dsims' posterous of ponderings http://dsims.posterous.com Most recent posts at dsims' posterous of ponderings posterous.com Sat, 04 Sep 2010 06:53:34 -0700 My hike through the White Mountains http://dsims.posterous.com/my-hike-through-the-white-mountains http://dsims.posterous.com/my-hike-through-the-white-mountains The White Mountains of New Hampshire are home to some of the most
difficult terrain on the Appalachian Trail.  That combined with "the
worst weather in America", you can understand why I was feeling a
little nervous going in.

The weather turned out to be perfectly clear and sunny the whole way
through.  All the heavy and bulky winter gear I lugged around was
mostly unused, but I am grateful for staying dry and having daily
breathtaking views.

Moosilauki was first, known for its steep and slippery north side.
Kooper and I had no problems.  Going down is much easier for Kooper
because he has no fear of jumping or sliding down the rocks.  I, on
the other hand, take my sweet time to avoid any knee injuries.

We stayed at Chet's hostel in Lincoln, then got back on the trail
carrying 5 days of food.  Chet is an avid outdoorsman that opened the
hostel (which runs on donations) after he was wheelchair bound due to
a fuel canister explosion.

Soon after I began my hike out of Kinsman Notch, I realized I left my
denatured alcohol (cooking fuel) at the Glencliff hostel.  So I
hunkered down and commited to hiking the full 17 miles to the next
roadcrossing back to Lincoln.  Turns out the climb up south Kinsman
Mountain was the hardest climb yet.  Every 10 feet was like a puzzle,
trying to figure out how to get Kooper and myself up the cliffs of
rock. Without a pack it would be fun, with a fully loaded pack it was
sloooow.

As I neared the Franconia Notch roadcrossing late in the evening, I
came across the first AMC Hut, Lonesome Lake.  The huts are large bunk
houses that provide a bunk, dinner, and breakfast to guests (for about
$90 a night).  They function totally "off the grid", so aren't as
nature-destroying as you might think.  So I asked if they had
denatured alcohol and they did!  They also asked if I wanted to
work-for-stay, where I would clean out their fridge and they would
give me dinner, breakfast, and a secret tent spot behind the building
(you are not allowed to tent near a hut, in fact you are only supposed
to tent in designated places in the Whites that charge $8).  So I
didn't have to go back to town afterall!

Next up was Franconia Ridge which is a thin above-treeline ridge
providing amazing views all the way up to the top of Mount Lafayette.
Lots of scrambling up rocks, but you don't care because of the views
and cool strong winds.  Even though it was a relatively short day
(12ish miles?) I was happy to pay 8 bucks to collapse at the Garfield
Campsite.

The next day was more alpine hiking amongst short pine trees,
waterfalls, and a nice flat stretch to a stealth camp spot (avoiding
the $8 fee at the offical spot a few miles back).  The next day I
originally wanted to stay at Lakes of the Clouds hut, but from what I
was hearing from various caretakers, forcing them to take in Kooper
(dogs are not allowed in huts) would not be good.  So I took a short
day, hung out at the Willey House, and stopped at the Mitzpah
Hut/campsite along with 12 other through-hikers and all of us got WFS.

Up next was the Presidential Range, an entire day above tree-line.
The views were once again amazing, especially of the Great Gulf
valley, Grand Canyonish in its vastness.  As I passed Lakes of the
Clouds Hut, the top of Mount Washington (second highest peak on the
AT) was engulfed by a dark cloud.  I hiked up anyways and the skies
cleared just as I reached the top.  Not much of a view up there due to
all the touristy buildings (you can drive or ride a train to the top).
 Interesting that candy bars are cheaper at the Huts than on Mt.
Washington, even though the Hut croo have to carry everything on their
backs over miles of rocky terrain.

Speaking of rocky terrain, the trail from Washington to Madison was a
brutal field of rough rocks.  We got to the hut but were denied WFS,
so we went down a very steep side trail to a stealth camp spot (right
next to a no camping sign >_> ).  Another exhausting day down.  In the
morning we went down the Pine Link side-trail (there are hundreds of
trails in the Whites) that goes straight into Gorham, NH.  Spits you
out convieniently next to Burger King :)

To finish out the Whites, I left my gear at the White Birches
Campground hostel and attacked Wildcat, Carter, and other peaks
carrying only water and food for the day.  Without a 35-40 lb pack,
steep climbs can actually be fun!  Even still, the rough terrain can
wear you down.  Kooper plopped down a few times, forcing me to take a
quick break.  We took another side trail to get back to the road
before it got dark and rainy (I forgot to bring my headlamp).  18
miles of hiking through the Whites takes a long time, even without a
full pack.

So, I made it out of The Whites alive and well.  I will miss the
scenery, huts, and abnormally sunny weather.  In a few days I'll be in
Maine, which is as rugged but probably won't have quite the views (and
a cold front is coming).  The desire to reach the finish line may be
all that keeps me going from here on out.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/8214/n12804668_33133998_957.jpg http://posterous.com/people/3y76Pctuy Daniel Daniel Thu, 26 Aug 2010 12:06:00 -0700 Helping others has its perks http://dsims.posterous.com/helping-others-has-its-perks http://dsims.posterous.com/helping-others-has-its-perks

One of the goals of my hike was to raise money for my friend Abby, to help pay for travel to doctors in Cleveland, Ohio.  When I told her mom, Lauren, about my plan she seemed surprised and a little confused.  She didn't really know what the Appalachian Trail was or what it all entailed.  As I hiked on she began to realize what it was all about, and it turns out she has family up north near the trail that could maybe help me out!

First up was Abby's cousin Angie in Massachusetts.  She works for Gould Farm, mainly with the dairy cows.  I got to stay the weekend in Angie, Amanda, and Nathan's home, use the farm's sauna, eat wonderful farm food, and get a glimpse of what farm life would be like.  Thanks to Angie, Evan, and Rev. Liz for shuttling me around town too.

Then when I got near Rutland, Vermont where Abby has many aunts and uncles, I got to stay at Abby's aunt Nancy's home.  I hiked over Mt. Killington & Pico the next day and then got picked up by aunt Julie!  Julie wanted me to come back for church on Sunday to talk about my hike, so a few days later I expected to get picked up again near the New Hampshire border.

To my surprise, it was Abby and Lauren who arrived to pick me up!

Sunday morning I spoke about my hike in front of Julie's church, and they all gathered up a big donation for Abby.  So now I was way past my original goal of one dollar per mile, so I'm now counting Kooper's miles too!  I spent the rest of the day hanging out with Abby's family, and rode back to the trail Sunday night.

Instead of hiking into the thunderstorm at night, we decided it would be best if I stayed in a hotel or hostel near the trail.  The only thing available near Hanover, NH (that would allow dogs) was the Norwich Inn.  By far the nicest accommodations I've had yet.  The dog room even had dog pillows and dog paintings on the walls.

Sadly, this is probably the last life-line I'll have until I get to the end (just one month away!).  These last miles through the White Mountains and Maine are the toughest yet (terrain, weather, logistics), but I think all my experiences have me prepared and all the encouragement and love I have recieved have me motivated!

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/8214/n12804668_33133998_957.jpg http://posterous.com/people/3y76Pctuy Daniel Daniel Mon, 09 Aug 2010 17:07:40 -0700 New shoes. Thanks Merrell! http://dsims.posterous.com/new-shoes-thanks-merrell http://dsims.posterous.com/new-shoes-thanks-merrell

A few weeks ago I called Merrell customer service (which was immediately answered by a real person) to ask if there was a way to thicken up the bottom of my shoes (it was starting to feel as if there was nothing between my foot and the rocks).  She said no, but that she can send thru-hikers one new pair for free.  Now that's customer service!

My shoes actually held up really well after over 1400 miles.  Hardly any tearing or holes.  In fact, another hiker was happy to take them when I got my new ones!  They may end up on Katahdin after all.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/8214/n12804668_33133998_957.jpg http://posterous.com/people/3y76Pctuy Daniel Daniel Sat, 24 Jul 2010 05:01:00 -0700 The dreaded rocks of Pennsylvania http://dsims.posterous.com/pennsylvania-rocks http://dsims.posterous.com/pennsylvania-rocks

I had been warned about the rocky stretch of the AT in Pennsylvania before the hike.  The rocks themselves are nothing new; I have complained about walking over patches of rock since I started.  The thing about PA's rocks is that they never take a break.

From about Duncannon, PA to High Point, NJ is a ridge line consisting of nothing but rubble.  There is the occasional dirt road, but for most of the 200 miles you are carefully navigating rocky terrain.  It's like playing Tetris with your feet.  You constantly rotate your feet to fit in the spaces between the rocks as they come at you.  Sometimes there is no space, forcing you to step on the sharp edges or steep angles.  Averaging 2mph for the day is a challenge, even though you are not scaling any mountains.  There are also huge boulder fields where you hop from rock to rock, hoping you don't slip off over the side (I actually enjoy the boulder fields).  At the end of the day your feet hate you.

PA (and NJ) does try it's best to make up for the rocks, heat, and lack of water.  Trail-angels are everywhere (especially the Billville crew) offering food, water, rides, and encouragement to help you get through this tough section.  There are also many towns and places to get tap water.  I think I got stream/spring water only once, and only ate a few meals out of my pack.

I saw many hikers skip huge sections of the trail here or even the entire state.  It may not be the best part of the trail, but it is worth hiking through at least some of it.  There are actually some good views to be found.

When I passed High Point in New Jersey, we finally got off this ridgeline.  I don't expect the rocks to go away but hopefully they won't be quite as bad.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/8214/n12804668_33133998_957.jpg http://posterous.com/people/3y76Pctuy Daniel Daniel Fri, 09 Jul 2010 03:59:58 -0700 How to hike in 100° weather http://dsims.posterous.com/how-to-hike-in-100-weather http://dsims.posterous.com/how-to-hike-in-100-weather

Maryland and Pennsylvania (first half anyways) are probably the easiest sections of the Appalachian Trail.  The downside is that its at low altitude and currently in a record-setting heat wave.  Good thing there have been ways to deal with the heat this week:

Sunday : Dip hand-towel in cold spring water to lay on chest at night.
Monday:  Take 3 hour lunch break at http://www.freestatehiker.com
Hike into the not-so-cool of the night to meet a friend who takes you to a hotel (thanks Tyler!)
Tuesday:  Eat Chick-Fil-A Icedream before getting back on the trail.
Jump into the Caledonia State Park pool right before it closes.
Wednesday: Hike to Pine Grove Furnace State Park to eat a half-gallon of ice cream to celebrate completing half the AT.
(I finished a half gallon of Cherry Jubilee in under 25 minutes, all 2400 calories)
Spend the rest of the evening at the park's beach.
Thursday: Hike to Boiling Springs, PA and get in the mini water park or in the very cold spring water (it boils by looks, not temperature)
Friday (today): my plan was to do a short hike up to US 11 to spend the day in a hotel room... but they are all booked due to some auto show.
So plan B:  Hike 30 miles to the town of Duncannon for free food and a shower, or if I'm lucky, a night or two at The Doyle.

I know, 30 miles doesn't sound like a good idea in the heat, but the terrain is flat (walking through farm land), I can take a good long break every 10 miles, I'm starting really early in the morning, and this section sucks so I just want to get it over with.  Wish me luck and rain!

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/8214/n12804668_33133998_957.jpg http://posterous.com/people/3y76Pctuy Daniel Daniel Mon, 05 Jul 2010 10:19:35 -0700 Independence http://dsims.posterous.com/independence-265 http://dsims.posterous.com/independence-265

Today I passed by the first Washington Monument, built July 4th, 1827 by the folks in Boonsboro, MD.  An interesting contrast to the many Civil War battlefields I saw yesterday.  One Declaration of Independence celebrated; one declaration of independence denied.

The Appalachian Trail continues the American quest for independence.  I have never felt more free than here in the woods.  Free from all the traps of society today: expectations, material possessions, and the need to perform.  I don't know if this will change things when I get home, but I know I have a different perspective on many things now.

I'm writing this from my tent on Annapolis Rock. I hope to see some fireworks from the great view up here.  Not a big deal if I don't, as its hard to beat this sunset.  Happy Independence Day!

Update: Didn't have a signal to post this last night.  Saw a ton of fireworks going up all over the valley, but couldn't see the ones close by, as Haggarstown was blocked by the mountain jutting out.  Blackrock Cliff would have been better, but I didn't want to walk a mile in the dark.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/8214/n12804668_33133998_957.jpg http://posterous.com/people/3y76Pctuy Daniel Daniel Mon, 24 May 2010 18:05:00 -0700 Trail Hostels http://dsims.posterous.com/trail-hostels http://dsims.posterous.com/trail-hostels

Sometimes you need to get off the trail... to resupply, eat a nice meal, call home, get new gear, etc.  In or near town, most hikers stay at a cheap hostel.  These usually consist of a room full of bunkbeds and a shower.  Often attached to the owner's home, they each have their own personality and charm and are one of my favorite parts of hiking the AT.  Here are the ones I've stayed at so far:

Standing Bear Farm - http://standingbearfarm.com/

(I already posted a bunch of photos here)

This is your first opportunity to get a shower and some snacks after a long trek through the Smokies.  It isn't near a town, but the owner, Curtis, will take you down to the gas station for a beer run.

Elmer's Sunnybank Inn - Hot Springs, NC

Elmer, the owner since 1978, cooks vegetarian meals for his guests at his 1875 victorian home.  It isn't really a hostel (the rooms are actually really nice) but it is priced like a hostel.  Elmer used to have Vizslas, so he was eager to meet Kooper.  Here he is eating his yummy breakfast with us:

Uncle Johnny's Nolichuky Hostel - http://www.unclejohnnys.net/

Uncle Johnny and his crew will shuttle you around Erwin, TN (or go pick you up some KFC) and sell some basic gear.  They also have free wifi, what else could you ask for?  I forgot to take a photo, but it's your standard bunk room fare.  Most everyone hangs out all day on the nice large deck.

Greasy Creek Friendly Hostel

I didn't stay here, but I felt is was worth a mention. I took a half-mile side trail to Connie's hostel in hopes to get some food for lunches/snacks.  No one was there, but there was a phone and a note that she would call (she was out shuttling people and getting supplies or something).  So I waited about 30 min on the porch as I watched Kooper play with the cat.  She did call and gave me the number for a restaurant a few miles away that would bring me a hot meal.  (I ordered chicken fingers & fries, which turns out is not the best thing to eat right before a hard day of hiking).

Mountain Harbour B&B/Hostel - http://www.mountainharbour.net/

I stopped here in hopes to get a ride into Roan Mountain, TN for lunch food.  I got the ride to the store, and then another ride to get a BBQ restaurant.  I decided to stay at the hostel (which is in the upper finished part of a barn, above the horse and goats) to experience the famous breakfast.  It was fantastic!

Kincora - near Hampton, TN

When I walked up the road to this hostel, I was greeted with a bowl of salad and blueberry muffins.  Enough said.

Ok, I'll say more.  This hostel has everything you need (except wifi)... bed, laundry, shower, food, phone, and a shuttle to town all for a suggested donation of $4.  Built on to the back of Bob People's home, Kincora is probably the most-loved hostel as evidenced by the walls and ceiling covered in hiker thank-you cards.  Bob is sort of a legend... the Chuck Norris of the AT (due to his generosity).  Here he is telling one of many stories to us guests:

Hikers Inn - http://www.hikersinndamascus.com

This is where I am right now, typing this post.  I initially decided to stay here because it was the only place with a TV I could use that wasn't an expensive B&B.  The owner, Suzanne, let me watch the Lost finale in her sunroom.  She also gave me a ride to the grociery store in her Mini Cooper and fed us strawberry shortcake with ice cream.  Doesn't get any better than that right?  It does.  The bunk beds are great with clean comfy linens, pillows, and access to a power outlet.  Did I mention... free wifi!  Perfect place to take a zero-day.

Also of note is that Suzanne is trying to sell the place.  A cute old house, right on the main street of a small town, making a few bucks giving hikers a great place to stay...  I think everyone who hikes the AT dreams of opening up a hostel.  If the Hikers Inn is still for sale when I finish, it will be something to consider...

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/8214/n12804668_33133998_957.jpg http://posterous.com/people/3y76Pctuy Daniel Daniel Sun, 16 May 2010 14:55:05 -0700 Trail Angels http://dsims.posterous.com/trail-angels http://dsims.posterous.com/trail-angels
This post is to thank all the angels that have graced my trail.

Trail angels are people who perform random acts of kindness for Appalachian Trail hikers.  Today, for example, some guys said they found a bunch of Cokes and Mountain Dews floating in a stream along with a box of cheese crackers.  These kinds of things, usually really simple and cheap, really boost the morale of us long-distance hikers.  Someone even just made a documentary about a few well-known angels.

First is my friend Gail, who got her cabin ready for me and my parents to stay in a few miles from Tray Mountain.  It was my first warm bed and shower since I started at Springer.

I came across a group of people at Winding Stair Gap from Trail Servants who had setup a table of goodies, cooler of drinks, Bibles, and even cookies for Kooper.  They come out every week during hiking season.

On Max Patch summit there were students from a massage school practicing on hikers.  They also let us warm up by their fire and eat veggies, bread, candy, wine, and steak!

My brother Andy met me at Trail Days to bring me back to Erwin where I left off, and then he hiked with me and took me into town to get some supplies.

But the ultimate trail angels so far have been my parents.  I'm not sure I could of done this hike without them.  Half of my gear I'm using was theirs.  They brought me food and supplies on multiple occasions.  My dad came up to Fontana Dam to pick up my dog Kooper, then they returned him a week later in Hot Springs.  They stayed a few days in Hot Springs, shuttling me back to town after a full day of hiking.  Then they drove me way up to Damascus for Trail Days.  They truly deserve their trail angel wings.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/8214/n12804668_33133998_957.jpg http://posterous.com/people/3y76Pctuy Daniel Daniel Mon, 10 May 2010 13:02:00 -0700 An Incredible Weekend http://dsims.posterous.com/an-incredible-weekend http://dsims.posterous.com/an-incredible-weekend

This weekend was full of so much win, I decided to just cram it all into a single post. It all started with leaving the the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Smokies were great (the second half anyways) but I was feeling tired after multiple 18+ mile days.  I decided to spend Friday night at Standing Bear Farm hostel, right off the trail after you pass under I-40.

This place is like my dream home.  A creek runs through the middle, and it has a shack for everything.  A shack for eating, a shack for laundry (old school washboards), and a shack for internet.  They even have shack full of food, drink, and small hiking supplies.  You grab what you want whenever and tally it up on an envelope, then cash out when you leave.  A frozen pizza ($10) was what exactly what I needed.  Curtis, the owner(?), even drove us down to the gas station for a beer run.

I got a late start Saturday morning, but the trail was nice and smooth so I still went about 16 miles.  I crested a cleared hill and saw a rocketship looking thing, with a great view of the mountain range behind me.  It is an Air Traffic Control VOR station. Mom says these are how planes know their position, but GPS is quickly replacing the need for these stations.

Soon after that I got to the the highlight of my hike so far; Max Patch Summit.  This place is incredible.  It's a huge grassy bald with a dramatic 360 degree view of the surrounding hills.  There were a bunch of people on top.  Picnics, kids paying tag, and it seemed that everyone had their dog but me (Kooper would have loved it!).  This picture doesn't capture it, hopefully I can upload my videos soon.

I thought to myself that it would be a great spot to watch the sunset, but I continued on about two miles to the Roaring Fork shelter.  After cooking dinner and talking to a group of guys in a discipleship program (similar to YWAM I think) that has them living together for months in an wilderness environment (wish I could remember the name, started with an N), I settled down in my sleeping bag.  Then suddenly two of the guys I had been hiking with through the Smokies came running into camp, saying there were cute girls on the hill... giving masssages!  Everyone thought they were crazy, but I put on my warmer clothes and joined them since I wanted to see the sun set anyways.  I ran to the top just as the sun was setting and it was indeed spectaclar.

Then began probably the best night ever on the AT.  Sure enough, there were girls giving massages on the hill.  They were students from a massage school in Asheville and had a big tent setup with a chair in it.  They thought it would be fun to practice on thru-hikers, and they were right.  We got cozy around their fire, when they offered us food!  Cucumbers, peppers, homemade bread, hummus, Starbursts, sangria, and.... STEAK.  We hung out with them for a couple hours until we left them in the now-freezing night temperature. (I lost my headlamp somehow during the night, so running back to the shelter was a little difficult).

When I woke up, the Starburst wrappers in my pocket were my only proof that the night wasn't just a dream.  It was freezing in the morning so I stuffed my pack and quickly got moving.  Another pleasant hike all the way into the first true trail town of Hot Springs, NC (the trail goes right down the main street).

I stayed the night in Elmer Hall's Sunnybank Inn. Built in 1875, this victorian house full of antique furniture and decorations is overflowing with character.  Elmer, the owner since 1978, cooks vegetarian meals for his guests.  After having an amazing delicious (and healthy) dinner, I immediately signed up for breakfast too.  I would like to link to more info about Sunnybank, but Elmer apparently likes to keep things simple so it's difficult to find any info about it.  Here is a good article though: Room at the Inn.

So that concludes my awesome weekend on the AT.  I am currently sitting in the Hot Springs library, using their free wifi.  This is my first "zero-day" where I do no hiking at all.  My parents will be here in a few hours to return my dog Kooper (dogs are not allowed in the Smokies).  Can't wait to see them!  I think I hike better without Kooper, but hiking with him is a lot of fun even if it does complicate things.

Next weekend?  I hope to be at Trail Days

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/8214/n12804668_33133998_957.jpg http://posterous.com/people/3y76Pctuy Daniel Daniel Mon, 03 May 2010 13:04:51 -0700 Trail Community http://dsims.posterous.com/trail-community http://dsims.posterous.com/trail-community

(I wrote this up way back in GA, but just now got around to posting it.  Since then I have moved about a day ahead of these fine folks)

The weather forcast showed a thunderstorm was coming, so I decided to stay in Hiawassee.  I didn't really want to since I just restocked and got clean a few days before.  I hiked a few miles to Dick's Creek Gap and got a shuttle to the Hiawassee Inn along with four other hikers: Mike, Krazy Fox, Bump, and Radar.

I split a room with Radar, who has hiked the AT for many years .  He also carries a netbook and a GPS for his photos and an occasional post.  His trailname is "Radar" because he knows what the weather will be thanks to his gadgets.  Check out his Trail Journal and photos.

It's been really great hanging out with these people.  Even though we are mostly strangers, we still seem to form some kind of bond through the trail.  Our ages and backgrounds are very different, but none of that seems to matter.  The trail really breaks things down to the core building blocks of community.  If our little group splits up, which it inevitably will, then new ones will form.

Each shelter usually has a notebook, so even if we part ways, I can always look forward to reading a note left by an old hiking partner (or leave one for them).

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/8214/n12804668_33133998_957.jpg http://posterous.com/people/3y76Pctuy Daniel Daniel Fri, 30 Apr 2010 14:21:00 -0700 Trail Magic http://dsims.posterous.com/trail-magic http://dsims.posterous.com/trail-magic

Grass is hard to come by on the trail. Sure there is sporadic patch lining the path, but you may go weeks without seeing an open field.  It's a long brown tunnel, with no room to throw frisbee.

That's why when I came across Siler Bald, I was so amazed.  A huge meadow, with deep green grass that climbs a sloping hill to an amazing view.  Kooper and I looked at each other and I think we were both thinking "frisbee".  Finally, virtually unlimited space to run and fling a flying disc.  I hesitated, it was getting late and I still had many miles to go.  I decided to go for it.  I took off my bag, emptied my pockets, and started sprinting to the top singing "The Hills Are Alive".

4565895781_2339c6e55d.jpg

When I came back down, and began to pick up my stuff, I first noticed the Bible I put down when I emptied my pockets (The one given to me by Trail Angels earlier that day).  I felt a rush of joy overtake me.  I didn't have a relevation or an epiphany or anything, just pure joy, bringing me to tears.  Truly a spiritual moment.  One that provided the lift I needed and reminded me of why I am on this hike.  One known as "Trail Magic".

Where/what is your Siler Bald?  If you are stuck in a tunnel, try racing up the hill.  Forget your constraints for once.  Grab a frisbee and let it fly.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/8214/n12804668_33133998_957.jpg http://posterous.com/people/3y76Pctuy Daniel Daniel Tue, 20 Apr 2010 12:23:23 -0700 yay! free internets http://dsims.posterous.com/yay-free-internets http://dsims.posterous.com/yay-free-internets I'm at Mtn Crossings, an outfitter that the AT passes through at Neels Gap.  I'm using their laptop.

Nice to get out of the wet fog.  Just went over Blood Mtn, with surprising ease... thanks to the hiking stick I found this morning!  Sadly there was no view from the top, since I was in a cloud.  I'm sure there will be plenty more opportunities for a good view.  There is a cool stone shelter up there, built in the 1920's I think.

Everyone loves Kooper.  I am tempted to make my trailname "kooper's dad" since that's how everyone knows me.  He loves the trail, I think because every bend is a chance to spot a squirrel.  (don't tell PETA, but sometimes I let him pull me a little when going up hill)

I'd post photos and notes more often, but my smartphone uses T-Mobile, so IF reception exists it tends to blow with the wind.  Thanks for all the comments and emails, they are very encouraging.  I can usually read them once a day, it's just hard to post anything when the connection is flaky.
I just checked the Hike for Abby's progress, $320!, wow!  I have some catching up to do!

Just overheard a trail runner (guy that walks along the trail picking up trash and checking shelters) say that the bear on Blood Mtn was shot and killed.  He and the employees here seemed really bummed about it.  The bears mean no harm, they just want the food bags.  I think the proper procedure is to capture the bear and move him elsewhere.

I'm probably going to be a day behind what I have on my itinerary.  My friend Gail has a cabin near the trail at Tray Mtn, so I'm looking forward to meeting my parents there on Thursday... and taking a shower.

The other thru hikers I was with are staying in a hotel/cabin near here, but I'm gonna push on to the next shelter.  So I'm going to buy a few items here and eat, then head back out on the trail.    Hopefully the weather is a little nicer when I step outside.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/8214/n12804668_33133998_957.jpg http://posterous.com/people/3y76Pctuy Daniel Daniel Wed, 14 Apr 2010 15:25:00 -0700 Just a few more days until I hit the trail. http://dsims.posterous.com/just-a-few-more-days-until-i-hit-the-trail http://dsims.posterous.com/just-a-few-more-days-until-i-hit-the-trail

This Saturday I begin my Appalachian Trail thru-hike!  I've been working like crazy trying to get things done before I disappear into the woods for about 5 months.  Lemmie check my todo list:

  • Build website - done
  • Setup paypal for donations for Abby. - done
  • Setup Facebook Page - done
  • Put everything on auto-pay, cancel unused accounts - mostly done
  • Buy clothing - mostly done
  • Buy gear - mostly done
  • Make an itinerary.
  • Buy food.

Maybe my priorities were a little off, but I still have time.

When I'm on the trail, I will still be posting to various web services (like this posterous), which all gets aggregated to onahike.com  I'll be reading your comments, replies, and emails every few days or so (unless I drop my phone in a stream).

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/8214/n12804668_33133998_957.jpg http://posterous.com/people/3y76Pctuy Daniel Daniel Fri, 29 Jan 2010 13:56:00 -0800 I will miss the Old World. Damn you Apple! http://dsims.posterous.com/i-will-miss-the-old-world-damn-you-apple http://dsims.posterous.com/i-will-miss-the-old-world-damn-you-apple

The Old World

In the Old World, computers are general purpose, do-it-all machines. They can do hundreds of thousands of different things, sometimes all at the same time. We buy them for pennies, load them up to the gills with whatever we feel like, and then we pay for it with instability, performance degradation, viruses, and steep learning curves. Old World computers can do pretty much anything, but carry the burden of 30 years of rapid, unplanned change. Windows, Linux, and Mac OS X based computers all fall into this category.

The New World

In the New World, computers are task-centric. We are reading email, browsing the web, playing a game, but not all at once. Applications are sandboxed, then moats dug around the sandboxes, and then barbed wire placed around the moats. As a direct result, New World computers do not need virus scanners, their batteries last longer, and they rarely crash, but their users have lost a degree of freedom. New World computers have unprecedented ease of use, and benefit from decades of research into human-computer interaction. They are immediately understandable, fast, stable, and laser-focused on the 80% of the famous 80/20 rule.


How long will it take to complete this Old World to New World shift? My guess? The end is near when you can bootstrap a new iPad application on an iPad. When you can comfortably do that without pining for a traditional desktop, the days of Old World computing are officially numbered.

via stevenf.tumblr.com

We'll always have the command line though, right!?

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/8214/n12804668_33133998_957.jpg http://posterous.com/people/3y76Pctuy Daniel Daniel Fri, 15 Jan 2010 06:10:00 -0800 My goals for 2010 http://dsims.posterous.com/my-goals-for-2010-1 http://dsims.posterous.com/my-goals-for-2010-1

Resolutions, goals, plans... whatever you want to call them, here are mine for two thousand ten.  My last year of being a twenty-something.

1. Get my stuff situated
Find a doctor, dentist, and eye doctor.  Open a Roth IRA and consolidate all my old 401K's.  Look into getting eye surgery and maybe braces.

2. Maintain (or increase) weight and strength.
I've been borderline underweight my whole life.  So lately I've been going to the gym and eating more and I have gained about 20 pounds since I started and can squat over 1.5x my weight!  Maintaining it will only get harder because I started doing a lot more cardio by...

3. Jogging long distances.
Running has always been fairly easy to me. I guess it sort of runs in the family.  I've never done more than a 10K though.  Despite the cold weather, I've been going out running to build up my mileage (I just did 8 miles!) so I can...

4. Run a Marathon in March.
"Run" is not really the right word.  Jog/walk (jalk?) is more like it.  Even still, I know it sounds crazy... 26.2 miles is a loooong way (I'll have 7 hours to finish).  I figure I might as well try since I'm going to have to train anyways to...

5. Thru-hike the Appalachian Trail.
Yep, the whole thing (will take about 5 months).   I plan to start in April with my dog Kooper.  This is something I've always wanted to do and I now find myself with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to do it.  I work for a great company who will let me disappear (and give me back my job when I get back), I have good health, and few responsibilities.  I know what you are thinking... "Daniel? without a computer for 5 months?  HA!"  Well, you are partly correct.  This is my chance to unplug from the busy tech world I've lived in everyday, to take a break from information overload, and get a glimpse of the "real world".  So I'm not bringing a computer, but I will have a smartphone that I will use to keep my status updated and share some photos (if I have a signal).  I'll have a website for documenting my adventure and I may be the first to tweet all 2180 miles.   The website will also help me parlay the hike into...

6. Raising money and awareness for charity
To helps those with Mitochondrial Disease, including my friend Abby.  I have no experience with running a fund-raiser like this, so this will be tougher than the hike itself!  My thinking is that if people give money to 3-day walks, why not a 150+ day walk?  I'll probably have to setup some kind of non-profit org and fill out a bunch of forms, find sponsors, contact press, and blah blah blah... I have no idea it's even possible.  If you have any experience running a fund-raiser, I could really use some help.

That should keep me busy for most of the year.  When I get back from hiking I suppose I'll go back to work and start looking for a place to live (unless I want to live in the woods).

Thanks for following me during my adventures, I'll need all the support I can get!

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/8214/n12804668_33133998_957.jpg http://posterous.com/people/3y76Pctuy Daniel Daniel Tue, 05 Jan 2010 14:40:42 -0800 Google's Nexus One is disappointing http://dsims.posterous.com/googles-nexus-one-is-disappointing http://dsims.posterous.com/googles-nexus-one-is-disappointing I'm sure the actual device is great, but the idea of the Nexus One is what I'm talking about... or more specifically, Google's Phone Store.  Google had the opportunity to turn the phone market on it's head, but instead has just become one of those booths at the mall trying to sell you a new phone package to make commission.  Except unlike those mall booths, Google only offers one phone and one plan to choose from.

So what is Google's goal here?
Sell phones?  Then they need to offer more than one $79 plan w/ subsidy.  This phone isn't special enough to justify breaking a contract or paying $529.
Push Android?  Then they need to insure there is an attractive, compatible, and affordable Android phone on the market.

The Nexus One is attractive, but for most people it is not affordable and is not compatible.  

So why is Google just being yet-another wireless middle-man?  A simplified Google version of http://wireless.amazon.com/ ?

In my dreamworld, Google announces a single unlocked device capable of running on both GSM and CDMA for about $299.  A world where your wireless device is totally decoupled from the carrier.  An affordable smartphone that can be used on any service without a two-year contract.  I know Google has the power to do this, and it would sell like crazy for years.

But they didn't.  Nothing to see here, move along.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/8214/n12804668_33133998_957.jpg http://posterous.com/people/3y76Pctuy Daniel Daniel Wed, 30 Dec 2009 19:51:00 -0800 Yo listen up here's a story about a [not so] little guy that lives in a blue world http://dsims.posterous.com/yo-listen-up-heres-a-story-about-a-not-so-lit http://dsims.posterous.com/yo-listen-up-heres-a-story-about-a-not-so-lit

Avatar evokes feelings similar to those aroused by the wonderment of Jurassic Park and the epicness (not a word, but should be) of Lord of the Rings.

Finally CGI that doesn't make you think "oh, that is CGI".  The world is believable... it sucks you in and never spits you back out.

The story drags a little at first and the plot is far from life changing, but it manages to hold your attention the entire 2 hours and 40 minutes.  It does this by bouncing between the two contrasting sides (and it helps that even the most trivial stuff is fascinating in 3D).

This was my first 3D movie, and although it was a great experience (this film is perfect for IMAX and 3D due to the sweeping landscape shots and sky-high locales), 3D technology still has a ways to go before it becomes ubiquitous.  It took about half the movie for me to adjust to it.

Great cinematography in the big action scenes.  Even with lots of stuff going, I never felt overwhelmed or lost.  Good use of slow-mo helped.

In conclusion, the plot is a little shallow but the experience is an amazing one worthy of all the hype.  9/10

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/8214/n12804668_33133998_957.jpg http://posterous.com/people/3y76Pctuy Daniel Daniel Fri, 30 Oct 2009 13:43:00 -0700 Google Wave direct messages http://dsims.posterous.com/google-wave-direct-messages http://dsims.posterous.com/google-wave-direct-messages

Google Wave was built for groups, but it can be used like IM or email to talk directly to someone too.  Google calls this a "ping", but it's really just a normal wave presented a little differently.

Protip: You can do a search for "dto:me" to see only messages between you and one other person.  Create a saved search so it's easy to see your DMs.

Now what I need is a way to get notifications of new waves, so I don't have to keep checking it all the time.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/8214/n12804668_33133998_957.jpg http://posterous.com/people/3y76Pctuy Daniel Daniel Sun, 25 Oct 2009 21:53:00 -0700 Netflix Instant Watch officially coming to PS3 next month. Odd that it needs a disc. http://dsims.posterous.com/netflix-instant-watch-officially-coming-to-ps http://dsims.posterous.com/netflix-instant-watch-officially-coming-to-ps

Next month, Netflix Instant Watch officially comes to the Playstation 3 at no additional cost on either end.  I say "officially" because like I mentioned before, I've been using PlayOn to stream Netflix to my PS3 for a while now.

I did find it odd that it requires them to send you a (free) Blu-ray disc.  It apparently uses BD-Live features found in the latest Blu Ray players instead of being special integrated software like it is on the Xbox 360.  So I assume that this ability is eventually coming to ALL Blu-Ray players in the future?

Anyways, props to Netflix for not making exclusive deals with any one console, and props to Sony for building such a great versatile machine.

You can go ahead and order your PS3 disc here.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/8214/n12804668_33133998_957.jpg http://posterous.com/people/3y76Pctuy Daniel Daniel Mon, 21 Sep 2009 22:06:00 -0700 Woodstock flooding at I-575. #atlflood http://dsims.posterous.com/woodstock-flooding-at-i-575-atlflood http://dsims.posterous.com/woodstock-flooding-at-i-575-atlflood
Crazy flooding in my area.  And will probably get worse.  This is Towne Lake Pkwy at I-575:

(Photo from a Facebook album)

I-575 is totally shut down at Hwy 92.  Evening traffic was horrible.  Follow the WoodstockPD for updates.
(this and more photos at nesset's smugmug gallery)

Amazing how many YouTube videos there are from people of the flooding in Atlanta & Woodstock.  Won't be long before video soon replaces photography as the most common medium.  Also, thanks to Kanye, finding photos shared on twitter is almost useless.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/8214/n12804668_33133998_957.jpg http://posterous.com/people/3y76Pctuy Daniel Daniel