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….
ad,
ReplyDeleteso cool dude, been awesome keeping track of you. keep on keeping on my man.