Earlier this week Marion and I met Adam and Dori in Duncannon, PA at the famous Doyle Hotel (link: http://www.doylehotel.com/). Later this week we'll have some more photos and videos, but for now, enjoy this hello to family and friends....
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Update - Moving On Through Pennsylvania!!!
Adam, Mosey and Dori and crew are moving quickly through Pennsylvania. The hike through the 'rocky' state has been excellent, very few problems, nice weather, awesome ridge hiking and living life! The warmer weather has definitely brought out the snakes, but no poisonous snakes yet! Here are some pictures from northern Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia and southern Pennsylvania...enjoy: 
Lunch break for Mosey on the trail:
Late spring and early summer brings out all kinds of interesting wildlife, particularly in the shelters where the mice begin the build nests, scurry for food and enjoy the crumbs leftover by the hikers....check it out:
More interesting trail facts This is a continuation of the 'Interesting Trail Facts' segment:
Best campsite – Max Patch Bald, NC. From the top you have a 360-degree view from the 4,629 foot summit. It’s a great place for sleigh riding too!
Coolest animal on the trail – Northern flying squirrel, it’s 12 inches long, cute, nocturnal and addicted to fungi. It’s a rare treat for night hikers walking through spruce fir forests in western NC and southern VA. This squirrel spent too much time in trail towns and made bad choices….
Best photo-op location – McAfee Knob located near Catawba, VA. The rocky ledge hangs over the valley below. Here’s Adam and Dori at McAfee Knob:
First Washington Monument – a 31 foot stone dome built in 1827 by the citizens of Boonsboro, MD to honor George Washington.
Is That Dog 'On a Leash'???
The Shenandoah National Park requires dogs to be on a 6' leash while walking through the park. Adam share's some thoughts on it while hiking....
Lunch break for Mosey on the trail:
Late spring and early summer brings out all kinds of interesting wildlife, particularly in the shelters where the mice begin the build nests, scurry for food and enjoy the crumbs leftover by the hikers....check it out:
More interesting trail facts This is a continuation of the 'Interesting Trail Facts' segment:
Best campsite – Max Patch Bald, NC. From the top you have a 360-degree view from the 4,629 foot summit. It’s a great place for sleigh riding too!
Coolest animal on the trail – Northern flying squirrel, it’s 12 inches long, cute, nocturnal and addicted to fungi. It’s a rare treat for night hikers walking through spruce fir forests in western NC and southern VA. This squirrel spent too much time in trail towns and made bad choices….
Best photo-op location – McAfee Knob located near Catawba, VA. The rocky ledge hangs over the valley below. Here’s Adam and Dori at McAfee Knob:
First Washington Monument – a 31 foot stone dome built in 1827 by the citizens of Boonsboro, MD to honor George Washington.
Is That Dog 'On a Leash'???
The Shenandoah National Park requires dogs to be on a 6' leash while walking through the park. Adam share's some thoughts on it while hiking....
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
6 States Down, 8 States to Go!!!
The past week has been a week of good hiking, and excitement as the posse (minus Indy who decided to move on) finished Virigina, visited with Doir's uncle outside of Baltimore, entered and left West Virginia, entered Maryland (and will leave it tomorrow) and onto Pennsylvania! The hikers are happy to report all is well. Adam hurt his tailbone several weeks ago and it continues to bother him, so please pray for quick healing. He sent home some extra things in an effort to reduce the pounds he is carrying, and hoping that it will put less strain on his tailbone area with the heavy pack bouncing on it all day, every day. Mosey is doing well, a days rest a week ago certainly helped. Tonight the posse is resting at Pine Knob Shelter in Maryland. 
A few days ago, they passed through Harper's Ferry, WV and stopped at the Appalachian Trail Conferene headquarters. In June 2000, Adam, Jeff Joyce, Grey Dixon and I passed through there. The employees of the headquarters take photos of each hiker who passes through, and have years and years of journals with the photos. Adam looked through a number of books and found our photo from 2000. I'll post it in a few days.
Intersesting Facts Corner
The following ‘important and necessary information’ was compiled and published in Blue Ridge Outdoors magazine April 2009 edition. If you missed it, here are some of the more interesting pieces of info:
Biggest Dead Tree – the Wasilik Poplar tree in NC near Standing Indian Campground measures 26 feet around and at one time reached 130 feet into the sky. In the 1990’s a storm took out the top half of the tree. It’s the second largest poplar tree in the eastern US.
Highest point on the AT – just below the summit of Clingman’s Dome in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the highest point is 6,625 feet. Mount Washington, in NH stands at 6,288 feet.
Biggest live tree on the AT – called the Keffer Oak in Virginia, it is a white oak that is estimated to be the largest white blazed tree on the entire trail. It measures over 18 feet around and is thought to be over 300 years old. It’s located in a corner where several fields come together. Check out Adam's pictures:
Easiest 100 miles – Shenandoah National Park, VA, the trail parallels Skyline Drive on relatively flat terrain.
First Washington Monument – a 31 foot stone dome built in 1827 by the citizens of Boonsboro, MD to honor George Washington. Two other monuments would be built, one in Baltimore and the big one in Washington, DC, but this one is the first one!
Stayed tuned for more interesting facts and photos...
A few days ago, they passed through Harper's Ferry, WV and stopped at the Appalachian Trail Conferene headquarters. In June 2000, Adam, Jeff Joyce, Grey Dixon and I passed through there. The employees of the headquarters take photos of each hiker who passes through, and have years and years of journals with the photos. Adam looked through a number of books and found our photo from 2000. I'll post it in a few days.
Intersesting Facts Corner
The following ‘important and necessary information’ was compiled and published in Blue Ridge Outdoors magazine April 2009 edition. If you missed it, here are some of the more interesting pieces of info:
Biggest Dead Tree – the Wasilik Poplar tree in NC near Standing Indian Campground measures 26 feet around and at one time reached 130 feet into the sky. In the 1990’s a storm took out the top half of the tree. It’s the second largest poplar tree in the eastern US.
Highest point on the AT – just below the summit of Clingman’s Dome in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the highest point is 6,625 feet. Mount Washington, in NH stands at 6,288 feet.
Biggest live tree on the AT – called the Keffer Oak in Virginia, it is a white oak that is estimated to be the largest white blazed tree on the entire trail. It measures over 18 feet around and is thought to be over 300 years old. It’s located in a corner where several fields come together. Check out Adam's pictures:
Easiest 100 miles – Shenandoah National Park, VA, the trail parallels Skyline Drive on relatively flat terrain.
First Washington Monument – a 31 foot stone dome built in 1827 by the citizens of Boonsboro, MD to honor George Washington. Two other monuments would be built, one in Baltimore and the big one in Washington, DC, but this one is the first one!
Stayed tuned for more interesting facts and photos...
Monday, May 11, 2009
A Quick Break in Luray, VA
Adam, Dori and Hatchet enjoyed a quick break in Luray, VA thanks to Dori's uncle who treated them all to a nice dinner and night off the trail. Indy decided to move on a bit, not sure if they will re-connect in the next few days.
It was nice not to have rain, the next few days should be full of blue sky and sunshine. This evening Dori's uncle treated them to a great steak dinner, and Dori's mom provided a nice soft bed at the Quality Inn. I keep telling Adam he's getting 'trail town soft' and he needs to keep focused on hiking and 'toughen up'. His reply...'okay dad, I'm not getting soft, in the past 2 days we've hiked 50 miles...24 on Saturday and 26 on Mother's Day...so anytime you're ready for a challenge, bring it on'....of course I'm just teasing him, they are doing so well, and we are all so proud of them, they certainly do deserve a little break!
Adam told me something interesting tonight, another one of those 'You're Not Going To Believe This' stories. Well, last summer while Adam and I were hiking in north Maine, we ran into a man in his late 50's, who was heading southbound. His trail name was Footnote, he was an active member in creating trails and working on trail management in Virginia and other states. He mentioned he had just written a book about something he had accomplished...hiking the entire Blue Ridge Parkway. I forget how many years it took him, but we chatted for a while, he was very interesting. Fast forward to today, and Adam, Dori and Hatchet ran into him, he was finishing a section hike, and Adam remembered him from last year. I believe his name is Randy Johnson, here's a link: http://www.virtualblueridge.com/blue-ridge-book-club/authors/randy-johnson.asp You just never know who you might run into on the trail...and Adam has a memory like an elephant. Just some of the wonders of hiking! Have a great week!
It was nice not to have rain, the next few days should be full of blue sky and sunshine. This evening Dori's uncle treated them to a great steak dinner, and Dori's mom provided a nice soft bed at the Quality Inn. I keep telling Adam he's getting 'trail town soft' and he needs to keep focused on hiking and 'toughen up'. His reply...'okay dad, I'm not getting soft, in the past 2 days we've hiked 50 miles...24 on Saturday and 26 on Mother's Day...so anytime you're ready for a challenge, bring it on'....of course I'm just teasing him, they are doing so well, and we are all so proud of them, they certainly do deserve a little break!
Adam told me something interesting tonight, another one of those 'You're Not Going To Believe This' stories. Well, last summer while Adam and I were hiking in north Maine, we ran into a man in his late 50's, who was heading southbound. His trail name was Footnote, he was an active member in creating trails and working on trail management in Virginia and other states. He mentioned he had just written a book about something he had accomplished...hiking the entire Blue Ridge Parkway. I forget how many years it took him, but we chatted for a while, he was very interesting. Fast forward to today, and Adam, Dori and Hatchet ran into him, he was finishing a section hike, and Adam remembered him from last year. I believe his name is Randy Johnson, here's a link: http://www.virtualblueridge.com/blue-ridge-book-club/authors/randy-johnson.asp You just never know who you might run into on the trail...and Adam has a memory like an elephant. Just some of the wonders of hiking! Have a great week!
Friday, May 8, 2009
Dad....we saw a bear!!! And an Amishrechaun!!!
A few days ago, Adam called, quite excited about seeing their first bear on the trail. It was a small cub, 50 feet in front of Indy, who spotted it first. The bear took off down the hill, Mosey chasing after him. Of course Adam calmly called Mosey back (yeah right) and Mosey immediately obeyed (really?), and that was it, the bear was just a nice memory.
Earlier today, Dori saw a bear! It was a cub, just off the trail, and again off it went into the woods. A bear in the woods is a sight that generates a host of emotions. I think I mentioned in the very first post that on our very first trip of our 18 year section hike of the AT Adam asked me about bears. He was 5 years old, it was our first night on the trail, and just before going to sleep Adam said, 'Dad, are honey bears grizzly bears?'. I told him they weren't, and he said, 'Okay, Dad, I was just wondering.' Those are terrific memories Adam and I have, and he'll have hundreds of his own memories when his hike is over. Keep them all in your prayers!
Legend has it that 2-3 months into the thru-hiking season, there are usually several sightings of the illusive Amishrechaun, know to frequent the hollows along the Appalachian Trail in central Virginia. Trail historians have determined that the illusive Amishrechaun has century old roots dating back to southern Pennsylvania when Amish farmers began clearing oaks and maples to establish fertile farm lands. 
During the same time period, General Mills scientists discovered the Lucky Charms Leprechaun escaped from their research & development compound in northern Virgina, and made residence in small caves and rock crevices, eating corn from the fields of local farmers.
While unknowning hikers rest quietly in trail shelters, the crafty leprechaun spreads Lucky Charm dust over them while they sleep. Some hikers remain immune to the Lucky Charm dust, while others are impacted in a profound way, and become....an Amishrechaun....which is what happened to Adam....keep your eyes peeled!
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Oh the Rain, How it Falls in Early May
Yo Yo Yo
So its been raining for 5 days now, and we finally made it into Waynesboro, VA where I sit at a computer in the library. The sun is coming out soon, and we are overjoyed with the entrance to the Shenendoah National Park today, kinda. Apparently dogs are to be on a 6 foot leash for the entire duration of the park, but they do not say that that leash has to be attached to my hand...pretty clever. We had an awesome stay at the Quality Inn on Broad St in Waynesworld, and there were a bunch of our fellow thru-hikers who we encountered some fun activities throughout the night. Life as we know it is embarking on the greater stages of the Appalachian Trail, especially the fact that in 149.5 miles, we will cross the 1000 mile mark!!!!!! Our journey is amazing and our spirits are high. I believe Bill Murray put it best in the movie Caddieshack when he mentions the Dhali Llama and receiving total enlightenment, because we have been through it all and have achieved total "trail" enlightenment. I just want everyone to know how awesome my mom and dad are for taking care of thier boy while he is on the trail. It is a real blessing to have such great parents, and I can speak for Dori as well, when I truly say THANK YOU and to all the other supporters out there, keep us in your thoughts and we appreciate all the words of encouragement along the way. Come Monday, we will be meeting up with Dori's uncle Larry for a good dinner and im sure a great time in Luray, VA. Mosey is doing great, he is a walking/running/hiking machine and any dog owner would be proud of the agility and determination of this little boy setter. To my sisters, I love you and I miss you so much, cant wait to see you in Maine. Signing off from Waynes World...its party time, excellent, waaaa waaa waaa waaa waaa. WE DOIN DIS!!!!
- Topo and Mosey
So its been raining for 5 days now, and we finally made it into Waynesboro, VA where I sit at a computer in the library. The sun is coming out soon, and we are overjoyed with the entrance to the Shenendoah National Park today, kinda. Apparently dogs are to be on a 6 foot leash for the entire duration of the park, but they do not say that that leash has to be attached to my hand...pretty clever. We had an awesome stay at the Quality Inn on Broad St in Waynesworld, and there were a bunch of our fellow thru-hikers who we encountered some fun activities throughout the night. Life as we know it is embarking on the greater stages of the Appalachian Trail, especially the fact that in 149.5 miles, we will cross the 1000 mile mark!!!!!! Our journey is amazing and our spirits are high. I believe Bill Murray put it best in the movie Caddieshack when he mentions the Dhali Llama and receiving total enlightenment, because we have been through it all and have achieved total "trail" enlightenment. I just want everyone to know how awesome my mom and dad are for taking care of thier boy while he is on the trail. It is a real blessing to have such great parents, and I can speak for Dori as well, when I truly say THANK YOU and to all the other supporters out there, keep us in your thoughts and we appreciate all the words of encouragement along the way. Come Monday, we will be meeting up with Dori's uncle Larry for a good dinner and im sure a great time in Luray, VA. Mosey is doing great, he is a walking/running/hiking machine and any dog owner would be proud of the agility and determination of this little boy setter. To my sisters, I love you and I miss you so much, cant wait to see you in Maine. Signing off from Waynes World...its party time, excellent, waaaa waaa waaa waaa waaa. WE DOIN DIS!!!!
- Topo and Mosey
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Last Time Until Maine....yes those are real tears!!!
Last Wednesday afternoon, Marion, Katy and I drove up to Buchanan, VA to hang out with Adam and the posse (Dori, Indy and Hatchet) for the last time until we see them in Maine in late July/early August. It was a great time together, the weather was cloudy, but thankfully the rain south of us never reached our picnic area off the Blue Ridge Parkway. Stopping in Buchanan to pick up 4 large pizza’s for 4 hungry hikers, it was just a short ride up the RT 43 to the Blue Ridge Parkway and then to the parking/picnic area at Bobblett’s Gap. 
The posse was staying about 3/10ths of a mile down a side trail at Bobblett’s Gap Shelter. Adam’s memory banks clearly recalled when we stayed there 10 years ago because it was the first time we encountered a full shelter, didn’t have a tent, and had to sleep under the stars while praying all night it wouldn’t rain! On that trip, the shelter was filled with 8 retired Army/Navy/Air Force/Marine buddies (all in there 60’s) and we literally heard war story after war story all night long. I’m looking for a picture of when we stayed there 10 years ago, and will post it in the next few days….so check back!
We all enjoyed pizza, soda, sweet tea (for Dori), and the last of the homebrew beer Adam and I made back in January (India Pale Ale, Adam’s favorite) watermelon, fresh homemade brownies (Mar’s specialty) and just some awesome time together.
The posse was staying about 3/10ths of a mile down a side trail at Bobblett’s Gap Shelter. Adam’s memory banks clearly recalled when we stayed there 10 years ago because it was the first time we encountered a full shelter, didn’t have a tent, and had to sleep under the stars while praying all night it wouldn’t rain! On that trip, the shelter was filled with 8 retired Army/Navy/Air Force/Marine buddies (all in there 60’s) and we literally heard war story after war story all night long. I’m looking for a picture of when we stayed there 10 years ago, and will post it in the next few days….so check back!
We all enjoyed pizza, soda, sweet tea (for Dori), and the last of the homebrew beer Adam and I made back in January (India Pale Ale, Adam’s favorite) watermelon, fresh homemade brownies (Mar’s specialty) and just some awesome time together.
Adam showed us all his pictures over the past several weeks, fantastic sunsets, beautiful vistas, green fields, rock outcrops, snakes, and even a few pictures of flowers along the trail (you go buddy!). 
He also had a few videos of life hiking along the trail with Mosey. I’ve included one trail walking video below, and also a ‘Hello Everyone’ video. Adam gave a special ‘shout out’ to his Grandma Brodt (Bob’s Mom) and is looking forward to seeing her, Papa and Mindy & Ronnie in about 4 weeks.
During the visit, we switched out some of Adam and Dori’s winter equipment for some lighter summer gear. Adam wanted his smaller pack, so I goofed on him and brought the first backpack he ever owned (see photo) but pulled out the real summer pack before he freaked out!
During the visit, we switched out some of Adam and Dori’s winter equipment for some lighter summer gear. Adam wanted his smaller pack, so I goofed on him and brought the first backpack he ever owned (see photo) but pulled out the real summer pack before he freaked out!
He also needed a new pair of trail hiking shoes. The pair he had lasted about 500 miles and was falling apart. He loves these trail shoes – Vasque Velocity VST, check them out if you are looking for a good pair of trail shoes: http://www.vasque.com/products/m-velocityvst.cfm He also got his summer sleeping bag and switched out winter for summer clothes. 
The last thing was exchanged out was his butane backpacker stove for a super lightweight, hand-made alcohol stove made from a soda can (see picture). 
Bob has used this in the past; it burns the gasoline additive “Heet” which you can purchase at any convenience store or Wal-Mart, as well as rubbing alcohol or denatured alcohol. Finding fuel is much easier and cost a lot less too.
Everyone looked terrific; they are hiking an average of 18 or so miles per day now and feeling great. The past 4-5 days were unseasonably hot, and they were looking forward to the arrival of more seasonal 70 degree weather. Mosey and Jadis (Hatchet’s dog) continue to do great, and have quite a bit of fun along the way.
Mosey seemed bigger to us, and certainly more muscular. He’s enjoying his new high protein food, and it shows. 
That’s about it for now, stayed tuned for another update in a few days….
Everyone looked terrific; they are hiking an average of 18 or so miles per day now and feeling great. The past 4-5 days were unseasonably hot, and they were looking forward to the arrival of more seasonal 70 degree weather. Mosey and Jadis (Hatchet’s dog) continue to do great, and have quite a bit of fun along the way.
Mosey seemed bigger to us, and certainly more muscular. He’s enjoying his new high protein food, and it shows. 
That’s about it for now, stayed tuned for another update in a few days….
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Virginia is for....hiking and more hiking!
It's been a great week for the posse...Adam, Dori, Indy, Hatchet and the two dogs Mosey and Jadis. Last weekend, Dori's Mom, step dad and two sisters met the posse in Catawba, VA, and treated them to some great eats, a nice hotel room and mounds of support and encouragement! Adam said it was a wonderful time and he was very thankful for their visit and generosity! Take a look at some very happy people (left to right: Dori's sister, step dad Rick, Dori's Mom, Indy, Hatchet, Dori, Dori's sister, Adam):
Hiking has been fantastic for the posse, the weather this past week was pretty toasty with wonderful sunny days and very warm temperatures. The view have been terrific, with some nice ridge hiking, open woods, and along, up and over some beautiful rock outcrops. With the warmer weather, the snake count has increased almost daily, with 3 large black snakes and countless garden snakes along the path. Adam said the shelters have been less crowded, and 4 of the last 7 nights they all slept in empty shelters, including the dogs. It sure makes packing up in the morning a whole lot easier! Mosey has been doing terrific, Adam said he seems to be getting stronger each week, a lot more muscular, and overall enjoying the hike each day. Check out a few photos below of beautiful views, sunsets and of course, snakes! 
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