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Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Hiking the AT
Click on any picture to see full-sized.
I just got back a few days ago from White Mountains of New Hampshire where I joined my sister for a few days on her 2200 mile hike up the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine. I joined her at roughly the 1800 mile mark for a jaunt across the White Mountains from Franconia Notch to Crawford Notch. The stretch of the AT across the Whites is among the more rugged stretches of the AT. My sister's account of her hike can be followed on her trail journal here. Being that I'm lacking time, I won't write much, but I will say that this journey of my sister's is an astounding challenge both physically and logistically. She has lost roughly 50 pounds hiking 10-20 miles each day. The details that she must attend to to make the hike feasible are overwhelming (e.g. figuring out mail drops for the entire 2200 mile hike). I've hiked mountain trails around the world, and I'll say that the section of the AT that I hiked was among the most challenging trails I've ever hiked. They were generally straight up and straight down over rough, boulder-strewn routes. We didn't risk our lives inching around narrow ledges 1000 feet over the valley below, but we did overcome uncountable obstacles where a stumble on the rough trail would lead to a fall of three feet, five feet, 10 feet, or more to serious injury. It was rugged. Our hiking team was made up of myself, my sister (AT trailname "Cody"), Stick Walker, and Belle the Wonder Dog. Belle is a weimeraner, and she has hiked the entire trail with her owner, Stick Walker. Here a bunch of photos from the hike. It is hard to capture in a photo just how rugged the route is, but here are my best examples:
Descending Franconia Ridge. Cody and Stick Walker are ahead of me and below.
Cody, Stick Walker, and Belle descend from Franconia Ridge.
Belle descending Franconia Ridge.
Claire the Sheltie. She was another thru-hiker dog heading up the AT to Maine with a different group. Most dogs drop out long before reaching New Hampshire. She and Belle are unusual for having lasted so long. Of course, you could also say that most human hikers drop out long before New Hampshire as well.
Cody and Stick Walker descend Mt. Garfield.
Some other thru-hikers descend Mt. Garfield.
Cody and Stick Walker descend Mt. Garfield.
Stick Walker.
Belle the Wonder Dog.
Potato Dill Soup at Galehead Hut. Scattered about the Whites are a series of backcountry huts where you can "rough it in style." For a healthy price, you can get a bunk and hot meals. We didn't get to stay at any of the huts because of timing issues, but we did get some soup at this hut.
The Hikers enjoy some soup at Galehead Hut.
Fresh cookies at Galehead Hut.
We ran into one of Floyder's cousins at Galehead Hut! Another Floyderdog!
Belle at Galehead Hut.
Belle the Wonder Dog atop South Twin.
Me atop South Twin. In the distance looms Mt. Washington. I didn't get to climb Mt. Washington, but I did get to ride a cog train to the top.
Here's our team atop South Twin with Mt. Washington in the distance.
My "stealth camp" campsite on our second night.
My sister's stealth campsite on my second night.
Belle the Wonder Dog.
Our team relaxes for a moment at Leland Falls Hut.
Cody's toes.
At the end of Day 3, we were met at the end of the trail by a "trail angel" and famous AT hiker known as Rock Dancer. Trail angels are those who become so enamoured of the AT culture and lifestyle that they routinely hang out at trailheads to provide free, unexpected support to thru-hikers.
Belle the Wonder Dog at the laundromat. Visiting laundromats is a recurring part of the AT experience for thru-hikers.
Because of logistics, I only hiked three days with Cody, Stick Walker, and Belle. The original plan was to hike for four days, but it turned out that my fourth day coincided with a "zero day" for the others. This meant R&R for everyone. Aside from doing laundry, we also rode the Mt. Washington Cog Railroad to the top of the peak.
My sister was quite sure that she was going to die on the cog train, and her apprehension is clear in this photo in which she has firm grip on both me and Stick Walker.
A little while later, it was clear that she wasn't going to die on this "three mile an hour" rollercoaster, and she looks like she's having fun.
Here is another train coming down off of Mt. Washington while we were going up.
The view from atop Mt. Washington.
In the wind atop Mt. Washington.
Descending Mt. Washington.
The thru-hikers bid farewell and prepare to go off on their next section of the AT--1000 feet straight up over a half mile.
I just got back a few days ago from White Mountains of New Hampshire where I joined my sister for a few days on her 2200 mile hike up the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine. I joined her at roughly the 1800 mile mark for a jaunt across the White Mountains from Franconia Notch to Crawford Notch. The stretch of the AT across the Whites is among the more rugged stretches of the AT. My sister's account of her hike can be followed on her trail journal here. Being that I'm lacking time, I won't write much, but I will say that this journey of my sister's is an astounding challenge both physically and logistically. She has lost roughly 50 pounds hiking 10-20 miles each day. The details that she must attend to to make the hike feasible are overwhelming (e.g. figuring out mail drops for the entire 2200 mile hike). I've hiked mountain trails around the world, and I'll say that the section of the AT that I hiked was among the most challenging trails I've ever hiked. They were generally straight up and straight down over rough, boulder-strewn routes. We didn't risk our lives inching around narrow ledges 1000 feet over the valley below, but we did overcome uncountable obstacles where a stumble on the rough trail would lead to a fall of three feet, five feet, 10 feet, or more to serious injury. It was rugged. Our hiking team was made up of myself, my sister (AT trailname "Cody"), Stick Walker, and Belle the Wonder Dog. Belle is a weimeraner, and she has hiked the entire trail with her owner, Stick Walker. Here a bunch of photos from the hike. It is hard to capture in a photo just how rugged the route is, but here are my best examples:
Descending Franconia Ridge. Cody and Stick Walker are ahead of me and below.
Cody, Stick Walker, and Belle descend from Franconia Ridge.
Belle descending Franconia Ridge.
Claire the Sheltie. She was another thru-hiker dog heading up the AT to Maine with a different group. Most dogs drop out long before reaching New Hampshire. She and Belle are unusual for having lasted so long. Of course, you could also say that most human hikers drop out long before New Hampshire as well.
Cody and Stick Walker descend Mt. Garfield.
Some other thru-hikers descend Mt. Garfield.
Cody and Stick Walker descend Mt. Garfield.
Stick Walker.
Belle the Wonder Dog.
Potato Dill Soup at Galehead Hut. Scattered about the Whites are a series of backcountry huts where you can "rough it in style." For a healthy price, you can get a bunk and hot meals. We didn't get to stay at any of the huts because of timing issues, but we did get some soup at this hut.
The Hikers enjoy some soup at Galehead Hut.
Fresh cookies at Galehead Hut.
We ran into one of Floyder's cousins at Galehead Hut! Another Floyderdog!
Belle at Galehead Hut.
Belle the Wonder Dog atop South Twin.
Me atop South Twin. In the distance looms Mt. Washington. I didn't get to climb Mt. Washington, but I did get to ride a cog train to the top.
Here's our team atop South Twin with Mt. Washington in the distance.
My "stealth camp" campsite on our second night.
My sister's stealth campsite on my second night.
Belle the Wonder Dog.
Our team relaxes for a moment at Leland Falls Hut.
Cody's toes.
At the end of Day 3, we were met at the end of the trail by a "trail angel" and famous AT hiker known as Rock Dancer. Trail angels are those who become so enamoured of the AT culture and lifestyle that they routinely hang out at trailheads to provide free, unexpected support to thru-hikers.
Belle the Wonder Dog at the laundromat. Visiting laundromats is a recurring part of the AT experience for thru-hikers.
Because of logistics, I only hiked three days with Cody, Stick Walker, and Belle. The original plan was to hike for four days, but it turned out that my fourth day coincided with a "zero day" for the others. This meant R&R for everyone. Aside from doing laundry, we also rode the Mt. Washington Cog Railroad to the top of the peak.
My sister was quite sure that she was going to die on the cog train, and her apprehension is clear in this photo in which she has firm grip on both me and Stick Walker.
A little while later, it was clear that she wasn't going to die on this "three mile an hour" rollercoaster, and she looks like she's having fun.
Here is another train coming down off of Mt. Washington while we were going up.
The view from atop Mt. Washington.
In the wind atop Mt. Washington.
Descending Mt. Washington.
The thru-hikers bid farewell and prepare to go off on their next section of the AT--1000 feet straight up over a half mile.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Tributes to Floyder
I received so many nice comments about Floyd that I thought I'd just post them all here:
Here is an assortment of comments from Facebook:
Daniel Smith: Floyder is dead. My friend for a third of my life.
Kim Carr: My condolences, Dan. I've had to let several of my pets go over the years, and it's never easy. Take the time to grieve, always remember, and open yourself up to happy times again. Take care.
Daniel Smith: Thanks Kim. It' always hard, but we had a lot of fun over the years.
Trixie Curler my heart goes out to you Dan - we're still missing Skipper 18 mos. later - Floyd was a great dog whose spirit will linger on in your memories for all time - cherish the good times
Daniel Smith: Thanks cousin!
Marla Campbell: I'm so sorry Dan, my thoughts are with you.
Reba Nicholson: So sorry, Dan. They become our family--our companion. Healing will be hard, so just keep busy
Sandra Vazquez Brisben: I am so sorry to hear....now as a new dog owner I realize what a bond you can have with these fellas....He was definitely special....loved all your Floyd stories....
Marlene Higgs Loula: :( sorry for you loss
Daniel Smith: Thanks everyone for your comments.
Ulpi Gonzalez: Lo siento mucho Dan. Mis mejores pensamientos van para ti.
Daniel Smith: Gracias Ulpi.
Dayna Velasco: I'm so sorry to hear about Floyd. I know he was a really special dog. I have a vivid memory of him running off during a hike and being so adorable and charming when he was found (he knew he was in trouble!) It's hard to lose a best friend. Thinking of you during your loss.
Daniel Smith: Thanks Dayna. He was a nut.
Michael DeBernardi: Sorry to hear this. I can now fondly recall him stealing food out of my car...
Daniel Smith: He'll always be famous/infamous for his uncountable acts of theft. The times when you were his victim are particularly memorable.
Cristina Morcuende Rojo: Cuanto lo siento Daniel!!! Te mando un abrazo
Daniel Smith: Muchisimas gracias. Parece que le tuve a Floyd por una eternidad. Siempre estaba a mi ...lado y contento a estar alli. Le tuve por varios anyos antes de te conoci y todavia le tuve por muchos anyos despues.
Cristina Morcuende: Rojo De nada, la verdad es que seguro que siempre estará en ti...
Nancy Christensen: sad for you both.
Daniel Smith: Nancy-thanks.
Mark Christensen: Sad news, Amigo. The pain of losing a close canine friend is deep. This last week we visited where our last dog is buried and my kids found several heart-shaped rocks along the river to leave at the spot. We all cried a little, and remembered how much fun she was to have with us. Viva Floyder!
Daniel Smith: Thanks Mark. I've spent years thinking he was about to die, but he never did. I thought that with all that preparation I'd be able to handle it, but I completely crushed when it was clear that there was no other choice. It's like for your whole life you're in a funnel. For most of the way you have some elbow room in case you need to change your path slightly, but sooner or later you get to the bottom of the funnel and you don't get a choice anymore. That's what happened to Floyder: he finally had to go through the funnel. OK, that's my sentimental metaphor for the day. :)
Lois Christensen: Sorry to hear that. He sure had a long life!
Daniel Smith: Thanks a bunch, Aunt Lois. He was a star. Nice to hear from you all. Hope all is well with you.
Carmen Gress: Here is another name to add to the list of this Hall of famer, floydsee that was my pet name for him, what a dog! he new he could retire for good, his pal of many year finally found a great lover and companion. (L I S A ) RIP Floydsee. Hugs and kisses to you both.
Daniel Smith: Carmen--Thanks. I'll add Floydsee to Floyd's "List of Names."
Tom Nicholas: What a great tribute. Clearly, he led a meaningful life. Though I never was fortunate enough to meat Floyd, it is clear you were lucky to have him. My condolences (about both Floyd's passing and about your unfortunate choice of footware). Have a great trip.
Daniel Smith: Tom--Thanks for the nice words about Floyd. Also, now that I'm off of the Appalachian Trail, I promise that those Crocs are going into deep storage.
And here are some e-mails:
Kristina: I am so sorry. I can't imagine what a hard day you're having. Floyd was certainly a special dog and we're all lucky to have known him.
Mom: We're so sad. Floyder turned out to be a good old boy & we'll miss him. I don't even mind his getting the jerky out of Karen's pkg last month.
Tony: Sorry to hear about old Floyd. 17 years!!! That might be a family record.
Cheryl and Tom: So sorry Dan.....it is so hard to lose our sweet little critters. He sure did have a great life with you..couldn't have been better.
Brad: That is sad it hear of the passing of Floyd. Brings a tear to my eye too. I kinda forgot how old he was. He had been around a long time. He was an Energizer Bunny. What a great soul he was too. I can remember his spastic days too. He certainly had a good life with you. Your good care and genuine appreciation for him is no doubt what kept him going all these years. Here's to Floyd, a champion, through and through.
Jeri: When a friend and I mean a friend of the heart passes over I found a good and true guide that applies to all of us:
"YOU ARE IN THE RIGHT PLACE
YOU DO NOT BE LONG HERE".
Dave B: So sorry for the loss of our buddy Floyder. What a tremendous friend. When I think about him I have to say that he reminded me of Tigger... always bouncing, gleeful, loopy as a wild hare, and the joy of life he shared with everyone of us when we visited. If we could all be like that... what a glorious life we'd have.
Khin: I'm so sorry, Dan...I hope he went as painlessly as possible.
Jennifer: Dan, I just heard about Floyd today from Jay and thoughts of him are racing through my mind remembering him and his antics. He has always been special to Dave, I know…You gave him the very best home and were the very best man person in his life. … We’re so sorry…There’ll never be another Floyd.
Julie: I’m so sorry to hear about Floyd’s passing. I’ve heard a lot about the infamous fella over the years and sorry I never got to meet him.
Dave M: I will miss my very good friend. I will think of him in the hall of fame heaven for good dogs. I know how you feel.
Carmen: Hi Lisa, Dan and Spook
What a Dog! he made his exit from life in a gallant way. What a companion and friend he was.
I am sorry for your loss I know he meant a lot to Dan. I have followed floyderdog blog. It is the place to know what is going on with the Smiths and to get to see some of the beautiful places you visit and now keeping famous Floyd's memory close to us.
Thank you friends.
Sarah: Sweet, goofy Floyd! I miss him. Was hoping to come out and visit sometime this summer, but it didn't work out--I was afraid it would be my last chance to see him. So glad he aged into such a fabulous dog.
Here is an assortment of comments from Facebook:
Daniel Smith: Floyder is dead. My friend for a third of my life.
Kim Carr: My condolences, Dan. I've had to let several of my pets go over the years, and it's never easy. Take the time to grieve, always remember, and open yourself up to happy times again. Take care.
Daniel Smith: Thanks Kim. It' always hard, but we had a lot of fun over the years.
Trixie Curler my heart goes out to you Dan - we're still missing Skipper 18 mos. later - Floyd was a great dog whose spirit will linger on in your memories for all time - cherish the good times
Daniel Smith: Thanks cousin!
Marla Campbell: I'm so sorry Dan, my thoughts are with you.
Reba Nicholson: So sorry, Dan. They become our family--our companion. Healing will be hard, so just keep busy
Sandra Vazquez Brisben: I am so sorry to hear....now as a new dog owner I realize what a bond you can have with these fellas....He was definitely special....loved all your Floyd stories....
Marlene Higgs Loula: :( sorry for you loss
Daniel Smith: Thanks everyone for your comments.
Ulpi Gonzalez: Lo siento mucho Dan. Mis mejores pensamientos van para ti.
Daniel Smith: Gracias Ulpi.
Dayna Velasco: I'm so sorry to hear about Floyd. I know he was a really special dog. I have a vivid memory of him running off during a hike and being so adorable and charming when he was found (he knew he was in trouble!) It's hard to lose a best friend. Thinking of you during your loss.
Daniel Smith: Thanks Dayna. He was a nut.
Michael DeBernardi: Sorry to hear this. I can now fondly recall him stealing food out of my car...
Daniel Smith: He'll always be famous/infamous for his uncountable acts of theft. The times when you were his victim are particularly memorable.
Cristina Morcuende Rojo: Cuanto lo siento Daniel!!! Te mando un abrazo
Daniel Smith: Muchisimas gracias. Parece que le tuve a Floyd por una eternidad. Siempre estaba a mi ...lado y contento a estar alli. Le tuve por varios anyos antes de te conoci y todavia le tuve por muchos anyos despues.
Cristina Morcuende: Rojo De nada, la verdad es que seguro que siempre estará en ti...
Nancy Christensen: sad for you both.
Daniel Smith: Nancy-thanks.
Mark Christensen: Sad news, Amigo. The pain of losing a close canine friend is deep. This last week we visited where our last dog is buried and my kids found several heart-shaped rocks along the river to leave at the spot. We all cried a little, and remembered how much fun she was to have with us. Viva Floyder!
Daniel Smith: Thanks Mark. I've spent years thinking he was about to die, but he never did. I thought that with all that preparation I'd be able to handle it, but I completely crushed when it was clear that there was no other choice. It's like for your whole life you're in a funnel. For most of the way you have some elbow room in case you need to change your path slightly, but sooner or later you get to the bottom of the funnel and you don't get a choice anymore. That's what happened to Floyder: he finally had to go through the funnel. OK, that's my sentimental metaphor for the day. :)
Lois Christensen: Sorry to hear that. He sure had a long life!
Daniel Smith: Thanks a bunch, Aunt Lois. He was a star. Nice to hear from you all. Hope all is well with you.
Carmen Gress: Here is another name to add to the list of this Hall of famer, floydsee that was my pet name for him, what a dog! he new he could retire for good, his pal of many year finally found a great lover and companion. (L I S A ) RIP Floydsee. Hugs and kisses to you both.
Daniel Smith: Carmen--Thanks. I'll add Floydsee to Floyd's "List of Names."
Tom Nicholas: What a great tribute. Clearly, he led a meaningful life. Though I never was fortunate enough to meat Floyd, it is clear you were lucky to have him. My condolences (about both Floyd's passing and about your unfortunate choice of footware). Have a great trip.
Daniel Smith: Tom--Thanks for the nice words about Floyd. Also, now that I'm off of the Appalachian Trail, I promise that those Crocs are going into deep storage.
And here are some e-mails:
Kristina: I am so sorry. I can't imagine what a hard day you're having. Floyd was certainly a special dog and we're all lucky to have known him.
Mom: We're so sad. Floyder turned out to be a good old boy & we'll miss him. I don't even mind his getting the jerky out of Karen's pkg last month.
Tony: Sorry to hear about old Floyd. 17 years!!! That might be a family record.
Cheryl and Tom: So sorry Dan.....it is so hard to lose our sweet little critters. He sure did have a great life with you..couldn't have been better.
Brad: That is sad it hear of the passing of Floyd. Brings a tear to my eye too. I kinda forgot how old he was. He had been around a long time. He was an Energizer Bunny. What a great soul he was too. I can remember his spastic days too. He certainly had a good life with you. Your good care and genuine appreciation for him is no doubt what kept him going all these years. Here's to Floyd, a champion, through and through.
Jeri: When a friend and I mean a friend of the heart passes over I found a good and true guide that applies to all of us:
"YOU ARE IN THE RIGHT PLACE
YOU DO NOT BE LONG HERE".
Dave B: So sorry for the loss of our buddy Floyder. What a tremendous friend. When I think about him I have to say that he reminded me of Tigger... always bouncing, gleeful, loopy as a wild hare, and the joy of life he shared with everyone of us when we visited. If we could all be like that... what a glorious life we'd have.
Khin: I'm so sorry, Dan...I hope he went as painlessly as possible.
Jennifer: Dan, I just heard about Floyd today from Jay and thoughts of him are racing through my mind remembering him and his antics. He has always been special to Dave, I know…You gave him the very best home and were the very best man person in his life. … We’re so sorry…There’ll never be another Floyd.
Julie: I’m so sorry to hear about Floyd’s passing. I’ve heard a lot about the infamous fella over the years and sorry I never got to meet him.
Dave M: I will miss my very good friend. I will think of him in the hall of fame heaven for good dogs. I know how you feel.
Carmen: Hi Lisa, Dan and Spook
What a Dog! he made his exit from life in a gallant way. What a companion and friend he was.
I am sorry for your loss I know he meant a lot to Dan. I have followed floyderdog blog. It is the place to know what is going on with the Smiths and to get to see some of the beautiful places you visit and now keeping famous Floyd's memory close to us.
Thank you friends.
Sarah: Sweet, goofy Floyd! I miss him. Was hoping to come out and visit sometime this summer, but it didn't work out--I was afraid it would be my last chance to see him. So glad he aged into such a fabulous dog.
Down the Dusty Road
Cody, Stick Walker, and Belle head off into the Great Unknown along the Appalachian Trail in the White Mountains of New Hampshire.
The Top of Mount Washington
The summit of Mt. Washington is famous for having some of the most severe weather in the world. Here we are enjoying the wind on a calm day.
The Cog Railroad at Mount Washington
My sister has a fear of heights that is so severe that she gets afraid of things even before she sees them herself. She was terrified of this train which runs straight up the side of Mt. Washington before she rode it. It turned out to be pretty tame, however.
Zeland Falls
While hiking through the White Mountains of New Hampshire with my sister, we passed by Zeland Falls.
Climbing a Typical Slabby Section of the AT in New Hampshire
Here is some video from my hike with my sister along the Appalachian Trail. This shows a fairly typical stretch of slabby rock that the trail covers through the White Mountains of New Hampshire.
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