On my way to Springer Mountain

So here I am in the van on my way to Springer!

Like a kid at Christmas!

It's 2:30am and I can't sleep. In 90 minutes the alarm will go off. In 2 hours I will be on the road to Atlanta. It's gonna take us about 10 hours to get there. I hope to arrive with time to spare as Josh and Leigh from the Hiker Hostel are picking me up at 5pm. I'm pretty sure I will sleep well tonight.

I finally got my pack packed the way I wanted and everything still fit. I am amazed. I also finished and organized all 9 of my mail drops. Speedy will send them to me based on a rough itinerary I set up. I started with 8 drops but added one to the NOC at the last minute after a hiker friend strongly suggested it. He said the shopping say the NOC is very limited. Since I'm leaving at a peak time, I'm sure that everything will be very picked over too. I'm so glad I have such a great support person in Speedy. He is also taking care of my fur baby, Mack, for me. Thank you Speedy!

I guess I may as well get up and have coffee.

The day is finally here at last!

Springer Mountain, HERE I COME!

I leave in 8 hours

Title says it all, I've packed my pack and cleaned the house.  Time for a long hot bath.  It will be the last one I take for a long time.  (I WILL be taking showers, LOL!)  After that, I am hoping the back rub fairy will make a final appearance.

Goodnight from the laptop, I'm shutting it down.  All future blog posts will be via smartphone.  Thanks for your interest and support, I look forward to your comments and maybe even a letter!

Kirk out.

12 Hours Before I Leave For Georgia

It's almost 4pm and I am getting up at 4am tomorrow.  I've packed my backpack and to my supreme amazement and utter astonishment, everything FITS!  I'm starting to suspect I've forgotten something very vital...hmmmmm.

It's been really sad to see so many of my Facebook hiking friends leave the trail with injuries.  I'm going to be extra vigilant about safety when  I start out Thursday morning.

Well we're going out for Chinese buffet and I need to log off.

Follow me by email and feel free to share my blog with all your friends.

Love to all - blessed be!

29 more hours!

I will be leaving for Georgia in just over 29 hours! I am so psyched! Speedy is taking me to IHOP for breakfast and we are having Chinese for dinner. Goodnight!

Excited!

I leave in 5 days. It's becoming so real to me. I have stuff all over my living room floor, all my gear and my mail drops... I thought I was going to get everything done today but I didn't. I can't put my finger on it but I'm kind of down today. I think I'm just feeling overwhelmed. there are so many last minute details and things to do. I'm worried about money worried about my phone bill worried about food. I just need to relax and stop worrying so much about everything. this is going to be an amazing experience an adventure of a lifetime I am really looking forward to it and I just need to change my way of thinking and  adopt that positive attitude that I like so much in others. sorry if I'm rambling and I'm also using voice to text on my phone. I will go back and edit this on my computer when I have time. this entry is it really about anything at all it's just a random rant. I'm going to clean up my gear now and have something to eat.  later.

Some Of the Nicest People...

Today, Speedy and I went all over Little Rock getting our Passport stamped at various historical and park locations.  We have a National Park Passport and a Civil War in AR passport.  We're also working on earning our State Park patch from the Louisiana Purchase State Park Patch Program.

One of the places we went to today was the Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site.  We arrived there this morning and were immediately greeted by Park Guide Brian Schwieger.  Brian was warm and friendly and proceeded to talk to us about the museum and all of the displays.  It was obvious he enjoyed his job and was very knowledgeable about the associated history.  Speedy and I walked through all the displays.  It was very clean and well laid-out.  The exhibits were interesting, educational, and very thorough.

Central High School, Little Rock, Arkansas

Side note:  Central High School was the site of the 1957 forced racial school desegregation.

We chose a few items from the gift shop and Park Guide Schwieger rang us up.  We chatted and got on the subject of parks in Arkansas, camping, and hiking.  I told him about my upcoming AT thru-hike and he was very excited for me.  I gave him my blog address and he promised to follow along.  I asked him for a business card so I could type this entry since I have the memory of slug, LOL.  I enjoyed meeting him very much.

Hi Brian!  :)

After that, Speedy and I went to MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History.  The woman at the desk at the entrance was very nice and very knowledgeable.  We toured the museum which includes some very good WWII photos and General MacArthur's Army Jeep.  As we were leaving we stopped by the desk and looked at the merchandise.  (Speedy and I collect patches and he also collects pins.)  I forgot the lady's name but I must say she was incredibly nice to us.  We chatted for some time and she gave me a camouflage bandanna!  I also got to choose one free postcard!  Thank you so much!

Wood carving of General Douglass MacArthur

MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History

After lunch, we went to One Capitol Plaza to see Jay Miller who is the Administrator of Program Services for Arkansas State Parks.  We had a few questions about out Louisiana State Purchase State Park Patch Program.  He is the man to see!  We were so lucky to find him in the office and available to talk.  He invited us into his office, warmly greeted us, shook our hand and answered all of our questions.  We told him about all the parks we've gone to see and hike in the past 10 weeks.  I told him about my AT thru-hike and he was so excited for me.  I gave him my blog address and the addy of my YouTube channel.  I told him about all the videos of Arkansas State Park hikes I had posted.  I know we took up his entire lunch hour but he was such a great conversationalist the time just flew by.  Mr. Miller, if you're reading this, hi and thank you!

This is the capital at Christmas.  The building we went to is behind this one but I like this pic better!

All in all we met and talked with some incredible people today.  Even the cashier at Wal-Mart this evening was smiling and nice!

For those of you who are new, Speedy is my BF and he earned his trail name by hiking really fast!

I've written to Clif Bar company and asked them for sponsorship.  I'd love to have tons of Clif Bars to eat on my hike!

It's hard to believe I leave in 8 days!  It's almost here!!!  I'll keep ya updated.  Time for me to go now.

Goodnight and Blessed Be.

Thank You Emergency-C!

Emergen-C has graciously sponsored my hike and has sent me 500 packets of assorted flavor powers, 25 stickers and 2 lovely tee shirts!  I will be so happy and glad to use and share Emergen-C all along the Appalachian Trail!

Toltec Mounds State Park

This is one of the mounds.  I found the entire park area to be beautiful, peaceful, and serene.


Toltec Mounds Wiki Page

Mail Drop Information

Hi all, I've finally got my mail drop information done.  If you'd like to send me a card, letter, or CARE package, here is all the info you 'll need.  Every word of encouragement is greatly appreciated.  Money is awesome but not required.

Tammy’s Appalachian Trail Adventure

You can write to me at the places listed below.  Please remember to use my married name, Lambert, because that is what is on my ID.  I will not be able to get mail with Petry.

There are many post offices on the trail but these are the only places I am DEFINITELY stopping at.  I’ve also included a list of approximate dates of arrival.  These are highly fluid and subject to change but the post office and the 2 non-PO mail drops listed here will hold mail for AT hikers for a minimum of 30 days, often longer.  I have phone numbers of all these places  too, I can call if I’m REALLY off-schedule.

Any mail, letters, cards, packages, etc . are GREATLY appreciated.

*Cash is always welcome but not required*

It will mean so much to just get a little note of support and love.  Remember, anything you send, I will have to carry over the mountains.  Travel sizes are wonderful.  Putting everything in Ziploc baggies would be awesome.  I am not a picky person so just use your imagination.  A few things that are always good to have are:

Beef jerky, nuts, seeds, trail mix, granola bars, pork rinds, candy bars, chips…(salt n vinegar or BBQ are my fav but I love them all!)

A roll of toilet paper, AAA batteries, Ziploc bags, duct tape, ink pen, baby wipes, sauce packets (salt, pepper, spices) a clean bandana, small bug spray, small sunscreen…

Surprises are great too.  Thank you!

Early April:

Fontana Village Resort

PO Box 68

300 Fontana Road

Fontana Dam, NC 28733

Attn:  Hold for AT thru-hiker Tammy Lambert

Mid April:

Tammy Lambert

c/o General Delivery

Hot Springs, NC 28743

Hold for AT Thru-Hiker

Mid May:

Tammy Lambert

c/o General Delivery

Pearisburg, VA 24134

Hold for AT Thru-Hiker

Early June:

Appalachian Trail Conservancy

PO Box 807

Harper’s Ferry, WV 25425

Hold for AT thru-hiker Tammy Lambert

Late June:

Tammy Lambert

c/o General Delivery

Delaware Water Gap, PA 18327

Hold for AT thru-hiker

Early July:

Tammy Lambert

c/o General Delivery

Dalton, MA 01226

Hold for AT thru-hiker

Late July:

Tammy Lambert

c/o General Delivery

Hanover, NH 03755

Hold for AT Thru-Hiker

Mid-August:

Tammy Lambert

c/o General Delivery

Monson, ME 04464

Hold for AT thru-hiker

Hiker app test

Position: Latitude 34.606225 N Longitude 92.522714 W Altitude 427 feet http://maps.google.com/?ll=34.60622486,-92.52271396&z=14

This is a test of a new app I downloaded for my Android-based phone.  It's called, "Hiker".It lets you send your GPS co-ordinates to your blog, email, text, or social media.  It is also a compass, a map, and a satellite locator.

Here is the link if you'd like to download it to your smartphone.

Click here for the Hiker app in the Android Market/Google Play

Hello friends!

I see that one of my blog posts didn't make it online so I will repost it.  This is from Friday, February 24, 2012.

2-24-12

Wow!  Great news!  My good friend Kim Pintabona of Appleseed Camping has agreed to sponsor my AT hike AND has made me the Exclusive Ambassador of Appleseed Camping on the AT!  She has also graciously agree to provide me with a cookset.

Appleseed Camping provides assistance to people and their pets during times of natural and/or economic disasters.  I love this because they include the pets.  My cat is my furr-baby and I wouldn't dream of vacating without him.

Thank you Kim and Appleseed Camping!

Here's a link to Appleseed Camping's Facebook page and to their business homepage.

http://www.facebook.com/appleseedcamping

http://www.appleseedcamping.org

You can also follow them on Twitter:

https://twitter.com/#!/AppleseedCamp

I am so happy to represent Appleseed Camping!  Thank you Kim!

My PayPal Button

Hey everyone!  I just wanted to do a short post about my PayPal button on here.  I put that button on here so anybody could donate a few dollars to my hike.  It's really simple.  I'm not beggin for money but I'd greatly appreciate any and all donations to my hiking fund.  Food costs have gone insane.  I have enough to scrape by but getting a hot cheeseburger and fries in town with a room and a hot shower is heaven.  I'll love you forever if you donate.  Thank you!

First 2012 Hikers at Lake Ouachita-Caddo Trail

Good morning!

After looking at my blog I see that I need to update a lot of posts and add more entries about all the hikes I've been on lately.  I'll do that before I head out to Springer at the end of the month, promise!

Yesterday, I went to Lake Ouachita and hiked the Caddo trail. (we were the first hikers allowed on this trail this year due to previous storm damage) On the map, it looked kinda flat and boring.  I thought it was just a cute little trail that followed the peninsula on the shore of the lake.  WRONG.  It was four miles of very creative ups and downs.  I was pleasantly surprised.

I had a WONDERFUL time.  The rangers were very helpful and friendly and the crew there had done a FANTASTIC job of clearing the trail from the storm damage.  I was very impressed that they'd done so much work.

Last spring, Lake Ouachita was hit by tornadoes.  The tornado cut a huge path of destruction thru the forest and down by the lake.  The first and last parts of the trail (it was a loop) were all downed trees and small fires where the rangers were burning off the damaged trees.  After getting past the fires, the scenery improved a lot.  The lake was gorgeous!  The trail was designed to give you great lake views.  We would gain some elevation and see stunning vistas, then we'd go steeply down again and hike near the shoreline.  Around the next bend, it was straight up again.  Rinse and repeat.  You get the idea.  It was a very intense workout for me.  I am still out of shape and was carrying a full pack.  It was also pretty toasty warm outside that day.  The only thing I'd change would be to add a couple more benches along the trail.

It was my first day humping my new fully loaded Mountainsmith Falcon 55 pack.  I'm not one for doing anything gradually so I just filled that pack up and swore it wasn't coming off till I was finished.  My hiking buddy "Speedy" is retired US Navy and used to hump a pack with the Marines.  Talk about incentive!    We did that 4 mile trail in about 4 hours.  Pretty damn good, IMHO.

We stopped for lunch on a bridge and I cooked some Ramen noodles.  I used the yellow bottle of HEET for the first time.  It cooks a lot better than the denatured alcohol and I like that it's in its own bottle.  I'll be using HEET yellow from now on.  While we waited for the noodles to boil, I whipped out 2 cans of barbeque vienna sausages.  Nom.  For dessert, we split a Kashi bar.

It was almost 80 degrees here in  central Arkansas yesterday.  We went thru 6 bottles of water and my Nalgene.  I was thirsty when we got to the car.  I inhaled a Coke from the visitor center.  I could have drunk a 2-liter of cold bubbly heaven.

There were several times where I just flopped down on my pack and laid down right on the trail.  Once I cried.  Despite this, I felt a huge sense of accomplishment when we got finished.

Yesterday afternoon, post-hike,  I came home and showered, ---ahhh what heaven that hot water is! --- put on my favorite tee-shirt like nightgown and WENT TO BED.  Yes, I was in bed before 5pm.  Speedy whipped up a cool meal of cut up sausages fried with onions (YUM), green beans, corn, and mac n cheese.  I inhaled that plate food and went to sleep for about 3 hours.  I got back up around 8 and had 2 packs of Ramen noodles.  I felt famished!  I can only imagine how much bigger my appetite will become on the AT.

I think I've found the perfect hiker snack food, based on weight to calorie ratio:  PORK SKINS.  They are incredibly light and fantastically full of fat!  I think I'll be clipping a bag of them on my pack.  Just please, don't call me PorkSkin.  Now, If I can only find a cheap beer Sherpa...

This morning I am aching in places I didn't know existed.  I almost feel human again after 2 giants cups of coffee.  Almost.   I do however, feel very much ALIVE.  It's a great feeling.

I think I could get used to this pretty quickly and I'm really looking forward to the AT.

Now, I'm going to go do battle with Verizon again.  They keep trying to make me pay a $350.00 charge that I don't owe.  Wish me luck.

Andrew Skurka

Watch "Interview: Andrew Skurka" on YouTube


I posted this link because Andrew Skurka is one of my personal inspirations.  I can identify with him.  He sees something he wants to do and he just goes out and does it.  He has courage and determination.  His soul is full of passion for the outdoors and nature.  He has a beautiful spirit.

How to sh#t in the woods.

Watch "Backcountry Poo-Poo Clinic" on YouTube


This is comical yet informative to anyone who has never been in the woods long enough to have figured this technique out on their own.  They tackle a culturally sensitive topic with humor and fun.

We all poop!  Get over it people :)

Pinnacle Mountain

So, today I climbed Pinnacle Mountain.  It's just outside Little Rock and not too far from my house.  Well, after doing all these other hikes I thought, "Pinnacle Mountain, sure, let's do it.  Let's even do the primitive East trail."  I was gently persuaded into the more groomed West trail and  said "well, okay...".  Off we went.

The ranger at the visitor's center where we bought our patch had told us that due to trail maintence, parts of the trail have been re-routed.  I would later see just how big of a detour that was.

We started at the West trail entrance and began hiking the green blazed Base Trail with its gentle ups and downs.

Near the end of the Base Trail there was a nice bench.  I sat down and drank some water and caught my breath.  It didn't seem that bad.

A few hundred yards later, we reach a detour onto a gravel forest service road --straight up the mountain!

At first I was okay with it.  It could have been worse.  It could have been paved.  (I have a very high aversion to hiking on asphalt.)  I can't tell you how far or how steep this road was, but it looked something like this:

I was too busy breathing to take any pics myself.

I put my head down and just walked.  I tried to empty my mind of everything and just put one boot in front of the other.  When I got to the point  that I needed to rest, I sat down on a huge rock and wanted to quit.  I really didn't want to be there.  I had hiked around Mount Magazine and Cove Lake yesterday, came home and drank a few glasses of Chardonnay and stayed up really late watching movies on Netflix last night.  I was tired, a little hungover, and very stiff and sore.  In spite of all of that, I knew I needed to do this.  A lot of my apprehension (aversion?) came from my own self-doubt.  Could I really climb Pinnacle Mountain?  If I can't, how will I ever make it on the AT?  Am I a failure?  Am I too fat and out of shape and old for this?  A million doubts and fears ran loops thru my mind as we drove to the visitor's center.  

*I highly recommend going to the Visitor's Center here*

Back to the trail.  As I sat panting and sweating on the side of that gravel road from hell, I felt low.  Really low.  I should just go home now.  I wanted to walk away.  I argued with myself mentally.  "You can do this" I said.  Honestly, I kept going more out of pride than true motivation.  I didn't want  to embarrass myself in front of Speedy.  I swear I think he did the entire trail with his hands in his pockets.  Grrrr!  Ok, not really but he's in much better shape than me.  He was also my cheerleader up the mountain.  He really can't lie very well but don't tell him I told you so.  ; )

Finally, I get my hot pink earbuds out of my pack (yes, I carried a pack up and down Pinnacle - what was I thinking!)  and plugged them into my smartphone.  I knew that playing my Slacker Radio app would considerably drain my battery but Speedy had a phone and we were in a pretty populated area.  I started the music.  An Indian (middle eastern Indian) song came on, lots of rhythm, very powerful to me.  I closed my eyes, put my head down, and started walking up that hill in time to the music.

I finally made it.

We FINALLY saw the sign indicating the trail returning to the woods.  It had a lot of switchbacks and was pretty serpentine with mild elevation increase.  Then, I looked up and saw THIS:

Here ^  I am still happy about this...I have a long way to go.

The rocks were like nothing I've ever done in my life.  I've hiked Humpback Rock in Virginia and that is one tough climb but never have I encountered a rock scramble.  Further up it became actual BOULDERING.

The funny thing is that I didn't mind the rocks and boulders near as much as that gravel road.  Because it was new to me, I found it interesting.  I stopped often and drank lots of water but I always got back up.  Just when I thought I was near the summit I looked up (always bad) and saw what appeared to be another mile (kidding) of boulders and rocks going straight up to the sky.  Jack's Beanstalk wasn't this big.  I sat back down and felt sorry for myself.  I pouted.  I told myself I was a loser.  I wanted to go home.  Now.  Just then, what comes bouncing up  the trail?  A 100 pound brunette and her dog.  She is very young and very pretty.  As she gets closer I start to grin.  Then I laugh.  This girl is wearing all North Face clothes and gear and she has a FULL FACE OF MAKEUP.  No shit, she even had the false eyelashes, lip liner, the whole shebang.  How hilarious!  I suppose the gods chose that moment to humor me and lift my spirits.  It worked.  I was mobile once again.  Up up up to the sky.  Wearing NO makeup thank you very much.  *giggle*

Here I am getting near the summit, Speedy is patiently waiting for me again:

Here I am, finally at the top:

Right before this picture was taken, I had sat down just below the summit and cried.  I really did.  I felt so much better.  I released a lot of emotions and anxieties by making it to the top and I was relieved.  

Going back down, I was in high spirits.  I was so happy and so proud of myself.  I only fell down once.

After that, I took my time.  Props to my ASOLO boots for doing and awesome job of keeping my feet warm, safe, dry, comfortable and for providing excellent traction, support and protection.

We made it back to the car and went to a little deli on Chenal for lunch.  It was one of the best sandwiches I've ever had!  

I really enjoyed the physical and mental challenges of climbing Pinnacle Mountain.

Veni, Vedi, Vici.

If you want to see all of my pics, here's the link to my FB album.

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.353027074717945.83548.100000319650645&type=1&l=5b2e4dff1f

More Cove Lake

Another great shot of Cove Lake, AR

I fell in love with this area yesterday.  As pretty as Mount Magazine was, I enjoyed the lakeside trail area much more.  I want to go back here and hang my hammock across the lake and just chill for a few days.  I could definitely wake up to THAT every day and not get tired of it.  It's really a little wilderness paradise below the summit.

Mount Magazine, AR

Here I am on top of Mount Magazine.

Cove Lake

Cove Lake, near Paris Arkansas.  The sun made such a beautiful sight on the water.  There was a slight breeze and just one other person in the area.  He or she was across the lake in the primitive camping area (yea!!!!) having lunch over an awesome campfire.  Rock on lake-camping-dude!

Raising the Roof

February 21, 2012

Today I hiked Mount Magazine, the highest point in Arkansas!  I also did part of Cove Lake near Paris, Arkansas.  What  a beautiful area!  I had no idea there was such pristine loveliness in Arkansas.  I suppose my homesickness for Virginia has clouded my judgement and perception of this place.

Tomorrow I am hiking the East Trail of Pinnacle Mountain just outside Little Rock.  The East Trail is primitive and considered one of the toughest hikes in all of Arkansas.  I am really nervous but exited at the same time.

This afternoon, we were driving around Cove Lake which is at the bottom of Mount Magazine.  As we were going past a small stone shelter, I saw something out of the corner of my eye that made me yell, "Shhhhhhh, go back!".  Remember we're in a CAR.  So he backs up (quietly?) and just as we get back to the place I wanted to see, the "main attraction" runs away.  Here's what I saw:  There was a fluffy grey squirrel dancing on his hind legs.  Let me repeat that.  There was a fluffy grey squirrel dancing on his hind legs.  (No, I was not taking drugs.)  The squirrel looked like he was "raising the roof", I kid you not.  Like the ever elusive Bigfoot and Nellie, I could not snap a picture quite fast enough.  Sadly, he stopped his funky dance moves and skampered away.  You've just got to believe me.

Petit Jean State Park 2-7-2012

Last Tuesday, February 07th, I went hiking at Petit Jean State Park near Conway, Arkansas.  I hiked the Cedar Falls Trail which had orange blazes and was approximately 2 miles round trip.  It was rated as "Moderate-Strenuous" and I think that's a pretty fair assessment.  It's all pretty moderate till you have to climb back up at the end!  Overall I had a wonderful time and I gained a lot of self confidence.  I'm not in as bad of shape I had feared!! .

This is the only video I took at Petit Jean.  It was from atop the mountain overlooking the Arkansas River and valley.  I took a lot of still shots that I will post here too.

Random Update

Hi friends!  It's been a while since my last update and for that I apologize.  I've been really busy prepping and packing for my AT hike.

I've done 3 more practice hikes and an overnight camp-out in the past 2 weeks.  I have tons of pics and a few videos to share with you!  I'm so excited!

I never knew how much I LOVE camping and hiking!

As soon as I finish editing my pics and vids I will come back and share them here.

Last day of January 2012

Good morning everyone!  Yesterday I went shopping at WalMart and bought a few more hiking/camping items!

I got my CCF (blue) sleep pad for about $8, a 8 x 10 tarp for $6, a magnesium fire rod for $8, a cheap-o cook set just for shakedown hikes for $7, a waterproof container for my phone, wallet, ID, etc. for $2 (sealed tupperware-like container!), a 10 pack of instant oatmeal variety pack for $2, extra virgin olive oil for $6.

One day soon I am going to pack up all my gear and head out to the woods for a practice trip.  I will let you know how that goes.

Yesterday it was almost 70 degrees and today is expected to be the same only with a little rain possible tonight or in the morning.  Insane!

More later guys I need more coffee!

Speaking of coffee, here's something funny for ya!

The Best AT Video I've Watched So Far

http://youtu.be/B807bJvkFlM

by far one of the BEST videos out there for an AT thru-hike

No More Juicing

Hello again.  About my backpack:  I'm still waiting for my money to process on PayPal.  I texted the guy I'm buying my pack from and told him what's going on.  I hate this.  Shame on you PayPal... :(

I broke my fast, ate solid food and I'm returning my juicer Tuesday.  It was cool and I lost 5 pounds but realistically I want to keep working out and making smart/healthy food choices to lose weight.  I bought some boca burgers (soy and veggie) some 100% whole wheat buns and Kashi  snack bars.  Also some diet Lipton green tea.  I refuse to starve myself and be miserable.  I will lose the weight but it will be done in a healthy gradual manner.

Oh, I want to share one of my favorite YouTube videos with you.  It's an AT thru-hike vid and not only is the video great but the music is awesome too.  Here it is:

http://youtu.be/B807bJvkFlM

Juicing

Hi everyone!  Sorry it's been a week since my last post.  I am doing a juice fast and have the attention span of a 2 year old!  It's getting better since I added black coffee back into the mix.  My goal was not to detox 100%, I wanted a Reboot but I've personalized it to fit me.  Purists would call it cheating but I call it "customization".

The reason I'm doing this fast is to accelerate my weight loss.  I've been working out and eating right for about 2 weeks now.  Prior to the fast, I'd lost about 4.5 pounds in a week.  Since the fast began, I've lost an additional 7 pounds in 2 days.  I know it's mostly water and waste but I'm very excited.  I want to lose 30 pounds in 10 days if I can last that long.  I am going to try.

In hiking-related news, I am buying my backpack from a hiker off of Whiteblaze.  It's a Gregory z55 pack and it's black.  I'll try to get a pic up here for ya.  We made the deal verbally last night over the phone but I'm still waiting on the money to go from my bank to my PayPal.  It says it's processing.  Ugh.

Here's my pack!

I can't wait to get it.  Hurry up PayPal...*sigh*

Big Workout; Big Appetite

This afternoon I did 7 miles on the bike.  I then did 30 minutes on the upper body circuit machines.   After that I walked home and took a hot shower.  Dinner was Firehouse subs and salt n vinegar chips.  I also had several beers.  It's about midnight and I am ready to go to bed now.  More news tomorrow.  :D

PS  I need a nice backpack.  If anyone knows of a good one, please let me know.  Thanks!

Goodnight~

Gym Time

Got off my ass and walked to the gym. Watching ESPN and riding the bike. More later this is tough to do on a bike, lol.

Made Reservations!

Just downloaded Blogger app to my smart phone. So excited about hiking, I can't sleep. Today I made my reservation at the Hiker Hostel run by Josh and Leigh! For 75 dollars they will pick me up in Gainesville GA, take me to the hostel, give me a bunk for the night, feed me breakfast the next morning and shuttle me to the trail head. Total bargain. I have a ride to Gainesville. I'm so psyched. Next wk I am going to try and get the rest of my gear. The week after that, I'm  going on a shake down hike near Hot Springs to test the gear_and myself!

Now I need to try and sleep.

More in the morning!

Going Home

Good morning!

Yesterday I got outside and walked the circumference of my apartment complex.  It was really nice outside yesterday, around 68 degrees F.  Today it's down in the 40s but I happen to love winter and its weather so I don't mind one bit!  Today I am walking to Target and back.  Tomorrow I will going back to the gym and the treadmill.  I think I will start my strength training tomorrow also.  I enjoy the weight machines in the gym and I feel SO much better when I work out.

I woke up feeling rested and halfway decent this morning!  I'm surprised  because I normally stumble to the kitchen with one eye open, hit the start button on my Mr Coffee, and grab a diet soda and the ibuprofen right away.  I think - no I know - I'm getting in shape.  My body is thanking me for doing this.  I feel ashamed that I literally layed around for a year and got fat and flabby, not to mention depressed.  I'm sure I'd be in a lot better shape all around if I had done this last year but ya know what?  I refuse to be sucked down into the mistakes of the past!  I'm doing this NOW and I'm taking care of me NOW and that is what I need to keep focusing on.

Some times it just doesn't seem real that I'm going to do this.  I look at all the youtube videos on thru-hiking the AT and it's all so beautiful but it's ... surreal.  I can see myself at the overlooks and on the trails but only because I used to live practically IN Shenandoah National Park.  I know I'll be there again but my it's just like watching a movie on TV...

It's true what they say about not knowing or appreciating what you have until it's gone.  I always knew Virginia was a wonderful, beautiful, and historically rich area, but I took a lot for granted too.  The Appalachian culture, from which I am descended, is rich and beautiful in its own way.  It's a unique way of life that I am so proud of now.  I went through life just assuming everyone knew what it meant when I said, "I'd stretch a mile if I didn't have to walk back" and other little things.  Some people have never had homemade apple butter or seen a Mennonite buggy.  Others have never know what it's like to wake up with the sun blazing over a mountain, a river, or a forest with squirrels scampering thru the trees and across the electric wires.  Some have never sat around an open fire roasting hot dogs on sticks and drinking a beer with friends.  I took this way of life for granted.  I didn't think it was a big part of me.  I was wrong.  Very very wrong.  Hiking the AT is like going home for me.  It's in my blood.  It's part of my soul.

VIRGINIA'S FALL COLOR EXPLOSION

APPALACHIAN AUTUMN

THE AT THRU VIRGINIA AND SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK
CLICK TO ENLARGE

Hiking thru my homeland! I can't wait.

Map of the AT

January 17, 2012

January 17, 2012

Monday:  Lee-Jackson Day and MLK Day.

Hi again! 

Okay, sorry I haven't been updating faithfully.  I will from now on, promise. 

I will NOT be using Trail Journals, my blog will stay right here so don't YOU go anywhere! LOL

I want to send out a HUGE round of thanks to a friend of mine, Kim Pintabona and Appleseed Camping of Washington, DC.  Kim is sending me a giant box of CAMPING GOODIES!  I urge you to go to their FB page and check them out.  Here is the link:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Appleseed-Camping-Corporation/338979559449782

THANK YOU KIM!

The other good news is that I've been seen near …and even  IN the gym!  I did 2.5 miles last Thursday and 1.5 miles last Friday.  I punked out over the weekend, had beer and pizza and totally immersed myself in the NFL playoffs.  I loved it, all the teams I chose won and MY team, the New York Giants,  won their game as well.  Yippee!

On a totally different note, I want to tell you about this gem of a DVD I found at my library.  I love history with a passion and I was thrilled to see a PBS DVD called, "Colonial House".  It is basically a living history "reality show" where a group of people go to an isolated area of Maine and have to live and prosper in the year 1628.  I thought it was AWESOME.  If you like history and documentaries, you'll have to dig this one up at your library or check out www.pbs.org for more information.

I didn't go to the gym today purely because I was foul and lazy most of the day.  I'm in a rut or a funk or whatever you want to call it and it's SO HARD to pull myself out.

As you can see, I reeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeally want to get up in the mountains!

Some people say the isolation and the loneliness of the trail is hard.  I am looking forward to being alone in the mountains.  That's not to say I don't want to make friends and socialize, I do!  I just want to be alone inside my head for a while.

I am going to miss my cat SO MUCH.  I literally cry when I think about it.  I will pick him up and hold him and he'll purr in my face and I feel so bad leaving him.  I think the worst…what if he gets sick?  What if he dies?  I will feel so guilty.  I know I shouldn't think that way but it's hard.  He's been my best friend and constant companion for almost 8 years.  When I say constant I do mean constant.  Like 24/7.  I have worked from home since I've had him so I rarely go away and leave him alone.  Sigh.

Well, I DO plan on going to the gym in the morning.  Actually THIS morning!  I need to get to bed if I'm going to be worth anything later today.

That's today's update.  See ya tonight!

Tammy

January 04, 2012

January 04, 2012

Started my lifestyle makeover today.  Getting my sleep back on track…up for daytime and sleep for nighttime.  No alcohol.  No snacks.  No fast food.  Ate Grape Nuts and Special K w strawberries for breakfast, 2 cups of black coffee, lots of waters and some diet cokes.  No snacking.  Made lowfat burger meatloaf, instant Idohoan potatoes, beef gravy, green beans in real butter and broiled peppers in oil for dinner.  Ate one plate at 430 ish then had another piece of meatloaf around 6pm.  Water and diet coke the rest of the night .  Went to bed early, around 630 pm, back up now at midnight and it's officially…

January 5, 2012

Sleep still a bit off but getting better.  Bought a few items at Dollar Tree and WalMart today.  Got matches in waterproof vial w screw on lid, a whistle, a cheap knife that's very sharp, some wooden matches, some pepperoni in vacuum sealed plastic, a bag of fruit and nuts, some antibacterial wet wipes in travel packs, some tea light mini candles…  Packed 2 gallon sized ziplock bags each with 2 weeks worth of drink packets like coffees, Crystal Lights, and teas.  Gathered 7 bags of Knorr pasta sides, got 8 Lipton soup and sauce packs,  some spices, put all in a duffle bag with new gear.  Need to do a practice hike but don't have trail pack yet.  Still using Tim's laptop backpack.  Will work with what I have for now.

Walked to mailbox and back yesterday and today.  Took trash out yesterday, walked all of WalMart about twice today. 

Got , "A Walk in the Woods" at the library today.  Half way done.  Makes me really want to go.

Signed up for Trail Journals.  Not sure if first entry posted, internet at home being a bitch.  I'm sitting in the living room in the dark at 12 14 am and I'm tired, I have to pee and my wrists hurt.  I don't feel like making complete sentences LOL.  Anyway, I want to make an entry here for EVERY DAY from now till I go to Georgia.  From that point on I will be using trailjournals.com  I will transfer this  into the tj if I feel like sharing.

Lastly, I really need to pee, brb.  Want to talk about a possible sponsor, Stop Pain. 

Okay…whew!

I contacted an arthritis pain relief company called, "Stop Pain" on their FB page and asked them if they'd like to be partners and help sponsor my AT hike.  They replied with, "please email us at this link".  So I did.  I pitched a pretty good deal to them, asking for money for food, a few trail town visits, and to pay my mobile phone bill for the months I'm on the trail.  In return I told them I'd endorse their product exclusively.  I also pitched myself rather well.  I hope they are interested.  It would be so nice to go out there and not have to worry so much about money.  If they don't, that's okay too.  It's always been about the experience and the journey, not how much money I can spend while doing it.  I'll still be fine.

January 3, 2012

January 3, 2012

 

It's exactly 12 weeks until March 27^th – the day I've planned to start my NOBO thru-hike of the AT.  I hate my body.  I just looked in the mirror again and I am disgusted and depressed.  I have really let myself go, something I swore I'd never do.  I have gained 15 pounds in the past 3 months alone.  Prior to that I think I put on 25 pounds last year.  I can remember thinking I was fat when I weighed 177lbs.  Back then I was only about 25 pounds over my target weight.  (note:  as I'm typing this a fat commercial came on television.  Great. L )  Now, I need to lose close to 85 pounds.  I am disgusted with and at myself.  Sometimes I think, "Why bother?" or "You'll never make it up the first hill."  I know I shouldn't think that way but when you get out of breath from just making the bed, it seems more truthful than hurtful.

I WANT to get in shape.  Well, the truth is, I want to want to.  I want to wake up and be in shape without having to put forth the effort and the deprivation.  I hate being hungry.  I also hate cooking a big meal every night or having to turn down a Firehouse Sub or Burger King.  It's so hard. I know I need to focus my energies and frustrations into exercising.  I just dread the sweating and the pain.  I know there will be lots of pain.

 

 

My biggest food enemy is the potato.  Mashed potatoes, French fries, kettle cooked chips, scalloped potatoes, fried potatoes, hashbrowns, tater tots, baked potatoes, and vodka.  Beer is a close second with wine being third.  I could live on potatoes and beer for a long time and be very happy.  I'd probably weigh about 500 pounds but I could truly eat nothing but potatoes and drink beer.  Pasta and breads are too yummy too.  I need to get off of carbs.  I think I'm addicted to carbohydrates.  It's depressing.  I want to stay strong and make this diet and exercise program work.  I want to get out of the kitchen, off my ass and outside and WALK.  Whether I succeed or fail is UP TO ME.  I don't want to sabotage myself even secretly so I can say oh I'm too fat to go hike the AT, oh well.  I don't want to give up on this … or on myself.  I feel like I'm at a critical point in my life right now, this year is a turning point for me.  I also feel like I can DO IT if I just try.  I feel like I am ready to accomplish something and do well for  a change. 

Smartphone Success!

Hi everyone! I just registered my new smartphone on here so I can update my blog on the trail.

Updates coming tomorrow!

Yes!  I am STILL hiking the AT in March!  I will post some current entries tomorrow.  I'm down to about 11 weeks before I leave for Springer Mtn.  I am sooooooooooo excited!  Anyway, I'm exhaused tonight but I will be back here tomorrow for all the updates.  If anyone feels the urge, I have put my PayPal button on here too.  I'd appreciate any help towards my costs.