Tuesday, August 4, 2015

Two in one day?

Today has been a zero day. We spent it together in Lincoln, NH. A lot of things happened. First my friend Pete from CCMI or Conservation Corps of MN and IA happened to be in the area. He picked us up and we played disc golf at a kiddie disc golf course on a ski resort. Image "driving" 40 feet... We had our fun there ava then went to McDonald's and played Settlers of Catan. Sometimes though a game should just end and there are Catan games that can last an hour too long. This wasn't one of those and we ended just in time to see Ant-Man. Which I give a 6 out of 10 because the front end of the movie was loaded with the genesis story to be ended with a cool fight and some of the best humor of any of the Marvel movies. It has a few inconsistent scenes that pulled me away though. In the end they promise a sequel and I wouldn't mind paying money to watch it too.

Then we got Mexican, played pool and listened to some music we've had stuck in our heads while we walk from a jute box.

Now I'm curling up on my mattress for an early start tomorrow and hiking with a full pack since the 1st.

Good night,

Scott Scout Shipley

Much rain

Today is our third day in the Whites and it has been crazy. We swam down a mountain, dodged lightning with skill and fought a legion of merfolk with nothing but our trekking poles and the items in our back pack. Lucky for us we have ginger hulk.

Haha but really very storm. We maybe hiking out into it again today. Currently we are in Lincoln, NH. A goofy guy opened his house to hikers

My phone got pretty wet and is telling me that's it's too cold and doesn't want to charge. This could be my last update until I get a new one or it stops complaining.

Happy trails,

Scott Scout Shipley

Monday, August 3, 2015

Katie asked for an address repost

Ross Beazell and Scott Shipley
C/o general delivery
Gorhan, NH 03581
Please hold for AT thru-hiker 8/7/15

Ross Beazell and Scott Shipley
C/o general delivery
Andover, ME 04216
Please hold for AT thru-hiker 8/11/15

Ross Beazell and Scott Shipley
C/o general delivery
Caratunk, ME 04925
Please hold for AT thru-hiker 8/17/15

Ross Beazell and Scott Shipley
C/o general delivery
Monson, ME 04464
Please hold for AT thru-hiker 8/23/15

Again these dates are just my guess

Thursday, July 30, 2015

Short and Sweet

A complete victory over the past two days. I have slept on a mattress for two nights in a row. What we've given up on miles had paid off in comfortable sleep. Today we've left Vermont. Hello New Hampshire! I'm an excited panda. 442 miles left to go.

I jumped off a bridge six times into a river. I would do it everyday if I could. The thrill of life rushing by as I fall into cold, refreshing dark. I'm prepared for the Whites.

Tuesday, July 28, 2015

Midnight sky, Crazy people

We stayed at The Lookout last night. What a beautiful shelter. No water or privy, but worth it for the sky and the avoidance of a ridiculous bum who has no food or money and he's a complete jerk, drunk. Someday we'll never see him again.

Right now we've preparing ourselves for the Whites. Still a few miles out, but it looks tough.

Write or call sometime

Monday, July 27, 2015

Mountain Lodge and disc golf

Yesterday was Sunday and Burn Out had a package at the Killington post office. We did 10 miles and I stayed in a shed. The best part of my day was playing disc golf with HB. It was that beautiful time of the afternoon/evening. I also bought new socks! It's about time for I was down to one pair. Life is good.

Love ya all,
Scout

Saturday, July 25, 2015

Less than 500 miles

We came out of Rutland, VT last night and today we're crossed a mile marker. Stayed at a shelter with a guitar, a flute and a recorder. It would have been awesome I'd the trumpeter didn't play rivalry at dawn. Hiking straight up a mountain Killington time.

Friday, July 24, 2015

Rutland, VT

We made a short day yesterday she are having another short day today.

Currently we're at the Yellow Deli Hiker Hostel in Rutland, VT. Ross and Christine both went to the doctor today because they are having knee issues. I'm told that it's resolved and tonight we're headed back to the trail where we'll have hot dogs over a campfire. I spent my time in town resupplying and saw Jurassic World. Meh, it was what I expected. Wish I'd had time to wash my sleeping bag and get my phone upgraded, but both would have taken more time than I had. Onto the next town.

Later Gatorz

Scott

Wednesday, July 22, 2015

I'd lose my head if it weren't attached

The title is in reference to my rain coat which I believe is lost, again. I'm prepared this time with a trash bag.

Yesterday we hiked 16 miles to a beautiful shelter that had water cascading under a footbridge. Right now I'm passing by a lake after taking a dip before the day is hot.

Last night I slept in a shelter with two teachers on break and it was nearly like having a devil on one shoulder and an angel on the other. One telling me that teaching is the best and the other saying it's the worst. Not sure which was the angel or which the devil.

Today we're picking up food and heading to ahead shelter

Love,
Scott

Tuesday, July 21, 2015

Hello from nowhere, USA

Hello since I've been bad at updating this I've decide that this should be the first thing I update daily. Small paragraphs, forgive spelling mistakes due to phone typing.

Today I'm in Vermont. A couple shelters outside of Manchester,  VT. On my mind is my next move. It's the hardest question to answer when people ask me. I guess part of it is if I can still wander and make money. I'm not done exploring, but I do want to save for home someday.

Alright have a good day. Continue to check Facebook for photos and fun. Back to bouncing up the trail listening to Above and Beyond.

Later Days

Wednesday, July 1, 2015

Wow we're far and bad at this blogging thing

Hello everyone,

I've been composing blog by the handful, but I'm very sloth like in actually writing them down. This is a quick update since it's been requested and we are so close. Just a couple notes on these, as the dates get further away the reliability of my guesses become less and less.

Second, I love surprises, a lot. But if we know there is a package coming to us it makes our lives easier and whatever you send can still be a surprise. No bricks please. I won't carry them more than 400 miles.

Ross Beazell and Scott Shipley
C/o general delivery
Cornwall Bridge, CT 06754
Please hold for AT thru-hiker 7/10/15

Ross Beazell and Scott Shipley
C/o general delivery
Cheshire, MT 01225
Please hold for AT thru-hiker 7/16/15

Ross Beazell and Scott Shipley
C/o general delivery
Wallingford, VT 05773
Please hold for AT thru-hiker 7/22/15

Ross Beazell and Scott Shipley
C/o general delivery
Glencliff, NH 03238
Please hold for AT thru-hiker 7/29/15

Ross Beazell and Scott Shipley
C/o general delivery
Gorhan, NH 03581
Please hold for AT thru-hiker 8/2/15

Ross Beazell and Scott Shipley
C/o general delivery
Andover, ME 04216
Please hold for AT thru-hiker 8/6/15

Ross Beazell and Scott Shipley
C/o general delivery
Caratunk, ME 04925
Please hold for AT thru-hiker 8/10/15

Ross Beazell and Scott Shipley
C/o general delivery
Monson, ME 04464
Please hold for AT thru-hiker 8/14/15

Sunday, May 31, 2015

Gear, gear, gear!

So with the many conversations we have on the trail, most of them end up being about gear. Gear is basically the easiest way to have a conversation with another person and is very repetitive. So let's talk gear! 
Defining gear is easy, everything you have on your back during your hike minus food. Normal pack weight without foot is about 15-20 pounds. 
Alright, time to jump into what I have. 

For my pack I have a Gregory Baltoro 75. Which by itself weighs a whopping 5 pounds when not covered in my sweat. 

My sleeping arrangement is so magical so come on a journey through my nocturnal palace! 

I sleep in a Eagles Nest Outdoors (ENO) DoubleNest with two 12 foot long cord to tie me to a couple trees. 
The padding I use underneath me so I do go cold at night is from Scout and is quite lightweight. 
My sleeping bag is a REI Travel Down bag, which is rated to 40 degrees. This baby keeps me way to warm some nights but it is totally worth it. 
Now on to how I can stay dry in the rain with a hammock, with a tarp! I use a ENO DryFly and steak it out around my hammock with some MSR miniGroundhog steaks. 

What do I wear out here? Well clothes an shoes of course!
For my little feet I am wearing some Oboz Sawtooth boots with some Darn Tough socks. 

I wear some trail running shorts to make me go faster and extend my range of motion. 

Lastly for my shirt I wear a biking jersey!

Then around my head or neck I wear a wool Buff, basically a tube of fabric that shields my pale skin from thise dastardly rays of sunlight. 


To protect myself from rain I have a Patagonia raincoat. 

Now on to cookware! For a pot I pick one randomly up on the trail! The trail literally provided because we traded the old pot for this lighter one. 

Oh and don't forget how I get clean drinking water. I use a Sawyer water filter screwed ontop of a SmartWater bottle. 

Lastly come my knee savers, my fall preventers, my trekking poles! They are Leki Micro Vario poles which are collapsible. 

Finally gear talk is over. Now on to where are we headed to next. Our next few stops, for those following along at home, in order of where we are hitting first include:
Waynesboro, PA
And
Duncannon, PA

If you want to mail something to us at those spots just format the postage so. 

Ross Beazell and Scott Shipley
C/o general delivery 
Town name, state
Please hold for AT thru-hiker

Onwards we go and soon we shall start counting down the miles to Maine!

Cheers,
Ross (Burnout [the Rooster]) Beazell




Sunday, May 17, 2015

Shelter and Hobbits

Hello again

It's old Scout Shipley. I'm happy to say that we are alive and in good health. In two days we are going to be in Waynesboro, VA where we will be picked up by Burn Out's mom. She's going to put up five dirty, foul hikers.

It's still Burn Out, Knock on Wood, Honeybuns, HB, and myself. Now our fifth is a tall, young man named Hobbit or as we like to joke, Hobbits. Since he is two hobbits stacked on each other.

Lets see, Hobbits likes to eat, sleep and play games. He wakes late and catches up to us at some point in the day. Sometimes it's after dark. We love Hobbits. With his influence we night hiked 10 miles. I loved it. The rest of the party were wiped afterward. We did it to get to a brewery that didn't exist....

Glasco was cool, but we didn't linger. We did stay a night in Buena Vista. Where we planned to celebrate HB's birthday. We ate bar b que and fell asleep. Party! Last night we made him a "cake" out of a cosmic brownie, cake frosting, sugar letters and I found trick candles in a geocache. It was awesome. Check out their photos at clifandallie.com

If you and I aren't friends on Facebook, you need to add me. I post a lot of random photos to it. I'm Scott Eugene Shipley.

Ok, topic time. SHELTERs

It's a very important part of the trail, but by no means do shelters have to dominate your hiking plans. Important thing about shelter is water. They normally have decent water sources. A basic shelter is a simple three wall platform. They come in all shapes and sizes, but the average is 8 people with only one room and a raised wood floor. They are maintained by the ~30 trail clubs. We like to stay at these shelters for the water convenience and the people. We tent, shelter, cowboy camp and hammock depending on how we feel or weather allows.

Shelters haven't been more than 20 miles apart and in one stretch of six miles you can stay in one of three.

They can be very lovely when hikers haven't ruined them with garbage, graffiti and vandalism. We like to blame day hikers for that, but it's not true. Both parties share that blame. I can say that because I've met the thru hikers that litter constantly. They like to burn their trash and don't like to start fires. I don't know which part I hate more.

Sometimes a shelter is built because there's water and others because there is a view and still some because it's needed.

How do we know about a shelter's distance, capacity and water source? It's this amazing book by David "AWOL" Miller. It's $15 and amazingly detailed. I can't recommend it more to a hiker or someone bent on following us.

I will wrap this here. Currently I'm writing in the dark by a stream listening to LOTR Fellowship watching the stars come out as the last few hikers night hike in. Thinking of all of you warm in you comfortable beds and chairs, under blankets or laying in warm sun filled grass. Above and Beyond Group Therapy is fuel for my ears. My hips are rubbed raw and a couple days not hiking will be nice. Also new pack!

Love all of you,

Scott Eugene Scout Shipley

Saturday, May 9, 2015

Seven hundred and mumble, mumble miles!

Hello everyone!

We are currently in Roanoke, VA. It's 20 minutes off trail by car.

Yesterday, we got into Daleville and we were pretty stoked for hotel room. EVERYTHING WAS BOOKED, EVERYTHING. We ate our feelings away, I ate two lunches. Then did our shopping and went to the outfitter. At the outfitter we noticed a flier for a pair of trail angels looking to help hikers. We inquired within and they drove out from Roanoke to pick us up and took us into their home.

Pizza, beverages and laughs. Also interestingly,  Team Pie was walking into town from the trail and actually walked right by our trail angels headed south to have lunch a little south from town, so when they drove up and got out we had this conversation-

"Woah we walked by you today! You had the Subway and smelled so good!" -us

"Yeah! You were the ones talking about Lord Of The Rings." -them

:-)

Over the last two days we crossed what had been called a "triple crown." It's Dragons Tooth, McAfee Knob and Tinker something. My feet are shot, but still trucking. In 130 miles, we're going to hit Waynesboro. Where we're going to take a couple few days to heal. Only 130...

Things I've learned seven hundred mumble mumble miles later.

1. No matter how far you walk the last mile is going to take as long as the rest of the day.

2. I should not be allowed to shop because I want all of the food.

3. Burn Out has one pace- his own and no matter if you chase him or not, he's trying to leave you in his dust

4. Electronics, out on the trail, eat more electricity out on the trail to handle their emotions. Just like hikers do.

5. Just when all my fears about something like carrying enough water have been lessened, the trail knows... it will no longer have water.

6. You're awesome.

Love and everything,

Scout Shipley

Thursday, April 30, 2015

Next two stops

Scott Shipley and Ross Beazell
C/O General Delivery
Daveville, VA 24083

Please hold for AT hikers ETA 5/7/15

Scott Shipley and Ross Beazell
C/O General Delivery
Waynesboro, VA 22980

Please hold for AT hikers ETA 5/21/15

Trail Magic

I think I'm done giving the day by day of our plight because well I think it's boring and unimportant. If you disagree send me a message or comment and I could be coaxed into it again, I guess. :-)

For this post I thought I'd share one of the greatest things that happens out here on the trail, Trail Magic.

Trail Magic is the stuff that hikers dreams' are made of. A moment to rest and enjoy pure grace from another person. Magic mainly comes from people not in the trail, but have either hiked before or had a loved one hike. So what is it? Food, drink, rides to town, hugs, stuff or resupply and any combination of them. We can't carry luxury. We cannot simply carry normal things. We need calorie dense, light and semi tasty things. There is nothing like fresh eggs and juice randomly occurring at 9 am after hiking four miles and having already eaten breakfast.

Here is a list of trail magic I remember

Miss Janet gave out apples and rides

A couple older gentlemen set up a grill to cook hot dogs, passed out Gatorade and from others I heard they had alcohol.

One man and his truck cooking eggs and hash browns at the top of a hill next to a cemetery.

A husband and wife who were looking at property heard about the trail and what magic was met us at a gap with milk, a loaf of bread and PB&J that we ate all of.

Newfound Gap had a choir of angels and they fed me so much. I listed it out on Facebook. More than having enough food to feed 100 people, they had two boxes, one with all the best trail food we could have resupplied from and the other was what impressed me the most. It was a box of stuff, new water filters, ear plugs, chap stick, Sun screen, socks, much much more.

Hailstone drove us into town and back out.

Pedro left us beer at a trail head.

Something as simple as having fresh clean water to drink is magic.

Unhinged's husband gave us coffee and Gatorade

Two churches have taken us in and fed us, resupplied us and sent mail out for us.

There are random boxes groups have that they fill with treats.

Ok, what I'm really trying to do is inspire you. Get out into your community and surprise someone with something simple, but meaningful. I literally tear up and launch into smelly sweaty hugs at the sight of magic. People can be so great. Be those people.

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

It's been awhile or who needs Ireland or headed to Mordor

Hello.

We crossed 400 miles yesterday. Crazy right? About two weeks ago we walked through what I could only compare to the idea in my mind of Ireland. Walking up a south face, everything is green, water runs down and fog sits on everything. I've dated four women who have lived in/ worked in/ fantastically travelled across the ocean to Ireland and I've believe I've found America's equivalent.

Right now I'm at Kincora Hostel right outside Hampton, TN. The guy who runs it is an amazing man named Bob Peoples. And I'm in love. It has been building trail here for decades and hikes around the world. Hiking the Atlantic Coast of Europe is now on my bucket list. My bucket list has expanded to an insane things since I've started.

Oh currently I'm in a tree house. There is a bunk house with a ton of beds. I heard there was a tree house and being the first to claim it I have beautiful view and a soft bed. I'll take pictures and upload them in Damascus.

Scott Shipley and Ross Beazell
C/O General Delivery
Damascus, VA 24236

Please Hold for AT hike eta of 4/19/15

Scott Shipley and Ross Beazell
C/O General Delivery
Troutdale, VA 24378

Please Hold for AT hike eta of 4/24/15

My earphones broke, I'll probably pick up new ones before we reach these places. Mom we could use a couple new toothbrushes and small toothpaste :) Ross and me and a couple for our friends haha. My teeth are awesome btw.

Rambles... we've decided that hiking towards Mordor and Mt. Doom is what we're doing. Also apparently people don't like to hear the words Maine and Katahdin. And my phone wants to autocorrect that to Kardashian.... blah. I never want this to end.

Love you,

Scout, Scott

Thursday, April 9, 2015

The Members of Team Pie

With Scout and I havingwalked over 300 miles on the trail eventually we found some hiking buddies. Now at first it was nice to have company of other people besides Scout and myself, as our group grew larger we became more defined and now ask the important question to new people we come across. What is the question you ask? Well, cake or pie? The answer either gives you aceeptance into our team (Team Pie) or becoming an outcast and part of the hated Team Cake. 

Now on to our team members and a little introduction of each of the core members. 

Clifton "Honeybuns" Reeder
Honeybuns is one of the founding members of Team Pie. 
-He graduated from University of Michigan with a degree in Computer Science Engineering
-He has an obsession with Honey Buns and eats them at every meal
-He is engaged to another founding member of Team Pie, Knock. 
-Has lived in Washington DC for the past 5 years
-Avid photographer and asks members to look mates tic when taking pictures

Allie "Knock on Wood" G
Knock on Wood, or just Knock is another of the founding five. 
-She graduated from University of Michigan with a degree in English
-Her name came from her extreme superstition and knocking on wood many times a day 
-Is engaged to Honeybuns
-Lived in Wahsington DC for the past 5 years
-Worked for the Washington Post as an art director

Ian "Cliffhanger" 
Cliffhanger is the third of the founding five of Team Pie. 
-Currently going to school and majoring in Biology and minor in theology
-The youngest in Team Pie
-Native to North Carolina 
-His face always looks like that

Rounding off the core members of Team Pie are Scout and I. We have quite the following on the trail with many people chasing after us in the journals in search of the speedy Team Pie. A question we have gotten many times is where is Team Cake. Well, Team Cake does not exist because pie is superior! That or they are are in our dust as we pump out 20 mile days.

I will now leave you with one all important question, cake or Pie?

Long live Team Pie,
Ross "Burnout" Beazell

Saturday, April 4, 2015

4/4/15

Dear reader,

It has been a very long time since I've sat down like this and made a real post. I'm going to do the "quick" update then probably, maybe, ramble for a bit. Let's see where did I leave off? Sometime around Franklin?

I've written a ton of postcards. If I have your address expect one and if I forget I've sent you one you may be two :)

Ross Beazell and Scott Shipley
c/o General Delivery
Erwin, TN 37650
Please Hold for AT Hikers
ETA - 4/8/15 

My condensed notes, some stuff in my journal I keep for myself-

3/22
Just did the math and we're averaging 8 miles per day. Took a zero in Asheville with Briese to play some cards. It was pretty fun. Didn't play well, but it's great being with friends. We plan to get together for a big event next year. Where will I be then? Will it be possible?? I need to get my resume together.

Briese dropped us off at Tellico Gap around noon. Thank the gods everyday for people like him in my life. I've made a list of people, who in my life have changed it and I can't thank event.

Tonight we're at Grass Gap. We passed through the NOC. It seemed like a resort for rich old people with money, admittedly it was really nice. I could be wrong about that and I'd say sorry I'm wrong. eleven to twelve miles today. Took the Jumpoff and hike down hill for miles, and miles. We're halfway back up at this point. I've just been written love notes in the ashes, learning to separate.

Met Who, What, Crowbaby Geldinstien and Rosencrants who's a Philmont adventurer.

I've decided it's been long enough and I can't quit talking about Philmont and Scouting, so I'm Scout now. Something to remember me by and I like it.

It's raining and I'm wet, but it can't bring me down. 16 miles tomorrow.

3/23
Woke up in Grass early and to no rain. Everything was wet. The sun came out right on time. On Swin Bald we saw the best view, in my opinion, to date. We did 11 miles and are spending th night at Brown Fork Gap Shelter. Tons of people here. Knock, Cliff, Heavyweight and the The Germans Hanging out by a fire

3/24
The shelter last night was weird. It had a gap in the floor. (drew a picture of it)

Today was went about 12 miles to Fontana Dam. I listened to Eminiem this morning and David Sedaris in the afternoon. Now I'm at the bathroom charging our devices and a having a tasty beverage. There's a crazy guy, but he seems harmless. It's been over two weeks since we started.

3/25 AM
Sat around a campfire last night and had some great conversations. One with Turbo who's trying to figure out his next move after this. Slept pretty well with 18 other people in the area. The sun rises through the clouds over this mountain and lake. Birds and squirrels are out down at this elevation.

3/26 PM
Spent the day of the 25th in Fontana Village with Clif, Knock on Wood, Turbo, Heavyweight, Mad Matter, and Luna. Met a cool dude named JP who reminded me of Malcolm of Lawrence. Drank a lot of beers and didn't update then because power went off. We played Putt Putt and Cornhole and Guitar Hero with lots of laughs. Thinking about how I associate love and friendship. Linking together too much. With my family I think I have it figured, but outside my circle it's been difficult. Made a pros and cons list... yes, I'm Ben Wyatt.

3/28
On the 27th we hiked with Clif and Knock on Wood. The snow came on late and strong Wind and cold in the evening, so much that the metal of the bear bags we freezing to my hands very quickly. At the first shelter we stopped at it was full, so we were forced onto the next shelter five miles farther down. Listening to Enders Game. Stayed at Silver's Bald. Today we cleared eight long, slow, cold 5 inch deep miles. Climbed up Clingmans Dome, bitter wind forced us down from a beautiful view.

Stayed in McCollins Shelter. Short day tomorrow for food resupply.

3/30
It was so cold to journal everyday I'm glad I kept it this up to date

On 3/29 we woke up at Collins with the intention of having Knock and Clif pick us up some food in town also we had been told there was an angel doing magic at the Newfound Gap. Once we hot there we were handed food until we had to beg for no more. Hailstone, a fellow hiker, who was taking a breakfrom the trail gave us ride into town and back out. got tons of food. Stayed in a full shelter, Icewater

"I weigh more than you and I'm eleven." big, cool kid to our friend named Heavyweight

Woke up early, the 30th, to watch the sun rise and brighten the cloudy day. The snow has been melting. It's still freezing every night, so the trail was a sheet of ice. Did 12.6 miles and it took forever. Everything is wet. Everything is cold.

Comfortable with being uncomfortable

We're at the Tricorner Gap Shelter. I hope the sun comes out soon. 16 miles to the border of the park with no idea about how far we can get.

4/1 AM

Just woke up at Davenport Gap (I'll leave my rain jacket here, fingers crossed I'll get it back.) I spent my night playing solitaire and writing at letter to Grams. I think we may have food figured, but we need a lot of it in this weather. Warm day and we'll stop by a hostel today for some chilling and laundry, shower and supplies. Yesterday was a warm morning at Icewater and had ambition to do 18 miles to the hostel, but stopped at 15 for a free stay and it was a rough hike. Clif we are now calling "Honey Buns" and I think there are two other Scouts on the trail, but don't care.

Woke up in the shelter by other hikers just being loud... meh it happens.

Hoping for happiness for you.

It was nearly all down hill yesterday. We made a stop at Mtn. Crammerer and had an excellent view probably the best because it was sunny and calm. Well I'm going to get up and see if mice chewed through my things. (no mice)

4/1 PM

That snow... Ross and I are sitting in our tents remembering it for what it was. Now we're out of the park we can tent again. Had a wonderful fire we are a good family. Sad about losing my rain coat. My lips have been chapped for a while. Staying at Deep Gap, Groundhog Shelter Building.

4/2 PM

Woke up with the sun. Hung around the shelter until everyone was ready to go. Hiked at a good pace all day. Made contact with a few people about my coat. Fingers Crossed. Did 17.1 miles today we're staying at Big Rock Spring. It's a long, but good day. Hot Springs tomorrow listened to The Road all day. Dark, Dark night full moon hidden and when it came out I thought it was a street lamp.

"Where men can't live, Gods fare no better. " - The Road

4/3

Hiked the nine miles into Hot Springs and spent the day and night getting things organized. Ate some good food and got to catch up with some people. I can't wait to get back out. It's a tiny town, but I need more space. Trail Magic by a couple who is buying a cabin in the area. It was really cute. They bought enough food for twelve sandwiches and we ate them all. So nice and I have their contact info.

4/4

Right now I'm in Hot Springs sitting in an amazing little hiker hangout. Much love. I'm feeling melancholy, but I love myself, what I'm doing and who I'm doing this with. Terrible phone reception and wifi is only in certain spots. It's a sunny pretty day and I get to distract myself with some baseball when I'm in wifi.

The views are incredible, the weather hadn't killed me and nothing is keeping me in one place long. It leaves me thinking about where to go next constantly :)

All of my Love

Scott, Scout

Things I have learned in the first 100 miles.

Hello everyone this is Ross checking in, my feet are no longer one big blister and We are both in good health. So this hike having been my first big backpacking trip I thought I would share some things I have picked up on the way through Scott and various other hikers.
  • Chafing happens
  • Sock liners are a godsend versus blisters
  • Make sure to not hike with the original insoles in your boots (I did for the first 100 miles)
  • Epson Salt is great for drying out blisters
  • There is always one more hill
  • Water is everywhere
  • Bring in town clothes, so that you don't smell as bad
  • There is always a need for food
  • Go slow up hills, it's not a race
  • Candy bars can make our day
  • Scout can make a fire in any condition
  • Some people are just on the trail to party
  • Yellow Blaze is to hitch hike through the trail
  • Some people can really snore
  • How to wear my backpack correctly
  • The weather is what you make of it
  • I am horrible at 20 questions
  • Spices are great with rice and beans
  • Going into town doesn't mean you take a zero day ( a day when you don't hike any miles)
  • Ibuprofen is key on harder days
  • People have dropped off the trail already
  • I like to hike in silence sometimes
  • You will die without positive mental attitude for 30 seconds
  • It is hard to choose between miles and smiles some days
  • You are never truly isolated on the AT
  • Set goals for each day
  • I would not be here without the support of everyone
Right now Scout and I are hanging out at the Hiker resource center here in Hot Springs, NC. We have acquired some hiking partners on our jaunt through the Smokey Mountains, Honeybuns and KnockOnWood. They are engaged and have the same pace as Scout and I, so they are a perfect fit for us. 

Until next time,
Ross, Burnout

Saturday, March 21, 2015

Scott's Update 3/21

Hello everybody!

I said I'd update with our going-ons. Here we go-

3/17/15

So much has and hasn't happened since the last entry. We made it to North Carolina on the 15th. Stayed right on the border that night at Bly Gap. Where I woke up this morning under the stars at Carter Gap. We slept on the ruins on the old shelter. Halfway through the night I awoke to loud rustling and in my mind the sound of a pack being drug away. I went straight into Defcon 5 for two minutes thinking it was a bear. Well, it turns out that it was Ross being tossing and turning on his mat. Had a campfire with Poppins, Stoat, Sticks, Cookie Monster, Mile Marker and Solo.

At Bly, I met a weekend hiker, Boy Scout, who had also sailed abroad the William H. Albury. Yeah I hugged him. I'm slowly making an AT playlist.

On the 14th we woke up in Hiawassee and made it to Unicoi Gap around 10 am. A few Angels with grizzly beards set up some magic of hot dogs, Gatorade and booze. We grabbed Gatorade. Hiked to Deep Gap shelter. Stayed with two couples who were pretty fun. One had a ukelele. Nice hearing an instrument live though he didn't really play a song.

Yesterday, the 16th, was my first day of smelling Philmont. North Carolina is pretty despite the sub-par trail maintenance. Still its very much winter, early spring. Nothing is green besides the moss which very pleasant to stubble upon in the bare, brown.

I was pretty sick the 11th, 12th, 13th probably from not drinking enough water. Now I'm good and a 100 miles in.

3/17/15

Last night we sort of made plans, but they fell through. We couldn't find a campsite, so we stealth camped near a busy road on a tough slope. It was a meh night. Tomorrow we're headed into Franklin where we plan to stay the night. Briese is going to come and hang out with us. We climbed Allers peak today and there was a tower on top. I went up and it was incredible. Tonight we're at winding stair gap. Hopefully no bears....

3/18

We spent most of the date at 3 Eagles Outfitter. They gave us free beer and it was fun. Had to get new boots since mine feel apart.

3/19

Hopped onto the trail spur of the moment since we thought it was Thursday when it was really Wednesday. We made it to the Wayah Bald Shelter where a guy snored like a crazy and kept me up most of the night.

3/20

Briese is came and picked up from Tellico Gap. We're 130 miles in. I've decided to start not counting the 8.8 miles of the approach trail anymore, now that I'm a hundred plus in.


Here are the next few stops for us if you are interested
 
Ross Beazell and Scott Shipley
c/o General Delivery
Fontana Village, NC 28733
Please Hold for AT Hiker
ETA - 3/24/15

Ross Beazell and Scott Shipley
c/o General Delivery
Hot Springs, NC 28743
Please Hold for AT Hikers
ETA - 4/2/15

Ross Beazell and Scott Shipley
c/o General Delivery
Erwin, TN 37650
Please Hold for AT Hikers
ETA - 4/8/15



Wednesday, March 18, 2015

3/18/15 Pictures!!!!!!!

Blogger is weird. Even though it's a google thing it won't just let me transfer photos over. Like I thought it would, soooooo here the link to the album I created from the photos from my phone. This is the good majority of them, but I do have a few on my camera too. Those will be up soooon!

https://plus.google.com/photos/111709005428578541866/albums/6127622540783852145?authkey=CPSl9MKdlbHGRw

I guess I'll post an update here too.

We are in Franklin, NC. I am currently at the library and Ross is back at the outfitters. They came and picked us up from the hotel like nice people. Also gave us beer. Ross couldn't make the trip because instead of feet, he has blisters. We are taking the next two days to have a mini-vacation with Briese because he wanted to see us while we were in North Carolina (and it won't be for very long ;D) and Ross' feet need it.

Tonight those feet will be living in Epsom salt and water.

My Conservation Corps boots only held up 1/9th as long as I wanted. The rubber started to peel from the sole and that is my only complaint about wearing them. We nearly decided that my name would be Steeltoe, but alas 1/22th the way into the trail isn't time yet for a name. We're trying out the name Burnout for Ross. It's pretty fitting. He has that red hair and when we do hills he launches himself up them and in a little while I pass him moving at my turtle pace while he rests. If you don't know people sort of get nicknames or give themselves nicknames while hiking. It makes it easier for people instead of being like which Matt are you talking about.

We have heard of 3 or 4 people who have had to drop. That number has to be a lot, lot higher since we don't know everyone. I feel like I should be walking today.

Hmmm what else? We met a 70 year old who's carrying like 85 lbs. Another dude carrying a machete AND another guy who did SEA BASE BAHAMAS AND SAILED ON THE WILLIAM H ALBURY.

Oh I'm at the library because I'm buying a pass for Smoky Mtn National Park. Gotta do that before I run out of time.

All of my Love,

SCOTT EUGENE SHIPLEY!!!!!

Friday, March 13, 2015

Hiawassee, GA 150 page views already

Howdy all,

It's me Scott again. Ross is currently doing bathtub laundry intermixed with soaking his blustered feet. Nothing serious for our feet yet, but I've been feeling really sick to my stomach. I think half of it is the extreme change in diet and the other half is me just stressing out about feeling sick. Making myself more sick. Lets see if I can shake it. I have Tums now and hopefully that will help me sleep.

So lets see here are some journal entries

3/8/15
Day 1, Started at the arch with full packs. Hugged Briese and said farewell. Made it to the top of Springer around midday with a slow terrible climb that included 600 stairs all in a row. Amicalola Falls is beautiful. Saw a Search and Rescue helicopter already. This evening we camped by a stream just outside of Stover Creek Shelter, it sounded noisy there. We listened to the stream and rain as we fell asleep right away.

3/9/15
Peaked Sassafras and Justus Mtn today. Met a nice mom I've been calling Mama J in my head. Rain again tonight. Justus Mtn had a cool overhang that looked perfect to camp under. Playing 20 questions (as many questions as you can stand to ask) Ross had a tough time with Pikachu and Shay leBuff. Blisters on feet for both of us. Hip belt trouble for Ross, but I think he'll figure it out. Cool rock being eaten by a tree root. Theres a cool photo of Ross being eaten by a tree I'll try to insert here. Camped just north of Gooch Shelter as it was full up. Another quiet evening mixed with some rain. Thinking about love and life.

3/10/15
Early Morning, thought maybe the rain had passed, but we got drizzled on most of the day. Never more than a drizzle luckily. Hiking on the spine on this range in the clouds most of the day. Coming out only to see a road before going back up into very limited visibility, 20 feet tops. Finished the day at the foot of Blood Mtn. Tomorrow will not be an easy day. We climb 700 ft over a mile and down 700 over the next. Now, this afternoon/evening its clear and quiet. No one else is at this shelter and no one came. We had it all to ourselves. Today was my first wildlife, gray birds with white under bellies I happened upon out of the fog. they chittered and hopped from tree to tree in front of me for 100 yards down the trail. We also saw a tree that had two truncks. It's pretty cool stuff. 36.9 miles in.

3/11/15 

I'm feeling awful. I hope I didn't lick something bad at that shelter. We pressed hard today and made it to Low Gap Shelter. 5 miles further than we hoped, but Blood Mtn didn't kill us and a Snickers bar at Nell's Gap really helped our morale. I don't think the sugar and coffee I drank today are agreeing with me tonight. Going to bed very early, but there are about 50 people around in this area. Thank you to whomever recommended earplugs.


3/12/15

Hiked 9 miles today and arrived at Unicoi Gap at 1pm. We made a reservation in Hiawassee instead of Helen like we planned because it has a medical center incase I feel worse over night. We have enough food without a resupply to get to our next drop. It's better to have too much I guess. This is 61 miles. Budget Inn is cheap for sure, but it suits us just fine.

3/13/15

We have decided to take a zero day here. My stomach feels a bit better, but still frothy. Mail and organize and laundry fun. Love all of you.

Sunday, March 8, 2015

Springer Mountain

We made it, Springer Mountain. About 9 miles, so we're pretty close to being done. 4 more miles for today. Sleep will be awesome

Friday, March 6, 2015

Welcome Note

So here it is-

We stand on the edge of our departure date.Tomorrow we're driving to Georgia. My lifelong friend Briese Anderson, who we're staying with right now in NC, is driving Ross and me to Springer Mountain.

Currently we are relaxing. This afternoon we're finishing the pack and the storage of all my things into Briese's attic.

The story up to now goes that Ross and I met in 2013 in Minnesota. We were both in the Conservation Corps of MN's northwest district, but 3 hours away from each other. Our friendship probably would not have blossomed if we hadn't been deployed to New Jersey for the tail end of Hurricane Sandy clean-up. There we formed a bond of friendship and mentorship. We worked tirelessly for three weeks and came back to cold north for Burkthorn removal. We were able to visit each other occasionally through work and freetime.

At the end of the year I got a position with the Youth Outdoors program in the Twin Cities and Ross stayed in the northwest. During this time I reached the conclusion that I wanted to hike the 2,185 mile Appalachian Trail and Ross jumped on board pretty soon after.

Many months later and three months of down time between the end date with the Conservation Corps and now, we leave Sunday morning. This could be my last date in a bed for a while.

I believe we have everything we need. We'll see when we get out there. Later we'll get our address' up in case you want to write us.

All our love,

Scott and Ross