Friday, June 29, 2012
Pictures on the AT June 2012
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Mile 799
Mile 799
While on a 20 mile slack pack I came across some literature posted on a board , it explained that I was about to enter 1.4 miles of the abandoned remains of the Brown Mountain Creek Community, which was a small farming community of freed slaves from the mid 1800's to early 1900's
As I walked hair stood up on back of my neck and tears welled in my eyes to think that my ancestors lived here and thrived. To think what they must of been up against in that time. I have never felt more connected to my heritage until now. Walking through along side the creek you can see rock retaining walls, foundations, and some stone walkways are incorporated right in the trail it's self. It was a humbling experience to think how far we have come, from some one telling us we were no longer someone else's property and many in the deep south not even knowing they were free till the mid 1930's smh to trail blazers and trend setters that my people have become in all walks of life.
If you would like to learn more about this community and get an understanding of what I got to see and experienced while walking through this part of the AT go to:
http://www.nbatc.org/1992Interview.htm
Till next time
Nomad
Check out the New Pics Below...
Crazy Frog
Way Point, Eastern Continental Divide
Tinker Cliffs
Amazing, atop the mountains of Otter in VA
Suspension Bridge
Rock Retaining Wall
Rock Walk Way
Stone Chimney
While on a 20 mile slack pack I came across some literature posted on a board , it explained that I was about to enter 1.4 miles of the abandoned remains of the Brown Mountain Creek Community, which was a small farming community of freed slaves from the mid 1800's to early 1900's
As I walked hair stood up on back of my neck and tears welled in my eyes to think that my ancestors lived here and thrived. To think what they must of been up against in that time. I have never felt more connected to my heritage until now. Walking through along side the creek you can see rock retaining walls, foundations, and some stone walkways are incorporated right in the trail it's self. It was a humbling experience to think how far we have come, from some one telling us we were no longer someone else's property and many in the deep south not even knowing they were free till the mid 1930's smh to trail blazers and trend setters that my people have become in all walks of life.
If you would like to learn more about this community and get an understanding of what I got to see and experienced while walking through this part of the AT go to:
http://www.nbatc.org/1992Interview.htm
Till next time
Nomad
Check out the New Pics Below...
300 Year Old Oak Tree, biggest on AT
Meadow At Dusk
Aqua Blazing 80 Miles through Shenandoah's
The Bald Up From Brown Mountain Creek Community
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Father's Day
Father's Day
17 June
What can I say, probably not enough. I love my father, the values and knowledge he has instilled in me speaks volumes as to the type of man I have become. I was fortunate to grow up in a house where I saw my Father every day. I emphasize Father because any man can create a child, but a father is designated to those men who take the time to instill the qualities that are needed for a child to grow and learn from his or her mistakes, develop ambition and an ability to pass on sound knowledge to others and one day his or her own children.. I appreciate the sacrifices that he has made in the name of our family. When I look in the mirror , the man I see starring back is a direct reflection of my father Richard Carl Cochran. I am blessed to have you in my life, and the love and respect I have for you is unmeasurable. Happy Fathers Day!!!
I want to say Happy Fathers Day to
My Brother Mike, uncle Joe, Uncle Gene, uncle Cliff, Matt Thomas, Ron and Larry Harper, Dr. Fuchs, Mr. Mabry and Moose.
And any other Fathers out there I failed to mention.
-Nomad
Sent from my iPhone
17 June
What can I say, probably not enough. I love my father, the values and knowledge he has instilled in me speaks volumes as to the type of man I have become. I was fortunate to grow up in a house where I saw my Father every day. I emphasize Father because any man can create a child, but a father is designated to those men who take the time to instill the qualities that are needed for a child to grow and learn from his or her mistakes, develop ambition and an ability to pass on sound knowledge to others and one day his or her own children.. I appreciate the sacrifices that he has made in the name of our family. When I look in the mirror , the man I see starring back is a direct reflection of my father Richard Carl Cochran. I am blessed to have you in my life, and the love and respect I have for you is unmeasurable. Happy Fathers Day!!!
I want to say Happy Fathers Day to
My Brother Mike, uncle Joe, Uncle Gene, uncle Cliff, Matt Thomas, Ron and Larry Harper, Dr. Fuchs, Mr. Mabry and Moose.
And any other Fathers out there I failed to mention.
-Nomad
Sent from my iPhone
Mile 726
Mile 726
16 June
A few things -
I would have to say yesterday was one of the most amazing days on the AT that I have experienced so far.
We started with a 26 mile slack pack from 4 pines Hostel. Pack or no pack 26 miles is the longest distance I have ever traveled in one direction at any one time , I still can't really comprehend how far that is, but it was a marathon over mountains smh crazy! But we did it.
I had and amazing picture taken on mackafee knob, which is a spiritual waypoint on the AT. After that was tinker cliffs , another amazing view. So I come down off the mountain in to a gully, and I see in front a fawn( baby deer) u kidding me. You could live your entire life and not see a fawn in the wild! A humbling experience , I kept looking around for the mom as to not get stomped by a 300 lb deer lol. I got it on video. Check it out!!!! till next time
-Nomad
Sent from my iPhone
16 June
A few things -
I would have to say yesterday was one of the most amazing days on the AT that I have experienced so far.
We started with a 26 mile slack pack from 4 pines Hostel. Pack or no pack 26 miles is the longest distance I have ever traveled in one direction at any one time , I still can't really comprehend how far that is, but it was a marathon over mountains smh crazy! But we did it.
I had and amazing picture taken on mackafee knob, which is a spiritual waypoint on the AT. After that was tinker cliffs , another amazing view. So I come down off the mountain in to a gully, and I see in front a fawn( baby deer) u kidding me. You could live your entire life and not see a fawn in the wild! A humbling experience , I kept looking around for the mom as to not get stomped by a 300 lb deer lol. I got it on video. Check it out!!!! till next time
-Nomad
Sent from my iPhone
Mile 622
Mile 622
10 June
I have decided to write content that will help readers and projected thru hikers alike , better understand the Nature of the AT.
A few days ago I was chatting with a thru hiker at a shelter and the the question he posed to me was " why are you hiking the AT" normally I respond with some politically correct term such as , getting back to basics and getting out if the system. This time I thought to myself for a second the true nature of a Thru hiker; and I responded " well I gess we all are running from something , or in search of something else". And realistically speaking it's true. He responds dude, that's about the best way I have heard it put. I think alot of it revolves around me finally putting to rest some of the Demons I have battled or come across while on deployment and there after. I wanted to finally clear my head, and try to put what I have learned; putting it to good use so others could benifit. And I will; help that is , other veterans and aspiring veterans prepare themselves for the animal that awaits once they sign the dotted line to join and to leave the military. I guess that's my inspirational rant for now lol.
-Nomad
Sent from my iPhone
10 June
I have decided to write content that will help readers and projected thru hikers alike , better understand the Nature of the AT.
A few days ago I was chatting with a thru hiker at a shelter and the the question he posed to me was " why are you hiking the AT" normally I respond with some politically correct term such as , getting back to basics and getting out if the system. This time I thought to myself for a second the true nature of a Thru hiker; and I responded " well I gess we all are running from something , or in search of something else". And realistically speaking it's true. He responds dude, that's about the best way I have heard it put. I think alot of it revolves around me finally putting to rest some of the Demons I have battled or come across while on deployment and there after. I wanted to finally clear my head, and try to put what I have learned; putting it to good use so others could benifit. And I will; help that is , other veterans and aspiring veterans prepare themselves for the animal that awaits once they sign the dotted line to join and to leave the military. I guess that's my inspirational rant for now lol.
-Nomad
Sent from my iPhone
Friday, June 15, 2012
A must see! Joys of the Appalachian Trail....
You could live your whole life and never something like this! A must see!!
This is what happens when you walk 26 miles in one direction! Long Island Ice Tea Baby!
(Taking a Pit-Stop)
This is what happens when you walk 26 miles in one direction! Long Island Ice Tea Baby!
(Taking a Pit-Stop)
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Looking for Sponsors, Donations and Media Requests....
»For all media related questions, contact: Combatrepreneur(at)Gmail.Com
»If you are interested in sponsoring ATREK 2012,
or if you have a question regarding sponsorship, contact: Combatrepreneur(at)Gmail.Com
»To contact Nomad Directly, use: Combatrepreneur(at)Gmail.Com
We're looking for monetary, in-kind donations, media support and exposure.....
Nomad - Appalachian Trail ... Please help us help others and support the Appalachian trail Hike 2012. Any and all donations and support will go towards admin and logistics to complete a 5 month 2,180 mile Hike of the Appalachian Trail on April 1, 2012 for the warrior-support foundation. All funds generated from the Hike will go directly toward supporting the warrior-support Foundation complete its immediate goal to bridge the gap between Post war veterans and organizations ready to help immediately. Thank You For Your Support For questions about how you can help contact us at : Combatrepreneur@Gmail.Com Or By Donating At: http://www.gofundme.com/c7ch4
View my complete profile
http://www.gofundme.com/c7ch4
Thank you!
-Chris aka Nomad
Virginia Section of Appalachian Trail
Suspension Bridge Outside of Bland, Virginia- Where Leif Was Stung By a Bee.
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Mile 589
Mile 589
6 June
I have decided to call this portion of our hike simply ; EATING for our insatiable yearn for food and eating in any circumstance. We have found that the amount of food that we can eat throughout a day; not in one sitting is frightening. We eat and hike all day go to sleep and dream of waking up so we can eat more. We burn from 4000-6000 calories out here and only consume 1500 on a good day so you do the math. I think sometimes that the action of just lifting my spoon or fork is burning all the food that I am eating in that single moment; I'm done then 1 hr later I am starving smh just doesn't make sense.
Short day, 13 miles and it rained on us ever minute smh. Recently Most of my end of the day hard miles are consumed by me listening to audio books that Leif introduced me to while hiking. We made it to town around 1pm and put a laser beam on dairy queen; where the three of us
( Koda 2 ) consumed lunch and ice cream as if someone was gonna take it from us, all the while apologizing for the way we smelled To staff lol.
Things are simple out here to the point where you appreciate a nice restroom in a store or restaurant and announce it to other hikers as Legit.
The only variables out here are what you are willing to tolerate. Me? Well I draw the line at being cold. I told leif if someone ever told him i died of heat its a cover up, But if i was ever found frozen to death it a fact. If I was ever captured by an enemy the only thing they need to do is stick me in a freezer and all top secret info I know is there's lol.
Sent from my iPhone
6 June
I have decided to call this portion of our hike simply ; EATING for our insatiable yearn for food and eating in any circumstance. We have found that the amount of food that we can eat throughout a day; not in one sitting is frightening. We eat and hike all day go to sleep and dream of waking up so we can eat more. We burn from 4000-6000 calories out here and only consume 1500 on a good day so you do the math. I think sometimes that the action of just lifting my spoon or fork is burning all the food that I am eating in that single moment; I'm done then 1 hr later I am starving smh just doesn't make sense.
Short day, 13 miles and it rained on us ever minute smh. Recently Most of my end of the day hard miles are consumed by me listening to audio books that Leif introduced me to while hiking. We made it to town around 1pm and put a laser beam on dairy queen; where the three of us
( Koda 2 ) consumed lunch and ice cream as if someone was gonna take it from us, all the while apologizing for the way we smelled To staff lol.
Things are simple out here to the point where you appreciate a nice restroom in a store or restaurant and announce it to other hikers as Legit.
The only variables out here are what you are willing to tolerate. Me? Well I draw the line at being cold. I told leif if someone ever told him i died of heat its a cover up, But if i was ever found frozen to death it a fact. If I was ever captured by an enemy the only thing they need to do is stick me in a freezer and all top secret info I know is there's lol.
Sent from my iPhone
Trail Index
So I figured to help acclimate other to what the heck I am actually talking about when I describe the trail ; so here it is!
Trail Index-
White Blaze-A white painted vertical rectangle on trees that designates your on the AT North is true north, to go south turn around and walk the opposite direction .
Blazing- the act of hiking while following a white, blue or yellow blaze.
Hostel - an affordable place to sleep that has bunks to be shared by all hikers.
Sobo- hikers starting in Maine and walking to Georgia.
Nobo- the opposite of above.
Slack Packing -leaving your packs at a hostel or hotel and getting a ride 10-20 miles out of town and hiking back in with out weight, it's faster and easier on the body, the next day you get a ride to where u started and continue north.
Squirrel Blazing- when Koda darts off for periods of time chasing animals; halting our movement.
Trail Spice- when an item you are roasting over a fire falls to the ground, the dirt that attaches it self adds to the flavor since; it's gonna get eaten.
Trail Magic- items left on the trail in a cooler by past thru hikers or citizens for hikers I.e. Beer, soda, snacks, bottled water ect. This selfless act will make the longest , hottest, rainiest day brighter and more manageable.
Trash- what we call gear that fails to live up to it's expectation.
Legit - good restaurant , good gear , great hostel or shelter or anything els on the trail for that matter that is vetted by a thru hiker.
Zero Day- hiking to a hostel or hotel. Spending the night and doing absolutely nothing the next day but eat and sleep.
-Nomad
Sent from my iPhone
Trail Index-
White Blaze-A white painted vertical rectangle on trees that designates your on the AT North is true north, to go south turn around and walk the opposite direction .
Blazing- the act of hiking while following a white, blue or yellow blaze.
Hostel - an affordable place to sleep that has bunks to be shared by all hikers.
Sobo- hikers starting in Maine and walking to Georgia.
Nobo- the opposite of above.
Slack Packing -leaving your packs at a hostel or hotel and getting a ride 10-20 miles out of town and hiking back in with out weight, it's faster and easier on the body, the next day you get a ride to where u started and continue north.
Squirrel Blazing- when Koda darts off for periods of time chasing animals; halting our movement.
Trail Spice- when an item you are roasting over a fire falls to the ground, the dirt that attaches it self adds to the flavor since; it's gonna get eaten.
Trail Magic- items left on the trail in a cooler by past thru hikers or citizens for hikers I.e. Beer, soda, snacks, bottled water ect. This selfless act will make the longest , hottest, rainiest day brighter and more manageable.
Trash- what we call gear that fails to live up to it's expectation.
Legit - good restaurant , good gear , great hostel or shelter or anything els on the trail for that matter that is vetted by a thru hiker.
Zero Day- hiking to a hostel or hotel. Spending the night and doing absolutely nothing the next day but eat and sleep.
-Nomad
Sent from my iPhone
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