7.30 - SPOT Messenger Update

A new point has been added to the map via Kris' SPOT Satellite Messenger.
    

7.29 - SPOT Messenger Update

A new point has been added to the map via Kris' SPOT Satellite Messenger.
   

7.28 - SPOT Messenger Update

A new point has been added to the map via Kris' SPOT Satellite Messenger.
  

7.26 - PM SPOT Messenger Update

A new point has been added to the map via Kris' SPOT Satellite Messenger. 

7.26 - AM SPOT Messenger Update

A new point has been added to the map via Kris' SPOT Satellite Messenger.

7.24 - Facebook Message

From Kris:

"hey you guys! got a chance to hit the net real quick in Pearisburg, VA. almost 700 miles in and goin strong... knees are shot but nothing a little surgry wont be able to fix :) i'm so stoked to hear about the job, congrats Kurt! hope everything is well with all of you and i love you all, icluding the little blessing still on the way!!! love you all"
 

7.22 - Phone Call

From Jan:

"... they were in Pearisburg, VA.  They had stayed that night in a motel and were probably going to stay a second night as well.  Their knees were beginning to bother them some.  They had spent the previous week doing days between 17 - 24 miles each so they had really been pushing it.  The "nice lady" who ran the motel had offered to do their laundry for them.  Kris thought that she may be willing to take them to the outfitter's store to restock  on supplies as well.  He had another bear sighting.  It was in the brush, but he thought there was a cub with it.  He reported that they had gone 630 miles at this point.  The motel even had a TV so they were going to catch up on the news of the world.  He sounded great and said Joel was doing well too!

I also have the disc of the latest pictures [from another disposable camera they mailed home - they'll be posted soon]."

   

7.20 - SPOT Messenger Update

A new point has been added to the map via Kris' SPOT Satellite Messenger.

7.18 - SPOT Messenger Update

A new point has been added to the map via Kris' SPOT Satellite Messenger.

7.17 - SPOT Messenger Update

A new point has been added to the map via Kris' SPOT Satellite Messenger.

7.15 - SPOT Messenger Update

A new point has been added to the map via Kris' SPOT Satellite Messenger.

7.14 - Phone Call

From Mark:

"Kris called home Wednesday morning 7/14.  He was in Damascus, Virginia which is almost right on the border of TN, NC and VI.  They were 483 miles into the trip and 25 days of hiking.  They are averaging 19 miles per day with a high of 26 miles one day.  He and Joel are even more positive about this experience than earlier on.  Their equipment is "great", and they are pleased that their feet are holding up well.  They expected days where their feet would be either blistered or very sore, but this has for the most part not been the case.  They do like the routine of staying in a small town hostel every 5-10 days as this affords them the chance to replenish food supplies, do some laundry, dry out any wet articles but mostly eat 2-3 large meals.  They have continued to loose weight with Kris reporting in at 148 right now.

Virginia will be the longest state, mileage wise, but with relatively little elevation gain, so some high-mileage days are ahead.  They continue to enjoy the people they meet on the trail, everything from larger groups of scouts doing just a portion of the trail to single individuals hiking the whole thing alone.  Kris did hint at the possibility of his wanting to do the Pacific Crest Trail Spring of 2012.  He said "I think this long distance hiking is really getting into my blood and I can't imagine not having something else to look forward to."  Of course, work, grad school or even a relationship could alter this a bit."

7.13 - Phone Call

From Jan:

"I'm bummed that I missed a call from Kris today while at work.  I just couldn't answer my phone.  He left a message that they are at a hostel tonight in Damascus, Virginia.  This will be their longest state of the trip.  They were going to stay the night and restock there.  He sounded upbeat again.  It is always good to hear his voice."

7.12 - SPOT Messenger Update

A new point has been added to the map via Kris' SPOT Satellite Messenger.

7.8 - Phone Call

From Mark:

"Kris called from a little town on the border of North Carolina and Tennessee. They are 400 miles in and decided to stay in a hostel tonight for $18. Price included someone doing their laundry and they were going to sleep in an actual bed with mattress and linens. They were looking forward to a good meal tonight and a shower before hitting the trail again in the morning for a five day jaunt before reaching the next town.

Kris states that they are even more committed to this adventure now than they were at the start. They love pressing on even though the heat and the humidity are more severe than they anticipated. Fortunately, most of their hiking is actually in the shade and of late they have been above 3500 feet in elevation which means some breezes. Below this level it is oppressive feeling.

They are currently averaging 15-18 miles per day and the equipment continues to hold up well. They are told that once they get into Virginia (next week) the terrain gets flatter and the potential for 25-30 mile days is there.

Kris had one more encounter with a bear. He was “visiting” the “restroom” one morning and looked up to see a bear passing by about 15 yards away. The bear didn’t seem to mind him and Kris surmised that it had known of their campsite all night long and apparently had chosen not to bother them. Still a little disconcerting to see one so close by and realize your escape options are limited.

He was thrilled to hear of Kurt’s new job and said that this news completely “made my day!” He is anxious to hear an update on the MotoGP races of late. Perhaps next phone call, we will be able to let him know of the current standings.

He sounds very energetic, upbeat and confident. I believe this adventure has already had an impact on his psyche and self esteem. He is more talkative than ever!"

7.7 - SPOT Messenger Update

A new point has been added to the map via Kris' SPOT Satellite Messenger.

7.4 - Phone Call

From Laura:

"Got a call from Kris on July 4th. He and Joel where in a tiny town in Tennessee. They had arrived safe and sound, just a bit tired of the extreme heat. Kris said it was about 90 degrees in the shade. They had arrived at this town and attempted to buy some cool refreshing beer as a way to celebrate their patriotism to their forefathers and were told that they don't sell beer in Tennessee on Sundays, but apparently Walmart does. So they ended up hitching a ride 5 miles up the interstate to Walmart, where they bought some beer and food, phoned me, and Kris got himself scissors for his mustache as it is getting too long for him to eat without it interfering (ewwww!) Anyway, they seemed pleased, had done about 350 miles at that point and had only one bear encounter since the last time we spoke. They were making progress, just complaining about the heat, but were planning on getting back on the trail that evening and setting up camp a few miles up next to a cool stream."

Disposable Camera Update #1

Hey all_

Kris and Joel sent Jan a disposable camera with some fun updates that arrived mid to end of last week.  As it was a disposable, the pics aren't the clearest, but I think that adds to the feeling of, "There's no way I would ever do something this crazy."

Enjoy!

Kris on the Fontana Dam

The dam view. 

(couldn't resist)

The knife stuck in the log 

looks extra tough. 

Drying things out

for the night.

Thank goodness they still find time... wait, energy and emotion to have a laugh.  I'm sure they have plenty of time.

Incidentally... not at all funny.

Still on speaking terms... good sign :)

The A.T. adventure continues.