanted to push through the Whites is I knew that it was the hardest 20% of the trail and I would have some of the most beautiful views and hardest mountains; thanks to the weather this has been true. Since I first had the idea of the ‘thru hike’, I always knew that the ‘thru-hike/section hike’ would be catalysis for something far greater. A journey of a life time!

I write to you now, letting you know that as of tomorrow I will take this show on the road for a bit. A fellow traveler will be picking me up and I will be heading toward Shippensburg, PA for the ALDHA Gathering next weekend. I have no clue what lines in front of me on this amazing Journey, but you can guarantee that I will keep on enjoying life, flowing with what comes my way, blazing my own trail and the white blaze of the Appalachian Trail is never too far! 

wink emoticon“Not all those who wander are lost”

I will be seeing Justin down at The ALDHA Gathering in Shippensburg, PA on Columbus Day weekend.  He did good.  Who else is coming?

Scoops and Iceberg went back out to the trail after my last update, finished NY and worked their way up into CT.  It looks like they have been back to the rat race a week or so now, as this pictures shows.

The season is turning and the leaves are falling.  There are still hikers on the trail, as there always will be.  This has been a fun ride.  I hope you all enjoyed peeking into the lives of real hikers and learning about their journeys.  

Class of 2015 - Update

Time for another update on our six hikers.

Slingshot has completed his hike.  Congrats Slingshot!  Andrew summited on August 3rd.  He reportedly climbed the Big K in two hours.  Yes, two hours.  Amazing.  It looks like his hike took somewhere around 146 days. Very Impressive.

Although the Hairy Missile couldn't finish the last few miles with SS, he is just as much a Thru Hiker and anyone else.  Great Job you two.  

Andrew is now reintegrating himself with the World again and doing things like windsurfing and preparing paleo meals for Hannah.

Hannah on the board

Clifford was not too far behind and summited on August 11th I think.  162 days.  Also a very impressive time, especially when you look at the things he did like graduate from HS, visit his college and other visits to home.  Great job Sam.

Nice tie, always classy

Since his summit, Sam had moved into his dorm at University of Virginia.  Good luck on your next adventure Sam.

Move in day at UVA

Treehugger did make another attempt to get back on the trail in New England to try to at least get to Mt Katahdin, but her knees rebelled once again and she had to admit that this hike was at an end, for now...  

Kerry had her amazing picture at the Flip Flop Kick Off printed in the Summer AT Journeys magazine, which is pretty cool.  Kerry completed about 700 miles of the AT.  Not too shabby.

Scoops and Iceberg completed their latest sojourn into NJ and NY and are most likely planning their next visit to the AT.  

Scoops enjoys some trail magic

Justin is moving through Maine and appears to be "doin it right".  He somehow finds the time to do things like take a plane ride and go white water rafting, but he continues to move south towards New Hampshire.

The beginning...

His last update shows him at Mt Bigelow.  But in the mean time, there is always time for this.

Livin the life

Keep on hiking Hiker...

EarthTone

Long Awaited Class of 2015 Hiker Update

I have been holding off on doing another update until a certain southbounder has started his hike.  That time has come.  

But first:

Slingshot has moved ahead of Clifford and will finish VERY SOON!  Hannah's last update put Andrew on top of White Cap Mountain which is somewhere around 70 miles to Mt Katahdin.  She will be meeting him up there to take custody of The Hairy Missile and be there to celebrate with him afterwards.  His date with the Big K is August 3rd.  Great job Slingshot!

Clifford is not too far behind.  I think he is milking the last of his hike, because "real" life is waiting, but college doesn't start until late in the month, so why hurry.  

Clifford's last update had him improvising a shelter in the wilderness after coming a little short on a 24 mile day attempt.  Not a big deal for an Eagle Scout.  

Shelter?

On Tuesday I got a message from Deb, saying Clifford had left Rangeley, ME.  That left him with about 220 miles left to go.  

Treehugger is still at home.  Her knees have rebelled and she had to come off trail again and do some PT.  She has weened herself off of vitamin I and is planning on coming back to the trail up in Mass where she got off after taking her daughter to college and continuing north.  This trail isn't done with her yet.  There are still so many trees to hug.

Scoops and Iceberg are back on the trail.  They are calling this Phase III.  Phase II was in early July when they were waiting to close on her new house.  They headed to near the WV/VA line and hiked north to PenMar, the PA/MD border.  

So, today, they started Phase III.  They will take about 8 or 9 days, so they are starting at Delaware Water Gap and hope to knock off the state of New Jersey.  

Even though their hike is no longer a Thru, no one cares out there.  Hikers are hikers.  We all smell the same after a few days on the trail.  I can tell the bug has gotten a hold of them, just as it has for me.  The trail is now in their blood and it will Never let go.  

Their plan now is to see her son off to school in Louisiana and get back on the trail for as long as their bodies and money last.  Keep on hiking Scoops and Iceberg.

And Finally...


This is all you need to see about Justin...

Keep on Hiking, Hikers!

EarthTone

Class of 2015 - Update

It's that time again.

Sling Shot is now the leader of the pack.  Each is doing their own thing and (I hope) enjoying their hike.  This isn't a race and I'm happy to see that each of the hikers are taking the time (and the zeros) to visit with the special people in their life.  

Clifford:  Just moved into New York.  A thunder storm took out his phone a while back, so his updates became sporadic for a while.  

Five more states to enter

Sling Shot:  Is in Kent, CT.  He had his last visit with Hannah last weekend and is now just putting the miles under his feet.  Aramis is still having fun too. 

Tired Dog or Dog Tired

Treehugger: Has gotten as far as Stormville, NY, but was off trail at last check to attend her daughters High School Graduation and to get her knee checked for progress.  Her Merry Band of Flip Floppers is starting to fracture as all groups will do on the trail.  Some got off, others have things to attend to and others hike on.  It is all part of the experience.  

Scoops and Iceberg:  Still off trail.  Life continues to keep them in Delaware, but they still have hopes and plans to return to the trail.  Here is our exchange on Iceberg's facebook page when I inquired about their plans:

Me: So, How are things going with the house?  Is the trail still calling?

Iceberg: Well Joe, that's a loaded question. The trail is definitely still calling but at this point I'm wondering if its time to give up hope to thru. The house is still not finished but is getting closer to the point where we could leave and finish later with (most) basic services in working order for my kids living there. A cortisone shot to my shoulder last week helped a lot, but not completely (although it did wonders for my knees which were STILL barking) so I have an MRI scheduled for this week. Then, a few days ago Scoops dropped a chunk of concrete on his foot which is now bruised and tender. I am beginning to wonder if all these obstacles are being placed for a reason because OMG enough already! Sadly we've lost most of our trail conditioning so physically we'll be starting from scratch again. But I'm still hopeful we can get back ... but the question remains WHEN?

Me: Thanks for the update. There are many ways to hike the trail. A Thru is NOT the only way to hike the trail.  If you can, get out for a month or so or even a few weeks. The trail will always be here. Take care and keep on dreaming of getting back to the trail.


Justin:  This will be the last picture of Justin on this site of him not hiking.  His start day approaches.  Justin was able to attend Clifford's graduation late last month.  Soon he will be hiking.  

Clifford and Justin

Class of 2015 - Another Quick Update

Now that I finally finished my write up of my hike, it is time to see where my AT Hikers are along the trail.

Cifford - Has left Harpers Ferry.  He was #205 NoBo according to his picture.  Being near his home these last couple of weeks has offered some good magic, including taking some hikers home for food, etc.

VA is done.

Sling Shot - SS's last update had him near Front Royal.  He rented a car and surprised his girl Hannah at work.  Also taking advantage of being close to home for now.

Somewhere in the Shennies

Treehugger - TH is moving through PA.  Her last update put her near Port Clinton.  Her daughter, Grasshopper, is hiking with her for a while.  

Treehugger's Flip Flop Bubble @ Pine Grove Furnace
I had to take this pic about 10 times with everyone's phone/camera

Scoops and Ice Berg - Still taking care of "real world" business in Delaware.

At the FFKO
L-R, Justin, Treehugger, Scoops, Ice Berg

Justin - Is practicing putting up his tent.  Now try it in the rain, while being soaking wet and cold.  July will be here soon.  :)

I thought it so cool, that we were able to bring four of the six together at the FFKO.  The other two were busy hiking.  

Keep on Hiking, Hikers!

EarthTone

Class of 2015 - Hiking Your Own Hike

Here is one more update before I hit my own trail for a week long Thru Hike of the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail (aka the L - Double H - T).

Today we will see how each hike evolves and morphs into a unique hike for each individual.  It has also been interesting to see how each hiker that I am following is updating their journey in cyber space and adjusting their hike to fit their circumstances. 

They are each finding out how challenging it can be to keep adding a regularly updated status.  When you are walking all day and the time comes to stop for the night, you have chores to do.  Shelter, water, food...  Rest...  Writing out a coherent and thoughtful journal entry become a burden that causes it to fall down on your to do list.  

So here is where I find each of our six hikers on the last day of April.

Where they all are on my AT map

Clifford:  On Clifford's Facebook Like Page, which is updated by his Mother, Deb.  The last entry mentioned that he was 1/4 of the way done.  Since then Deb has messaged me that he entered Pearisburg, VA about six days ago.  He should be getting close to McAfee Knob by now.  

Only 1641 to go.

Sling Shot: Sling Shot was still moving along nicely at his last update.  He appeared to be right behind Clifford as he left Pearisburg two days ago.  Hannah has posted her own version of a Hiking update on her blog.  Check it out.  

Sling Shot has found the challenge of updating the Trail Journals site hard, but it is a lesson we all learn as we dedicate the day to walking and there isn't much time for writing.  And most times there is no signal to transmit.  And updating TJ from the trail is a bitch.  

One important thing I want to point out is his realization that the hike isn't just a long continuous dog walk.  He has been pushing hard and The Hairy Missile has been moving along with him as any dog will do with its master, but as SS has pushed the days long, the dog is giving his clues that he needs to take the time to still have fun.  He is getting bored with the constant walking.  Rests and play times are important.  That is the ultimate challenge of hiking with a dog.  You have to hike the dogs hike, not your own.  Until dogs can talk, you have to see the clues and indications they give you as to their health and happiness.  

It looks like SS has figured this out and will slow down some to enjoy the trail and not concentrate so much on making the big miles.  

Treehugger:  Treehugger is heading to the Flip-Flop Kick Off this weekend and I will be seeing her there.  She now has a nice brace on her knee and figures that she might get a new trail name of The Bionic Woman.  I can tell she is ready to get back on the trail.  Once that things gets into your blood, there is no way to get it out, except to get on trail.  Most people don't realize that this is a terminal condition.  

Scoops and Iceberg:  Sometimes life in the "real world" pulls you off the trail temporarily. That is what happened to Scoops and Iceberg.  They are selling their house and it was time to get back, get their new place ready and close on the old place.  After 21 days of hiking, they left the trail at the NOC and headed back to Delaware to take care of business.  They will head back to the trail when things are taken care of and meet up with their hiker friends from their bubble who have continued on.  Once they reach the Big K, they will come back down and finish the section they skipped.  They are hiking their own hike.  

It is good to see that they left the trail for "bizness" and not injury or defeat.  They will be back and you can tell that the trail has taken hold and won't let them off that easily.

Iceberg has updated her Facebook Like page with a bunch of entries and you can read them here.

Scoops and Iceberg on Wesser Bald

Justin:  Justin, still waiting for that July start date is still doing his thing at home.  He has started spreading the word of these updates, so once he gets going and I can see where he is, his updates will be a little more fun.  Until then... He prepares...

lolz

AT Class of 2015 - Quick Update

From my latest gleaning of Facebook and Trail Journals, here is an update on the Super Six.

Clifford:  Left Damascus April 15th and hiked for a few days with George Jones,one of the Scout Masters who went to Philmont with Clifford.  

Entering VA

Sling Shot:  Made it to Damascus on April 18th.  Only about three days behind Clifford for now.  

Watauga Lake

Treehugger:  Temporarily off the trail with a knee issue.  Diagnosed as patellofemoral pain syndrome.  Resting and PT'ing the knee and still plans on being in Harpers Ferry for the Flip Flop Kick Off on May 2nd.  Hopefully back on the trail fully after that.  

Crabtree Falls Campground

Scoops and Iceberg:  Exited Georgia a couple days ago after 11 days of hiking.  Doing good with spirits high.  

Leaving Georgia

Justin:  Most likely chomping at the bit in anticipation.  Here is his April 11th Facebook entry.  "3 months from now I will be either in or about to enter the 100 Mile wilderness in Maine!  July 7 or 8th when I summit Katahdin can not come soon enough!  That's just the beginning..."

...

Keep on Hiking, Hikers!

EarthTone

AT Class of 2015 - Flip Flopper and A Couple

It is time for another update on the six Thru Hikers I met at the NoRuck this winter.  As of this writing, three of the hikers are on the trail making their way north.  Two more will be starting their Journey today and are en route to Springer right now.  The last of our intrepid six will be a southbounder and won't hit the trail until summer is in full bloom.

So here is an update:

Clifford - I'm not exactly sure where Clifford is, but he exited the Smoky Mountains on March 23rd.  He should be past Erwin by now and still seems to be having fun.  This picture sums it up perfectly. Clifford's 2015 AT Thru Hike (on Facebook)

Clifford - Living the life of the Hiker Trash

Sling Shot - Sling Shot is hiking with his Doberman Aramis, aka The Hairy Missile.  Since dogs are not allowed in the Smoky Mountains, Hannah, Sling Shot's girlfriend came and took HM while SS hiked the Smokys.  Sling Shot's problem was that he is just hiking very fast, which messes with the real world schedules that others must follow.  This had him taking a few zeros at Fontana and some after the Smokys too.  Sling Shot got through the 71 miles of the Smokys in four days.  He did his first multiple 20 + days during that time.  SS had to take a couple more zeros to fight off a flu, but is now back on the trail with his best friend.  He should be speeding up the trail again, making big miles and having fun.  
Double A and the Hairy Missile (Trail Journals)

Sling Shot and the Hairy Missile back on the trail

Treehugger - Treehugger is our Flip Flopper and she started further up the trail on April 4th.  TH is starting around Lynchburg, VA and is heading north.  Her plan is to hike up to Harpers Ferry for the Flip Flop Kick Off (FFKO) on May 2nd.  She will then give a talk on what the first month has been like being a Flip Flop Thru Hiker.  

Here is her first on trail Trail Journals Entry:

Leaving the Pedlar River Bridge was bitter sweet as I walked away from my daughter Sammy and husband John. The feeling was mixed with sadness pride elation and a bit of trepidation. As I went on I felt better. The day was cool clear and windy. The walk along the Lynchburg Reservoir was nice. The view of the lake a rarity on the AT in these parts. As I walked I thought of the people and things I am leaving behind. I will be ok knowing they support me and will be there when i am done. The Brown Mtn. Creek shelter was gorgeous. I loved hiking along streams. Several great swimming holes too! I camped near the shelter right on the creek. Slept great. Hiking with Grey Dog, a section hiker from SE Virginia, and Yin and Yang, a husband wife team of avid AT hikers. I gave them their trail names, wonder if they'll stick. Beautiful day to hike today. Chillin with two 'ole country farm dogs while I write this. Time to move on.

Scoops and Iceberg - I saw this morning that Patti aka Iceberg and Joel aka Scoops were on their way via plane to Atlanta with further transportation to Springer Mountain.  I can easily imagine the excitement they are feeling as they get closer to the trail and their adventure.  The couple will be updating (as they can) on Trail Journals and Facebook.  Follow along with them and lend your support as the hit the trail.  

Iceberg and Scoops

Justin, our Southbounder, is the only one sitting around :)

I'm sure his anticipation is just driving him crazy as he sees everyone else on the trail, but his adventure will start soon enough.

Keep on Hiking, Hikers!

EarthTone

Tracker map in the command center

AT Class of 2015 - A Quick Update

Just as "Clifford" finishes the Smoky Mountains, Andrew, now going by the trail name "Sling Shot", will be starting them.  Keep on hiking, hikers.  

Keep on Hiking Clifford and Sling Shot

AT Class of 2015 - A Man and His Dog

"And he is on his way!" - Hannah

This morning the second of my six hikers has started his journey.  Andrew (Double A) and his dog Aramis (The Hairy Missile) started on the Approach this morning.

It looks like a rainy start, but you know what they say; "No rain, no Maine".  

Follow Double A and HM here.  

Double A and the Hairy Missile

Update:
Clifford has crossed into North Carolina as per his last update.  From his other updates, this young man has already done a 20+  mile day to get into Neels Gap.  He has also gotten to experience Fresh Grounds the traveling trail magic guy.  

One down, 13 to go.

Keep on hiking people.  Next off will most likely be Treehugger, our Flip Flopper.  Scheduled to jump off April 4th.  

Hiker Tracker

AT Class of 2015 - First Hiker Hits the Trail

Day 1: "I just want to get to the damn trail." - Clifford said with a laugh

Clifford is the trail name of Sam.  Sam is the first of the Class of Thru Hikers that I will be following this year.  I met Clifford and five other perspective Thru Hikers at the Northern Ruck in January at the Bears Den Hostel.  I mentioned them and my hope to follow them in my February AT Museum Volunteer Newsletter and I am excited for each of them as they start their journey.

Each year I usually follow a number of hikers that are at least semi regular at updating their hiking status.  I put little markers on my AT strip map and watch as they travel along the trail, ultimately, hopefully reaching their desired goal of Katahdin, Springer or somewhere in between.

Hiker Tracker

When I met this group of hikers, one that struck me was that they are covering the full spectrum of different types of hikers.  We have a solo north bounder (NOBO), a NOBO who will be traveling with his dog, a couple who will also be heading NOBO, a Flip-Flopper starting in Daleville and heading north for the first part of her journey and a solo SOBO (south bounder), who will be the last to start the trip.  We have males and females and younger and older hikers.  It will be very interesting to follow each of them, learning of their trials and tribulations and cheering them on as they figure out how to keep going.

Each of these hikers have agreed to let me track them and report on them as I can.  I will be getting most of my information from the hiker's on line journals and social networking posts.  If any of them are using a delay to protect their exact location, that delay will be a part of the reports.  

This year will be interesting as I have already met each of the hikers (except the hairy missile) and I think each of them has a good chance of making it all the way.  Of course, statistics are not in favor of that happening, but I have seen many hikers finish the trail that appeared at first glance to be totally unprepared.  I have also seen very prepared hikers get off the trail for various reasons.  There is no way to know, but each will tell a story, whether it ends at Big Stamp or Neels Gap, or goes all the way to Katahdin (or Springer for Justin).  I look forward to sharing their stories here.

Introductions:  Listed in order of jump off:

Sam aka Clifford - Clifford is 18 and is the first to start their hike.  He was originally scheduled to start on February 25th, then the 28th (due to the crazy weather that has rolled through the mountains) and has finally made it to the trail yesterday, March 1st.  The comment above is from his Facebook page for his hike.  It looks like the snow is still causing problems on the forest service road and Clifford had to head back to Amicalola Falls and hike the Approach Trail.  Regardless, he is on his way.  Good luck Clifford.  Keep on hiking.  

The famous Amicalola Falls Arch

Clifford at the falls

Andrew aka Double A - Double A is hiking with his dog Aramis aka the Hairy Missile. AA is 34 and just finished the Tuscarora Trail last year.  He also is an Adirondack peak bagger.  The two are scheduled to start the trail on March 10th.  Andrew will have the help of his girlfriend Hannah, who will help with the HM during the Smoky Mountains part of the hike and I'm sure there will be other meet-ups.  AA and HM's Trail Journals page is here.  

Joel and Patti aka Scoops and Iceberg - Patti had the trail name Iceberg suggested to her at the Northern Ruck, so she is trying it on for now.  Joel and Patti hail from Wilmington, DE and plan to start the trail somewhere around the end of March or the beginning of April.  Their hike will show how a couple can tackle the trail together.  I'm not going to guess the couple's ages, but I will say they are closer to my age than Clifford's.  Scoops and Iceberg's trail journal is located here.  

Kerry aka Treehugger - Kerry is in her early 50s and is helping with the suspected large crowds down south by doing a planned Flip Flop hike, starting in Daleville, VA and heading north to Katahdin, then coming down to Daleville and heading south to Springer (I think).  Flip Flops come in many variations and are only limited on your imagination and needs to get the trail done.  I myself are leaning towards doing a flip flop when it is our turn to hit the trail. Kerry is scheduled to start her hike on April  4th and is also scheduled to talk at the Flip Flop Kick Off celebration in Harpers Ferry on May 3rd.  Treehugger's trail journal can be found here.

Justin - Last but not least (the SOBOs are always last :) )  I don't know if Justin has a trail name yet, or if he is waiting for one to be gifted to him after he starts his hike.  Justin will be the last to start his hike as is common with south bounders.  Katahdin isn't easily hikeable until late May or June, so he can't start until he can climb that mountain.  His scheduled start date is July 7th.  Justin doesn't have a trail journal account and isn't really the journaling type (as he said to me), but he does hope to provide updates on his Facebook wall from time to time.  

So there you have it.  I hope to post updates as much as possible as these hikers make their way along the trail and stack up their miles.  

Good luck to each of you.  Have the time of your lives, but this is an adventure of a lifetime.  

One final comment from Clifford's Facebook Hike page.  "Sam sent word this morning that he was at Springer for breakfast. This means that he has officially started the Appalachian Trail!"