Team TNT....Off the Grid....Out of Touch...

Team TNT has taken a quick hiatus to Michigan to visit kids for Easter and more... we'll update with details hopefully tomorrow.

We have a new video available on YouTube with snippits from some of our last days on trail... suffice it to say, it's been a very difficult week, made so much better with lots of love from MANY trail angels who have helped us make a very uncomfortable situation, much more tolerable.

Stay tuned.... we have more video to come over the next 48 hours.

Watch the newest HERE!

Winter Storm Virgil in North Carolina!

Again, in this short first month of our adventure, we find ourselves in a forced zero situation. The crappy weather that has plagued us for the past three weeks is continuing and we are currently in the middle of 'Winter Storm Virgil' near the Nantahala Outdoor Center, in Bryson City, NC.

The past two days, we hiked 20 miles in the most ridiculous weather, rain, misting, walking in and through clouds, slogging through ankle deep mud and yesterday, hiking 7 miles DOWNHILL in a blizzard.

Not your ordinary snowstorm. I mean, 55 mph winds, determined to push us off the side of the mountain and whip our faces raw with snow, like ground glass. We slid on our butts, down switchbacks made of giant boulders, hanging on for dear life to tree branches that hung by our sides. My knees feel the pain of every footfall going downhill. Most people are thrilled at the prospect of not doing huge climbs and dread the days of 3000' climbs. BUT, I'd rather climb uphill every day, all day, than go downhill.... Any day. 

We (5 of us) are 'stuck' in a tiny cabin made for 2, along with all our gear, AND Charlie, because the shuttle driver cannot make it up the mountain to get us. 8" more of fresh snow fell last night. Even our things on the enclosed porch were snow covered this morning. 

So, here's where we'll sit today, going over gear, packing things we'll bump ahead to continue our quest to eliminate weight and work on various tasks.... Two of which are a jigsaw puzzle and another taking a nap on a couch made for humans.

I'm going to rest my knee and enjoy the day of not pounding it. In just two short days, we'll have to turn Charlie over to the kennel that will watch him while we 'cruise' through the Smoky Mountains, (dogs are not allowed in the park). It will be a tough 6 days for us.... Highest elevations for us thus far, longer distances between shelters, (tenting not allowed, must stay in shelters), no Charlie AND the Smoky's have just received a fresh couple of feet of snow! Weather is predicted to improve, but it's still going to be tough going.

I'm remaining confident that if I can get this knee through the Smokies.... I can make it all the way! 

We've endured the worst AT winter weather in history, people are leaving the trail due to the weather and injuries due to the weather and were still here. We're strong and it can't stay winter forever!

"Whether you think you can or can't, you're right." Henry Ford

watch the newest video from TNT on the Trail here!!!!!

A Week of Trials and Tribulations- Hiking the Appalachian Trail

The weather still is our biggest obstacle, and not really an obstacle as much as a nuisance. Freezing water every morning, frozen toothpaste and the ever frozen butt wipes. (As referred to by Tom in a previous video). We rely on those wipes for more than wiping our hands! If you know what I mean....and those are pretty chilly on the nether regions in the early morning!

The list of companion hikers we've met or have spent time hiking with is growing daily.... So very many interesting people! Kids of all ages and the older group with which we find ourselves most often. 

Leaving our zero time at Hiawassee was exciting...zero days are nice, but it's nice to get back out. We've been separated from the 'real world' long enough, that its a bit of sensory overload going into town for too long. The noise, the people, the smoke. It's stunning how many people in the south smoke!!!! 

Two notable things happened this week.... Our first day back out, late into the day, we crossed our first state line into North Carolina!! It was a pretty tough hike for most of the day OUT of Georgia and then all of a sudden, we walk upon this very unpretentious sign bolted to a tree announcing our arrival in North Carolina. Simple sign. Simple proclamation. But for us, monumentous and for me personally, worth shedding a few tears. 

It's been an emotional week for me ( Socks), not sure why. The reality of what we've taken on sometimes hits me like a thunderbolt and it scares the snot out of me. The grueling and non-stop cold weather is getting old and the terrain in North Carolina only exceeds that of Georgia. The climbs are getting more difficult and more rocky....like scrambling over boulders, hand over hand. 

In fact I had the first major meltdown coming over Albert Mountain a couple of days ago. It was the hardest to date, climb for me physically. My short legs couldn't make the climb, from one foothold to the next and using the trekking poles was proving useless, so I literally had to crawl on my hands and already very sore knees to the next boulder, all the while terrified that I'd fall backwards down the mountain if I lost my balance. One half way up the 300 ft. scramble, I just fell apart and sobbed against the nearest tree. I was overcome with fear. Fear of falling, fear of not being able to scale the mountain, fear of what worse might be ahead..... But I pulled myself together, pulled up my big girl panties and crawled up that sucker. Dirty handed and scraped kneed, I found some strength somewhere and by God, didn't fall off the mountain. Everyday, a small victory is to be found!

Late this week, we've met a new group of young hikers from all over and are getting quite an education! Hermes, Detour, Hollywood, Clever Girl and Dump Truck. The little recreational time we have together is mostly talking about why we're here and dreams of life after "the trail."  Yesterday I got an informative lesson on Crust Punks and their lifestyle..... And I thought we were nomads? Or some would say, 'Gypsy's with money.'

Today is a zero, with an unplanned extra day here in Franklin, NC. Yesterday, I stumbled down a corner on a switchback and torqued my 'good' left knee. Had to make a trip into the local Urgent Care for a check. 

Thankfully nothing structural, but soft tissue swelling and lots of discomfort. Steroids, pain pills, a brace and an extra day off will do the trick. In the meantime, I'm doing laundry, of which I'm drying in the parking lot of the motel along with all the other hiker trash perched outside here doing various things from reading maps to catching some sun for a change! 

Till further down the trail, Dreamer, Socks and Charlie!

Check out the newest video of a couple of old farts taking their time along the trail.

Team TNT's Final Blog Post & Video from Home!

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Dreamer here,

It has been almost exactly one year since our first Blog post announcing our intentions to attempt a thru-hike of the Appalachian Trail.  I believe this is Blog post number 72.  Terri & I have tried our best to describe: our intentions, our feelings, planning and logistics, clothing and gear, as well as all things Charlie our dog.  Hopefully, if you are considering a journey like this, our Blog posts will be of benefit to you.

We now have 168 “likes” on our Facebook page at: facebook.com/tntonthetrail, mostly friends and family trying to keep up with the adventures of Team TNT.  Terri has had lots of fun connecting with so many of you and she will be all things Facebook, as our trek continues.

We are approaching 200 “followers” on Twitter!  Simply amazing!  Five months ago, I did not even know what a tweet was.  And now we have people from all over the world, most of which I have no idea who they are.  All I know is they are interested in two old farts planning for and soon to be attempting thru-hike of the A.T.  For Team TNT, I will be all things Twitter.  I will do my best to upload photos and video as we move North from Springer Mountain.

Until last summer, I really had never seriously taken an interest in shooting or working with video on a computer.  Now, I find it my delight using my video camera and working with Final Cut X in order to produce fun and hopefully informative videos.  As I write this we have had over 1,700 views on 17 videos at: youtube.com/tntonthetrail.  Again, amazing!  I cannot begin to tell you how much I am looking forward to capturing as much as possible as Terri, Charlie & I move up the trail towards Mt. Katahdin.  My plan is to send my computer to places along the trail where we will be taking a break and during those down times, work on creating some short videos for YouTube.  I will then mail the SD Cards with the finished projects to my son-in-law Nate to upload them for me from home.  Nate, I cannot begin to tell you how much I appreciate your willingness to take this on for me!

Our last video can be found here: http://youtu.be/wFc_5dwzvWE       Terri & I are attempting to do our best at showing our appreciation for all of you that have played such an important role in our lives and this great adventure we are standing on the threshold of.  Our next post will be from the Appalachian Trail!!!

 

~Team TNT

PS Thanks to Jason Gray “Good to be Alive” and  “Remind me who I am in You”.  Your music helps the pictures and video come to life!

Charlie's Clothing & Gear - Final on Appalachian Trail Prep

Dreamer here,

We are now a week and one day from beginning the adventure of a lifetime for Terri & I!!  The excitement seems to build with each passing day!!  I am finding it difficult to describe the feelings I am experiencing.  It is far different than anything I have ever felt before.  The bookends of these feelings go from being soooo excited I could squirt; to, waves of what seem like absolute terror!  We are mostly ready; however, Terri & I still have lists of things to be completed.  Unless a meteor hits Laingsburg (or some equally devastating event) we will be leaving Michigan on Tuesday, February 26^th for all points South.

The video here (http://youtu.be/xNBBBlrVH2E) fulfills an early promise on videos and information regarding our clothing and gear.  Months ago I started with two episodes on my stuff.  You can also find a video on Terri’s items she will be taking and wearing.  The process of how Terri has prepared our meals and the logistics associated with planning for a six month journey can also be found.  And now, the last video in that early promise, “All things Charlie.”

For all of you dog lovers out there, you will find this video appropriate.  For others, this will appear excessive; nonetheless, Charlie means the world to us and that is all that matters.  There is no doubt that I will be carrying extra weight because of our decision to take Charlie with us.  That may be a decision we regret in the end.  And it may be the best decision we ever made!  We’ll keep you posted…

~Team TNT

Charlie’s Clothing and Gear List

5.1oz - Thermo rest Z-Lite Pad

6.0oz – Boots by Ruff Wear

25oz - Back Pack (Palisades) by Ruff Wear

9.9oz – Outer Insulated Jacket by Sooters Friends

7.5oz – 3-Layer Rain Jacket by Hurta

6.1oz – Insulated Jacket (Cloud Chaser) by Ruff Wear

8.1oz – Fleece Jacket by Apache River

3.5oz – Pack Cover

3.3oz – 6’ Retractable Leash

0.7oz – Collapsible Dog Bowl

0.2oz – 12’ of Tie Out Cord

4.4oz – Trekker (Stuffed Animal)

64oz – Dog Food (4-2cup Bags) “4 Days”

0.3oz – Plastic Poop Bags

12oz – Treats “4 Days”

Terri's "Feminine Attire for the Trail - Appalachian Trail Prep

Dreamer here,

Ok, ok…  I hear you out there!  I know I promised this a long time ago!  There is no question, there are far more women interested in what Terri will be wearing/carrying as far as “Feminine Attire” than men interested in mine.  Or at least more vocal about it…  The YouTube video here:  http://youtu.be/eOFTMNGWwX0  should answer most questions related to female clothing.  If not, please let us know.  We would be especially eager to hear from those of you that are past AT Thru-Hikers and have recommendations or thoughts on items we may be missing!  Come one, come all, we would welcome your feedback!!

For those of you wondering, we will not be carrying all if these items for six months.  The list of clothing represented here is for cold weather hiking only.  More than likely, we will carry most if not all this until mid May to late May.  After that we will change out our cold weather clothing for summer weight items that will include not only clothing, but gear such as lighter sleeping bags, pads etc.  And then if needed, we’ll have these items returned to us later when we reach New Hampshire and Maine, especially if we are still hiking in late September or early October.

Terri’s Clothing/Equipment she may be wearing or carrying includes:

18.6 oz            Nikon 1 V1 Camera w/10-30 lens

7.4oz               Nikon 30 – 110 zoom lens

3.0oz               Speedlight Flash (SB-N5) w/case

3.0oz               Extra Nikon Lithium Battery

4.8oz               iphone

2.9oz               Additional iphone juice pack by Mophie

0.4oz               Headphones

38.0oz             Vasque hightop Goretex Boots

1.9oz               Merino wool socks by Smartwool

6.7oz               Insulated long underware by Underarmour

6.9oz               Long sleeve ¾ zip “Caprilene” shirt by Patagonia

7.8oz               Synthetic vest by Arc’Teryx

3.8oz               Wife beater merino wool shirt by Ice Breaker

6.6oz               Nylon lycra skirt by Isis

7.6oz               3-layer jacket by GoLite

3.5oz               Windshirt “Houdini” by Pataonia

3.2oz               Underware by Reebok

2.2oz               Sportsbra by Patagonia

1.9oz               Nylon Gloves

8.4oz               Gortex rain pants by Marmont

Terri’s “Safe Clothing” she will be carrying in pack

2.5oz               Trash Compactor Bag – Pack Liner

1.8oz               Night cap by Smartwool

2.5oz               Sleeping socks by Smartwool

15.4oz             Synthetic insulated jacket by GoLite

11.2oz             Synthetic sweater w/hood by Patagonia

7.1oz               Long Johns “Caprilene” by Patagonia

7.1oz               Long sleeve insulated shirt by Underarmour

0.9oz               Baboushka

8.9oz               Crocs (camp shoes)

2.6oz               ULA Pack Cover

12.1oz             Tarp Poncho by Sea-to-Summit

7.6oz               Camelbak w/hose

1.0oz               Headnet by Sea-to-Summit

1.6oz               Over Mittens “3-Layer” by Mountain Laurel Designs

0.7oz               Face Cream in contact case

0.6oz               Reading Glasses

0.7oz               Hair pick

Even though Terri & I are somewhat experienced backpackers, we would readily admit we have a lot to learn in the long-distance, multi-season hiking arena; however, we know one thing for sure: proper clothing and gear do not guarantee success thru-hiking.  We know it is not about the gear!  That being said, we also know that without the proper gear, it can make what is important to long-distance hiking potentially miserable.

~Dreamer

Catching up, some details and our request of all of you!

Dreamer here,

Terri, Charlie & I will actually be leaving Michigan three weeks from today for Springer Mountain, Georgia!  It is all so surreal.  After dreaming about this for so many years, and now after actively preparing for months, the moment of seeing our dream come to life is near.  Standing on top of Springer Mountain 24 days from today will be one of THE thrills of my life.  Standing there in that moment, actually visualizing this great dream, come true!  WOW….

Terri & I want to thank all you for your support!  Comments in multiple places, texts, phone calls, E-Mails and cards have surrounded us with your love and encouragement.  We are so grateful for all of you!  Amazingly, our Blog is currently reaching 7,000 visits!  Our YouTube Channel is approaching 1,500 views!  Our friends on Twitter are close to 250!  And our TNT Facebook page is getting close to 125 likes.  All of this is unbelievable for Terri & I.  After all, we haven’t even started our trip yet!

Even though we are uncertain exactly how all of our communication will actually work while we are out on the trail, we know a couple things for sure.  IMPORTANT – Terri & I will NOT be accessing our personal Facebook pages while we are away.  (Facebook.com/tntonthetrail) is the only Facebook page we will be updating.  So please, if you would like to get as regular as possible updates via Facebook, LIKE US on our TNT Facebook account.  Also, our Twitter handle is: tntonthetrail.  (If you have not already noticed this, Terri works with Facebook and I work with Twitter.)  I will be updating Twitter with lots of information and pictures (via Instagram) whenever I have a signal.  We will also be updating our Blog as often as possible with our location and experiences.  Lastly, it is our goal to document as much of our trip as possible with video, and we will be uploading to YouTube as often as we can produce videos and have the bandwidth to get them posted.

Finally, Terri & I have a request for all of you.  For those of you that have been within 6 feet of us for the past few weeks know that we are building a video montage of “Encouragement” from our family and friends.  It would mean so much to us if you would take a second and create a short video (use your phone) with some personal and encouraging words for us.  It is our hope to watch these clips during low moments while on the trail.  Being reminded of your friendship with encouragement would mean a lot to us!  Please send them to: Thomas.Shaver1@gmail.com.

See you down the trail,

~Dreamer

A Well Apppointed Dog on the Appalachian Trail - Charlie

Dreamer here,

Taking Charlie our dog with us on our Appalachian Trail Thru-Hike attempt is non-negotiable.  So please, hold your “I told you so” until we return from the trail.  This may be the worst decision we make with regards to our hike.  Oh well, Charlie is going with us.  And yes, there will be a serious cost!

Having Charlie along will mean there will be many places we will be unable to stay because they are not pet friendly.  And those places that are pet friendly add a pet fee for up to $40 per night!  Charlie will potentially be a hassle in and around the shelters.  Some hikers do not appreciate mans best friend, so we will have to be careful when in those situations.  More than likely, this will mean we have to stay in our tent in inclement weather when it would be easier to simply roll out our bags inside the shelter.

There are two places on the trail that simply do not allow pets of any kind: Smokey Mountain National Park and Baxter State Park in Maine.  So, in those places we have to pay transportation and kennel fees while Terri & I are hiking through those places.  Not cheap!  About $400 each depending on exactly how many days it takes us hike-through those parks.

The U.S. Mail will also like us.  All of Charlie’s meals and treats will come to us prepackaged from home, but the shipping charges are not free.  And there will also be those occasions when Terri & I would like to sit down in a restaurant and dine in when able.  Guess what, those places do not allow Charlie.  If we can’t get a spot by the window so that we can watch him, we may have to eat separately.

Last but not least, every hikers enemy, weight!  Charlie will carry his own food, treats and one jacket; but guess who will have to carry the other 3 – 4 pounds?  You got it, Dreamer!  For those of you that know Charlie, you know he is well trained (not perfect) and acts more like a human than a dog.  He is a “Feist”, a breed from the South, Mississippi or Alabama and bread to hunt varmints.  And he does it well.  However, his Achilles Heel is cold.  Being from the South, he does not tolerate the cold very well.  That explains all the insulated jackets you will see below in his equipment and clothing list.

All that being said, we cannot leave him home!  Charlie is a hiking fool and loves being in the woods.  For those of you that know us, Charlie is more than a dog to us.  He is like having another child.   In our opinion the love that he gives us will more than compensate for all the obvious issues.  We’ll see…  Like I said before, this may be one of those decisions we regret, but for now, we go with our hearts.

Charlie’s Clothing and Gear List

5.1oz - Thermo rest Z-Lite Pad

6.0oz – Boots by Ruff Wear

25oz - Back Pack (Palisades) by Ruff Wear

9.9oz – Outer Insulated Jacket by Sooters Friends

7.5oz – 3-Layer Rain Jacket by Hurta

6.1oz – Insulated Jacket (Cloud Chaser) by Ruff Wear

8.1oz – Fleece Jacket by Apache River

3.5oz – Pack Cover

3.3oz – 6’ Retractable Leash

0.7oz – Collapsible Dog Bowl

0.2oz – 12’ of Tie Out Cord

4.4oz – Trekker (Stuffed Animal)

64oz – Dog Food (4-2cup Bags) “4 Days”

0.3oz – Plastic Poop Bags

12oz – Treats “4 Days”

At this point, Charlie will carry his own: food, treats, poop bags, tie out cord, collapsible bowl, pack cover, shoes and backpack.  I will carry the rest.

As always, I would love to hear your feedback and comments,

~Dreamer

PS In our Bounce Box, we will carry Charlie’s extra items like: toothbrush and toothpaste nail clippers and Heartworm pills.

Electronics and Accessories on the Trail - Appalachian Trail Prep

Dreamer here,

In the past few days, Terri & I have been asked over and over again two questions about out Appalachian Trail (thru-hike attempt) backpacking adventure: What are you doing about food on the trail (can you really carry six months worth of food ;-) and are you taking your phone, camera, Kindle etc.  In this post, I will attempt the take on the question about electronics and accessories on the trail.  Terri & I together will work on the food question for our next entry.

First of all, here is a list of all the electronics and accessories I will be carrying:

·      Sony HDR-CX580 Video camera  (12.2)

·      Video Camera Case (7.4oz)

·      Sennheiser Boom Microphone MKE-400 (4.5oz)

·      Two Extra Batteries for Video Camera (3.1oz)

·      Video Camera Battery Charger (3.1oz)

·      Two extra SD Cards SDHC1 32 Gig (0.1oz)

·      Iphone (4.8oz)

·      Charging Cable for iphone (1.4oz)

·      Energizer (AA battery) charger for iphone (2.6oz w batteries)

·      Mophie External Battery for iphone (2.9oz)

·      Mophie External Battery Charging Cable (0.8oz)

·      Ear Phones (0.7oz)

·      Kindle “Paperwhite” with Case (7.2oz)

·      Kindle “Paperwhite” Charging Cable (1.1oz)

·      Sony Audio Recorder with AAA Battery (1.9oz)

·      Shuffle ipod (0.5oz)

·      Shuffle ipod Charging Cable (1.2oz)

·      Suunto “Observer” Watch (3.0oz)

·      Multi-Use AC Adapter (1.0oz)

Check out the You Tube Video on Electronics and Accessories on the Trail:   http://youtu.be/vSlVl9Aqe9w

The total load is a touch under 3.5 pounds.  I can hear it now, some of you will be thinking, “WOW, not too bad for all that stuff!”  While others will be writing to tell me what an idiot I am for taking all that crap!  More than likely, as our journey progresses, this list will change and we will downsize a bit.  Believe me, I have put a lot of time into researching this list of items, and every one of them have a purpose.

Here are my thoughts on the items specifically:

·      Terri & I hope to use the video camera to document our journey with as much quality video as possible for all the reasons stated many times in previous Blog posts.

·      The video camera case stores the camera in such a way (On the chest strap of my backpack.) that I can easily pull it out whenever I need to.  And it is a hard case in order to protect it when I am falling multiple times on the trail.

·      The Sennheiser microphone has the best audio possible.  I experimented with many other options and this I believe is the best overall.  I have used lapel microphones and the wires are either an issue or the weight and complexity of wireless microphones make them prohibitive.  I do know, it is just as important to have good audio as it is good video.  I have watched many You Tube videos as well as DVD movies, and when the audio is not right, it is simply not right.

·      I have extra SD Cards, because as a part of my strategy to back up my video, I plan on rotating these periodically through the mail with my son-in-law who will load them on an external drive at home for safekeeping.  (In the mean time, each time we meet up with our Bounce Box, I will load all my video on my computer as well as an external hard drive.)

·      I will rotate three video camera batteries. (NP FV-50)

·      My iphone is one key piece of gear.  Mentioning only a few of its anticipated functions: phone, text, photos, chess with a friend, internet, maps, GPS (For marking our position for our Blog occasionally.) updating our Blog, Twitter, Facebook, music, talking books, E-Mail, weather, radio, etc.  My phone is a few years old, so I recently had a new battery installed.

·      External “Mophie Juice Pack” Battery for my iphone.  The iphone smartly slides right into the external charger and acts like a phone cover/protector.  This adds 1500mAh, or about a full charge and a half to the internal battery in the phone.

·      Energizer Battery Charger for the iphone.  In an emergency this unit with two AA lithium batteries will charge the iphone 1 ½ times.

·      The Kindle speaks for itself.  For less than a half of a pound, I can have all the books I want!  And if I turn off the wireless feature, the internal battery will easily last between town visits.  Plus, because it is the “Paper White” version, I need no other light source in order to read in low light conditions.

·      The Sony Audio Recorder is one thing that is unused and untested on the trail for Terri & I.  We hope to journal of course and this may be a way to ensure we get as much as possible collected.  We’ll see…

·      The ipod shuffle…  This may be redundant.  We’ll see…  The iphone works just fine for music and talking books, so, this may be one thing we return rather quickly.

·      My Suunto “Observer” Watch.  I cannot imagine hiking with no timepiece.  Besides, this watch has the ability to provide me with: elevation, barometer, temperature, compass, timer and alarm clock.  I have had it for many years and it works nicely.

·      Lastly, the AC multi-use adapter is another ounce that may be sent home rather quickly.  All this is designed to do is allow us to charge three devices at once, from one outlet.  In other words, if we pull off the trail and stop into a gas station / convenience store and ask if we can charge our phones, we will actually be able to charge several things at the same time.

We welcome your comments and suggestions!  We have a lot to learn!!

~Dreamer

 

Jazzing up a staple.... Ramen redone!

Terri here,

In an effort to prepare meals that are: lite, good tasting, filling and easy, I have taken a backpacking staple and jazzed it up a bit!  Most everyone on the trail has eaten Ramen Noodles at one time or another.  Some hikers eat it almost every day, while others can only stomach it when it is the last option in the food bag.  Dreamer and I enjoy Ramen occasionally right out of the bag; however, I think you will find that this recipe will bring your noodles a bit higher in the food bag options.

Check out the video at:  http://youtu.be/NoSj3iMpXdQ

Recipe

1 – Ramen Noodle package, including the seasoning

1/2 cup – Dried ground beef

Hand full of dried mushrooms

Pinch of ground red pepper

Tablespoon of chicken gravy mix

Other options:

Dried vegetables

Dried Zucchini

Dried Onions

Dried Red Peppers

Dried jalapenos

Any dried vegetables you might have (Just Veggies have many freeze dried options)