Tired Old Farts on the AT in October

“Okay, let's get another headcount. So far, Big Coop and katibug have said no for sure. Currently the dates are Oct. 21-25, but I don't have any problems with changing those dates. Who all is still interested?”

“Just about any date in Oct. is fine for me.”

“Okay, one down, two still going...anybody else? Ewker? Tx?”

“right now you can count me in but shortly I will have to tell them at work I need off for a week. Looks like the company I work for is hiring another salesman, just hope it isn't for my position. I should be able to give you a answer on the Sispey trip.”

“Okay, cool, that's two yeses and a strong possible.”

“As I metnioned I will not be able to make the hike. The main reason was that I have a limited number of vacation days and I am concerned about spenind that many of them away from my family this year (new baby girl and all). Solution? I'm still spending that week in the North Georgia Mountains but will be staying in a cabin outside of Blairsville. I will probably still check out Springer, Walasi Yi and perhaps Blood Mountain or Brasstown Bald. I'll just have to pick up the bag nights (and the AT mileage) on my next trip.

It will be great to see the Autumn colors (we get so little here in FL) and to light the fire on the crisp October nights.

You all have a great hike and I'll catch you next time!”

“It's hard to spend time away from them when they're little. I know when I'd go on business trips when my daughter was little, when I'd come back, she was different. So enjoy the time while you can, BC. They're only little once.”

“I'm still in.”

“Okay cool. That makes four.”

“BTW, only about 5 weeks until this trip. StoveStomper, you still going to be able to shuttle?

We can work the meeting time and place two ways. We can either meet at Woody Gap Monday morning, and have the shuttle take us back to Woody Gap from Unicoi Gap on Friday, or we can meet at Unicoi Gap Monday morning, and have the shuttle take us to Woody Gap, and when we make it to Unicoi Gap, everyone (except the shuttle driver) hops in their car and goes home. In either case, someone will need to help the shuttle driver either drop their vehicle off at Unicoi Monday, or take them back to their vehicle on Friday.

Friday's mileage is short, so that might be the best day to do the shuttling. I plan on getting there a day early, so I can help with these logistics if necessary.

In case no one can do the shuttling, I am checking with a shuttle service for their rates on that shuttle.”

“I will be able to shuttle if needed.
There is a chance I may have to use my pickup rather than my mini-van. Got to check a CV joint in the van.
I say have everyone meet at the end point and we'll shuttle to the start point (providing I have a ride BACK to the van).
Unless something big comes up, I'll be on the Sispey trip and we can talk about more final plans.”

“I can give you a ride back no problem. I'm also thinking about doing Brasstown Bald on Friday after we're done with the main trip. If you don't mind a side trip, let's do that too. If you're not up for it, that's cool too.”

“Are the dates locked in?
I need to put in a leave request to my supervisor so I KNOW I'll get the week off.”

“With 5 weeks to go, I guess I gotta say yes.”

“Less than three weeks to go now.

My list for the trip looks like this:

myself
StoveStomper
Ewker
luise

I'm looking for us to start out fairly early on Monday, October 21, from Unicoi Gap, then have StoveStomper shuttle us to Woody Gap. Since we have about a 7 mile day on Monday, I'd like to get started as early as possible. What's the earliest people can be there? I'll already be in the area, so I'll likely be there first thing in the morning.”

“I'll be in the area by Sunday night.

Know any good "cheap" hotels?”

“I think there are a couple in Helen, GA, which isn't too far away. This might be their high season though, so you might want to try Dahlonega.”

“tired old farts don't worry me as much a fresh new farts...”

“Looks like I'm not going to have my kidney stone problems cleared up in time to go.
When back to the doc yesterday to get my stent out (I thought).
After xray the doc said I still have three pieces of the stone that have not passed. The stent has to stay in and I'll have to do the ultrasoundstoneblaster again next week and the stent will be in for another week after that.

This really $ucks big time. I feel like I'm letting my fellow old farts down. My new Henry Shires TarpTent came last week and I can not wait to try it out.
Looks like my backpacking is on hold for quite a while.

#$%&%##^^&^#$^%^&%%$(Potty Mouth can interpret)Missed the Sipsey trip and now the old farts AT trip.

There is a small chance I will get the stent out before the trip, and if so I plan to make the trip, but don't count on me.”

“OK...it's understandable StoveStomper...I know I wouldn't want to be two days in the backcountry and start to pass a stone...owie....

So that's narrowed the field down to:

bitpusher
luise
Ewker


If you two are still planning to go, please let me know...”

“bitpusher, looks like I am going to have to miss this one. Between work and home I just can't off for a week right now.”

“OK...that makes two...anybody else wanna go? lol....”

“bit -- wish I could join you but no chance.

Why don't you come to Maine this weekend instead?”

“Too far to drive! Plus I have already arranged the time off and all that. Wish I could come to Maine though, it sounds like a fun hike...”

“Meet me in central NJ in...47 hours. I'll drive up from there. C'mon bit. Opportunity only knocks once.”

“I appreciate it Fritz, but I've got too much other stuff going on right now to go this weekend.”

“OK, bummer. Maybe next time.”

“I hope so. Maine's on my list of places to hike. All part of my AT strategy...”

“Getting packed up right now. Father Goose and I are headed to Pipestem, WV for the ALDHA Gathering, then back down to Georgia for 5 days on the AT, Woody Gap to Unicoi Gap. Wish y'all could've come along, it's gonna be fun....


Y'all have a good week, we probably won't be back until Oct. 25 or so.”

“bit, you and FG have a great time and lets see lots of pics when you get back.
Sorry I couldn't make this trip...grrrrr”

“I still have that damn stent in me.
I sure do wish I was able to go.
I had been planning for months.
You guys please take a lot of pixs to post.
Maybe in a couple of weeks I can get back to normal and will be kidney stone fragment free.
Hike safe!”

“Yall have Fun!!!”

“Bit & FG - hope y'all have a safe trip.
StoveStomper - Good luck with your recovery. Wish we could have met at Sipsey.”

“im going to be on the georgia AT the first five days of january. im looking for someone to go with, for company, safety, and so i dont have to double back, and therefore see more.”

“The family and I are heading up to Blairsville (North Georgia) tomorrow to spend a few days at a cabin - hiking, watching the autumn colors, reading, relaxing and seeing some of the sights. We'll probably see Brasstown Bald, some of Blood Mtn, Walasi Yi, Neels Gap, Unicoi Gap, Amicolola and if I'm feeling adventurous - Springer. Should be fun.”

“You'll like the Georgia section. Sirpete and I are doing a week long stretch from Springer to ? in North Carolina in Feb.”

“Have fun Big Coop!!

The leafs are starting to turn!”