Where We Sent Our Mail Drops in 2007

Paul Bunyan resting in front of the Unionville Post Office after receiving our mail drop.

While many long distance hikers choose to buy along the way, Paul Bunyan and I did a combination of mail drops and buying (like cheese, bread, chips) which fit our needs well. At times my husband, Skipper, delivered our boxes to us. We chose a combination to help supply nutrition and to mail necessities (such as my medicines, etc).

Note on mailing Mail Drops - be sure to send them Priority Mail with delivery confirmation. Do not send surface. We had two boxes in Maine get lost or arrive without any contents after they were sent via surface. Most POs will hold boxes for a long time, so don't worry if you are running behind. If you are way behind or must leave the trail for a time, you can call them to let them know. Also, drops sent Priority can be forwarded ahead if you find you don't need them. Some hostel owners will do this for you too, but best to call them if you need your box forwarded to see if they will mail it for you.

Also, if you are using fuel canisters, they can be sent in the regular mail. BUT they must go surface mail and with a sticker on the box that has a symbol for "no airplanes" - available at your Post Office. Don't let your PO or others tell you they can't be mailed. They can. We did it several times.

This was our schedule in 2007:

Neels Gap - Skipper brought but you can send drop to the outfitter

Unicoi / Hiawasee- Skipper brought but have good grocery store

Dicks Creek- we dropped at Cloud Nine Hostel

Franklin- you can maildrop at the PO or shop. Ron shuttles to both

NOC - Mail drop to outfitter

Fontana Dam - we went to the Hike Inn which shuttles to Robbinsville. We also dropped at the Inn.

Standing Bear Farm - mail drop

Hot Springs - mail drop and a Family Dollar there; outfitter

Erwin - Skipper brought, Supercenter there for resupply but out of the way

US 19E - mail drop to the hostel - Mtn Harbour B&B

Kincora - mail drop, but they shuttle to town for shopping

Damascus, VA - mail drop to PO but you can buy there; two outfitters

Atkins - we paid $5 to drop at the Relax Inn

Bland - Skipper supplied, but services are there

Pearisburg - we dropped at a friend's, but services there

Daleville- great grocery and outfitter, don't plan a drop here

We then went home (we live in the area), slacked, did sections on weekends, etc. But some options for drops in this part of VA include:

Glasgow- requires hitch

Buena Vista - long hitch

Dutch Haus B& B - check on on drops or might be able to drop at Montebello

Waynesboro - full service town, but spread out, excellent outfitter

Shenandoah NP- you can resupply at the waysides (Loft Mtn, Big Meadows, Elkwallow), but can be pricey

Front Royal - full service town, but spread out and requires hitch

Bears Den - check on mailing a drop there

Harpers' Ferry - you can drop at the ATC office; outfitter here

(the rest below are what we used)

Pine Grove Furnace SP, PA - maildrop to Ironmasters

Duncannon - maildrop to PO, they also make a grocery run

Port Clinton - mail drop to PO; Cabelas with fair selection (can get fuel)

Palmerton - great place for supplies or mail drop if needed

DWG- Maildrop at PO; outfitter

Unionville - mail drop to PO

In NY we got supplies from Skipper. Convenience stores in this area are expensive for resupply.

Kent, CT - Mail drop to PO; poor outfitter

Salisbury - Mail drop to PO, have grocery store

Cheshire, MA - mail drop at PO

MA 2 - good supermarkets here

Manchester Center, VT - mail drop to PO or you can buy; two outfitters

US 4 - Mail drop at The Inn at Long Trail.

Hanover, NH - mail drop to PO and buy at Food co-op (a little pricey); outfitter

Glencliff - mail drop to PO including your cold weather gear, limited food at hostel

Franconia Notch - if you stay at Chet's you can buy in Lincoln; outfitter

Crawford Notch - mail drop to campground

Pinkham Notch - mail drop to AMC office; outfitter (small)

Gorham - mail drop to PO or buy (Wal Mart supercenter here with town shuttle); outfitter

Andover, ME - we sent our box to The Cabin but they are closing.

Stratton - maildrop to PO or buy at grocery store

Caratunk - this one is tricky. Might see if the Northern Outdoors resort will take a mail drop since the Ferryman is closed and he had a store.

Monson - mail drop to PO (store limited for the 100 mile wilderness, IMO)

Abol Bridge - store there

Signing Off

Will be signing off the blog for now.

Please check out my trail journal at www.trailjournals.com/blissful for updates on where I am.

Thanks for reading and God bless!

One Week to Go!

I sit here pondering the fact I have but a mere one week before my feet hit the AT to complete the trail this year. I don't care to ponder the fact that I still have a zillion things left to accomplish. But I do ponder how the journey first began as a teenager thirty years ago and now has come to this momentous point in my life. And I'm even more excited and in awe when I hear of others who are sharing in my thrill of this journey - from my family who visited or e-mailed encouragement, to friends who have been praying, the neighbor next door giving me postcards to send to her son's 2nd grade class, to the people that have already volunteered along the trail's route for us to stop by and stay with them (from VA to PA to CT). All point to a trip in stages but one that must and will be completed, by the grace of God in Whose strength I can do all things.

I have enjoyed writing down tidbits of this pre-journey in my blog. Now the journey and its wonders will turn to my trail journal site. So be certain to check it out where I am and what's happening when the journey begins March 1st, 2007.

Two weeks and counting...

In two weeks we will be doing the Approach Trail to Springer Mtn. Hard to even comprehend. Even harder when I think how long a journey it has been to get me here and then what awaits me. I wonder if I will just be in a state of shock during it, like this is not reality. I mean, I will certainly have the reality and the pain of the hike. But the idea I am really doing this, from Georgia all the way to Maine. Five and a half months. Amazing.

I like to think of the old Michael Card song when it comes to this adventure. "There is a joy in the journey." And that is really what I want to have. Joy in the journey.

Getting gear and mail drops together

Time is Growing Short...

Hard to believe in only a little over three weeks I hit the trail. Trying to tie up loose ends and finding myself in a place where I need to trust God more and more - especially with my upcoming books releasing in the fall. There will be editing to do while I'm on the trail and not certain how that will fit in. So I will be calling my editor tomorrow to see what can be done while I have 3 weeks left. That isn't something I want to do, but I need to let her know my position. I have a feeling as the time is nearing I will be scrambling with last minute editing, but such is life. And I may very well be carrying galleys with me on the trail. That will have to be a first!

On another front, it is very cold and projected to stay cold. Thus I am considering some revamping of gear - getting a silk liner for my sleeping bag, maybe even some warmers, etc. All these unknowns and it's hard to plan. At least the food prep is well underway and the freezer bursting with homemade goodies.

Check out my trail journal link for our latest hike on the snowy AT near the Priest in VA which we did this past Saturday. Another adventure to be had with many, many more to come.

Attack, Attack

Who says one can't get attacked?

I feel like I am. First it's been recurrent tendonitis in my ankle I hurt two years ago. Then a person close to me who doesn't understand at all why I am doing what I am doing with my life (and who I dreaded telling in the first place - but it had to be done). And then a bad case if sciatica last night that prevented sleep. Along with the internal jibes of - you REALLY think you're gonna hike this whole thing? You spent money on food prep, gear etc and it will all be wasted. You won't even be able to do the Approach trail to Springer let alone the entire 2000 mile plus AT!!

And then came a very simple but wise answer on a post in White Blaze - a forum for hikers. It was amazing, really, from WandererKMK.

"Blissful - My Beautiful tiny Round Irish Grandma used to say you know you are on the right path when the devil trys to lead you astray.... Every time I start to worry my gear isn't right, my training is too slow or the little daily worries try to pull me down - I think about her. "

So all I could think was - this MUST be the right path. I have a confirmation of it...from getting attacked. And so I can rejoice and have confidence, even in the midst of trials. And continue on, with perseverence, the race marked out for me, keeping my eyes focused on Jesus, the author and finisher of my faith.

Gear Comments

I spent a blustery cold day on a trail last weekend while the guys were on a BSA camp out. Yes, a day hike but with a loaded backpack. I try when I can to walk with the backpack and get my system used to the idea that this is the way it's gonna be for five and a half months. Hubby went to get me a few other packs by Granite Gear for me to try - those didn't work either with my finicky back. So I am still planning on taking my Lowe, but will endeavor to keep the interior pack weight as low as possible. I'm happy though with the clothing I've chosen, esp trying out gear on these walks and hikes. Glad, for instance, I will be taking a balaclava after nearly being swept off the mountain in the biting cold wind and feeling my face and neck grow numb. And tried my Yak Trax walkers in the ice and snow and they worked like a charm. While my gear load will be heavy to start, I'm happy with it but will be all the more glad to shed it all by Damascus.

Food Prep Work in High Gear

Well, prep work is in high gear here. Skipper, my hubby, gave me a great cookbook to begin food prep - it's called The Appalachian Trail Food Planner which he bought from the ATC ( Appalachian Trail Conservancy). In there are great ideas for drying and preparing foods so one doesn't live on mashed potatoes and Stove Top Stuffing. The recipes are nutritious and easy. Our countertop is filled with all kinds of nuts, whole grains, fruits etc to make the energy bars, granola, GORP varieties, and other recipes. We've been drying beans, peas, carrots, carrot shavings, dried beef, beef paste, chicken. And the freezer is getting full with everything I've baked. And hubby will take up the reins and continue making goodies and mailing them to our drops. I know with healthy food out there we will have better energy reserves and a better chance to succeed, which is the ultimate goal.

Another Year....

Another year, another birthday, but a nice day with my family who treated me to some great hiking gear and dinner at the Olive Garden. I received maps of Maine, NH and VT which I was lacking, an AT data book, a book for planning meals on the AT, a AT license plate cover, a wicking AT shirt, my Mont Bell thermawrap jacket, and a warm weather sleeping bag. Great stuff! Not to mention the wonderful wishes from family and friends to round out a great day. :)

A Bummer

Well, just as I am revving up for the thru - doing long walks (up to 4 miles), getting my gear together, planning drops, I get completely sidetracked by the worst case of a respiratory illness that I have had in a long time. Boy it was bad. Here I got a flu shot and then end up in bed with a fever, coughing, a severe sore throat, chest pain, weakness - man, why did I get the flu shot anyway? A real bummer as I so want to continue getting ready. Thank goodness I was able to get my two Christmas novellas sent off to the publisher before it hit. Today I am a bit better but still real weak. All I can hope for is that this is building up my immune system real good before I hit the trail.

But a piece of great news - a fellow hiker made me a small little hiking sack pack that I can carry around town- is mailing it to me today. An early birthday gift! I was so thankful for that, really did brighten up an otherwise totally punky and depressing weekend.

Merry Christmas!

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and thanks for taking a look at my blog. Hard to believe it's been nearly a year since I created this blog. And hard to believe that the hike is almost here. I have a feeling great tears will be shed on the day I start. And seeing the plaque on Springer Mtn. And the other milestones to come. But God has been so good. Meeting some great people online who are wishing me well on the hike. Was able to get hiking boots for Skipper and Paul Bunyan for only $27 on Steep and Cheap last night - the same boots they have now so they have two pair for the trail! Also had an offer for me and Paul B. to stay at a cabin in PA that Ed Garvey once stayed in and where he signed the trail register. Talk about nostalgia. Can't wait. Already there are trail blessings to be had.

The next hurdle is to again inform my parents of this trip which I plan to do during the Christmas break. I have hinted a few times before but this time I must tell them it's for real and I leave March 1st. But a friend of mine already said she would pray for that encounter, and I am so grateful.

Gear List

Updated List

Clothes - Blissful

down jacket – March-May
Terramar black microfleece top
Terramar silk long underwear
Patagonia heavier fleece bottom – March-May, August
Smartwool long sleeve top
lightweight microfleece pants – May-July
Moving Comfort tights for hiking – March-May, August
LL Bean green tights for hiking – May-July
1 pr shorts
hiking skirt - summer, town
t-shirt
Duofold long blue shirt - summer
1 sports bra
1 evening bra
3 pr hiking underwear
1 pr cotton underwear for night
Fleece hat
Balaclava – March-May, August
Fleece gloves – march to May, August
3 pr wrightsocks
1 pr Acorn socks for camp
Marmot precip rain jacket
North face rain pants
Gaiters
bandana
Hiking boots (2 pr)
Crocs (from Payless)
Clothing stuff sack
Yak traks - March
Bug net – face - summer

Pack

Lowe pack
Trash compactor bag to line inside of pack
Pack cover
Ultralight fanny pack for town
Hiking poles

Sleep

Tarp tent
15 degree synthetic bag, possible new one for the summer
Big Agnes pad
one short ridgerest
Thermorest seat pad
2 cocoon pillows

Cooking / Water

Snowpeak Titanium cookset
spork
MSR pocket rocket, Fuel for rocket, lighter
Synthetic towel, small sponge
Silnylon Stuff sacks (2 – one for kitchen, one for food to hang plus rope)
Aquamira
Hydration sack and tube

Toiletries, drugs

Toilet paper
Sm first aid kit, medicines, personal
Glass case
Sm toothbrush and paste, dental floss (no flavor)
Sm deodorant
Ivory bar - 1/4 bar


Misc.

Headlamp
Journal, Bible, other book, pen
Thru hiker companion info, maps
credit and debit card, phone card, some cash for hostels, plastic case from travel gear
Light fanny pack for town
MP3 (one extra battery)
Rope for bag hanging
Cell phone
Camera

Update

Well, after realizing I only had about two and a half months left to go, I dragged out a box filled with hiker food from trips gone by and put it all out in my office. I was surpriseed to find the different foods we had stocked up on. Had about fifteen packets of meats, lots of noodles, fruit bars, etc. They will be separated into specific mail drop boxes where food can be difficult or expensive to get. We definitely have enough to get us by the first few weeks with some to spare for other drops. And of course food will also be purchased along the way. But it was good to at least begin some organization.

Last weekend I tried on yet another pack - a new Osprey Aura, but still not enough padding for my back. It's like I have an open nerve sitting right there on my lumbar spine and any direct pressure on it makes it act up. So had my Lowes on yesterday for a practice walk around the neighborhood (has hills too here which is good) and did okay. Just hard when you see everyone gearing up with two lb packs. But I have to carry what works for me. And this works for my back.

I have been trying to keep in shape - taking long walks, and will likely be carrying my pack more often as the time draws near. Other than that, my gear looks to be in pretty good shape. I only worry about the weather in March as December has been so warm and no precip. It's a game of wait and see.

Not an Option

I am a member of Whiteblaze, a great hiker community and today there is a thread going of real determination to complete the trail. I have been reading posts by thru hikers that finished the hike with kidney stones, a broken arm, dislocated patella. That quitting was not an option. I am truly amazed by their stories. I must admit that I have wondered if I can do this with so many obstacles in my way. Physical, mental, gear-wise, etc But there are courageous stories out there of people triumphing over adversity. Marching forth. Destiny on their wings that moves them unlike anything else. And I know without a doubt this has been my destiny. For years really. There is no option of not doing it. Letting it go. Quitting in the middle. As Patton once said - I must be allowed to fufill my destiny. And the AT is my destiny for 2007.

Only three months to go.

Thanksgiving Week

I have plenty to be thankful for as I enter this Thanksgiving week. Especially for the opportunity to do a thru hike, a dream I have had since I was a teen. We were hoping to get out this week and do a section between James River and Tye River in VA but it didn't work out. I have too much writing to accomplish and early deadlines to meet (books must be in house for the editors so they can be checked before I leave on my hike). So we will likely do the section during the thru unless something opens up in Jan or Feb. Those months will certainly be a flurry of activity as I prepare with lists, mail drops, etc. Not only for the thru but to make sure everything is set on the home front as well. A lot to think about. I do get out and walk. I figure by December I will be getting out more and more with my pack on my back around the neighborhood. For now I am trying to walk four miles with my hiking poles to get limbered up. Maybe I can throw in a few day hikes here and there, but this is a very busy time of year, for certain. I'll be glad to do what I can. Every little bit helps. But I know nothing can truly prepare you except doing the actual hike itself.

Pack Testing Update

Headed off to an outdoor shop acrooss the mountain in Harrisonburg and a guy who seemed to know what he was talking about with regards to packs. Looked at the Mountainsmith he had in stock, didn't fit me right. Looked at the Deuter - too small a capacity. Decided to try the Osprey Ariel 65 and he suggesed a more heavy duty Luna hip belt for it after I described my lumbar symptoms. Got the pack home, loaded it up. Walked a few miles. Had some back trouble but decided it was due to the new pack. Went out the next day with it loaded. Pressed right on the lumbar. Began to have the familiar lumbar pain and nerve down the leg. Adjusted the pack here and there. No go.

So that cuts out Osprey, Gregory, Lowe Hyperlight and other models I did see that didn't fit or didn't have the capacity (at least 3800). Unfortunately most outdoor shops don't have a wide selection and in the size I need (small size pack for torso length, medium hip belt). As it is this guy had to special order the Osprey pack for me. At least I can return it.

Now am looking more and more at my "clunker" ie "blessing" - my Lowe Alpamayo 6 1/2 lb pack, small which happens to have a medium hip belt on it, that was given to me several years ago. I may need to foot 2 extra lbs for the ol' lumbar not to act up.

So be it. But I still have my eye open.

Back to Square One

Well, the pack didn't work out. Too much nerve pain. But I am not giving up. Somewhere out there is the pack I will use for the trip. Just have to find it.

But I did use my son's backpack for my past weekend adventure - taking a few friends from church into the wilds of West Virginia - the Dolly Sods region to be exact. Made out fine with his pack carrying a hefty load (no nerve pain) but it's older, no hydration sack, no separate sleeeping compartment, and not really a super great fit.

Oh, the joy.

Got the pack...still testing

Got the pack yesterday. There are many things I like about it. Great capacity for a thru hike and will take my mammoth Marmot bag. Lightweight. Has the hydration capability. Of course, the belt and lumbar pad are much less to cut back on weight. Put it on and my nerve in my back promptly acted up, giving me a back ache. Thought I would have a crisis right there. I sat there wondering why I could ever think I would be able to hike the trail with my physical things that sprout up!

Then got the idea to cut up a small memory foam thing used to support your back in the car and put that on the lumbar padding to try and beef it up. May need to adjust it as it was pretty hot and pressed my back good. Or as my dh says, just try hiking around the neighborhood with the loaded pack and no padding and see what your back does. Maybe it will adapt.

More testing to come...
Sure hope I can get this to work. I think it's a nice pack.

Adjusting Gear

Still working on gear adjustments after the last section hike. Decided that since my feet still ached for a week after the last hike I would try to adapt to a pair of blue Superfeet insoles inside my hikers. My left foot is still giving me troubles but I hope they will adapt okay as these seem the best option for my overall feet-ankle-knee-hip woes.

Also went to REI and tried on packs. The Gregory Deva I thought would work good still gave me back problems and an irritated nerve. I talked to the salesgal, telling her about my clunky Lowe pack that weighs a ton but what a good lumbar support it had and I never had nerve pain. So she said - well, maybe you should stick with Lowe but in a different model. So I decided to try one Sierra Trading Post is getting rid of - an ultralight Lowe Alpine Sirocco. Had free shipping so I thought - what do I have to lose? Weighs in at 4 lbs. I PRAY the lumbar support works and this will be my pack. It has been so hard finding one with lumbar support, lightweight, hydration capatible and with the capacity I need for a March 1st start. Wowsie

Will let you know....

New day

New day, new thoughts. Less than seven months to go.

Just started to pick up things for my mail drops and / or bounce box. Figure a run to Sams Club will be in order when it comes to the mega size things - like 500 tabs of Vitamin I to put in the mail drops (which hikers refer to as good old Ibuprofen, a mainstay on the AT).

Well, it looks like we may soon be doing our next section hike of the AT that we plan to skip over in 2007 to help save time. Either we will do the Maupin Field shelter segment to McCormick Gap in SNP or the route from Ashby Gap to Harper's Ferry that we began in April, probably around the 25th of August. Our plan is to complete the section of the AT between Tye River Gap and Harpers Ferry so this section can be omitted come 2007. I have a goal in mind to summit Katahdin in time for "Paul Bunyan" to attend college classes. My dh Skipper says not to worry about it, but I want to get back in time for that. So that's the plan.

I was SO happy to hear back from my new book editor at Barbour - she wrote saying they will work around the AT schedule when it comes to production, galleys, etc. Wow, what a relief! I was very happy to hear that. So along with planning for the thru hike this fall, I will be writing another book. I have one book down (that was sent today) and one to go!

The only major thing for me still hanging equipment wise - need a backpack.

Sigh.

You will be the first to know when I have the one I want in hand! And a major "whew" to boot.