Thursday, May 31, 2012

Thursday, May 31

Talked to Gary this morning and he was alone at the camp site and couldn't sleep because of wolves, coyotes, or animals barking outside the tent.  He walked 18.5 miles yesterday.

Monday, May 28, 2012

Monday, May 28

     Gary called this morning with lots of scary news.  He was walking through the trail and there was another black bear in a tree.  He came clumsily down and went behind some big rocks by the trail.  Gary stood there for a while and then threw a couple rocks at the rocks in front of the bear.  He then walked on down the trail in front of the bear. 

     In about a half a mile he came across a rattle snake that was coiled up with its rattle shaking.  Another man was coming the opposite way and they took turns with a stick going around through the weeds and not bothering the snake.   I am glad Gary was going the other way and didn't have to face the bear like the fella going south did.

Sunday, May 27, 2012

Sunday, May 27

Gary just called and is fine.  He was excited that he saw his first black bear.  He said it was probably just around 3-4 feet tall and when it saw him, ran.  That is a relief! He said that where he stayed last night there was some heat sickness....guess the "section hikers" didn't plan on enough water or something.  I have talked to him a few times this week but the reception was weak.  He is in the Shenandoah National Park and on the Skyline Trail nearing 900 miles.  He will be half way soon. 

Monday, May 21, 2012

Monday, May 21

Going to add some more pictures this morning.  I will probably talk to Gary later today.  When I picked him up on Saturday, he was at the 801 mile marker.  Clipping those miles off.





 A Girl Scout Gold project.


One thing about staying alone in a shelter...no snorers.



A black snake.

Sunday, May 20, 2012

Sunday, May 20 second page

I copied Gary's card from his camera to bring the last couple week's pictures home.  I am going to post some of the Virginia pictures.  The drive was beautiful and so are the pictures.

Imagine walking over these rocks to get where you are going?


The Allegheny Trail.


Another bridge.  Gary said it looked like maybe a scout project.




A simple bridge.


Crossing an electric fence. 


A three hundred year old oak tree.



Looks like Gary just had dinner.

Sunday, May 20

I came home today after a great visit.  Seeing Gary head back up the mountain was difficult.  I couldn't believe how far he had to go to get back to the top of the hill to be back on the trail.  I sure am impressed more than ever.  I couldn't believe all the hikers at that spot, either coming or going.  Apparently there are day hikers, section hikers and through hikers.....all ages of men and women. 



Notice the white mark on the sign post and the trees.  That shows the AT hikers their trail.  Other trails are different colors.  I thought that was interesting and feel better that maybe it won't be too hard to find your way.  Imagine having the job of painting the trees?


Gary on his way back up to the top.


Check out the mountain in the center of this picture.  In the next couple days the trail is going to a height of over 4200 feet.

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Tuesday, May 15

Talked to Gary this evening and am looking forward to seeing him this weekend.  I got new pictures that were before the last ones but it took them longer to develop than the others.


Think I would like a door on my out house.










A Grave?


Sunday, May 13, 2012

Sunday, May 13

I have talked to Gary several times this weekend.  He stayed at a Howard Johnsons in Daleville, VA and had service on his phone.  His one friend is ahead of him (got dropped off from the hospital) and the other had to go home on business and will return, however I imagine he will start right where he left off.  Gary is by himself.  I feel bad that he is alone but at night the group stays in a campsite of shelter so he will have people around then.











Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Wednesday, May 9

I just talked to Gary. He stayed at the 680.0 mile marker--Niday Shelter last night. He said it rained all night and he slept well but is carrying a wet tent today. They found the other guy that had been in the hospital and are meeting him on Saturday. Gary is heading to Cove Mountain and setting up camp there tonight. He says the terrain is rough but he thinks he is half way through Virginia. He said the night before he hardly slept for all the snoring around him:)

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Tuesday, May 8


These pictures are  printed in the order they were taken.  I imagine different levels of altitude have different types of weather.














Mount Rogers is where Gary and David hiked as scouts.  Gary and a couple people stayed here a night.