Date: 2011-06-01
From: ATC side trail, Harper's Valley WV

To: View Entry
Miles today: 0.0

Sorry it took me a while to post my hike wrap-up. Here are just some random thoughts regarding my hike this year.1) The grind of hiking day in and day out coupled with the climbs and weather really got to me mentally and physically this year....particularly early in my hike. Next year I need to start out slower and not try to do 20 miles my first day back. 2) My IPOD came in handy a lot! I could listen to books while lying in my tent before fading off into sleep. Plus being able to hear some music while hiking up tough climbs helped the attitude! For any long distant hiker "Don't leave home without it."3) It still amazes me how nice people can be. I never had to wait long to hitch a ride. Plus I received trail magic numerous times. Also the hikers, while coming from different backgrounds and age groups all seemed to look out for one another and wouldn't hesitate to help a fellow hiker.4) This section of my hike had some of the best views I had seen thus far on the AT. McAfee Knob, Tinkers Cliff and the Blue Ridge Mountains to name a few. 5) The Bears Den Hostel has got to be a must stop place for hikers in Virginia. Great people and accommodations.6) The "Roller Coaster" did not live up to it's reputation. It was not as difficult as I anticipated. 7) You are never too old to backpack. I continue to be amazed and humbled at the ages of some backpackers. To be close to 80 years old and to climb the mountains with full packs is just a testimonial to the human spirit. I thought many times to myself while huffing and puffing up a mountain. "If an 80 year old person can do this so can you....now stop whining and hike!"8) Equipment wise I can't think of changing anything. Next year I may go with a 40 degree bag since I plan to hike mid-summer. Thank you all again for following along on my journey. In particular I want to thank everyone who sent me an email, gave me a call, or posted in my guestbook. Your encouraging words really meant a lot to me! Special thanks go to my wife Glenda for her support and my son Eric who posted my journal and pictures. Next year I plan to go from Harper's Ferry, West Virginia to Kent, Connecticut about 440 miles. Until then happy trails to you!The place where John Brown and his men were captured by the US Army.KThe city of Harper's Ferry, WV founded in 1733.First Previous Next LastHiker Entries June 01, 2011JournalistDestinationTrailKingman & TrooperTom Floyd ShelterAppalachian TrailPortable GDay 20Appalachian TrailPhoenix RisingWaynesboro VAAppalachian TrailBookSmartsTumbling Run SheltersAppalachian TrailFoxtrotHazen's Notch CampThe Long Trail - VermontPale AleCorliss CampThe Long Trail - VermontSorrel Ridge CampgroundChesapeake and Ohio CanalWind WalkerJohn Hollows ShelterAppalachian TrailJack the SharkUncle Johnny's HostelAppalachian TrailVictusLincolnAppalachian TrailMore...Grouped By Trail... I started a 6.5 mile ascent through the most beautiful snow covered trails. I have developed a good aerobic hiking pace and feel strong of limb and spirit. The cold morning air, constant movement and mental focus made this portion of the trail my favorite to date....    Arthur Veilleux ¢Appalachian Trail2015HikingTrailsJournalsPhotosCalendarGearLinksPartnersULA EquipmentREIPatagoniaNetworkTrail ForumsTrail NewsAbout UsContactDonateJoinLoginHelpFollow UsFacebookInstagramTwitterPinterest LinkedinTop Photo © Jerry Lutgen - The Wonderland Trail, 09/10/2002 by CookieTrailjournals LLC © 2024All Rights Reserved. privacy policyNewburyport, MA 01950Terms under which this service is provided to you. Build: 20210226:165913Manage Settings